Tamatave, Antananarivo, Antsirabe

Located off the eastern coast of Africa, the island nation of Madagascar is considered a biodiversity hotspot. More than 90 percent of its plants and animals are found nowhere else in the world. Our time in Madagascar would take us to three cities and allow us to help more than 1,200 people in need of hearing assistance.

We received a big surprise when we arrived in the capital city of Antananarivo. Unbeknownst to the team, former NFL wide receiver Sidney Rice had booked a plane ticket to Madagascar and was waiting for us at the airport! A longtime supporter of our work, Rice heard we were headed to Madagascar and wanted to lend a hand. We were thrilled to have him! In addition to Rice, we were joined by sponsors Belinda and Marissa Gonzales from NuSound Hearing Center, along with our local Madagascar team and Rotary International. 

In Antananarivo, nicknamed “Tana” by locals, we met 15-year-old Raymond. An energetic teenager, he was anxious to receive his hearing aids. Taken by the boy’s smile and spirit, our executive director Brady Forseth had an idea to make the moment extra special. Brady pulled out his phone and began to play music as he was finishing the fitting. Raymond was elated, taking the phone from Brady’s hand to listen closer. We were so happy that we could introduce Raymond and many others in Madagascar to the world of sound.

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Special Thanks

Sidney Rice; NuSound Hearing Center: Belinda Gonzales, Marissa Gonzales; First Lady's Special Counselor: Clara Ravoavshy