Young French-speaking people aged between 18 and 30 now have a new opportunity to engage in international volunteer work and mobility. The “Volunteers United for the Francophonie” (V-Francophonie) program has launched its second call for expressions of interest to recruit volunteers for assignments lasting between six and twelve months in around twenty French-speaking countries, including Madagascar.
Implemented by France Volontaires in partnership with the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) and funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the program aims to promote intercultural exchanges, experience sharing, and skills development among young volunteers. Applications are open until August 31, 2026.
This new edition offers 70 volunteer assignments across 20 French-speaking countries. It also broadens its scope by introducing new areas of engagement, including feminist diplomacy, support for international Francophonie-related events, and the strengthening of civic service initiatives. The program is now more accessible to young people involved in associations and community-based projects.
The first call for expressions of interest, launched in 2025, offered 57 assignments. Since then, 26 volunteers have already been deployed or hosted through the program, including four in Madagascar. This growing mobility initiative continues to expand, illustrated by the upcoming departure of a young Malagasy volunteer to Réunion Island for a 12-month mission focused on the social and solidarity economy.
According to program officials, interest in volunteering among Malagasy youth continues to rise. In 2025, 91 young Malagasy citizens participated in international volunteer missions, mainly in France, through various civic service and international solidarity volunteering schemes. This trend highlights the increasing role of volunteerism as a pathway for professional development, learning, and personal growth.
Officials also emphasize that community engagement is deeply rooted in Malagasy culture. Through this program, organizers hope to strengthen participants’ professional skills, leadership abilities, and international exposure while contributing to the development of host communities.
Present in Madagascar for several years, France Volontaires supports hundreds of international volunteers annually and plays a key role in strengthening cooperation and exchanges between Madagascar and other French-speaking countries.
