As the holiday season surrounds us with warmth and reflection, we at MAEC want to take a moment to celebrate with you—our supporters, volunteers, and advocates—a year of meaningful achievements that would not have been possible without your belief in our mission.
2023 marks MAEC’s first year in action (in continuation with has been done by MOAS Italia in the past decade), and what a year it has been! From our advocating campaign for Safe and Legal Routes to our impactful education project in Niger, we are proud to have laid strong foundations for a future built on hope, opportunity, and solidarity. Let’s take a moment to look back at the highlights of this year.
Our Project in Niger: Empowering Lives
MAEC has made significant strides in promoting education and creating opportunities for vulnerable communities, particularly in Niger. Recognising the urgent need to address the alarming lack of access to basic education, we have supported the inspiring project initiated by Zoumaro Bah Traoré in Niamey Rive Droite. This initiative has empowered children, providing them with access to education and training. In a region where poverty, malnutrition, and the threat of exploitation are rampant, MAEC has focused on creating pathways for change, especially for girls who face early forced marriages and limited opportunities. Through targeted support for girls’ education and vocational training, MAEC has given hope and tools for a brighter future to those who need it most. These achievements reflect our deep belief in the transformative power of education and the collective effort of our supporters, volunteers, and partners.
Advocating for Safe and Legal Routes
One of the defining issues of our time is the perilous nature of irregular migration routes. Throughout the year, MAEC has championed Safe and Legal Routes as a cornerstone of our advocacy. Through public campaigns, policy discussions, and collaborations with like-minded organizations, we have amplified the call for humane and accessible pathways for those seeking refuge and opportunity. This is not only about addressing migration crises but also about ensuring the dignity and rights of all individuals .
Education: A Tool for Change
At MAEC, we believe education is the most powerful tool to address the root causes of irregular migration. Beyond Niger, we’ve hosted online and in-person workshops aimed at increasing awareness of the risks tied to irregular routes while highlighting legal and safer alternatives. We also fostered intercultural understanding by engaging communities to discuss the broader impacts of migration. From conversations about shared humanity to discussions on how we can tackle systemic challenges, education remains a key pillar of our mission.
Art Bridge for Solidarity: When Art Build Bridges
This year we are also proud to celebrate the impact of Art Bridge for Solidarity, an initiative that embodies MAEC’s mission to build bridges and amplify voices. In a world marked by division, art has become a unifying language, transcending cultural, social, and political barriers. Through this project, photographers and artists from around the globe have come together to share powerful stories of resilience, migration, and hope. These artworks invite us to see beyond borders, inspiring empathy and dialogue, while fostering a vision of a fairer, more united world.
A Heartfelt Thanks
This Christmas, as we gather with loved ones, we also hold space for those who dream of safety, opportunity, and brighter futures. Through your generosity, we have not only laid the groundwork for meaningful change but also created a community that values dignity and solidarity. Together, we have brought light to dark places and hope to countless lives. As we move into the new year, our vision grows ever stronger. We will continue our work in Niger, expand our advocacy for Safe and Legal Routes, and deepen our educational initiatives.
This Christmas, we invite you to join us in celebrating our achievements while renewing our commitment to those who need it most. Let’s keep building bridges, spreading hope, and making a difference—together.
From all of us at MAEC, we wish you a Merry Christmas filled with joy, love, and peace, and a Happy New Year full of opportunities to create a better world.
