MITIA ODV (Volunteer Organization) was established in March 2018 to formalize and expand the solidarity work that began in Madagascar in 1997.
Driven by a shared commitment to helping others, our members dedicate their time and resources to supporting communities in southwestern Madagascar.
All donations are used directly to fund projects, primarily focused on education, aimed at empowering young people and building a brighter future for them.
The MITIA Story
Our connection to Madagascar dates back to the 1970s when the association’s founder, Mauro Maccanti, moved there for work and lived in the country from 1974 to 1982. In the summer of 1997, fifteen years after leaving Madagascar, Mauro—now retired—had a sudden and inexplicable recollection of a sentence he had read during a stay at a mission. As was customary, the mission had provided him with lodging for a few nights while he worked in remote areas.
The simple yet powerful words, “And the Lord will ask you: what have you done for your brother?” resonated deeply. They brought back memories of the many challenges and needs of the people he had encountered. While Mauro may not have fully grasped the extent of their struggles at the time, the memory now profoundly inspired him, particularly when he recalled the nuns’ frequent reference to “Providence” whenever he provided medicine or other forms of assistance.
Mauro began his efforts by sending small donations to local missions. Motivated by a strong desire to make a tangible impact, he inspired his family and friends to join him, fostering a spirit of solidarity that ultimately led to the creation of our association. The name MITIA, meaning “to love, to help, to care for others” in Malagasy, encapsulates both our past achievements and future aspirations. The association was officially founded in Pisa in March 2018.
Board of Directors
Mauro Maccanti – Vice President from 2024; President from 2018 to 2023
As you’ve read, my journey with the association began many years ago. Time may have passed, but my love and commitment to Madagascar and its people have never wavered. I am incredibly happy and proud to see the foundation I laid being built upon with the same enthusiasm and passion by my family and friends. They continue to dedicate their time and resources to support the projects and causes we believe in, working toward a brighter future.
Despite the time that has passed, my affection and dedication to Madagascar and its people remain unchanged. I am deeply happy and proud to see that the first stones I laid are carried forward with the same enthusiasm and passion by my family and friends, who continue to commit and raise funds to support the projects and causes we have always believed in, to offer a better future.
Sandra Maccanti – Treasurer/Secretary since 2018
As Mauro’s daughter, I grew up in a family that valued altruism and solidarity. After graduating in 1989, I moved to Brussels, Belgium, where I have lived and worked ever since. Since 2008, I have actively participated in MITIA’s volunteer efforts, rallying my Brussels friends to organize fundraising events for the association’s projects.
I cherish my memories of the 1970s and 80s, when our family would visit my father on construction sites in Madagascar during the summer and Christmas holidays. The unspoiled nature and small villages remain etched in my memory. We had a pet sifaka lemur, played with chameleons, and swam in the river with the local children.
Each year, I return to Madagascar with other MITIA members to monitor our projects, identify new needs, meet the children we support, and organize activities in schools. Together, we are making a real difference!
Daniela Liana Falconetti – President since 2024; Councillor in 2023
I have been friends with Sandra since high school, and it was through her stories that I first learned about Madagascar. After years apart, we reconnected, and I became deeply involved in the association’s work.
Volunteering has always been important to me, and I have had the opportunity to do so in both India and Pisa. It was easy to become passionate about MITIA’s projects, and two trips to Madagascar confirmed my desire to help improve the lives of young people in need.
Marina Allocati – Councillor since 2023
I have been friends with Sandra for years and live in Brussels as well. In 2017, I joined Mauro and Sandra on my first trip to Madagascar, and I fell in love with the country and its people.
When I returned, I co-founded MITIA and began volunteering for its projects. A piece of my heart stayed in Madagascar, and I return every year to follow the projects and meet “our” children. It brings me immense joy to see them grow and thrive.