Monaco Aide and Presence known as M.A.P, was created in the luxury Principality of Monaco in 1979 by a team of freelance activists, all well-known and responsible individuals, who work with dedication and passion to make the world a better place to live. The association over the last 30 years has endeavoured to carry out charitable and humanitarian actions, with emphasis on children who are in need in Benin, Republique du Cameroun, Central Africa, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Monaco, Moldavia, Romania, Brazil, Mexico and the Gaza Strip. Projects have included building medical missions, farms and orphanages.

Extraordinary individuals supported by Monaco Aide & Presence include, but are not limited to, Father Pedro Opeka, working as a missionary in Madagascar, Sister Martinez in Benin, Father Danilo and Father Maurizio helping youngsters in the Republique du Cameroun. Therese Haury is helping in the creation of schools and formation of women’s education on the Ivory Coast, named after Princess Grace. Sister Sara has been devoting her life to helping in Egypt and Father Renato Chiera to saving children and adolescents in the Brazilian favelas. The honorary chairman His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco is also deeply committed to the cause, as are all members, not to mention the president Donatella Campioni de Filippo.

100% of the funds raised, through galas, sales and public events go to the causes thanks to overheads being subsidised and the budget covered by the government of the Principality, one of very few charities who have this privilege. One of the many things that Monaco Aide & Presence does is to evaluate the economic, cultural and social context of any area the group focuses on before setting up infrastructures such as schools, orphanages and medical centres. These then allow relief from ignorance and poverty for the deprived communities allowing the community to acquire skills and get their dignity back.

The group commit themselves to carrying out fieldwork, this is when needs are assessed on location, where the group is able to define the parameters needed for them to be able to help. It also stops any further deterioration, which is already present, and the often-distressing conditions.Over the past years, Monaco Aide & Presence has saved countless children, often from some of the poorest countries, including those affected by illness and disease such as congenital heart defect.

Children and youngsters are cared for, educated, nourished, taken off the streets, receive medical attention and are given a chance of better life.

Editorial | Image Courtesy Of Monaco Aide & Presence