Some visits stay with you without warning. That day, we pushed open the door of the CEM, the Centre Éco Touristique du Menabe.
We expected a craft workshop. We found a place that trains artisans and creates jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired, mute, or deaf.
Nothing is wasted, everything is transformed
Here, the raw materials come from salvage. For example dead tree trunks, coconut shells and zebu horns become objects full of character.
In the woodworking area, among the shavings and rough planks, an artisan hand-carves large serving trays. In one corner, a log holds three carved faces, like three quiet presences watching from inside the bark. Further on, a carved panel with geometric patterns is topped with the head of a zebu.
In the coconut workshop, half-shells are lined up on the ground before being sanded. They become cups, perforated candle holders, teapots, even tiny tortoises. Polished black zebu-horn tumblers complete the display table.
Next corner, around a long table, the women work with raffia and thread. They weave and embroider wide-brimmed hats, bags, trivets and fringed spiral wall hangings. The concentration is total, and every piece is made entirely by hand.
Next door, we discovered the soap workshop. Bars in every shade are laid out to dry, bottles of baobab oil line the shelves, and a bowl of fresh coconut pieces waits to be added. One of the artisans was grating a block of soap into fine shavings, the first step in making a new batch.
When in Madagascar used to sell article just like it is, here the team learn and discover why packaging matters.
The souvenir shop: everything in one place
There were many more workshops than the ones I’ve described here. Every corner of the center had something going on, and we simply can’t tell it all in detail. Come and see 😄
All the finished pieces come together in the center’s souvenir shop. It’s the natural last stop: you can see the products made in each workshop, pick what you like, and take home an object whose whole story you now know. Buying here directly supports the artisans and the center’s training work.
A tree library and a museum
My favorite spot was the library. The shelves grow like branches from tree trunks fixed to the wall.
The center is also building a museum to tell the history of the Menabe. You can see old photographs of Morondava and portraits of Madagascar’s kings and queens.
And… Andriantsoa’s strike
It was hot, and there was so much to see that our little Andriantsoa finally said stop. Exhausted, he went on strike on the floor, down on all fours on the cool tiles, determined not to take another step. The visit carried on, slowly, with a very reluctant participant.
Our tips for next time
Check ahead and pick a suitable time, away from the hottest hours.
Bring water for everyone.
Pack a snack, especially with kids.
Make a fun break
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