The Sombiny Haiko association will bring traditional Malagasy games back to life through Zara Lalao. Games from the past will soon reclaim their place in the heart of Antananarivo. On August 15 and 16, the Jardin d'Antaninarenina will host Zara Lalao, a cultural and solidarity event organized by the Sombiny Haiko association, with the aim of passing on Malagasy heritage to younger generations while supporting vulnerable children.

For Johary Elsie Fabienne Solofo, president of Sombiny Haiko in Madagascar, the objective is above all to breathe new life into traditions. "We want to revive and promote traditional Malagasy games, because our culture deserves to be preserved and passed down." The event will highlight games that have marked several generations, including Jomaka, Sabaka, Vitsilihy, Raosy Jamba, Tsobato, Kanety, Zoera and Papango. Stories and a Malagasy arendrina workshop will complete the program.

Admission is free and open to all. Beyond game areas, Zara Lalao will offer a genuine immersion into Malagasy culture with an artisan exhibition within the "Trano Eva", stands dedicated to Malagasy games and gastronomy, as well as performances by singers from the association and several invited artists, including Melky, Ken, Mamina and others.

Several initiatives

Created in October 2025 at the initiative of Manou Rasalimanitra, Sombiny Haiko is a non-profit charitable association bringing together twenty-six women from different professional backgrounds, including music, fashion, hairdressing and IT. "We chose the name Sombiny Haiko because we want to give part of what we have to improve the lives of Malagasy children." Its mission is to act in favor of the most vulnerable children through actions related to education, food, health and culture.

Since its creation, the association has already carried out several initiatives, including a fundraising campaign in Paris, the distribution of 500 kg of rice to the SEBA Center, the provision of school supplies and food support to Akany Onjasoa in Toamasina, a cultural "Arendrina" workshop in Andohalo, as well as various cultural and solidarity actions in Madagascar and within the diaspora.

The association currently supports one hundred twenty children and wishes to gradually expand its scope of action throughout the country, particularly in Antsirabe, Toamasina and the South, before continuing its development internationally, starting with Paris. Collection boxes will also be set up during Zara Lalao to allow the public to support this solidarity initiative.

"Through Zara Lalao, we want to show that our cultural heritage is a living wealth, capable of bringing generations together and becoming a powerful lever for solidarity with children who need it most." Through this initiative, Sombiny Haiko aims to demonstrate that preserving Malagasy traditions can go hand in hand with concrete commitment to children.

Cassie Ramiandrasoa