In the field in India and Cambodia

In July 2026, Valérie Messika travelled to India and Cambodia to meet the teams and beneficiaries of the Udaan and Toutes à l’École programmes. This immersive visit provided a unique opportunity to connect directly with the young girls supported by the Foundation, gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face, and witness the tangible impact education can have on their future.
 

Because the true impact of a project is reflected in the lives it helps transform, this journey was first and foremost an opportunity to meet the young women at the heart of the Foundation’s commitments. In India, the teams visited the Udaan programme, which supports adolescent girls who have dropped out of school, helping them return to education, build confidence and develop their independence. Conversations with these young girls highlighted their determination, resilience and ambition to shape their own future despite significant obstacles.

The journey continued in Cambodia with the association Toutes à l’École, which provides thousands of girls from disadvantaged backgrounds with access to quality education, from kindergarten through to university. Meeting students, teachers and local teams offered valuable insight into the long-term impact of sustained support and the essential role education plays in fostering independence, confidence and equal opportunities.
 

Beyond the programmes themselves, this visit brought the Foundation’s commitment to life in a very tangible way. Behind every indicator and every achievement are individual stories, aspirations and successes that demonstrate just how powerful education can be as a driver of empowerment. One conviction emerged even stronger from this experience: when a young girl is able to choose her future, an entire community moves forward with her.