President's message

I decided to dedicate myself to Rigaon, Nepal on my way home from my first humanitarian trip to Nepal in February 2009, on the initiative of Marie-Cécile Proust, wife of the late Jean-Paul Proust, Monaco's Minister of State from 2005 to 2010. NAMASTE (Nepal Monaco Cultural Association) was created in October 2009 under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, following in the footsteps of a remarkable woman, Colette Grèves, founder of the Avignon-based association A.N.A. (Association Nepal Avignon – previously called ACFN).

NAMASTE's goal is to improve the living conditions of the Nepalese people, more particularly in the fields of education and health, to support projects for economic development implemented by the villagers, while ensuring their autonomy and the environment are respected.

Thanks to an incredible chain of solidarity created in Monaco around several initiatives, we can be proud to have raised more than 1 million Euros and to have been able to implement concrete projects for the Rigaon people, in particular women and children, whose beautiful smile and soul deeply touched my heart.

The particularity of NAMASTE is the exchange with the villagers. Nothing happens without NARAA's agreement, the local association grouping together key players from Rigaon. Every year a group of 10 to 20 people visit the site to see how the projects are progressing. In October 2011, we were delighted to be able to introduce Rigaon to H.S.H. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene.

After 10 years, this wonderful story of mutual aid and friendship with these delightful people gained new momentum : all our projects are now monitored by M.A.P. (MONACO AIDE ET PRESENCE www.monaco-map.org), one of the most important humanitarian associations of Monaco, of which I am a boardmember since more than 10 years.

Our great adventure with Nepal and our Nepalese friends continues more than ever and I would be happy to share it with you.

Many thanks for your loyal support so much appreciated.

Nancy Dotta