Names in Madagascar are very long. They tell a story. Antananarivo means “The city of one-thousand warriors”. Thankfully, to us, Dr. Randriamahazosoa is “Dr. Olivier”.

In 2005, Ramonaa and I joined up with a computer expert from Chicago to take on a project to provide computers to remote medical facilities in Madagascar. The Madagascar project was a new challenge to a program that I had stared in 2000 called CAFÉ, which means “Computer Access For Everyone “. Here, for the first time, our projectthe installed computers in medical facilities as well as schools. We provided computers that could be attached to ultrasound equipment so images could be viewed after a test was completed. We installed software at a school for the deaf where students can speak into a microphone and 'see' the results of their voice enabling them to perfect their ability to verbalize to the hearing population.

We were hosted by SALFA, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing the health care needs of communities throughout Madagascar. We stayed at the Melcam guest house, a modest facility in the heart of Antananarivo, which is owned by SALFA.

Not fluent in Malagasy, a little French would have been nice to know. Being an ex-French colony, French is the most common second language. Fortunately, many of the peoples the team were in contact with are learning English and the team could generally get by with English alone.

Arriving at the airport in Antananarivo, we were met by members of the Rotary Club of Antananarivo-Vovonana as well as staff from SALFA. After a brief celebration of the partnership of Rotary Clubs and a ribbon cutting recognizing the gift of 50 computers, the remaining days in this worlds forth largest Island was spent working with SALFA staff, visiting hospitals, clinics and schools. Each day we would be picked up at their quarters by Lanto, Olivier, Rivo and sometimes Mamy, Martin or Leon. Then we would travel, sometimes long distances, so we could install a computer in the tiny clinic serving a remote area.

One day we had the opportunity to spend a Saturday visiting a reserve so we could see Madagascar’s exclusive family of lemurs. On Sunday, our good friend Lanto brought us to a Church filled with joyful music. Lanto spent the rest of that day with us as well. He brought us to the Queens castle as well as other sites of historical value. Lanto brought us to visit his family at the new house he is building.

When the we completed our stay, it was difficult to say goodbye to those who had become fast and lasting friends.