Father Floriano, Maurizio Gerini and Francesca Gasperi: from Liguria to Madagascar to reunite a forgotten people
A journey measured not in miles, but in the people it brings together, giving a whole new meaning to the passion for motorcycles.
Not a race. Not the Dakar. This time, the mission is called “The Road of Hope”: to build a long, rugged road that doesn't yet exist, leaving 50,000 people isolated from the nearest hospital in southeastern Madagascar.
The man who set this project in motion is Father Floriano Strapazzon, a missionary originally from Borgoratto, in the province of Savona. He has lived for 65 years in this remote, impoverished part of the island, far from any tourist route. He has built schools, churches and a hydroelectric power plant. But there was one project he considered essential: a road. Because without a road, there is no access to healthcare, no education, no future.
Maurizio Gerini and Francesca Gasperi met Father Floriano. The missionary shared his dream with them, and they decided to make it their own.
In 2023, they set off from Imperia aboard two Honda XL750 Transalps, heading for Madagascar. A two-month journey covering 12,000 kilometers and crossing 12 borders. Then, with the overland route blocked by the war in Sudan, they had to fly to Antananarivo.
Waiting for them in Madagascar were Father Floriano, his mission and a road still waiting to be completed. That journey sparked a commitment: to find the resources and organize a fundraising campaign.
“Gerry” and “Franci” returned to Madagascar, this time bringing other friends along. What started as word of mouth soon grew into a movement. Now, every opportunity is a chance to take action and encourage others to get involved.
The road is not finished yet, because the journey to make it a reality is itself long and difficult. But every kilometer traveled by Gerini and Gasperi, every euro raised, brings that day a little closer.
Because sometimes hope isn't just an abstract idea. It can become action, and eventually a red dirt road that finally leads somewhere.
And one last thing. We can all do something to help:
Donate to AINA Onlus
IBAN: IT84 E030 6909 6061 0000 0112122
Payment reference: PADRE FLORIANO_Madagascar
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