The Madagascar Central Conference (MCC) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has opened "The Hadassahs" Princess Camp at Vohitraivo Manambato, bringing together nearly 1,500 young women and leaders from across the conference for several days of biblical teaching, workshops, and Christian fellowship.

The camp opened on 3 August 2026 with an opening ceremony attended by Sister Margery Herinirina, Women's Ministries Director of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID), and a delegation from the Indian Ocean Union Conference (IOUC), including the Women's Ministries, Education, and Communication Directors. The Executive Secretary of the East Madagascar Conference (EMC), the camp's host territory, also attended.

The Mayor of Vohitraivo Manambato formally declared the camp open. In his address, he praised the initiative for contributing to the moral and spiritual education of young people, and encouraged participants to become responsible citizens dedicated to serving their communities.

The opening devotional was delivered by the IOUC Women's Ministries Director, who based her message on the life of Hadassah, the Hebrew name of Queen Esther. Drawing on Esther 2:8-9, she reflected on how the young Hadassah was placed in the care of Hegai, keeper of the women in the citadel of Susa, and immediately recognised for her qualities. She challenged the camp's participants to allow God to shape their character so that, like Hadassah, they would grow into young women marked by faith, wisdom, purity, and courage.

She also drew on Isaiah 45:11, "Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons; and concerning the work of My hands, you command Me" (NKJV), to encourage the young women to trust the direction God is charting for their lives.

Before the formal opening, participants had already attended a first training session led by Sister Herinirina on the theme "Young Girls and Love." Delivered as an interactive workshop, the session invited the young women to reflect on the emotional challenges they face and to engage in open discussions grounded in biblical principles.

The camp's coming days will offer a rich programme of Bible messages, workshops, training sessions, worship experiences, and Christian fellowship. Through the initiative, the Madagascar Central Conference is supporting the spiritual growth of young Adventist women — with the aim, drawing on Hadassah as their example, of forming women of faith, courage, and positive influence in the service of God, His Church, and their communities.