The annual Sir Mervyn Brown Award for outstanding contributions to British-Malagasy friendship was launched by the British Embassy of Antananarivo in collaboration with the Anglo-Malagasy Society in 2024.
The award commemorates Sir Mervyn Brown, who made a major contribution to the friendship between the UK and Madagascar. He was twice British Ambassador to Madagascar, became an authority on Malagasy history (penning two respected books on the subject), and was a key member of the Anglo-Malagasy Society's committee for many decades, including as its President until his death in 2023 at the age of 100. The award aims to recognise those who have made important contributions to supporting cooperation and partnership between the two countries and their peoples. The contribution can be in any field – such as academia, business, culture, development, education, environment, humanitarian or others – and may be over many years, but continuing to the present. The nominee can be an individual or an institution, and can be of any nationality. Self-nominations are permitted. If you know of someone who you think should be considered for this award, please nominate them by emailing [email protected]. The winner will be decided each year by a committee led by the British Ambassador and will receive a physical award and certificate at the King’s Birthday Party in Antananarivo in June. When submitting a nomination, you should provide your name and contact details; the name, position and (if possible) contact details of the person (or institution) you are nominating; an explanation of the contribution they have made to British-Malagasy friendship; and why you think they are deserving of this award (no more than 200 words, in English or French). |
Award winners
2024 - Christina Dodwell
Christina Dodwell has worked to promote friendship and education in Madagascar for nearly 40 years. She founded The Dodwell Trust, a radio drama programme which broadcast for over a decade throughout Madagascar covering issues around women and children’s health. Christina also ran a volunteer programme for British students to travel and teach in remote communities, in addition to continuing to fund projects to help with both conservation and education. |