From 15 to 17 April, the directors of Marist centres in Madagascar gathered for a face-to-face meeting of great human and professional richness. This meeting was organised on the initiative of the Provincial Brother, in collaboration with the Education Commission. The meeting brought together the main leaders of Marist schools in the province. Those present were:
- Brother RANDRIANANTENAINA Thomas
- Brother HERINIRINA Roland Léonard
- Brother RASOLONJATOVO René Elie
- Ms. RAFANOMEZANA Nelly
- Brother RAZAFIMANDIMBY Maminiaina Michel
- Brother RALAIARISON Beloved Julien
- Brother RANDRIARIVONY Njakatiana Heriniala
- Brother TIAMARO Alphonse
- Brother RAVELOARIJAONA Haritiana
During this meeting, several essential topics were addressed in a spirit of communion and collaboration. One of the highlights was the presentation of the province’s Education Commission, which clarified the strategy and projects for the coming years. The strategic plan aims to:
- Develop a more significant Marist presence for the evangelisation of children and young people, in response to the emerging needs of the province.
- To strengthen the animation and overall management of the educational and evangelising mission in the centres.
- To improve the administrative, educational and pastoral effectiveness of Marist schools in Madagascar.
In this context, several initiatives were shared to ensure the concrete implementation of the strategic plan. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for dialogue and sharing on the realities experienced, the challenges encountered and the successes achieved in each centre, including the new primary school in Ampahidrano.
Discussions also focused on practical and cross-cutting issues, such as:
- Respect for children’s rights, discipline in the centres and the development of listening centres.
- The organisation of inter-centre Marist activities.
- The recruitment, training and motivation of teachers.
- The management of change, transfers of service, centralisation, teachers’ salaries and income management.
- The creation of a fund for the Education Commission.
- The development of a strategic plan for each school and the implementation of specific development projects.
These exchanges helped to strengthen the Marist family spirit and unite efforts for a more promising future for the Marist educational mission in Madagascar.
In his various speeches, the Provincial Brother repeatedly emphasised the importance of the culture of encounter, which he described as ‘very important and significant in our commitment and in the services we provide in the Province’. This culture is an essential lever for building together an educational community faithful to the spirit of Saint Marcellin Champagnat.
Brother HERINIRINA Roland Léonard, FMS