Saint Peter Chanel Marist College, Ihosy Madagascar
April 28 marked the patronal feast of Saint Peter Chanel Marist College in Ihosy, Madagascar. It is always an important day for the 1,200 students, educators (brothers and lay) as well as the wider community, in particular the College’s ex-students and benefactors. Unfortunately, the celebration could not be held this year because of restrictions imposed as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.
Lockdown period
Students from two year levels – third year and final year – returned to school on Wednesday, April 22 in order to restart classes and prepare for their external exams in June. This return to classes is part of the progressive lifting of the lockdown proposed by the government. Naturally we follow also their directives in terms of health measures to limit the propagation of the virus. Schools across the country were closed on March 21 and the reopening date is not yet known, except for students in 7th grade who were allowed to resume lessons from Monday, April 27. They also must pass the official exam which will allow them to graduate primary school and move on to secondary.
Pending a return to normal activities after this period of lockdown, Marist school leaders have been producing learning materials for students forced to stay at home. These materials consist of handout lessons and exercises for students to do at home. Parents come to school to collect them along with the necessary instructions from the school administrators.
Reminder of the history of Saint Peter Chanel Catholic College, Ihosy
Ihosy is the capital of the Ihorombe region which counts about 40,000 inhabitants. It is located 600 km south of the national capital, Antananarivo. The vast majority of the region’s population is engaged in zebu farming. Most of the children and young people come from families in precarious situations.
The Marist School of Ihosy was founded in 1986, at the request of the local Bishop. The first Marist community settled there and, at that time, there were only a few classrooms. Currently, the school welcomes 1,200 students from the 6th grade onwards. Br Randrianantenaina Jean Albert Thomas is the Director. School numbers have grown steadily over the years and, unfortunately, due to lack of sufficient infrastructure and respecting requirements, the school is forced to refuse a large number of enrolments each year.
The community serving this school includes 4 Brothers. About thirty lay collaborators, a few religious and priests from the diocese assist the Brothers in educating the children and young people attending the school. Beyond the school, the Brothers also take part in pastoral activities in the parish, especially catechesis, youth ministry and Catholic action movements.
School redevelopment work has recently been done to provide a more welcoming environment for students.
Br Ramarosandratana Camille
