College of Saint Michael, Amparibe

History

College of Saint Michael was founded in 1888 as a logical consequence of the education-minded Jesuits' long association with the ruling class in Madagascar.

The Jesuits first came to Madagascar in the early seventeenth century from Goa, through the son of the King of Anosy who had studied under the Jesuits and converted to Catholicism in Goa. Their success was short-lived as with their increasing influence the King silenced them. In the 1840s six French Jesuits from Lyons began evangelizing the outlying settlements and educating. By 1855 they were able to get into the capital. With the advent of King Radama II in 1861, Christians were free to preach. Thus, the Jesuits and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny settled in the capital, and opened schools and churches.

At a meeting with distinguished guests on 28 March 1888, the French Jesuit superior in Madagascar determined that "the Jesuits would open a college ...that would provide the Mission with catechists and teachers, and the Hova government with officials, French collaborators, and employees." The College was named in honor of Fr. Michel Lanusse, who spent over 30 years on the Mission. It began on land granted by King Radama II and later moved to Lake Anosy, on land that Queen Ranavalona III donated in the current area of Saint-Michel Amparibe. General Joseph Galliéni was often a guest among a constant flow of state leaders to the college, causing the rector of the college in 1918 to say: "The students are expected to become an elite; it is the first vocation of students Amparibe".

The list of those attending Saint-Michel includes: General Gabriel Ramanantsoa; Admiral Didier Ratsiraka; three Prime Ministers – Justin Rakotoniaina (former professor at the College), Francisque Ravony, and Pascal Rakotomavo; a host of ministers, including Minister of Transport Andrianaivo Ramamonjisoa and Rajaonah Pierre the Minister of Rural Development. Men of letters from the college included Antoine de Padoue Rahajarizafy, Jean-Joseph Rabearivelo, Africa's "first modern poet", and Regis Rajemisa-Raoelison; artists like cantateur Ludger Andrianjaka; athletes like Jean-Louis Ravelomanantsoa, finalist in the 100 meters at the Mexico Olympics (1968), and Jean-Yves Ranarivelo ("Joda"), renowned racing driver; journalists Sennen Andriamirado (Jeune Afrique), Christian Chadefaux (editor of L'Express de Madagascar), and Arsene Ralaimihoatra (editor of the Indian Ocean Review); Ratrimoarivony Randranto, President of the Bar Association; Ignace Ramarosandratana, the first Malagasy bishop, and Armand Razafindratandra the current Cardinal Archbishop of Madagascar.

The internal life of the College survived the abolition of the European section (1906 to 1934). Then followed the start of secondary education (1935), the closing of Madagascar College (1942), and new programs: Philosophy (1952), Elementary Mathematics (1956), Experimental Sciences (1960) and the Baccalaureate (1955). Coeducation began with the first girls admitted in 1966. In 1983 the Higher Technical Institute (1983) opened on the premises. In 1986 the literature sector was restored.

A century after its first graduation, in 1997, some 15,000 students had graduated from Saint-Michael. Its current enrollment included 2202 students:, 1340 Catholics, 799 Protestants, and 63 others; 2039 boys and 163 girls. In a study of the school's fidelity to the principles of Ignatian Pedagogy, and its effectiveness in doing so, the College came out very well.

Activities

The College is a prime venue for large-scale celebrations and for national events like the 5-day International Fair of Rural Economy of Madagascar (FIER-Mada, 16th Edition); the Minister of Agriculture is an alumnus.

Since November 2011, the APL choir is affiliated with the Saint Michel Amparibe and participates in the liturgy there. In 2011 this choir sang during the celebration of Mass for the beatification of Pope John Paul II in Madagascar. In July 2011, the APL performed a musical about the story of Joseph in the Isotry Municipal Theatre. Also held on campus was Concert Acapella et Acoustique "God Will Make A Way" by the Catholic Universioty of Madagascar choir.

Sports

The College's football team has participated in the African Cup. Handball is also a major sport. During the time of Brother Fazio Domenico, Judo Champion of Madagascar, 1964-1985, judo tended to dominate the College scene. Other sports sponsored by the College are basketball, volleyball, and bocce. Saint-Michel also has the premier swimming club in the nation. Its table tennis teams have won national championships at many levels.