Education is an imperative tool in making disciples. In order to fulfill this responsibility, on-going training has taken place from the early days of the Diocese.
The Diocese offers curriculum to equip adults, youth and children with the knowledge and tools they need, holding trainings and workshops for this purpose. Sponsors are found for children to attend school throughout the region.
Many overseas visitors come to the Diocese to share their wide variety of knowledge, interests and skills with the people – Bible study, healing prayer, silent meditations, cookery, sewing, computer and internet skills, gardening , running small businesses and much more.
St Patrick’s Theological College
Student evangelists and prospective ordinands from all the Dioceses in Madagascar are trained at St Patrick’s Theological College in the Cathedral Complex.
New dormitory blocks for the over 50 students were completed in 2023.
The former dormitory building has been converted to offices for the College.
‘Rooted in Jesus‘ Discipleship Program
Rooted in Jesus from the UK has visited the Diocese of Toliara several times leading training sessions based on their materials. Their discipleship programs for adults and children are being taught in all the Parishes. You can read more about their 2023 visit here.
Rev Florent is the Diocesan Discipleship Coordinator.
He uses Zoom with the more distant parishes.
For this very reason do your best to add goodness to your faith; to your goodness add knowledge; to your knowledge add self-control; to your self-control add endurance; to your endurance add godliness; to your godliness add Christian affection; and to your Christian affection add love. These are the qualities you need, and if you have them in abundance, they will make you active and effective in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8
Schools in the Diocese
The Diocese currently has four schools:
–Ed McNamara Primary School at Mahaboboka, in the Parish of Sakaraha
–St. Paul’s Primary School in Tsimahavaokely, in the Parish of Morondava
–Ny Sekolin’ny Fahasoavana (The School of Grace) in Manamby, in the Parish of Mahabo.
–A secondary school at Ambohimaveloma, in the Parish of Fenoarivo
Child Sponsorship Program
Toliara Child Sponsorship is a program of the Education Department, whereby supporters can sponsor children’s education thus helping to break the cycle of poverty and improve levels of education and future job options. Click here to download a pdf about the Child Sponsorship program or read more on the Toliara Child sponsorship page.
Sunday School
Rev Nolavy writes about the excitement and importance of teaching children’s Sunday School in the Diocese.