Universite FJKM Ravelojaona

What if I told you the Universite FJKM Ravelojaona you see before you isn’t just a building, but a resurrected dream? The Universite FJKM Ravelojaona, established in its present form in 2008, carries a legacy dating back to the 19th century. The seeds were sown in 1818 with the arrival of LMS missionaries. Their educational efforts, including the translation of the Bible into Malagasy, laid the groundwork for higher theological education. A pivotal moment came in 1869. Queen Ranavalona II supported the establishment of a Theological Academy, modeled on British institutions. This evolved into the LMS General College in 1874. This institution aimed to provide higher education, foreshadowing the Universite FJKM Ravelojaona’s mission. French colonial authorities seized the college in 1897, disrupting its progress. Despite efforts to sustain it, the college eventually closed in 1910, leaving a void in higher education. The story of the Universite FJKM Ravelojaona doesn’t end there. In 1979, the “Protestant Institute of Theology” emerged, later becoming the “Faculty of Theology” in 1983. The dream of a reformed university was rekindled in 2008. The Grand Synod of Mahajanga decreed the FJKM would have its own university. The Universite FJKM Ravelojaona took shape, unifying existing Protestant institutions. In a stroke of fate, a dilapidated building in Ampandrana caught the eye of Pastor Radimisaon Jonah. He envisioned transforming it into the university campus. This vision came to life in January 2018. The Universite FJKM Ravelojaona opened its doors. It expanded beyond theology, offering programs in engineering, social sciences, science and technology, arts, humanities, and education. The university bears the name of Pastor Ravelojaona. He was not only a pastor but also an educator, writer, and activist. His dedication to education and Malagasy culture made him a fitting namesake. The Universite FJKM Ravelojaona stands as a testament to the enduring power of education. It’s a beacon of faith and knowledge, contributing to the development of Madagascar.