19th century – 19th century
Antananarivo and Madagascar
British missionaries associated with the London Missionary Society became important agents of education, literacy, language development, Christianity, and technical training in Madagascar after their arrival in Antananarivo in December 1820. With Radama I’s support, they founded schools, reduced Malagasy to writing with the Latin alphabet, translated the Bible, and introduced practical skills. Their work expanded rapidly before later conflict with Ranavalona I’s religious policy.
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The Story
British missionaries arrived in Antananarivo after the renewal of relations between Radama I and Britain. David Jones of the London Missionary Society reached the capital on 3 December 1820, and the first school opened five days later with three pupils who were nephews of the king. Radama valued the missionaries not only as religious teachers but also as providers of education and technical assistance.
The missionary network expanded quickly under royal encouragement. By 1829 the London Missionary Society could claim approximately twenty-three schools and about 2,300 pupils. Missionaries and Malagasy converts reduced the Malagasy language to written form using the Latin alphabet and translated the Bible. Printing, Bible classes, and schooling connected literacy with the development of Malagasy language and literature as instruments of broader integration.
Missionary activity also included practical education. Young Malagasy were sent to England or Mauritius for technical training, while carpentry, building, tannery work, tin-plating, and weaving were introduced or developed locally. Missionary wives helped establish contact with Malagasy households, particularly aristocratic women, through household instruction and services such as sewing. By 1827, more than 4,000 Malagasy could read and write in their own language.
19th century – 19th century
Antananarivo and Madagascar
British missionaries associated with the London Missionary Society became important agents of education, literacy, language development, Christianity, and technical training in Madagascar after their arrival in Antananarivo in December 1820. With Radama I’s support, they founded schools, reduced Malagasy to writing with the Latin alphabet, translated the Bible, and introduced practical skills. Their work expanded rapidly before later conflict with Ranavalona I’s religious policy.
Continue exploring
The Story
British missionaries arrived in Antananarivo after the renewal of relations between Radama I and Britain. David Jones of the London Missionary Society reached the capital on 3 December 1820, and the first school opened five days later with three pupils who were nephews of the king. Radama valued the missionaries not only as religious teachers but also as providers of education and technical assistance.
The missionary network expanded quickly under royal encouragement. By 1829 the London Missionary Society could claim approximately twenty-three schools and about 2,300 pupils. Missionaries and Malagasy converts reduced the Malagasy language to written form using the Latin alphabet and translated the Bible. Printing, Bible classes, and schooling connected literacy with the development of Malagasy language and literature as instruments of broader integration.
Missionary activity also included practical education. Young Malagasy were sent to England or Mauritius for technical training, while carpentry, building, tannery work, tin-plating, and weaving were introduced or developed locally. Missionary wives helped establish contact with Malagasy households, particularly aristocratic women, through household instruction and services such as sewing. By 1827, more than 4,000 Malagasy could read and write in their own language.
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