Brief History of the Salesian Province of Madagascar
The Salesian presence in Madagascar began in 1981, when the first Salesian missionaries arrived on the island in response to a call for youth education and pastoral care. Their mission was inspired by the spirit of St. John Bosco, focusing on the holistic development of young people, especially the poor and marginalized.

Initially, the Salesians established themselves in Mahajanga, on the northwest coast of Madagascar. From this modest beginning, their work expanded rapidly thanks to the positive reception of their educational and pastoral initiatives. Early activities included running youth centers (oratories), technical schools, and vocational training centers, combining academic education with moral and spiritual formation.

As the Salesian mission grew, more communities were established across the country, including in Antananarivo (the capital), Fianarantsoa, Betafo, and Ankililoaka. Their services evolved to include boarding schools, parishes, formation houses, and social projects for at-risk youth.

In 2005, the Salesian presence in Madagascar was officially recognized as a Vice-Province, reflecting the maturity and growth of its communities. Continued progress in vocations and structures led to its elevation to a full Province in 2014, now known as the Salesian Province of Madagascar (MDG).

The province today is involved in:

Education and technical training
Youth pastoral care
Parish ministry
Formation of young Salesians
Social development programs
The province also collaborates closely with the broader Salesian network in the Africa-Madagascar Region, contributing to regional formation, leadership, and spiritual accompaniment.