With 442 new ‘mpikabary’ (traditional orators), Mpikalo, the association of Catholic Mpikabary in the Archdiocese of Antananarivo, has strengthened its ranks following a year of training.
Mpikalo welcomed 442 new members. Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Communication and Culture, the official graduation ceremony took place on Saturday at ISTS Mandrimena, marking the culmination of a year of training within the association.
Among the new members are 51 ‘taninketsa’ (youths) aged 8 to 14, and five religious brothers and sisters. The other participants are aged 15 and older. The training provides them with the necessary foundations to speak in various social and religious contexts. “The training spans eleven months, including nine months of learning and two months dedicated to workshops and the final year-end examination,” explains Jean Stéphane Ranaivomahandry, president of Mpikalo in the Archdiocese of Antananarivo.
The curriculum covers three categories of ‘kabary’. The ‘kabary fototra’ (foundational speech), intended for both youth and adults, forms the basis of the training. ‘Kabary an-karatsiana’ (funeral speech) and ‘kabary am-panambadiana’ (wedding speech) are reserved for adults. The training is renewed annually, following the guidelines of the Archdiocese of Antananarivo, to continue the transmission and practice of the art of oratory.
“The graduating mpikabary can practice in society, in the Church, at their workplace, at school, and in all sectors, as the ‘kabary fototra’ is inspired by social life,” adds Jean Stéphane Ranaivomahandry.
The ceremony was also marked by the awarding of honorary distinctions in Arts, Letters, and Culture to 62 leaders and trainers of the association. Among them, one received the rank of Commander, 18 that of Officer, and 43 that of Knight.
Mpikalo thus combines the values of Malagasy culture with those of the Christian faith in the practice and transmission of the ‘kabary’.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-05 06:38:42 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/kabary-mpikalo-elargit-ses-rangs.html