Formal education is one of the Province’s continuing missionary commitments, supporting children and young people through schools, formation, learning and values-based education.
- 1847
- Education ministry began
- 2016
- De Mazenod Campus
- 2022
- TVEC registered
From the Province history
History & details
School and Formal Teaching
From the very beginning of their mission in Jaffna in 1847, the Oblates became actively involved in the education ministry. Over the years, hundreds of Oblates have served as teachers and principals and have established and administered numerous schools and educational institutions.
Oblates have contributed to education in both government and private schools and colleges. Great personalities like Fr. Timothy Long, OMI, Fr. Antoninus, OMI, and Fr. N. Arulnesan, OMI are some of the notable Oblates who made significant contributions to education. This tradition continues today, with several Oblates engaged in teaching ministry in schools.
De Mazenod Campus: Oblate Institute of Higher Education (OIHE)
The De Mazenod Campus – Oblate Institute of Higher Education (OIHE) in Jaffna operates with the motto “Higher Education for All.” Recognizing the increasing cost and limited accessibility of higher education, the Oblates developed this initiative to provide more affordable opportunities for higher studies.
The initiative began to take shape in 2016 under the leadership of Fr. Edwin Vasantharajah, OMI, with the collaboration of other Oblates. In 2022, Fr. Siyanstan Jenis, OMI, facilitated its registration with the Sri Lanka Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC). Since 2024, the Centre has been directed by Fr. Antonine Jeevendra Paul, OMI.
Oblates as Lecturers and Professors
Throughout the history of the Oblate mission in Sri Lanka, many Oblates have served as lecturers and professors in universities, seminaries, and other institutions of higher education. As pioneers in education and seminary formation, the Oblates continue to contribute academically qualified personnel to both religious and secular educational institutions.
Source: Pathinathan Sathiyaseelan, OMI, “Present Ministries of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Jaffna Province”
What we do
- Oblates teaching and leading as principals in schools and colleges
- Affordable higher education through the De Mazenod Campus (OIHE)
- Lecturing in universities, seminaries and institutes of higher learning
- Forming students in knowledge, character and Gospel values
- Opening education to young people who cannot afford its cost
“Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.”