The motive for the solemn session organised by the Municipal Council of Baruta in the college’s auditorium was the anniversary of the institution set up by the Order of Augustinian Recollects in 1954, and which today looks after more than 1,500 primary and secondary students.
Speaking just before the celebration started, Jose Ricardo Garcia Toro, in charge of academic affairs, noted that the new profile for those graduating has been drawn up with the support of various universities, the Metropolitan, the Andres Bello (Catholic), and the Simon Bolivar: “ The intention is to offer the student a quality education that fulfils all the demands of excellence. We are always alert to the need to strengthen the students’ level of involvement, as well as the standards of those who work here, including both manual, administrative, and teaching staff, at the same time paying attention to ethical principles”.
For his part, José Luis Uruñuela, Vicar Provincial of the Augustinian Recollects in Venezuela, explained that the Order has founded 32 educational centres throughout the world, of which three are universities. Of these, four centres under the direction of the Augustinian Recollects are in Venezuela. “Just recently, on the 24th April, a school was established in Guatemala. Our educational centres meet the demands of freedom, concern for our inner being, truth, love, and close ties with the local community”.
The president of the Municipal Council, Victor Perez, highlighted the work of the college in the formation of people with firm principles, contributing to the development of young people with clear ideas, able to compete in the world and with a sense of humility and of helping their neighbours, as laid down by the guidelines for Catholic education.
The history of this college, with its imposing buildings on La Cinta street in Las Mercedes, goes back to the opening of a simple assembly-room. It started with primary level, and grew stage by stage. The high level of demand for places made it necessary to expand the space available to accommodate secondary students, now using 52 classrooms, nine laboratories, as well as sporting facilities.
In its 60 years of history, there have been 48 graduation ceremonies. Hundreds of students who at the present time are distinguished professionals making their mark in various fields, have passed through its classrooms.
Today, the college is working on drawing up projects between different colleges concerning themes of current interest, such as global warming, integration, and the wars and conflicts that shake the world.