projects
WE BUILD THE FUTURE
FMSI supports the projects of the Marist Missions for the benefit of children and young people, especially those in a vulnerable and marginalised condition, with a special focus on those living in developing countries. The Foundation carries out interventions aimed at the development and protection of children and young people, concentrating mainly on pursuing the objective of guaranteeing equal access to quality education. To date, FMSI has operated in 69 countries, carrying out 612 interventions through development projects, emergency projects and projects for the defence of children’s rights.
projects
report upr
EDUCATION FOR ALL
Projects in this area look to achieve specific outcomes, such as increasing access to quality education at all levels and increasing literacy levels and attendance, especially for girls. Initiatives include ensuring access to vocational training, increasing the number of qualified teachers, building or adapting school facilities to be sensitive to the needs of children with disabilities and gender equality to provide safe, inclusive and high-quality learning environments for all. In forging these initiatives, we envision a future where education becomes a transformative force, breaking barriers and providing a foundation for children to actively contribute as agents of peace and positive change.
Advocacy & child rights
FMSI works to recognise, promote, and guarantee the rights of children, particularly in contexts where they are denied access to basic human rights: adequate health care, healthy and balanced nutrition, education and protection from violence. Today’s children face new threats which undermine the full enjoyment of their rights, but they also have new tools and opportunities to realise and defend them. FMSI’s initiatives at the United Nations aim to build strong policy systems at regional, national and international levels, based on development strategies for children’s rights. FMSI also promotes initiatives in which children and young people become aware of their rights, participate in situations that affect them, hold and defend civil, social, political, cultural and economic rights.
LOCAL AND EMERGING NEEDS
New global challenges impact on fundamental areas such as health, education and local economies, and potentially increase inequalities and generate new forms of poverty among children. Hunger and malnutrition, difficult access to basic services, discrimination and social exclusion, as well as lack of participation in decision-making processes affect millions of boys and girls around the world. Our projects in this area are based on development strategies in favour of the most economically vulnerable. They are gender sensitive and support actions against poverty, hunger, injustice, climate change, and the lack of access to services or adequate health systems. FMSI’s emergency projects support all individuals in vulnerable situations in order to reduce their exposure to extreme weather events, wars, epidemics, disasters and economic, social and environmental shocks.
Environmental Sustainability and Community Well-Being
We prioritize economic growth that aligns with environmental responsibility, integrating sustainability into business and governance practices. Our efforts are directed at reducing environmental risks, promoting resource efficiency, and encouraging industries to adopt sustainable models that minimize their ecological footprint. By supporting policies and practices that balance economic prosperity with environmental stewardship, we work towards a future where long-term stability and sustainability go hand in hand.
Sustainable Economic Development
We focus on fostering inclusive economic opportunities and strengthening community well-being through responsible social and governance strategies. Our initiatives aim to address inequalities and discrimination while ensuring economic stability and social sustainability. We are committed to protecting decent work conditions, promoting ethical labor practices, and encouraging responsible behaviors that support thriving communities. Education plays a pivotal role in building a fair and resilient society, and we empower children and young people as proactive agents of change.
Capacity Development of the Marist Missions in the World
FMSI is at the service of the Institute not only to provide financial support to projects but also for the strategic development of solidarity on a global level. Its activities support Marist communities belonging to Provinces and districts around the world, identifying tools to respond adequately to their needs as a Global Family. Initiatives in this field aim to enhance the ability to act on behalf of children with more effective actions and more sustainable strategic projects. These initiatives contribute strategically to strengthening the solidarity capacities of the Institute.
EMERGENCY PROJECTS
PROGRAMS
PROJECTS
Establishment of a new pre-school block and purchase of related equipment at Marist School in Manhiça (Mozambique)
Prevention of Covid-19 dissemination and children dropping out from school in the communities of Balaka and Likuni, Malawi.
Human rights enhancement through the United Nations (UN) Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
Equity of access to quality education for girls and disadvantaged children in Malawi
Children’s and women’s rights in Bolivia: follow-up on the recommendations of UN bodies
“Equity of access to clean water, sanitation and quality education for the pupils of the Saint Charles Primary School in Fianarantsoa”
HOW TO PRESENT A PROJECT
FMSI is willing to promote projects of the Marist Missions that involve local communities with an approach that integrates economic, social and environmental sustainability. FMSI will pay particular attention to those projects that:
- Intervene in areas where the needs are most urgent in favor of the rights of people in a vulnerable and marginalized condition.
- generate impact and long lasting results.
- provide new educational models based on community involvement.
- are in line with the new Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations.
awards
The “Margot També Prize – Advancing Women’s Rights and Gender Equality,” first edition, will be awarded on November 20, 2024, in conjunction with Universal Children’s Day.
This award is inspired by the figure of Margot També, the oldest volunteer of the Blue Marists of Aleppo, who passed away in February 2024.
This award is promoted by the Marist Foundation for International Solidarity and the Blue Marists of Aleppo. Margot’s life was a true example of altruism and dedication to others. Her sincere commitment to serving the community and making a positive impact on the lives of others is a testament to her person, who was an inspiration to other volunteers and the beneficiaries of the Blue Marists‘ actions.
- This award aims to recognize and support initiatives that:
- Address areas where needs are most urgent in favor of the rights of women in vulnerable and marginalized conditions.
- Generate significant and lasting impacts.
- Offer new educational models based on community involvement.
Please send your project proposal via email to apetenzi@fms.it by no later than September 30, 2024.
