The Emergency Fund Project for the Marist school of Antsiranana

In January 2023, Madagascar was hit by a powerful cyclone named Cheneso, causing widespread damage and casualties. The National Bureau of Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) reported at least 33 deaths and 20 missing as well as considerable damage to infrastructure, agriculture and livelihoods.

Among the victims of this disaster was the Marist school of Antsiranana, located at the extreme north of the island. The school suffered from severe damage to its buildings, equipment and materials, affecting its capacity to provide quality education to its 2,300 students. The school is renowned throughout the northern region of Madagascar for its academic performance and excellence. It attracts families from different religions in the region who want to enroll their children in a reputable institution.

To help the Marist school of Antsiranana recover from the damage caused by the cyclone, an Emergency Fund Project from the General House was sent to assist the Saint Joseph School. The project aimed to repair and rebuild the damaged facilities, to replace and replenish the lost equipment and materials, and to support the teachers and staff in their recovery efforts. The project also sought to ensure the safety and well-being of the students by repairing the damage.

Thanks to the support of the Emergency Fund Project, the Marist school of Antsiranana was able to resume its normal operations and continue its mission of providing quality education to its students. Despite the major challenges and disruptions caused by the cyclone, the school achieved remarkable results in the national exams this year 2022-2023: 100% success rate in CEPE (Certificate of Elementary Primary Studies), 95% in BEPC (Certificate of Studies of the First Cycle of Secondary Education) and 99% in BACC. The success rate in national examinations in public primary and secondary schools throughout Madagascar is 70% and 45% respectively. The Marist school Saint Joseph plays an important role in educating children in this region faced with many socio-economic challenges, especially juvenile delinquency. The project had a significant impact on the lives of the students who benefited from such an emergency fund, which contributed to promoting quality education in the mission of the Marist Brothers in the region.

Global Marist Family Fund for Humanitarian Emergencies 

This Fund was approved by the General Council in June 2020 to respond to emerging humanitarian needs in the Marist world.

Through this project, the General Administration is answering to the call of the of the XXII General Chapter by asking Marists of Champagnat:

• to grow in solidarity awareness as a Global Family, and
• to be involved in humanitarian projects, by means of fundraising for humanitarian emergencies of our time for basic needs including food, potable water, health/sanitation, and shelter.