Marist International Solidarity Foundation
FMSI held in Bangkok for its partners in Asia in July 21 to 26 a training seminar on Fundraising and Project Cycle. The course was designed to train the participants in the preparation of funding applications and project management according to the standards used by international agencies. Part of the training also covered the use of communication means to raise funds and awareness about children's rights. The seminar was attended by 27 representatives of NGOs, social works, and Marist schools working for children and disadvantaged youth in Cambodia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and South Korea.
With the expert guidance of Br. Allen Sherry– director of Marist Solidarity Australia, experienced in fundraising and project management – the group was able to examine all phases of a project, and the way to deal with the various donors. Br. Manuel de Leon, Superior of the Marist Province of East Asia, spoke about some successful projects in the Asian context and how it is possible to create financially self-sustainable programs even if directed at the poorest sections of the population. Finally, Michael Coleman, communications expert, showed how to make a campaign, and use the internet to engage donors and promote solidarity.
This seminar was the launching of the new FMSI office in Bangkok, established for the coordination of projects and training activities in Asia. Thanks to the excellent work of Marco Blanco – regional coordinator and head of the new office– the seminar was held successfully in a welcoming climate of cooperation between all participants. Marco Blanco – along with the representative from the FMSI office in Rome, Angela Petenzi– had the opportunity to dialogue with the various Asian partners and consolidate some recently initiated collaborations. The seminar was carried out with the sponsorship of Misean Cara and a Dutch private foundation.
And a second course on The Rights of the Child was hold from July 29 to August 1. The speaker was Br. Jim Jolley, Director of the Foundation's Geneva office, assisted by Catherine Hannon as facilitator.