Marist volunteer experience in the Province of Norandina
Last December, the first Marist volunteer experience was carried out in the Province of Norandina, fulfilling the desire of Saint Marcellin to share a significant experience of solidarity with children and adolescents in vulnerable situations. These fraternal encounters have not only strengthened the bonds of brotherhood but have also strengthened the identity and sense of provincial mission.
Prior to this experience, in November, volunteers from Ecuador, Venezuela and Colombia were motivated to join this noble cause, inspiring the Gospel to the today’s Montagnes in the style of Mary. The volunteers selected had a specific profile that made it easier for them to be authentic apostles of youth, standing out for their passion for service and desire to generate a positive impact in the communities. It was essential that they share not only material resources, but also hope, love and faith, while demonstrating several personal qualities aligned with Marist identity, such as empathy, compassion, patience, flexibility and resilience.
Mission with Marist Presence
For two weeks, 20 volunteers participated in this provincial experience, carrying out their work in two specific mission sites, Maicao (Colombia) and Puerto El Carmen (Ecuador). This intense experience not only allowed them to contribute to the local communities, but also enriched their own understanding and commitment to the Marist mission. The dynamics of teamwork and cultural exchange made this experience a transformative process for both the volunteers and the beneficiaries of their service.
- Maicao, Colombia, is a border town with Venezuela that is home to many migrant families along an old airport. It is home to three population groups: migrants and refugees, Colombians who have returned to their country, and indigenous communities. Maicao has become the largest settlement in Latin America, with more than 13,000 people, of which around 4,500 are children and adolescents who lack access to education. In response to this situation, the Marist presence has focused on a specific group of 184 children between the ages of 5 and 16, seeking to provide them with educational opportunities and comprehensive support.
- Puerto El Carmen, Ecuador, is a municipality located in the province of Sucumbíos, on the border with Colombia, where the San Miguel and Putumayo rivers meet. This region is characterized by its exotic and little explored environment, with abundant tropical vegetation and a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The population of Puerto El Carmen is mostly mestizo, composed of Ecuadorian and Colombian citizens, and is enriched by the presence of various indigenous communities that cohabit the area. This cultural and natural crossroads gives the region a unique value and significant potential for social and community development initiatives.
During these two weeks of immersion, 20 volunteers, both brothers and lay people, interacted with these communities through formative, recreational and environmental care activities, as well as various evangelization initiatives prior to Christmas. This enriching exchange allowed us to rediscover the needs of the most vulnerable and to walk with them from their reality, nourishing the faith and love that sprouts in these places. In this way, we continue to build our Marist mission in provincial unity, acting as agents of change and builders of peace.
