Province of Brasil Centro-Norte protagonist in the defence of the rights of children and adolescents
The defence of the rights of children and adolescents is part of the guiding principles of the Marist mission. Since 2011, the Province of Brasil Centro-Norte has had a Policy of Integral Protection and a watchful eye on the subject, which has always been closely followed by Father Champagnat. In order to give even more impetus to the work in favour of children and young people, a representative has recently been elected to the National Council for the Rights of Children and Adolescents, Conanda. Br. Edvaldo Ferreira, director of the Marist College of Aracati, in the state of Ceará, is now the new director of the organisation, as indicated by the Provincial Council. Conanda is a permanent collegiate body, part of the basic structure of the Brazilian government, of the Ministry of Women, Family and Human Rights.
Institutional Representatives
At the virtual Assembly, which took place on 27 May, the Province of Brasil Centro-Norte represented Brasil Marista and the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB), along with nine other civil society organisations. According to Br Edvaldo, this election is significant for the Marists since it determines their action in the commitment to defend and guarantee the rights of children and adolescents. “Being part of Conanda means actively participating in the system of guaranteeing rights and contributing to defining public policies aimed at children and adolescents”, explains Brother Edvaldo.
In addition to Br Edvanto’s participation, Br Vicente Falchetto has recently been elected secretary of the National Forum for the Defence of Children and Adolescents (FNDCA); and the Marist schools and colleges, as well as the communities, have several representatives in the different spaces and bodies. In order to organise and centralise institutional representation, this year the Province has created the Nucleus of Institutional Representation (NRI), which aims to be a point of reference on the subject, a support point for institutional representatives, to offer training and to gather all kinds of information on the subject.
The first project of the NRI is the mapping of all institutional representatives of the organisation. Maicon Donizete Andrade oversees the NRI.
Conanda, FNDCA, municipal advocacy bodies and other areas that represent the Marists in the mission strengthen the Marist action also outside the school walls.