The Marist Foundation for International Solidarity Celebrates its Sixteenth Anniversary
The Marist Foundation for International Solidarity (FMSI) proudly celebrated its sixteenth anniversary on October 24, an extraordinary milestone reflecting its ongoing commitment and dedication to children, young people, and their communities worldwide. The current year has seen the Marist Foundation achieve new milestones, demonstrating its dedication to a better world.
For 16 years, the FMSI has pursued its mission: to eliminate inequalities in access to education, break down socio-economic, gender, and origin-based barriers, and remove any obstacles that may hinder the education of children and youth.
The goal is to create a world where childhood is respected, guaranteed, and free from violence and fear, where children are recognized as active members of their communities and society. In line with these values and objectives, the Mission of the Marist Foundation for International Solidarity, officially recognized as a Third Sector Entity (ETS) since October 5, 2023, is realized through targeted actions that promote the full development of the potential of each individual, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized, through solidarity, education, and advocacy projects.
To date, FMSI has implemented over five hundred development and emergency projects in 68 countries in favor of children, youth, and communities in vulnerable conditions. We have allocated €11,633,481 and reached over 6,500,000 beneficiaries. In addition, we have presented 67 Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Reports to the United Nations, with the goal of shedding light on the human rights situation and the rights of children in the countries where we operate through the missions of the Marist Congregation.
The Marist Foundation is committed to promoting policy and governmental program changes for the benefit of those living on the margins of society. We strive to bring crucial humanitarian issues to the attention of authorities and contribute to finding shared solutions, including mediating with decision-makers. This commitment requires adopting multiple approaches to influence important decisions that affect the well-being of the youngest.
Throughout 2023, we have sought to make our contribution to helping individuals and populations in extremely vulnerable conditions cope with various emergencies, including the earthquake that devastated Syria in February 2023. Thanks to the support of our supporters, donors, and private individuals, FMSI was able to mobilize quickly with a fundraising campaign to support the Syrian population in the days immediately following the earthquake. Through the implementation of this initiative, FMSI was able to raise a total of €469,941 from 538 donors. In addition to financial support, it was possible to provide critically important medical equipment, including ventilators and continuous positive airway pressure machines, already operational in hospitals in Aleppo.
The main goal was to respond promptly to the immediate needs arising from the earthquake and the ensuing humanitarian emergency. We carried out targeted interventions, such as the distribution of food packages, psychosocial support to vulnerable individuals, and the provision of clothing, diapers, and blankets. Thanks to the unity and generosity of all those who participated in this campaign, the volunteers of the Blue Marists Center were able to offer concrete assistance to those who needed it most.
On the occasion of the International Day of the Rights of the Child, which will be held on November 20, 2023, the FMSI, in collaboration with the Solidarity Secretariat of the Marist Brothers Institute, will organize the event “Right to be Children.” The event represents a unique opportunity to share knowledge and experiences, as well as to reflect on recommendations and next steps to be taken as a Marist Family, in order to ensure that every child can enjoy their fundamental rights. FMSI and the Solidarity Secretariat of the Marist Brothers Institute are determined to contribute to creating a world where the rights of children are respected and protected.
With a deep sense of gratitude for the support and trust you have given to the Foundation over these 16 years, FMSI wishes to share with you the results it has achieved. It is thanks to your generosity and dedication that FMSI has become what it is today.
FMSI’s mission does not stop here. It wishes to continue on this path, pursuing the commitment to ensure a better future for those who represent the future of our world and to support the Marist Solidarity Mission in the world.
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The Marist Foundation for International Solidarity (FMSI) is an NGO that works around the world to defend the rights of children and adolescents and to guarantee them better living conditions. It was established in Rome on 24 October 2007 as a recognized foundation and has obtained the status of a non-profit organization. FMSI’s Vision is of a world in which childhood is fully respected and guaranteed freedom from violence and fear, where children are recognized as active members of their communities and societies. In response to this vision, FMSI’s Mission is to work towards the development of the potential of children and young people, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized, through education, advocacy, and solidarity projects. To date, FMSI has carried out almost 500 projects in 67 Countries on 4 Continents, implementing emergency projects and programs for people and communities in vulnerable conditions.
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