
The Secretariat of Solidarity-Cmi and FMSI Hear the Voices of Children and Youth in Malawi
Brothers Ăngel Diego GarcĂa and Diego Zawadsky, directors of the Secretariat of Solidarity-Cmi, along with Andrea Rossi, director of FMSI, and Marta Marotti, responsible for communications for the Foundation, conducted a visit to several Marist communities in Malawi from January 14 to 18.
The purpose of this visit was to hold workshops with children and young people, providing a platform to hear their voices and use their insights for the preparation of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report to be submitted to the United Nations in early April. The childrenâs voices reflect their suggestions and recommendations on how to improve the lives of people in the country, particularly in terms of human rights. Approximately 280 children, aged 14 to 17, participated in these workshops across four Marist centers.
The Universal Periodic Review is one of the main mechanisms of the United Nations Human Rights Council, enabling a periodic and systematic assessment of the human rights situation in all member states. Recently, the Institute and FMSI created an interactive map showcasing Marist contributions to this important UN mechanism. This map visually represents the extensive efforts and progress made in promoting and defending childrenâs rights globally, highlighting the Instituteâs commitment to transparency and accountability in the protection of human rights.
In addition to the Secretariatâs project, the visit also marked the conclusion of the âYouth Empowerment Clubâ project. This initiative, coordinated and supported by FMSI with funding from Misean Cara, has been running for three years. It has focused on giving prominence to young people, building their confidence, and creating safe spaces for them. The project has benefited from the support of local and national institutions, as well as traditional leaders and families. The results indicate a reduction in school dropouts and improved academic performance among participants.
The collaborative efforts between FMSI and the Secretariat of Solidarity-Cmi have been evident in various activities, particularly during the workshops with children. This teamwork underscores the importance of networking as a more effective and impactful approach compared to working individually. By building bridges, as called for in the XXII General Chapter, greater distances can be covered, and objectives can be achieved more comprehensively and globally.
Both projects; the one led by FMSI and the one by the Secretariat, seek to be creative in empowering those who have traditionally been voiceless, offering them the opportunity to become true protagonists in their lives and their stories.