Transforming educational model in Africa

The New Horizons educational programme begins its second phase in 21 schools and communities in Malawi, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique to benefit 18,334 students, 790 teachers and 469 school employees.

The New Horizons project was established in 2015, promoted by the African Mission Commission, to respond to the call of the General Administration's Strategic Plan, which calls for being "at the service of children and young people, especially the most vulnerable and excluded".

The educational programme is also promoted by the Conference of Major Superiors of Africa, FMSI, the Secretariat for Education and Evangelisation of the Marist Institute and is supported by Misean Cara.

New Horizons began its first phase in April 2016, with the objective of forming Marist educators through their ongoing formation in pedagogy, educational leadership and management. In this second phase, New Horizons aims to ensure the equitable education of children and to make schools a place where students have equal opportunities, especially students who are at risk of social exclusion and marginalization.

The kick off meeting of the second phase of New Horizons will take place from 23 to 28 July in Maputo, Mozambique, and the following objectives are expected to be achieved:

– Increased access to quality education for children and girls from poor and marginalized families in 21 Marist schools in the 6 countries concerned, involving local experts already trained in New Horizons I

– Strengthened capacity of Marist Schools to uproot violence and discrimination against children in school and community environments by adopting a child rights approach and inclusive teaching methods so to ensure children well-being

– Increased capacity of school leaders and teachers to drive school improvement towards quality standards of education and sustainability

– Reinforced the Education system at institutional level in terms of its capacity to advocate children rights.