The Marist Brothers’ international non-government development organisation Fondazione Marista per la Solidarietà Internazionale
The Marist International Solidarity Foundation (FMSI) aims to promote a new mentality and concrete initiatives for the benefit of children and young people, especially the most defenceless and abandoned. FMSI was established for one purpose: to make the world a better place for children and young people. The foundation focuses on three core areas to advocate and protect young people. These include:
- Defense of children’s rights
- Coordination and financing projects
- Networking
There are several Marist NGOs in the Asia-Pacific region and there are also small solidarity desks within the Marist Brothers’ administrative units. Having attended the FMSI recent board meeting CEO of AMS Allen Sherry fms remarked that ” FMSI is entering a new phase of it development with a focus on child rights approach in both advocacy and project development”. He also noted the new CEO, Marzia Ventimeglia, is recruiting new staff for fundraising and program co-ordination.
Australian Marist Solidary (AMS) has a strong relationship with FMSI and shares many of their values. In particular, our desire that vulnerable young people are brought towards the centre from the margins through access to education. We can empower young people by enhancing their human dignity and developing their capacity to transform their lives and communities.