The Global Network of RSHM Schools Celebrates The Year of Gailhac Through Community Service and Learning
Marymount Schools in London, Paris and Rome developed a content-driven and interactive online seminar class for grade 6 and 7 students. The students explore new content critically and creatively in collaboration with their peers in London, Paris, and Rome. Students delve into topics/themes that engage them in solving a world problem relating to the core values and aligned to the vision of our Founders, “that all may have life.” Currently, the students study U.N. Climate Goal #14 – Water- as a social justice issue in solidarity with the most vulnerable. Students learn about access to clean water, water as a cause of war and peace, and ways to make access to water a reality for vulnerable communities. The culminating service event, a Walk for Water, will demonstrate the commitment of our global community. Donations gathered in support of this initiative will be offered to our sister community in Zimbabwe.
At Istituto Marymount Rome, a student-faculty FUN RUN for Mozambique is held in March and April. Open to all students, those signing up either run or walk 50km or 100km over a 30-day period. They are sponsored by friends and family to complete the run. The school organizes weekly running/ walking groups to help students achieve their goals together and enjoy the community spirit. The FUN RUN money raised will go to the hostel run by the RSHM sisters in Mozambique where girls stay during the school year in order to pursue their education.
In this anniversary year, the school is planning to set up a Padre Gailhac Student Grant fund. This fund would award a grant to a student in need to further his or her education. One example might be a grant to a student in another RHSM school (e.g., Brazil) which would allow him or her to travel on a cultural exchange to our school.
Colegios Marymount, Cuernavaca, Barranquilla, Medellin and Bogata have created an area project: Recognizing Women’s Dignity Through Father Gailhac’s Eyes in Today’s Society. The project’s objective is to “promote Gailhac’s vision and respect for women through a social media campaign developed by our own students.” Activities include reflecting and brainstorming on translating Gailhac’s message into concrete examples, developing content and messages to be shared on the schools’ social media networks, and visiting a vulnerable community to share Father Gailhac’s message and conduct an activity with young people.
The community at Marymount High School, Los Angeles will work with a local nonprofit organization, A Place Called Home (APCH), which was born out of the desire to provide a safe place for children and families afflicted by gang violence. The organization’s goal of supporting its members through programs in arts, education, and wellness for the young people in South Central Los Angeles is a natural fit with the RSHM mission. All students, faculty, and staff will participate at some point during the project. Alumnae and parents will also have the opportunity to join service activities. The 11th grade will participate in weekly activities including tutoring and sports practices.
Colegio de Nossa Senhorado Rosario, Porto expresses its solidarity gesture through its campaign, CaringwiththeHeartInvolvesAction. They will collect food for the families the school helps within the scope of the “Roots Project” (daily support for underprivileged children from the surrounding neighborhoods) and PAS (Project of Social Monitoring of the Homeless of the City).