Since its founding days in the 13th century, the Franciscan Order has prioritized education that balances intellectual enrichment with spiritual growth, service, and humility.
As is true of many of the enduring Franciscan values, education remains incredibly relevant today. Education is proven to be a powerful tool in the fight against poverty around the world. That’s why Quality Education is the fourth goal in the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).*
In families and communities where poverty reins, education is a luxury that most cannot afford. This disadvantage robs promising young minds of the opportunity we all wish for: to be the best we can be and give back to the families and communities that hold us.
Education empowers families to escape poverty
At our Franciscan Missions in Central America, education is a focus of the Franciscan Brothers’ service. In orphanages, elementary schools, and high schools in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, we provide schools and school food programs to the most vulnerable of children. There, literacy, vocational training, and spiritual development combine to strengthen minds and souls.
Through education, children are strengthened to resist the pull of criminal gangs, to imagine better futures, and they are empowered to pursue jobs and careers. As they become financially independent, they can lift their families and communities out of poverty, too. Mery is just one example. She writes:
“Becoming financially independent has led me to great personal and emotional growth. I believe that growth is possible because of the foundations of faith instilled in me at Valley. Its chapel, Our Lady of the Angels, is still dear to my heart.”
Education for all is a Franciscan value
A commitment to intellectual development and the formation of young minds is integral to the Franciscan mission of serving both God and humanity. To be able to carry out this work, Franciscan Brothers themselves undergo extensive spiritual and academic education. St. Francis of Assisi emphasized personal transformation and compassion. He encouraged his followers to seek wisdom through experience, faith, and interaction with the world. So it is with the Franciscan vocation that our brothers are active within the missions, schools, parishes, and communities where they serve.
Franciscan missionaries rely entirely on the grace and generosity of others to provide for the care of those most in need—including the hundreds of children striving to escape terrible poverty by attending our mission schools.
Help us provide quality education to the world’s poor
You can help our work continue. Donations to FMA support those in our missions and provide for the education of Franciscan Friars.
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Thank you and God bless!
* According to RELX
