At Marcellin Champagnat University, on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 August, the VIII Meeting of Marist Leaders 2024 was held under the theme ‘Coexistence and leadership for a better world’. An event that brought together 50 students from the student councils (COES) and school municipalities of the Marist schools of Peru (Santa Rosa de Sullana, San José Obrero de Sullana, Cristo Rey de Cajamarca, San José de Huacho, San José del Callao, Champagnat de Surco, San Luis de Barranco, Manuel Antonio Ramírez Barinaga de San Juan de Miraflores, Santa María de los Andes de Villa María del Triunfo, and Marcelino Champagnat de Santa Eulalia).
Empowering tomorrow’s leaders
The meeting focused on empowering and giving a voice to young leaders, strengthening their leadership skills with the mission of improving school coexistence and promoting quality education, related to the principles of sustainable development, human rights, equality and a culture of peace. The essence of the event focused on the Marist values of simplicity, solidarity and family spirit, fundamental pillars that guide these young people on their journey towards leadership.
Clear and defined objectives
With a clear focus, the objectives of the meeting ranged from strengthening leadership skills, to promoting effective communication and conflict resolution within a culture of peace. In addition, the importance of awareness and action towards sustainable development and human rights was highlighted. The training provided focused on training students in assertive communication and mediation techniques, which are crucial for improving the school environment, and on fostering in them the ability to positively influence their environment.
Activities that transform
The event was notable for its diversity of activities, beginning with Br. Marlon Poicon’s presentation on ‘Marcellin Champagnat’s Principles of Leadership and Young People’, which provided an inspiring framework for all in attendance. Workshops were a key part of the meeting, including ‘Developing Leadership Skills’ by Mr. Alvaro Salazar; ‘Improving School Coexistence – Conflict Management Techniques’ by Mr. Ruben Arroyo; and ‘Global Citizenship and Human Rights’ by Dr. Carol Rodriguez.
During these workshops, students participated in activities such as ‘Building a leader’, ‘The conflict pool’, ‘Reflection circle’, ‘Superheroes of values’ and ‘Ideas box’. These activities not only strengthened their practical skills, but also promoted reflection on how to apply Marist values in conflict resolution and daily living together in their respective schools.
Voices of Marist leaders
The experiences of the participants reflect the profound and positive impact of the meeting. For many, it was an invaluable opportunity to meet other leaders, learn about different realities and nurture their passion for leadership. One student commented: ‘It had a significant impact on me, it gave me the opportunity to meet other people and realities, and really learn from them and nurture my passion to be a leader’.
Others highlighted how the Marist spirit connects them, regardless of geographical or cultural differences: ‘Even though we are from different schools and cities, we always have something that keeps us connected: the Marist spirit. This connection allowed them to develop trust and collaboration, overcoming barriers and strengthening cohesion between the different groups.
The students also highlighted the importance of understanding the diverse viewpoints and issues they each face in their contexts, which enriched their perspective and better prepared them to lead with empathy and understanding. ‘Interacting with my peers from other schools has helped me to understand that everyone has different points of view and different issues, depending on their environment, and I need to pay attention to others,’ shared another of the young leaders.
A transforming experience
The success of the VIII Marist Leaders Meeting was reflected not only in the satisfaction of the participants, but also in their desire to extend the experience to more days. The leaders expressed their gratitude to the organisers for providing them with a space where they could learn, share and grow together. For them, Marcellin Champagnat is not only an inspirational figure, but a model of life that guides their daily actions. ‘We are united by the dream of being leaders to do good,’ summed up one participant, capturing the spirit of the gathering.
In a world that often faces divisions and challenges, these young Marist leaders stand as a beacon of hope, teaching that through living together and value-based leadership, it is possible to build a better world. As one of the participants said: ‘Despite the various problems, we have many things that unite us’. With this conviction, Marist leaders are prepared to carry the message of peace, solidarity and leadership to every corner of their school communities and beyond.
Special thanks and looking to the future
The gathering was not just an event on the calendar, but a true platform for transformation. Each student returned to their school with new learning and projects to develop, as well as a renewed commitment to be agents of change. Undoubtedly, these young people are destined to leave a significant mark on their communities, guided by the values that the Marist Brothers’ Congregation fosters in each of them.
Special thanks went to the Rector of Marcellin Champagnat University, Dr. Marcial Colonia Valenzuela, for his support and for opening the doors of the university for this significant meeting. He also thanked the directors and advisors of the COES and school municipalities, who accompanied these two days of intense work. The VIII Meeting of Marist Leaders not only strengthened the leadership skills of the students, but also reaffirmed the commitment of the Marist community to integral education and the development of leaders who work for a better world.
Ytalo Orrego Reyes: Executive Secretary of Mission : Coordinator of the Formation Area : Community of Marist Animation of Peru (CAMP)