From 16 to 20 March 2025, vibrant change-makers from around the world gathered in
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, for the 40th General Assembly of the International Federation of Fe y Alegria. The Assembly was a true reflection of the diversity and cultural richness of the Federation that brought together 103 participants, 89 in person and 14 virtually. Among them, 9 representatives were from the emerging Fe y Alegria countries, including Nepal, represented by Fr. Agustus.
The children and youth of the Fe y Alegria schools of the Dominican Republic beautifully showcased this diversity during the opening ceremony. Their performance was also a poignant reminder of the Federation’s strong grounding in local contexts.
Critical global education issues were discussed in the panel discussions. Human rights, funding and citizen participation were some of the main topics. The conversations emphasized the urgency for a systematic transformation to address these issues.
The workshop on advocacy highlighted the urgency for collective public action. There was a strong call for youth leadership and the participation of the citizens. It also explored how youth could influence government at different levels.
One of the sessions focused on new frontiers. The workshop recognized the need for the movement to reflect on the new frontiers to address new challenges, including inclusive education, early childhood, ecology, youth and migration. All the participants actively engaged in sharing their priorities unique to their local contexts.
Another important highlight of the Assembly was the visit to local Fe y Alegria educational institutions in the Dominican Republic. These visits offered us tangible examples of the impact of the Fe y Alegria movement on communities. Interactions with students and community members revealed the deep connection and mutual trust between schools and local communities, as well as their shared commitment to social development.
Participating in the Assembly was really an enriching experience. It brought together diverse and rich stories of their commitment for social change from around the world. The events at the Assembly also showed us how education, when deeply rooted in local realities, can become a powerful tool for empowerment and social change. As the founder of Fe y Alegria Movement, Jose Maria Velaz said, “Education is not only a right; it is a means for liberation and transformation.”
We have an array of examples of how education has capacity to change lives. As we return to our own countries, we carry with us the spirit and the experiences of the movement. With faith and joy, we journey together in global solidarity through our local actions in rural Nepal, remembering the words of Valez, “Our horizon is the world, but our commitment is to the poorest.”