Sister Marleny Bardales Raymundo
Tambogrande, Peru

Sister Marleny Bardales Raymundo has been named administrator of the network of “Fe y Alegría” schools in four rural districts around Tambogrande, Peru, north of Lima.

The network supports and monitors 200 teachers who educate 4,575 students in 35 schools, from pre-K through secondary. The Fe y Alegría teaching model encompasses all dimensions of the human person, integrating science, technology and work within an environment of community and family support.

“Our technical schools prepare students to work in occupations such as carpentry, clothing design and production, secretarial work, electronics, hotel management/tourism, jewelry design and production, and agriculture. In rural areas, we run one-teacher schools that address local needs and provide bilingual and intercultural education. We have distance-learning for adults at the entry level and also professional training for students with technical careers.”

Founded in 1955 by the Society of Jesus in Venezuela, “Fe y Alegría” schools have been opened in 18 Latin American countries, and in Italy, Spain and Chad. These schools focus on the impoverished and excluded, and promote the values of participation, fraternity, respect for diversity, and solidarity, with a view toward development a more just society.”