Edith Febles, an alumna recognized for her pursuit of truth
From the Dominican Republic, we are delighted by the recognition received by one of our alumni from El Rosario School in El Seibo, Edith Febles. Edith is a journalist with a long career as a reporter and investigative journalist who has brought to light cases of corruption within the government (such as the recent SENASA government insurance case), cases of abuse and injustice, defending women, girls, migrants, people expelled from their lands, the elderly—in short, anyone who comes to her or whom she witnesses suffering injustice. The civic movement Participación Ciudadana, accredited in the country for its defense of democracy, awarded her the Recognition for Integrity and the Fight Against Corruption on December 9th, an award given annually to individuals who have distinguished themselves in this area.
Edith, originally from El Seibo and from a humble family, attended primary school at El Rosario School (then known as Colegio Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario). Sisters like Berta Sierra (currently in the Santo Domingo Community) and Carmela Rodríguez (in the El Seibo Community), along with Margarita Pablo and Trini Guerra (both deceased), were her teachers. Edith asked us to participate in the event where she was to be recognized, because, as she said, “You have been very important to me and have contributed greatly to who I am and what I have achieved in life.” Sister Marisa Folgado, Provincial Coordinator, participated in the event on behalf of the sisters, as did Sister Berta Sierra, who was her 4th and 6th grade teacher, and whom Edith herself mentioned in her words of gratitude. Also present were Friar Miguel Ángel Gullón, OP, director of Radio Seibo, where Edith trained and worked for many years as a radio broadcaster, and Brother Pedro Acevedo de La Salle, representing CONDOR (Conference of Religious of the Dominican Republic). The event was attended by the President of the Republic, Mr. Luis Abinader, and other authorities, along with many friends, family members, and colleagues of Edith Febles.
At the end of the ceremony, in her words of thanks, the journalist highlighted the direct work of training, awareness-raising, and empowerment that she carries out with other people with girls and adolescents, and invited some of these young women to come up on stage and receive the applause of the participants.
It fills us with satisfaction to see these life stories and how the work we do in our educational centers or in pastoral groups focused on education and formation is bearing fruit, with people who contribute their values and knowledge to the development of a more just and equitable society. We give thanks to God for the life of Edith Febles, for her warmth, her simplicity, for her critical and committed work for Truth and Justice, for her courage in the face of complex and compromising cases, for her perseverance in times of defamation and pressure. May God continue to accompany and protect you. Thank you, Edith.
Marisa Folgado Martí, MDR – Comunidad de El Seibo
