36 years walking through the desert.

It was 1987, and a challenge began in the northern part of the city of Antofagasta, in northern Chile—literally, in those years, the end of the world. Beyond this land lay only sand and hills teeming with desert life. In March 1990, the doors of our classrooms opened to welcome the first group of students to the “COLEGIO FEMENINO MADRE DEL ROSARIO.”

This is where the Missionary Dominican Sisters of the Rosary’s journey began. In these northern lands, the start was like any beginning—marked by difficulties, frustrations, and trial and error. Yet the dream of offering an equitable educational alternative for the poorest families in this area, which was slowly beginning to be populated, blossomed. There are many faces—the lives of girls who have grown into women—who have passed through our classrooms.

Today we see how it is possible to achieve goals if we set them for ourselves, if opportunities arise, and if we know how to seek them out. From the very beginning, our mission has been to provide access to an inclusive, integrative, free, and high-quality education.

Without a doubt, God’s will has been made tangible: “I will take you to the desert and speak to you of love”—that love which our Founding Fathers cultivated and brought to life. We want to continue sowing seeds in this desert that blossoms with every girl and teenager who achieves her dreams of becoming a professional and breaking the cycle of poverty and marginalization. We thank God, the Giver of Life, for allowing us to contribute to the lives of those who come to our school—a gift that enables us to accompany them on their life journeys.

We give thanks to all the individuals, families, and collaborators who have contributed—and continue to contribute—their part so that this work may grow and flourish. We hope to continue flourishing…

Comunidad Colegio Femenino Madre del Rosario

Antofagasta – Chile