Marianist Mission Foundation's ATO Project

The Marianist Mission Foundation’s ATO Project Accompanying Your Opportunity accompanies young people during their university studies, helping them discern their vocation, offering encouragement, and following up during their years of study.

Through the Marianist Mission Foundation, the Argentina Sector of the Company of Mary has developed the ATO Project (Accompanying Your Opportunity; Acompañando Tu Oportunidad, its name in Spanish) since 2011. It consists of accompanying young people during their university study, especially in the discernment of their vocation, and offering a network of follow-up and encouragement during these years.

The beneficiaries of the ATO Project are young people finishing their schooling, with socio-affective needs, especially vulnerable, and who have difficulties in accessing and progressing in higher education. The project does not include financial assistance.

The process includes training and academic leveling workshops, psychosocial support meetings, vocational orientation, and study methodology workshops, among others. Each student has a tutor who accompanies them during their academic career. These tutors, who are required by the students, are volunteers who donate their time and knowledge in solidarity.

The ATO Project started in the city of Buenos Aires and has replicas in the north (province of Chaco) and the south (province of Río Negro). A total of 141 people have gone through the project. Of these, 29 are already professionals, and 42 are current students. Another 70 students left the project for various reasons (work problems, relocation to their countries of origin, etc.).

Marianist Magnificat, June 2025