This July, the EDUCAR Network has officially presented the new version of the Model for the Evaluation of the Management of the Augustinian Recollect Charism, known as MEGCAR 2.0. It is a fundamental tool in the path towards the continuous improvement of the educational centers and a key pillar in the process of MELIOR Certification, which recognizes excellence from the living of the Augustinian Recollect charism.
MEGCAR 2.0 maintains the four essential cores of its first edition:
- Augustinian Recollect identity.
- Management and leadership style.
- Comprehensive training of students.
- Living the charism in the educational community.
This version, however, goes deeper into more participatory methodologies, a clearer evaluation, and a clearer and more adjusted to the current challenges of education, all guided by the educational pastoral guidelines of the Order.
“Self-evaluation is not just a formality; it is an opportunity to take a sincere look at ourselves, recognize our strengths and move towards a more coherent and transformative education,” explains Jessica Alva, a member of the evaluation committee.
A model at the service of all
MEGCAR 2.0 has been designed as an accessible, practical and community-based tool. Its process is organized in four clear stages: planning, awareness, analysis and report writing. Through 50 criteria organized in simple rubrics, it seeks a comprehensive view of the reality of each center, based on data and experiences of the entire educational community.
As part of the launch, a special webinar was announced to accompany schools that have not yet begun the self-evaluation process. The EDUCAR Network invites these schools to join and take advantage of this new stage as a real opportunity for growth.
Towards MELIOR Certification
The MEGCAR 2.0 self-evaluation is directly integrated into the path towards MELIOR Certification, a recognition that accredits educational quality and fidelity to the charism. Currently, 14 schools in Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Spain have begun this process, with the delivery of their reports scheduled for June 2025.
Josefa Guzmán, member of the Certification Committee, sums it up:
“The commitment to improvement begins with an institutional decision. Self-evaluation is only the beginning of a path of co-responsibility, learning and transformation.”
Once the report is completed, the centers are visited by external evaluators who verify the data, listen to the community and propose recommendations. If the process has been serious and consistent, MELIOR Certification is awarded.
An invitation to walk together
The EDUCAR Network insists that this process is not a distant goal, but a concrete way of living the educational mission from the charism. As Fr. Antonio Carrón, president of the EDUCAR Network, reminds us:
“Excellence is not a prize, it is a style of walking together with responsibility, joy and fidelity to the Gospel.”
The EDUCAR Network invites all its centers to learn more about MEGCAR 2.0 and MELIOR Certification, and to embark on this path of continuous improvement that strengthens identity and builds community.
For more information, visit: www.educarnet.org/melior