Giorgio Armani’s Casa Mariù Project Champions Global Children’s Education and Welfare
- wgclients01
- Sep 24
- 2 min read
From the vibrant streets of Miami to the remote corners of the globe, Giorgio Armani’s legacy continues to shine through Casa Mariù, an international initiative dedicated to supporting children and their right to education. Named in honor of Armani’s mother, affectionately known as “Mariù,” the project embodies the designer’s lifelong commitment to helping vulnerable communities worldwide. Originally intended to be announced during the company’s fiftieth anniversary, Casa Mariù now stands as a lasting testament to Armani’s values and dedication.
Giorgio Armani during Milan fashion week, Nov. 21,2016. Photo by Andrea Delbo/Depositphotos
The initiative operates in collaboration with expert local partners who understand the unique needs of each community. Casa Mariù provides targeted support including teacher salaries, educational materials, and resources designed to create safe and nurturing environments for children and their families.
“A better future begins with a childhood that, while perhaps not as happy as every child deserves, is at least serene and formative, with family and school at its heart,” Armani commented. “In such an important year for me, I feel a particularly strong need to give back some of the good I have received. I thought back to my own childhood, to how much my mother protected and supported us, and that is why I wanted to dedicate this initiative to her. Through it, I hope to have a concrete and positive impact on the lives of many children and their families.”
The project was conceived with Fondazione Caritas Ambrosiana, a cornerstone organization in Milan with a global presence supporting vulnerable communities. Caritas collaborated with PIME missionaries and Operazione Mato Grosso to identify local projects and ensure that resources reach those most in need.
Luciano Gualzetti, former Director of Caritas Ambrosiana, emphasized the mission’s focus on dignity and development: “Instruction and education are central to our work; there can be no escape from poverty, injustice, or violations of human rights without the knowledge and skills that only education and stimulating learning environments provide. We are honored that Giorgio Armani has shared this vision so generously.”
Currently, Casa Mariù supports eight children’s facilities across six countries on three continents:
Cameroon (Mouda): Bethlehem Foundation nursery provides care for 60 newborns and medical care to over 2,000 patients annually.
Thailand (Chiang Rai): Centro San Giuseppe offers healthcare, therapy, and scholarships to children and youth with disabilities.
Bangladesh (Surihari): Renovation of a PIME school and dormitory benefits 160 children, including 25 with disabilities.
Philippines (Tay Tay): Caritas school supports disadvantaged children from surrounding islands.
Nicaragua (Ciudad Sandino): Caritas Redes de Solidaridad nursery and primary school offers a safe environment to 230 children.
Peru (Yanama, Tauca, Nuevo Chimbote): Operation Mato Grosso projects provide basic education and safe spaces for children in disadvantaged areas.
Since its establishment in 1974, Caritas Ambrosiana has worked under the guidance of the Archbishop of Milan to promote social justice, charitable initiatives, and the integral development of communities. Through Casa Mariù, Giorgio Armani’s philanthropic vision continues to provide children worldwide with the education and care necessary to build brighter futures.