Educational network helps identify, respond to local needs

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Youth Sports Clubs in Rome, Italy, have been operating the “GOAL. Scoring in Sport and in Life” project at Salesian oratories and educational centers. The 24-month project works to engage youth in sports and teach them valuable skills.

The project is funded by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies and is implemented thanks to Salesians for Social Work and other associations. GOAL involves more than 400 youth, aged 12-19, as well as 50 coaches and educators, and 19 sports and educational organizations. It reaches around 3,000 people through events, promotional activities, and community engagement initiatives with the aim of opening up new paths for youth.

A Salesian noted, “Sports activities, after-school clubs, film forums, coaching workshops, educational support, and adult education intertwine in a single pathway, capable of combating educational poverty, reducing inequalities, and fostering well-being.”

A central element is the building of a solid educational network capable of identifying local needs and responding in a coordinated and sustained manner, thanks in part to the presence of the Salesian network across the whole country.

The Salesian explained, “Thanks to the shared commitment of all the partner organizations, GOAL continues to generate skills, relationships and replicable educational models within local communities, strengthening the places involved as true hubs of community and inclusion. The project becomes an avenue where youth learn to look within themselves and share with those around them, finding their own direction in life.”

Salesian programs across Italy help youth who are unable to attend school and others who drop out to work at the few jobs available to them. A growing number of children work as laborers on farms and others have turned to the sex trade to help support their families. Those in poverty often live without adequate shelter, hot water, regular meals and health care.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Italy – “GOAL. Scoring in sport and in life”: when sport educates and builds community

Salesian Missions – Italy

World Bank – Italy