Project promotes responsible use of technology

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries launched a technology project for Indigenous communities in the Amazon in Venezuela* thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project, called Digital Roots, took place at the Salesian centers in Puerto Ayacucho, Isla del Ratón, La Esmeralda and Mavaca to reach more than 160 youth.

During the project, Salesians promoted the responsible use of technology while also helping people to connect to technology. Salesians installed internet access points, improving internet connectivity through a satellite data system. For the communities, the installation of batteries with solar panels helped connectivity when electricity systems in Venezuela often work poorly.

Secondly, training was offered on the responsible use of technology from a human rights approach. Salesian sisters, priests and leaders of the communities participated. Training was also held on the creation of multimedia content and social networks from a cultural approach.

A Salesian explained, “In the third stage of the project, the sisters and teachers of the intercultural schools prepared meetings with the communities and other educational mediators to share all the knowledge acquired during the previous sessions. To train teachers and community leaders, meetings were held in the schools as well as in the villages themselves. The goal was to make the broadest impact possible.”

The information was also subsequently provided to youth who attend Salesian schools and live in the boarding schools within the Isla del Ratón and La Esmeralda communities, as well as in the hamlets of the most distant territories.

Salesian missionaries have been living and working in Venezuela long before the country’s political and economic crisis began. They operate schools, youth centers, and other programs that support youth in need and their families. An estimated 87% of the population is currently living in poverty, and essential goods such as food and medicine are scarce.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Venezuela

*Any goods, services or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.