UKRAINE: Salesian summer program serves approximately 3,000 youth impacted by war
Activities take place across country
(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Vice-Province of Mary Help of Christians in Ukraine* continues to support youth during the ongoing war in the country. This year, Salesians once again held the “Summer for Young People” program, hosting numerous activities at Salesian communities across the country. Around 3,000 youth from various parts of Ukraine took part in recreation, friendship, education, prayer and bonding.
A Salesian noted, “When the sirens sounded, the courtyards would empty, and youth and activity leaders would head down to the shelters together. Sometimes, even there, the singing, games and activities continued. A Salesian playground is a place where a child can continue to feel like a child, a teenager can still dream and a young adult can learn to give of themselves to others, even when a siren forces everyone to take shelter.”
The summer program also involved many youth leaders. The School of Salesian Spirituality has helped them more deeply understand the meaning of their service. Youth received a warm welcome, friendship and hope, and had the ability to support others in need.
There were many others who supported these summer activities. The Salesian said, “Our gratitude goes to all the organizations, friends and benefactors, and, in particular, to the Salesian foundations and mission offices in various countries, including Mission Don Bosco in Turin, Italy, and Don Bosco Mission Bonn in Germany, who shared in this mission with us.”
The Salesian added, “Their help does not simply support activities. It enables thousands of youth to feel that even while their country is suffering, they are not alone and they are not forgotten.”
Since the beginning of the war, Salesian missionaries in Ukraine and around the globe have supported thousands of people with projects and activities aimed at alleviating the situation of people affected by the war. Salesians continue to provide education and hope for a better future.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
ANS – Ukraine – A summer the war cannot take away
UNHCR – Ukraine
*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.
