Program developed in collaboration with Cartagena District Education Secretariat

(MissionNewswire) Salesian vocational schools in Cartagena, Colombia, opened their new preschool classrooms with the blessing of Father Ariel Guerrero, provincial of the Salesians of Medellín. This is a step toward consolidating a comprehensive educational program for Cartagena’s youth.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the district, partner universities, donors, school leaders and students. The preschool has 83 children enrolled to start.

During the launch, Juan Carlos Echavarría, director of the institution, emphasized that the opening of the preschool responded to a long-standing need for early education for youth. He noted that this made it possible to ensure that youth are gaining the early learning skills needed for later education.

A Salesian said, “The preschool program was developed in collaboration with the Cartagena District Education Secretariat. This partnership has made it possible to broaden the scope of the Salesian mission to include early childhood education and to strengthen the shared commitment to quality education for the city’s working-class neighborhoods.”

The opening was also part of the preparations for the 90th anniversary of Salesians in Cartagena, to be celebrated in 2029, outlining new efforts to meet the educational needs of the local area.

The work of Salesian missionaries in Colombia is internationally recognized. Just over 34% of Colombians are living below the poverty line. Although Colombia is among the world’s emerging economies, more than three out of 10 Colombians still live in poor conditions.

One in five children in the country has no access to education. Many orphaned youth live in poverty and have lost their parents to natural disasters, the HIV/AIDS epidemic and other diseases, war, or domestic issues. Some children remain living with a single parent, struggling to survive, and are often pulled out of school to earn income for the remaining family. Other youth live in shelters or on the streets.

By providing education, workforce development services and social programs across Colombia, Salesian missionaries are working to empower youth and women to give them a chance at a better life.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Colombia – Salesian Vocational Schools open their pre-school and write a new chapter in the history of education in Cartagena

Salesian Missions – Colombia

World Bank – Colombia