Salesian University in Bahía Blanca resumes with 1,200 students returning to attend in-person classes

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian University in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, known as UNISAL, has started its academic year with more than 1,200 students returning to attend in-person classes. The university offers quality education to youth who are looking to continue their academic studies. Its focus is on development and research, advancement in technology, human resources, and attention to innovative practices for the common good of the people and the progress of the nation.

UNISAL has 200 staff members and offers eight courses within the disciplines of psychology, law and social sciences. During the 2022 academic year, there are 21 active research projects along with continuing education diplomas, courses, and seminars available. UNISAL is also being evaluated for final accreditation by the Ministry of National Education and the National Commission for University Evaluation and Accreditation.

Access to education and training provides a foundation for youth to break the cycle of poverty and gain employment. Salesians have been working in Argentina to provide educational opportunities to poor youth through schools, technical and agricultural programs, universities, and other services that help youth learn skills to gain stable employment.

Youth groups from the Don Bosco Center in Bahía Blanca resumed activities in the courtyard in May 2021 but college courses remained online. Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, noted, “As more activities resume for Salesian organizations in Argentina and around the globe, Salesian staff are still having to modify how the programs are facilitated. Salesian programs have remained agile through the pandemic and are working to continue to provide services, while meeting safety guidelines, to help support youth and their families.”

More than a quarter of the people in Argentina live in conditions of poverty with no formal employment and poor-quality education, according to the World Bank. The country’s high school dropout rate is close to 37 percent and youth account for a third of those unemployed. Almost 12 percent of children ages 5-17 are working instead of being in school and 20 percent need government assistance. Many face malnutrition, a lack of clean water and sewage, and inadequate housing.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Argentina – Over 1,200 students begin in-person classes at Salesian University of Bahía Blanca

Salesian Missions – Argentina

UNISAL

World Bank – Argentina