Salesian support network includes job training and placement

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in the cities of Santa Fe and Rosario, Argentina, have mobilized to provide food support to 240 vulnerable families. According to the country’s National Institute of Statistics and Census data, poverty rates are alarming, with many families lacking the resources to meet their basic needs. This includes the many families already being supported by the Salesians.

Thanks to collaboration with the IRSA Foundation, Salesians are focused on helping families who are suffering in the neighborhoods of Ludueña, Los Hornos, Hipódromo and San José. Bags of food were donated to three Caritas offices and then delivered to the families. In addition, a support network has been established, which includes providing these families with technical training workshops and job placement possibilities.

“Providing stopgap food aid to families suffering from conditions of poverty is critical to ensure their health and safety,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesians know that providing aid isn’t enough. These families need long-term support to get back on their feet. The only way to accomplish this is by providing skills training so individuals can join the workforce and earn an income to support their families long term.”

The Salesians of Don Bosco are considered the largest private provider of vocational and technical training in the world. Programs focus on helping vulnerable youth by providing access to educational opportunities that match the local employment needs. Around the globe, there are nearly 1,000 Salesian vocational, technical, professional and agricultural schools. Those receiving training in Argentina had a real shot at success with long-term stable employment with the help of the Salesians.

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% and youth account for a third of those unemployed. Almost 12% of children ages 5-17 are working instead of being in school and 20% 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 – Salesians and “IRSA Foundation” unite to provide food assistance to families

Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina