ARGENTINA: Vulnerable youth attend camp
Salesian oratory holds summer camp for 500 youth
ARGENTINA
(MissionNewswire) Salesian Don Bosco Oratory in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, held a summer camp for 500 youth from the area’s vulnerable neighborhoods. Youth were able to enjoy the camp from Jan. 18-31, which culminated with the Feast of St. John Bosco. Youth spent time connecting with their peers in a playful and educational space.
About 20 volunteers from the local Salesian Youth Movement participated in the planning and organization of the camp, along with young volunteers from other Salesian centers in the Province of North Argentina.
This year, the mottos “The best of me to share” and “The joy of meeting again” guided the volunteers in the games, sports and workshops they facilitated. The summer camp provided the opportunity for poor youth to experience a time of rest, relaxation, and joy with their peers and caring older youth and adults.
“All youth deserve a chance to have an enjoyable summer vacation where they can connect with friends and engage in safe activities,” says Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian camps provide much more than just recreational activities though. There is an educational component included in each one. Even sports programs teach teamwork, skill building and problem solving.”
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)
Salesian Missions – Argentina
World Bank – Argentina
