(MissionNewswire) Ewoud Vromant, a Belgian cyclist who won two silver medals in the Paris 2024 Paralympics, is a graduate and past pupil of Don Bosco School in Ghent, Belgium. Vromant had one leg amputated 10 years ago as a result of a tumor. Vromant believes there is a “solution to each problem” and has faced this unexpected obstacle in his life head-on.

While the Don Bosco School was much farther from home than other schools, he chose to attend. Today, Vromant has good memories of his time at the Don Bosco School, especially the mandatory sports hour during the lunch break. He spent considerable time on the soccer fields and athletic track. He loved extracurricular activities including cycling trips.

As a child, he tried all sports including judo, tennis, swimming and soccer. Vromant said, “It’s hard to think of a sport I’ve never tried.”

At the age of 22, Vromant dedicated himself to the triathlon. His dream was to become an Iron Man. During his preparation in 2012, he was diagnosed with leg cancer at the age of 28. His treatment included amputation, chemotherapy and rehabilitation. But even then his passion for sports did not stop.

During rehabilitation, he came into contact with someone who accompanied runners with prostheses and Vromant started running for pleasure. It soon became clear that he wasn’t very good at running with a prosthesis, which led him to resume cycling.

Since then, he has been a Belgian, European and World Paracycling champion. While participating in the Tokyo Paralympics, he was disqualified because the judges didn’t believe he was sufficiently on the bike saddle. Yet, he had shattered his own record. This year, he made a comeback and is happy with his achievements.

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

ANS – France – Past pupil Ewoud Vromant shines at the Paris 2024 Paralympics and delivers his message of hope: “There is a solution to each problem”

Salesian Missions

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(MissionNewswire) The Farnières Center in Belgium is the home of Salesian missionaries and Salesian sisters with Daughter of Mary Help of Christians. They reside there and, with the help of lay volunteers, welcome groups for retreats, meetings and training events. The center is located in the middle of a forest between Vielsalm and Trois-Ponts in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes.

The center has been working to upgrade its facilities to be environmentally friendly. Each year, approximately 15,850 gallons (60,000 liters) of diesel fuel are needed to heat the halls, dormitories, rooms and various bungalows. More than 10 years ago, the center’s managers installed photovoltaic panels to provide a better source of electricity.

In December 2022, a new biomass heating system went into operation with two boilers using wood chips, which is a more environmentally friendly source of heat. This is the largest investment made by the center since a major renovation 25 years ago.

In addition to this work, 20 volunteers came together to plant 1,000 trees and shrubs on the grounds. The goal was to transform the large lawn bordering the main access path to the center into a welcoming place. There is a green area for picnics surrounded by bushes, spaces for sharing in small groups bordered by hedges and footpaths for walking. The hedges consist of black currant, red currant and raspberry bushes. An orchard of apples, plums, cherries and pears has been also planted, which will contribute to the food supply of the center in the future.

“Salesian organizations around the globe have been focused on environmental sustainability projects in response to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ to raise awareness and increase action on the values ​​of integral ecology,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesians are working to create an environment that is safe and caring for all life on the planet while building up a new generation of environmentally committed citizens and leaders.”

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

ANS – Belgium – One thousand trees planted, biomass heating… in Farnières, investment made in caring for nature and the planet

Salesian Missions

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(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Youth-Net, the European network of Salesian youth organizations based in Belgium, and its partners have launched a two-year project focused on volunteering. The project, known as “The future is Europe: voluntary service and social change,” is being launched with the support of Erasmus+, the European Union’s program to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe.

The project’s aim is to help define a vision for voluntary service by setting long-term goals and helping all partner organizations to develop concrete actions. Activities for the project are focused around digitalization, solidarity, employment and sustainability. These activities will raise awareness on issues such as European citizenship, civic engagement and common values.

The goal is to engage youth from various countries to help them develop their soft skills and competencies for future employability. This will help all partner organizations create a model of education to be implemented in the countries involved and beyond.

“All youth deserve a chance at a better life,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesians help youth overcome barriers to success while teaching them how to take responsibility for their own lives. Part of this education is paying forward the lessons they learn to others. By providing youth an opportunity to volunteer, they can learn additional skills to find and retain employment.”

Through this project, Salesian organizations strengthen voluntary service, reach more youth through quality projects, impact employability through recognition of competencies gained during the experience, and provide digital solutions for networking and learning environments.

At the close of the project, a policy paper will be disseminated at international, national, regional and local levels to inspire other organizations active in the field of volunteering service and international youth mobility.

Working in collaboration with Don Bosco Youth-Net are it’s projects partners including Aktionszentrum Benediktbeuern, based in Germany, Confe Don Bosco, based in Spain, Jeugddienst Don Bosco, based in Belgium, Salesiani per il Sociale APS and Turismo Giovanile e Sociale, based in Rome, Italy, TGS Eurogroup, based in Venice, Italy, Salesian Pastoral Youth Service, based in Malta, and Youth to Connect, based in the Netherlands.

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

ANS – Belgium – “The future is Europe: voluntary service and social change”

Salesian Missions

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(MissionNewswire) Kim Gevaert, a former student at Don Bosco School in Haacht, Belgium, won a gold medal in the 4 x 100 relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and was the 2006 European champion in the 100- and 200-meter dash. She recently returned to the Don Bosco School to talk about how a Salesian education impacted her.

“Empathy and ‘believing in’ were strongly present in this Salesian school,” said Gevaert. “There was attention for the complete development of the child. The school tried to bring out the talents of the students and you could do what you were interested in. I definitely felt that.”

She added, “I still remember how I was the weak link in the volleyball team at school, at least that’s how I felt. Eventually, I became one of the stronger runners on the national relay team, but I was very good at empathizing with people when they made a mistake or were not in the best of shape. I never pointed the finger, but understood how that person felt. That empathy and humility are things I have acquired here.”

“I also enjoyed the moments of reflection,” Gevaert explained. “In the sixth year, we went on a weekend silent retreat with the sisters. Then we had to be quiet and go to Mass with them at four o’clock in the morning. Moments like that broaden your view. Those people choose such a life and I could understand that. I think it’s important, as a parent, to counterbalance all the misery that children see. Through faith, you give them a sort of something to hold on to. In the end, they choose what to do with it later on. Maybe nothing, but maybe they need that something to hold on to in order to learn to reflect or to calm down. I raise my children Catholic, but with a broad view of the world. ‘Faith, what is it?’ and ‘What does it do to me?’ That broader view of faith and of the world is our starting point.”

Gevaert has also been dedicating some time to underprivileged youth in Congo. She said,
“My husband and I wanted to do something for the children in his native Congo. I know very well that we grew up in a family with lots of opportunities. As we get older, you realize more and more that we were lucky. For many children, that is not the case. That is why I wanted to give something back to society by dedicating myself to the youth in Congo.”

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

ANS – Belgium – Former Olympic gold medalist Kim Gevaert: “Don Bosco school believed in everyone’s talents”

Salesian Missions

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Saidi escaped from the Taliban in Kabul and was welcomed at the Don Bosco program in Hornu. The fear of the Taliban forced him to leave everything behind to embark on a dangerous journey without being accompanied by adults. Like many, he will have to find another program after he turns 16 because he will age out of the Salesian school. Salesian missionaries are working with other Salesian programs and local programs in Belgian communities in the hopes of helping youth make an easier transition once they reach their later teens and need to seek assistance elsewhere.

“I did not know where to go, but I could not continue living in my country,” says Saidi. “I wish I never had to leave my country. But no doubt I am very grateful for the opportunities they are giving me.”  The journey of young refugees is not easy. They have to face different cultures and customs but most young people arrive with the desire to learn and help.

“The boys are attending courses in all subjects including French and English language, mathematics, science, religion, physical education, drawing and music,” says Professor Flore Dubois who conducts a French course for foreign students. “There is a spirit of cooperation among them. If someone does not understand an exercise, another helps. The older ones are motivated by the desire for a job. For most of them, their priority is to be allowed to stay in Belgium when they are of age.”

There are challenges for young refugees settling in to new programs and new routines. The director of the Don Bosco School, Annie Michel, points out the difficulties encountered by these youth and Salesian staff.

“Our two classes are largely composed of Afghans and Syrians, and it’s not easy for these young people to integrate into our rules,” says Michel. “I learned that children in their countries obey school rules, but from the age of 12 to 18, teachers are no longer involved. It is important to work hard on training, to integrate their code and avoid misunderstandings. Despite the difficulties, these young people have an amazing thirst for learning.”

In countries around the globe, Salesian missionaries are assisting close to 400,000 refugees and internally displaced persons whose lives have been affected by war, persecution, famine and natural disasters such as floods, droughts and earthquakes. Salesian programs provide refugees much needed education and technical skills training, workforce development, health care and nutrition.

Since the end of 2014, Europe has been experiencing a maritime refugee crisis of historic proportions, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The ongoing conflict and violence in Syria, Iraq and other parts of the world is causing large-scale displacement and refugees are seeking safety beyond the immediate region. In 2015, and the first months of 2016, almost 1.2 million refugees and migrants reached European shores, most fleeing conflict and persecution. In 2017, more than 118,000 have risked their lives to reach Europe by sea. UNHCR notes that an increasing number of families, women and unaccompanied children undertook perilous journeys across several countries and often faced exploitation on the hands of smugglers.

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ANS – Belgium – Saidi, Afghan refugee child: “I am very grateful for the opportunities I am being given”

UNHCR – Europe Emergency

Salesian Missions

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“Investing in children and youth are key ingredients for a fairer, more cohesive and sustainable Europe,” said Executive Secretary of Don Bosco International Ángel Gudiña in a statement about the document. “Providing future generations with high-quality public healthcare, social services, and formal and non-formal education ensures the continuity of the European project in view of recent events. As Don Bosco International, we intend that European Union (EU) focuses more on its citizen, especially on those who, due to their age or personal circumstance, are not usually given a voice.”

The vision document was released ahead of a summit of EU leaders in June with the key issues for Europe’s future on the agenda, including migration, security, jobs and Brexit. June 23 also marked the one year anniversary of the United Kingdom’s vote to leave the European Union, which propelled questions about the future of Europe up the political agenda.

The vision describes a future for Europe in which “sustainability sits firmly at the heart of the European project,” and the EU focuses on “democracy and participation, social and environmental justice, solidarity and sustainability, respect for the rule of law, and human rights both within Europe and around the globe.”

The organizations have come together to put forth this vision for the future as an alternative to proposals from European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, including five “Future of Europe” scenarios which are currently being consulted on with member states with first conclusions due at the end of the year.

“The five scenarios for the future of Europe put forward by President Juncker are all deeply disappointing and have little connection to the challenges that the European Union faces. Instead we need a bold vision—an alternative sixth scenario—that puts social and environmental wellbeing at the core. The implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development should be absolutely key for a future that serves people and the planet, not vested interests,” said Leida Rijnhout from SDG Watch Europe and Friends of the Earth Europe.

The European Commission’s White Paper on the Future of Europe is available here.

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ANS – Belgium – 4 Salesian organizations join 250 NGOs launching Alternative Vision for Europe

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Since the end of 2014, Europe has been experiencing a maritime refugee crisis of historic proportions, according to UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency. In 2015 alone, more than 300,000 refugees and migrants crossed the Mediterranean Sea on their way to Europe. At the end of 2014, 59.5 million people worldwide, the highest level on record, were forcibly displaced as a result of persecution, conflict and human rights violations. Of those documented, 19.5 million were refugees.

In 2014, European Union countries hosted a relatively small share of refugees. At the end of 2014, the world’s top refugee host was Turkey followed by Pakistan, Lebanon, Iran, Ethiopia and Jordan. Lebanon hosted by far the largest number of refugees by population. By the first six months of 2015, 137,000 refugees and migrants arrived in Europe by sea under profoundly difficult and unsafe conditions as compared to the 75,000 that arrived during the same time period the previous year. The numbers have continued to rise since that time.

In Belgium, like in many countries across Europe, Salesian missionaries have been assisting these refugees with programs and helping them to integrate into their new communities. For more than a year, the Don Bosco Institute of Tournai has been hosting five young boys and providing them education, shelter and ongoing support.

“The boys are attending courses in all subjects including French and English language, mathematics, science, religion, physical education, drawing and music,” says Professor Flore Dubois who conducts a French course for foreign students. “There is a spirit of cooperation among them. If someone does not understand an exercise, another helps. The older ones are motivated by the desire for a job. For most of them, their priority is to be allowed to stay in Belgium when they are of age.”

There are challenges though for young refugees settling in to new programs and new routines. The director of the Don Bosco School, Annie Michel, points out the difficulties encountered by these youth and Salesian staff.

“Our two classes are largely composed of Afghans and Syrians, and it’s not easy for these young people to integrate into our rules,” says Michel. “I learned that children in their countries obey school rules, but from the age of 12 to 18, teachers are no longer involved. It is important to work hard on training, to integrate their code and avoid misunderstandings. Despite the difficulties, these young people have an amazing thirst for learning.”

Saïdi, who is at the Don Bosco School is a 14-year-old Afghan. He escaped from the Taliban in Kabul and was welcomed for six months at the Don Bosco work in Hornu. Initially he had difficulty accepting the rules and schedules and wanted to change the structure. But when he knew it would not be possible, he changed his attitude and now thinks of the program as his home. But for many like Saïdi, he will have to find another program after he turns 16 because he will age out of the Salesian school. Salesian missionaries are working with other Salesian programs and local programs in Belgian communities in the hopes of helping youth make an easier transition once they reach their later teens and need to seek assistance elsewhere.

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ANS – Belgium – The Salesian Network Welcomes Migrant Minors

UNHCR – The sea route to Europe: The Mediterranean passage in the age of refugees

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ACRATH was started in 2005 as a direct result of Catholic Religious Australia and the growing awareness of the problem of human trafficking. The Sisters of the Good Shepherd, St. Brigide Sisters, Franciscan Sisters of the Divine Motherhood, Presentation Sisters, Sister of Charity, Sisters of the Good Samaritan, Sisters of Mercy and Sisters of St Joseph were pioneers dealing with this issue. Later, lay people and others, including a Christian Brother and Bro. O’Brien became involved.

In 2016, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) release its Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, the third report of its kind mandated by the General Assembly through the 2010 United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. The 2016 report noted that over the last 10 years, the profile of detected trafficking victims has changed. Although most detected victims are still women, children and men now make up larger shares of the total number of victims than they did a decade ago. In parallel with the significant increases in the share of men among detected trafficking victims, the share of victims who are trafficked for forced labor has also increased. The report noted that about four in 10 victims detected between 2012 and 2014 were trafficked for forced labor, and out of these victims 63 percent were men.

The report further noted that from 2012-2014, more than 500 different trafficking flows were detected and countries in western and southern Europe detected victims of 137 different citizenship. These figures show that human trafficking is occurring almost everywhere. In terms of the different types of trafficking, sexual exploitation and forced labor are the most prominent. But the report showed that trafficking can have numerous other forms including: victims compelled to act as beggars or forced into sham marriages, benefit fraud, pornography production and organ removal. In response, many countries have criminalized most forms of trafficking as set out in the UN Trafficking in Persons Protocol. The number of countries doing this increased from 33 in 2003 to 158 in 2016.

Although trafficking seems to imply people moving across continents, most exploitation takes place close to home. Data shows intra-regional and domestic trafficking are the major forms of trafficking in persons. To help build awareness of the issues of human trafficking, ACRATH engages in broad-based community education campaigns. Its members also provide advocacy and lobbying for visa reform based on human rights for all survivors of trafficking. Further, the group establishes safe houses and buildings, non-governmental organizations and support agency networks in the Asia Pacific region, among other activities.

“The work started in Sydney and Melbourne but has now expanded nationwide since 2005,” says Bro. O’Brien. “The group continues to work in every way possible, collaborating with state police, Australian federal police, lawyers, judges and others.”

In 2013, ACRATH launched Australia’s first multi-language anti-trafficking radio awareness project in order to create awareness about the risk of sexual and labor exploitation in Australia. The radio project works with local ethnic radio programs to broadcast community service announcements in specific languages to create awareness within local communities most at risk of exploitation. With the help of local volunteers, the project has produced community service announcements in Thai, Vietnamese and Mandarin. In 2017, it was broadened to include more languages and to incorporate the issue of forced marriages.

In 2015, Bro. O’Brien put together a book “One in a thousand stories: a tale of human trafficking,” which although fiction, told the realistic story through pictures in needlepoint of two women from Thailand who were trafficked to Melbourne, Australia. The book was presented in 2015 during ACRATH’s General Assembly by the AUL Provincial Father Greg Chambers.

“In the future, I hope to continue to participate in these activities, including with the radio project. I also hope to talk to young Salesians, especially those coming from those countries where people are being trafficked, so as to let them know what are the ways they may be able to help and find help,” says Bro. O’Brien.

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ANS – Australia – Salesian Brother involved in Advocacy against Human Trafficking

UNODC 2016 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons

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The app has a search function a youth leader can use to search a name, age group, type of playing area, and type of game. There is also a special search function that searches for games appropriate for the playground. These activities are ideal for lunch-time breaks in schools. The games use a set of symbols as extra illustrations for the type of game such as grass if it is to be played on a field of grass or an umbrella if the game can be played inside.

A user can “like” by clicking a heart at the top of the screen to create a list of favorites. If the user shakes their Smartphone, the app will show a random game in the collection. As games are culturally determined, it is important to use the app as inspiration and adapt it to the local cultural setting in which it is to be used. Once the app has been installed, the user doesn’t need internet connection to have access to the games. Don Bosco Youth-Net also includes a calendar with all upcoming activities and will make annual updates of the games database.

“This new games app provides a great opportunity for Salesian youth leaders to easily engage young students in age appropriate group activities,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian programs provide education and social development activities, like sports, arts and recreation, for young students to help teach them social skills, team work, and problem solving skills.”

The app was originally developed in Dutch by a Belgian member of Don Bosco Youth-Net. With the help of German, English and Irish members of the organization, the English version was recently launched. The games app was co-financed by the Erasmus+ Programme Guide and the European Youth Foundation through their structural grants, which Don Bosco Youth-Net received.

Don Bosco Youth-Net is an international network of Salesian youth offices and organizations. It is comprised of 15 organizations, 1.077 employees, and 9.011 volunteers who provide services for 124,445 youth across 15 European countries. The task of the network is to create and promote international activities for and by young. In addition, the network creates opportunities for its member organizations to share their good practices and start-up new projects together. The network represents the voice of young people in Europe and internationally through targeted advocacy work.

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ANS – Belgium – Games App to support Don Bosco youth leaders

Don Bosco Youth-Net

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