(MissionNewswire) Students from the Salesian Artisan Schools of Łódź, Poland recently participated in the Erasmus Setúbal Project, which is co-funded by the European Union. As part of the project, two groups of 15 students went to Portugal for two-week professional internships for computer technicians and mechatronic technicians. The school collaborated with EDUGEP education services and the Salesian Vocational School in Setúbal, Portugal.

A Salesian explained, “The stay in Portugal was an intense time for students to acquire new professional skills and develop competencies in an international environment. The internships took place at local companies, which allowed participants to improve their qualifications and learn about the realities of working abroad. An important element of the trip was also the opportunity to form their spirituality with the pilgrimage to Fatima. Each group was supported by a Salesian priest and a Salesian collaborator working in the Salesian Artisan Schools.”

Salesian schools and centers educate poor and disadvantaged youth across Portugal. According to the World Bank there are close to 2.6 million people living below the poverty line in Portugal, 487,000 of whom are under the age of 18. The country is one of the most unequal countries in Europe as far as wealth distribution. Wealthy citizens earn five times the rate of income than those living in poverty.

Unemployment and low incomes are two of the factors that contribute to unequal wealth distribution. Portugal has a low hourly rate for workers in comparison to other countries in Europe. Many parents have to work multiple jobs, which leaves less time at home with their families and children.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Portugal – Students from the Salesian Artisan Schools of Łódź in apprenticeship to improve their qualifications

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Portugal

The post PORTUGAL: Polish students acquire skills with internships abroad first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Music Center in Lisbon recently celebrated its 30th anniversary of enabling anyone with an interest or skill to sing or play an instrument. The school does not require prerequisites to apply.

Luís Carlos Peleira, director, wrote about the school’s founding. He noted, “Thirty years ago, a young music teacher, José Morais, the current pedagogical director of the school, began to invite teachers even younger than him into an old refectory. There the dream of a different kind of music school — a school that did not require prerequisites, where everyone had a place and the right to learn to play and sing, regardless of their skills — was born. The school would meet the expectations of those who are traditionally gifted, those who are gifted in their own way and those who at first might not seem so. The goal was a school that looked at the artistic potential that every student brings with them.”

Today the school continues to invest in the training offered, updating and diversifying the curriculum. The school teaches beginners and those with higher levels of skill. It offers general training and training in the areas of composition, song writing, music history, instrument lessons, ensemble, music production and musical theater. The school is proud of its history and its student body.

Peleira added, “Recognizing a special talent among students is always a unique moment. It has been and always is magical and a privilege. I am sure that our capacity for reinvention has helped us along the way. We continue to showcase our commitment to training students, who will one day become great musicians and excellent people.”

According to the World Bank there are close to 2.6 million people living below the poverty line in Portugal, with 487,000 under the age of 18. The country is one of the most unequal countries in Europe as far as wealth distribution. Wealthy citizens earn five times the rate of income than those living in poverty.

Salesians provide education and social development programs to ensure youth have access to education so they can learn the skills for later employment, helping them lead self-sufficient lives.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Portugal – The Salesian music centre in Lisbon turns thirty

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Portugal

The post PORTUGAL: Music center celebrates 30 years first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian students won medals for their athletic ability in the National School Athletics Championships held May 23-26. The event, organized by the School Sports Division of the General Directorate of Education in Portugal, brought together more than 1,500 students and 250 teachers from all over the country to take part in in various sports.

During the competition, three students from the Salesians of Manique won five gold medals and one bronze. Eduardo Carrolo won gold medals in the high jump and long jump. He also qualified for the U18 European Championships in the high jump. Tatiana Pereira won the title of national champion in the long jump and 100 meters, obtaining two gold medals. Madalena Sampaio won the gold medal in the high jump and the bronze medal in the shot put.

A Salesian said, “It was a memorable weekend for athletes, coaches, the educational community and Salesians. We are proud of their accomplishments on the off the field. Salesians know that sports in education is important not just for athletic skills but the other values sports teach including hard work, dedication, team work, communication and responsibility.”

Salesian schools and centers educate poor and disadvantaged youth across Portugal. According to the World Bank there are close to 2.6 million people living below the poverty line in Portugal, 487,000 of whom are under the age of 18. The country is one of the most unequal countries in Europe as far as wealth distribution. Wealthy citizens earn five times the rate of income than those living in poverty.

Unemployment and low incomes are two of the factors that contribute to unequal wealth distribution. Portugal has a low hourly rate for workers in comparison to other countries in Europe. Many parents have to work multiple jobs, which leaves less time at home with their families and children. This leaves children without the proper guidance at home leading to behavior problems and lack of preparedness for school, including getting homework done and eating breakfast before coming to school.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Portugal – Three students of the Salesians in Manique win five gold medals and one bronze in the National School Sports Championship

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Portugal

The post PORTUGAL: Students medal in championships first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) The SolSal-Family Support Service in Lisbon facilitates a yearly Christmas Campaign to collect and distribute items for disadvantaged families. This year, 3,371 packages of basic necessities were collected and distributed. A similar campaign supports families in Évora, Portugal.

The Christmas Campaign brought together students, families and educators. The campaign collected 188 packages of diapers, 239 packages of baby care products, 194 hygiene products such as toothpaste and deodorant, and 2,750 packages of food products. At the Salesian nursery and kindergarten, about half a ton of food was collected. The items will be distributed to families benefiting from Évora’s SolSal Family Assistance Service throughout the year.

SolSal in Lisbon currently supports 84 families, including 184 youth. Youth benefit from programs that help them and their families meet their basic needs in order to minimize the constraints of poverty. This support is possible thanks to the many donors who have contributed to the campaign.

A Salesian said, “Salesian solidarity campaigns were organized throughout the Christmas period to ensure that families have their basic needs met. The school community, including youth and their families, have put all their efforts into helping the most vulnerable. No one was left behind and everyone had the courage to dream big, just as Pope Francis asks.”

According to the World Bank there are close to 2.6 million people living below the poverty line in Portugal, 487,000 of whom are under the age of 18. The country is one of the most unequal countries in Europe as far as wealth distribution. Wealthy citizens earn five times the rate of income than those living in poverty.

Unemployment and low incomes are two of the factors that contribute to unequal wealth distribution. Portugal has a low hourly rate for workers in comparison to other countries in Europe. Many parents have to work multiple jobs, which leaves less time at home with their families and children. This leaves children without the proper guidance at home leading to behavior problems and lack of preparedness for school, including getting homework done and eating breakfast before coming to school.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Portugal – A great success for the Lisbon and Évora Christmas Campaigns

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Portugal

The post PORTUGAL: Campaign provides basic needs for families first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries understand the importance of music education for youth. Thanks to a qualified teaching staff, Salesian music schools in Portugal are open to all students as well as people of all ages. Lessons on individual instruments, ensemble music lessons, general training, composition and production are just some of the courses offered. The training also includes live performances at school shows, auditions and concerts.

Salesian music schools are found in cities including in Lisbon, Estoril, Évora and Porto, and there is the Dom Bosco Music Center in Manique. Across these schools, there are 1,300 students taught by 100 teachers.

A Salesian said, “The education offered at Salesian music schools is rich and fruitful. Students not only learn the music skills taught but learn life skills in working collaboratively, dedication to a talent and an appreciation of the arts.”

In Estoril students have access to education in a range of instruments as well as singing, collective combo lessons (pop/rock or jazz band), vocal ensemble, history of music, multimedia production and writing lyrics. In Évora, students are exposed to musical initiation and a general course in musical, instrumental or singing training and ensemble music classes. There is also a free course offered. In Porto, students can learn a range of instruments and participate in the children’s choir.

At the Dom Bosco Music Center in Manique, there are classes on different instruments, musical training, chorus and the maintenance of acoustic pianos. In Lisbon, the leader of the Salesian music schools produced the Don Bosco Musical staged during last summer’s World Youth Day. There, lessons range from courses on individual instruments to general training, an improvisation workshop, music production and music technology.

According to the World Bank there are close to 2.6 million people living below the poverty line in Portugal, 487,000 of whom are under the age of 18. The country is one of the most unequal countries in Europe as far as wealth distribution. Wealthy citizens earn five times the rate of income than those living in poverty.

Salesians provide education and social development programs to ensure youth have access to education so they can learn the skills for later employment, helping them lead self-sufficient lives.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Portugal – Salesian Music Schools: Music, Body and Soul

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Portugal

The post PORTUGAL: Music schools educate over 1,300 youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) More than 354,000 Catholic youth celebrated World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, the first week of August. The event is a week of religious, cultural and festive activities held approximately every three years in a different city. The Salesian Youth Movement brought together more than 9,000 youth from 78 countries and more than 500 volunteers, staff, and lay people.

Father Ángel Fernández Artime, rector major of the Salesians, and Mother Chiara Cazzuola, superior general of Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, were also in attendance. The Salesian Youth Movement Day, held on Aug. 2, included a festival with the theme “Come, Live, Proclaim”.

A Salesian described the atmosphere, “Youth filled the Salesian house in Estoril with the typical energy of the Salesian oratory, with games, music and joy. There were stands and pavilions where young people of diverse nationalities could present their countries through short shows and games as well as a central stage where the afternoon program took place. At various times, Salesian hymns and songs were sung, each in their own language, demonstrating the universality of the Salesian message and charisma throughout the world.”

Along with the festival, the Salesian Youth Movement Day was also a moment of depth and authentic Salesian spirituality. There were times when silence was absolute and other times when different languages were spoken in the chapel. Youth prayed the rosary and called on God, through the intercession of Mary, for the Salesian family and the whole Catholic Church.

In the afternoon, Salesians in Estoril presented a dance and music show about St. John Bosco’s dream at age 9. After dinner, youth took their place in the courtyard to follow the prayer vigil, which started from St. John Bosco’s dream. Youth prayed for peace in the world, for the unity of the Church, for the evangelization of other young people, for the construction of a better world and for the salvation of all. At the close of the event, they awaited the words of encouragement and guidance offered by Mother Cazzuola and Fr. Artime.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Portugal – Over 9,000 young people at the “SYM DAY” in Estoril

ANS – Portugal – “Come, live and proclaim”: the afternoon message of SYM Day for young Salesians

Salesian Youth Movement World Youth Day

Salesian Missions

World Youth Day Lisbon 2023

The post PORTUGAL: Salesian youth celebrate World Youth Day first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Funchal, Portugal, have signed a collaboration protocol with the Child Development Aid Center to provide use of the Salesian pool complex for aquatic therapy sessions for youth with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.

The Child Development Aid Center has been in operation for about a year and a half and provides pedagogical support, physiotherapy, speech therapy, and psychological, nutritional, and occupational treatment for youth up to age 18.

Aquatic therapy is intended for children age 3 and older with neurodevelopmental disorders, and sensory, motor, social, cognitive, or emotional disorders. Individual hydrotherapy sessions last 30 minutes and are conducted by an occupational therapist in the learning pool, using various play materials for adaptation and autonomy in the aquatic environment, as well as other aspects of neurosensory and motor development.

“Salesians in Funchal were able to help ensure youth have access to the health services they need by signing this cooperative agreement,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “While Salesians primarily provide education, they know youth are dealing with much more and need more broad support like this.”

Salesians have been working in Funchal for more than 70 years. Today, they provide a parish, a school, an oratory and social service programs. There is also the Center for Past Pupils of Don Bosco and the Association of Mary Help of Christians.

According to the World Bank there are close to 2.6 million people living below the poverty line in Portugal, 487,000 of whom are under age 18. The country is one of the most unequal countries in Europe as far as wealth distribution. Wealthy citizens earn five times the rate of income than those living in poverty.

Unemployment and low incomes are two of the factors that contribute to unequal wealth distribution. Portugal has a low hourly rate for workers in comparison to other countries in Europe. Many parents have to work multiple jobs, which leaves less time at home with their families and children. This leaves children without the proper guidance at home leading to behavior problems and lack of preparedness for school, including getting homework done and eating breakfast before coming to school.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Portugal – Funchal’s Salesians and Child Development Aid Center partner for aquatic therapies

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Portugal

The post PORTUGAL: Aquatic therapy available to youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Since its foundation in 2019, Social Service of the Salesians (SolSal), located in Porto, Portugal, has focused on the creation of training and employment opportunities for youth who are not involved in education, employment or vocational training. One of SolSal’s current projects is the Electric Circus, inspired by St. John Bosco, who used circus techniques to motivate youth to dream and create the futures they wanted.

The project, which started in May 2022 and continues until July 2023, is training 30 youth ages 18-30 from the municipalities of Porto and Gondomar. Youth take part in weekly workshops on personal and social skills, employability, and circus arts, focusing on personal development. In addition to the workshops, the project also provides individual psychosocial support and skill-building workshops for families and companies.

The Electric Circus is the result of a collaboration among SolSal with support from Rio Tinto’s Soutelo Social Center, Erva Daninha Company and the Salesian Foundation. The project receives funding from EEA Grants Active Citizens Fund program for the social empowerment of vulnerable groups and the support of the consortium made up of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the Bissaya Barreto Foundation, which runs the program in Portugal.

“This is a unique project used to engage youth in skill building,” said Father Timothy Ploch, the interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Youth are empowered to learn new skills, gain confidence and tap into their talents while engaging with peers and learning from trusted adults. The goal is to engage youth in a way that’s fun while helping them explore employable skills for their future.”

SolSal also launched a new project with the Soutelo Social Center and Erva Daninha Company in October 2022. The Q-CIRCO project was established to help bridge the gap between skills training and employment for youth at Santo António Educational Center in Porto and the Areosa Rehabilitation Center. The project will run until 2025 and is receiving support from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the La Caixa Foundation through the PARTIS & Art for Change initiative.

According to the World Bank there are close to 2.6 million people living below the poverty line in Portugal, 487,000 of whom are under the age of 18. The country is one of the most unequal countries in Europe as far as wealth distribution. Wealthy citizens earn five times the rate of income than those living in poverty.

Unemployment and low incomes are two of the factors that contribute to unequal wealth distribution. Portugal has a low hourly rate for workers in comparison to other countries in Europe. Many parents have to work multiple jobs, which leaves less time at home with their families and children. This leaves children without the proper guidance at home leading to behavior problems and lack of preparedness for school, including getting homework done and eating breakfast before coming to school.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Portugal – Widespread collaboration, in the name of Don Bosco, for NEET youth on social reintegration paths

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Portugal

The post PORTUGAL: Circus skills motivate youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian centers, services and pastoral teams joined together to launch traditional Christmas campaigns in multiple cities across Portugal. These campaigns provided a range of items for poor youth and their families during the holiday season.

In Estoril, the campaign helped two associations through the sale of tickets to Christmas parties at three schools. With the proceeds, the Ajuda de Berço Association was provided food and hygiene products. The Turma Solidária Association in Alcabideche was provided clothing collected by the students.

In Évora, SolSal-Family Support Service promoted the “Hands that Multiply” food collection campaign among the educational community. Father Sebastião Coelho, director of SolSal, encouraged everyone to help more than 200 families supported by the organization and provide donations at the parish solidarity bazaar.

A campaign also took place the Salesian School in Funchal to provide comfort to the neediest families near the school. Some students were asked to contribute basic necessities for personal hygiene while others brought requested food items.

Students, teachers and staff of Salesian centers in Lisbon were asked for donations for the Christmas Campaign to benefit poor families. Students contributed hygiene products, food and baby products.

In Manique, 57 classes from the local Salesian institute made Christmas baskets filled with non-perishable food items based on the needs of local families assigned to them. In Mirandela, the campaign benefited the Children and Youth Home and families in need in eight Salesian parishes. Salesians in Mirandela also provided clothing for students in some of the city’s institutions.

The National Shrine of Our Lady Help of Christians in Mogofores collected food, clothing and gifts with the help of the parish’s social store and youth groups that will participate in World Youth Day to be held in Lisbon in 2023. The distribution of gifts during the Christmas celebration is a Shrine tradition.

Finally, the Association of Parents and Guardians of Pupils of the Porto Salesians launched a food collection drive. The baskets benefited poor families in the school, youth center and Salesian Past Pupil Center.

According to the World Bank there is close to 2.6 million people living below the poverty line in Portugal, 487,000 of whom are under the age of 18. The country is one of the most unequal countries in Europe as far as wealth distribution. Wealthy citizens earn five times the rate of income than those living in poverty.

Unemployment and low incomes are two of the factors that contribute to unequal wealth distribution. Portugal has a low hourly rate for workers in comparison to other countries in Europe. Many parents have to work multiple jobs, which leaves less time at home with their families and children. This leaves children without the proper guidance at home leading to behavior problems and lack of preparedness for school, including getting homework done and eating breakfast before coming to school.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Portugal – Christmas Campaigns in Province’s schools, works, social services

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Portugal

The post PORTUGAL: Poor families benefit from donations first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Estoril, Portugal, have developed a digital oratory in response to the challenges posed by the interruption of normal school activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The app promotes educational, recreational and playful activities led by Salesian students and educators for children and their families.

“The digital oratory was a response to stay close to students and their families and provide social support, promote hope, and mobilize essential resources for physical, psychological, and spiritual need,” said a Salesian representative in Estoril. “We adapted what we provide in person to a digital space, addressing head on the challenges of the pandemic and using technology to fill the needs that youth and families still have.”

Activity areas include sports, music, science, emotions, spirituality, arts, cooking, social networks, study methods and techniques, games, and photography. In addition, the activities are segmented by age groups, from 4 to 18 years, to ensure greater adaptability to the diversity of the participants.

The interactions between educators and participants exceeded initial expectations, reinforcing that by working together it is possible to overcome difficulties and to learn and continue to grow.

According to the World Bank there is close to 2.6 million people living below the poverty line in Portugal, 487,000 of whom are under the age of 18. The country is one of the most unequal countries in Europe as far as wealth distribution. Wealthy citizens earn five times the rate of income than those living in poverty.

Unemployment and low incomes are two of the factors that contribute to unequal wealth distribution. Portugal has a low hourly rate for workers in comparison to other countries in Europe. Many parents have to work multiple jobs, which leaves less time at home with their families and children. This leaves children without the proper guidance at home leading to behavior problems and lack of preparedness for school, including getting homework done and eating breakfast before coming to school.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Portugal – Salesians of Estoril develop “Salesian Digital Oratory” to continue accompanying young people

Don Bosco International

World Bank – Portugal

The post PORTUGAL: Digital oratory connects youth to services first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) The “Brilliant mothers – Empowerment of single-parent female families” project facilitated by SolSal (Salesian Social Service) has been awarded the “Social Value Award” by the Cepsa Foundation. The project, promoted by the Salesian Foundation, is carried out in Evora, Portugal, and is one of five Portuguese projects that was recognized.

The “Social Value Award” was created in 2005 with the aim of recognizing and promoting the social activity of different entities that work to improve the quality of life. Over the past 15 years, these awards have enabled the development of more than 340 projects, which had an impact on the quality of life of around 40,000 people.

The Cepsa Foundation award provides financial support for the SolSal project, which provides support to single mothers in situations of vulnerability. The day-to-day demands of these women who are raising children without the support of their husbands, partners or extended family are difficult. They may also face dealing with low income and low education levels, which have a great impact on their family, relationships and self-esteem.

The project addresses parenting, along with personal, social, and professional challenges through an integrated approach. There is school and educational support for youth, support in accessing services to understand individual and family rights, workshops on personal care and attention habits, assistance drafting a resume, and help searching and applying for jobs.

“Single mothers face many challenges in gaining an education and finding stable employment while meeting the demands of raising a family alone,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “This project helps level the playing field by supporting these women in areas that are often most challenging. Helping them find stable employment also helps them to become more self-sufficient which can improve family relationships and self-esteem.”

According to the World Bank there is close to 2.6 million people living below the poverty line in Portugal, 487,000 of whom are under the age of 18. The country is one of the most unequal countries in Europe as far as wealth distribution. Wealthy citizens earn five times the rate of income than those living in poverty.

Unemployment and low incomes are two of the factors that contribute to this wealth distribution. Portugal has a low hourly rate for workers in comparison to other countries in Europe. Many parents have to work multiple jobs, which leaves less time at home with their families and children. This leaves children without the proper guidance at home leading to behavior problems and lack of preparedness for school, including getting homework done and eating breakfast before coming to school.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Portugal – Award for “SolSal Évora” project in favor of single mothers

Don Bosco International

World Bank – Portugal

The post PORTUGAL: Project for single mothers wins award first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Center in Lisbon, Portugal, created the SolSal (Salesian Social Service) in 2008 to provide support to vulnerable children and older youth, along with their families, to promote their well-being and autonomy. Currently, the organization serves 114 families, 28 percent of whom are migrant families from 10 different countries. There are also three refugee families that came to Portugal as part of a refugee relocation program within the European Union.

“Even if our participation in the refugee program ended in March 2018, we continue to accompany them as we do with many other migrant families,” said Alexandra Constantino, head of SolSal Lisbon and coordinator of the Salesian Social Service at the national level, together with the Salesian Father Álvaro Lago.

SolSal is one of the entities that adhered to the Refugee Support Platform, a civil society initiative to organize the reception of refugees according to a model of community integration, rather than in refugee centers. All of the children and youth attend school either in local Salesian schools or in public institutions.

The families live in houses provided by the Salesian Foundation. Only one of the adults is currently out of work while all the others are employed, full-time or part-time. Everyone also has easy access to medical visits and consultations.

The SolSal initiative provides these families baskets of basic necessities and meals. In addition, these families have access to family counseling programs, psychological support, parental education activities, and cooking and finance workshops.

For immigrant families, SolSal provides support in accessing public administration services. One of the greatest difficulties for these families is accessing the support provided by the state, as well as dealing with the renewal of identification documents and residence permits. To further help new immigrants coming to the country, SolSal provides support with social inclusion and gives families access to Portuguese lessons and conversation sessions for language learning.

The pandemic has imposed greater difficulties on the SolSal initiative, but Salesians have continued their work, modifying to safely meet the needs of families they serve.

“Our biggest victory was continuing with the doors open, despite all the changes we had to make in the functioning of the service,” said a psychologist working with SolSal. “We have seen many success stories, including Antónia Andrade, a Cape Verdean woman who started at SolSal eight years ago, and today, is a volunteer who helps in the collection and distribution of goods to families in need.”

###

Sources:

Photo: João Ramalho

ANS – Portugal – Lisbon “SolSal” service accompanies migrant families

Don Bosco International

The post PORTUGAL: Help continues for migrant and refugee families first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Salesians in the country focus their efforts on education and vocational skills training for poor youth. Recently, Salesians missionaries in Vila Nova de Poiares, a municipality in the Coimbra district in north central Portugal, have launched a new professional training course aimed at young people who have struggled in school and have failed two or more courses.

The missionaries in Poiares have been providing vocational skills training for the last nine years. The new professional training program serves students in grades 9 through 12 and beyond. Depending upon their experience, students begin with basic or more advanced education courses, culminating in an apprenticeship and on-the-job training. The smaller class sizes and individual assistance offered in the new program are appealing to those who struggle in larger, more traditional classes.

“Education and skills training is necessary for poor youth to help them break the cycle of poverty,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesians helps students achieve success in basic education courses in order to be more prepared for Salesian vocational and technical training, which helps youth access long-term stable employment.”

In the Poiares region, work in wine production, catering and the tourism industry is readily available. The new program takes advantage of existing Salesian resources – a three-hectare vineyard, a restaurant, workshops for electricians and a multimedia studio – by focusing coursework on viticulture, catering, electricity, hotel management and media.

The goal is to provide vocational skills training in professions were work is accessible and available. The ability to offer real work experience contributes to the overall success of the Salesian program and educational experience, particularly when students find themselves at an advantage connecting with employment immediately after graduation. Many students are offered jobs at the companies where they completed their apprenticeships while others choose to go on to obtain advanced degrees.

“The new vocational program meets a local need and provides advancement for poor youth in the region – a win-win for both employers and job seekers,” adds Fr. Hyde. “Through coursework and additional social development programs, students leave the vocational school with the professional skills and aptitude necessary to excel in the workforce.”

###

Sources

ANS –  Portugal – Vocational Training, a successful response

European Commission – Research findings – Social Situation Monitor – Income inequality in EU countries

Portuguese American Journal – Crisis: The pain and shame of poverty – Portugal

World Bank – Portugal

The post PORTUGAL: New Vocational Program Gives Struggling Students Second Chance first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Five of the six missionaries are headed to the Cape Verde islands and will be volunteering at the school of arts and crafts in São Vicente as well as at the Salesian-run parishes of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady of Grace, both in Praia, the country’s capital. According to the World Bank, the Cape Verde Islands have seen steady economic growth and enjoy a per capita income that is higher than many continental African nations. However, close to 25 percent of the country’s population lives in poverty.

The sixth Project Life missionary is heading to Mozambique, which according to the World Bank is one of the poorest countries in the world. Despite impressive growth and development over the last several years that has reduced the once 70 percent poverty rate (in the late 1990s) to 54 percent today, poverty continues to be severe and widespread. More than 70 percent of those living in poverty reside in rural areas and rely on farming and fishing to make a living. The vast majority of the rural population lives on less than $1.25 a day and lacks basic services such as access to safe water, health care and education.

The young volunteer in Mozambique will have the opportunity to assist poor students in educational projects at a vocational-technical school in the capital city of Maputo in addition to giving open-air lessons in the city of Tete, located on the Zambezi River in the northern part of the country.

“Volunteerism is an important part of Salesian programs around the globe,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Our volunteers spend their time in schools, youth centers and Salesian programs that provide education, workforce development and other supportive services for poor youth and their families. The time volunteers spend helps to increase the capacity of our programs and brings a lot of joy to the youth they serve.”

Before being sent abroad on their assignments, volunteers are rigorously trained in working with youth in poverty, the employment situation in the country assigned, education techniques, leadership and health topics. Volunteers learn to develop their capacity for collaboration as well as how to begin a dialogue with other cultures, religions, ethnic minorities and those living in extreme poverty. Volunteers benefit by expanding their knowledge and skills set and most often find the experience an opportunity for great personal growth.

The Don Bosco program, Project Life, also offers volunteer assignments to individuals and groups who wish to help poor youth within Portugal and in Portuguese speaking countries. Short term projects that address the immediate needs of the poor as well as long term projects focused on education and social services are available. Additional volunteers have participated in fundraising efforts that result in feeding programs, scholarships and accommodations for students in need.

###

Sources

ANS – Portugal – “Don Bosco Programme – Project Life”: Salesian Youth Volunteering

World Bank – Cape Verde

World Bank – Mozambique

The post PORTUGAL: Volunteers Give Back By Helping Poor Youth in Salesian Programs first appeared on MissionNewswire.