SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian University of Sarrià, located in Barcelona, Spain, has introduced a new optional teaching module in its engineering degree courses. This national-level initiative aims to broaden the professional skills of future engineers and strengthen the center’s education.

The course was launched following the observation that a growing number of graduates take on teaching-related tasks at some point in their professional careers. As explained by Noemí Ruíz, head of the research department and promoter of the project, the university has an excellent team of researchers that have made teaching this course possible.

The module has a highly practical approach. Students take internships in various educational centers, mainly Salesian-run, that help them have hands-on practical knowledge. The internships were structured in two phases, with students first observing the teaching process and then holding theoretical and practical sessions and workshops.

According to the Salesian university, the demand for the course exceeded expectations. Students enrolled for different reasons including a curiosity about teaching, the desire to open up new career paths and the recommendation of their academic tutors.

Alex Rojas, a mechanical engineering student who participated, highlighted the learning acquired during internships at educational centers. He said, “The skills acquired have a direct application in the world of work, beyond the educational sphere.”

The teaching staff has noted the impact students have had on vocational students, providing a direct insight into employment and becoming true academic role models. In some cases, university students have returned to the centers where they trained, now as trainee teachers.

Ruíz explained, “The time spent in the centers helped to motivate the students and show them that continuing their studies at university is a real possibility.” The feedback from the tutors has been very positive and one of the participants will soon be taking on teaching assignments, confirming the impact of the initiative.

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ANS – Spain – A new and pioneering teaching module at the Salesian University of Sarrià

Salesian Missions – Spain

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Center in Deusto, a district in Bilbao, Spain, held an educational meeting focused on autism for teachers from various Salesian centers in the northern part of Spain’s St. James the Greater Province. The meeting took place over two days and combined reflection, knowledge and practical tools for educational action.

The workshop held for the teachers was devoted to a basic level of understanding of the autism spectrum, with the aim of helping participants to better understand people with autism, their way of perceiving the world, and communicating and relating to others. The second session offered practical strategies and tools for educational support, particularly in academic and school settings, for more accessible, understanding and inclusive environments. The workshop was facilitated by Marlene Horna, a specialist in autism and inclusive education.

One of the most important challenges for schools is ensuring the inclusion of students with special educational needs or disabilities or those who are in vulnerable situations. Without specific support, there is a risk of increasing exclusion rather than reducing it.

Elisa Gutiérrez Hernández, a teacher at CES Don Bosco and an expert in inclusion, noted, “An inclusive school must understand that each student is the sum of their interests, abilities and needs. Therefore, recognizing diversity means recognizing the very essence of each class and ensuring the full participation of all pupils. It is necessary to analyze in order to transform and to adapt so that everyone has a place, regardless of labels.”

Hernández added, “Building an inclusive school is not just a question of methodology, but also of perspective and culture. It involves a commitment to preparing a personalized learning experience, designed from the outset to take into account the unique characteristics of each individual in our classrooms. It means ensuring that everyone can learn and participate, because what really matters is sharing the learning experience and growing together.”

In another learning sessions, Salesians in Lugo took part in a course focused on the dynamic boxes teaching module held by teacher Montse Poyatos Dorado. During the day, participants discovered that dynamic boxes are part of an educational strategy that stands out for its flexible and versatile approach. Montse also introduced the STEPS methodology, which consists of breaking down complex learning into small steps, which must be structured so that students can progress at their own pace.

The approaches on autism and dynamic boxes will soon be available in other educational centers in the Salesian province.

Salesian missionaries in Spain provide primary and secondary educational as well as vocational and technical school to ensure youth acquire employment skills for the futures. Salesians also work to meet the basic needs of those in poverty and offer workforce development opportunities to ensure an easier school to work transition.

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ANS – Spain – Salesian school teachers receive training in inclusive education

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesians with the Padre Aramburu Center have signed an agreement with CNH New Holland Group to join the TechPro2 program, which has trained more than 13,000 professionals since 2008, and is taught in 58 schools around the world. It is a step forward in training professionals specialized in agricultural machinery. The Salesian center is the first vocational training center in Spain to launch TechPro2 project with the agricultural machinery group CNH New Holland.

CNH New Holland has initially provided a tractor for the students. The goal is that various agricultural machinery will rotate through the Padre Aramburu Center workshops.

A Salesian explained, “This is an exciting first step to have a vocational training center in Spain with this project, providing students with the necessary skills in agricultural machinery. We are then able to cultivate a specialized workforce.”

Daniela Ropolo, head of development of CNH’s sustainability initiatives, added, “The main objective is to train young people by offering them the technical skills they need to build a professional future and at the same time enable the CNH Group to have professionals trained in their agricultural machinery specialty.”

Teachers have already been trained at the CNH’s facilities in Madrid so that they can integrate a part of the agricultural machinery into the center’s automotive program. After learning in the classroom, students are immediately able to start assembling and disassembling the machinery learning the hands-on skills for employment.

Javier Marina, general director of Padre Aramburu Center, said, “The collaboration between the center and the company is vital. It is a great opportunity for students to leave the school well trained to enter the agricultural machinery sector. One of the things that the industrial sector and the agricultural sector need is technical personnel.”

Salesian missionaries in Spain provide primary and secondary educational as well as vocational and technical school to ensure youth acquire employment skills for the futures. Salesians also work to meet the basic needs of those in poverty and offer workforce development opportunities to ensure an easier school to work transition.

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ANS – Spain – Salesianos Padre Aramburu, pioneers in agricultural mechanics training

Salesian Missions – Spain

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian schools in Spain resumed their activities to serve thousands of youth through schools and educational centers in September. There are 94 Salesian educational centers in the country where approximately 81,000 students are taught by 6,000 teachers. In addition, 18,000 students attend 56 vocational training centers, where they have the opportunity to learn a trade thanks to the work of around 2,000 teachers.

Salesians have dedicated this year’s pastoral education around the theme “Protagonists of History.” The theme was inspired by Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation “Christus Vivit”, with the aim to encourage youth and educators to discover that their personal stories have a broader and universal meaning and are intertwined with God’s plan for each individual. During the first four months of the school year, emphasis will be placed on Salesian history to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first missionary expedition of the Salesians to Argentina, which marked the expansion of the congregation worldwide.

“Salesian work in Spain goes beyond traditional education,” explained a Salesian. “With more than 400 ongoing projects, Salesian social platforms offer opportunities for social and professional advancement to more than 62,000 recipients, supported by some 2,200 educators and collaborators. Around 36,000 young people attend one of the more than 100 Salesian youth centers, where they find a space for growth in faith and recreation. Almost 4,000 staff dedicate their time to supporting youth who attend these centers. Salesians also have 54 parishes where more than 47,000 people attend. These parishes operate with the support of more than 3,000 collaborators.”

Salesian missionaries in Spain provide primary and secondary educational as well as vocational and technical school to ensure youth acquire employment skills for the futures. Salesians also work to meet the basic needs of youth living in poverty and offer workforce development opportunities to ensure an easier school to work transition.

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ANS – Spain – Nearly 81,000 students will start the school year in Salesian schools with the motto: ‘Protagonists of History’

Salesian Missions – Spain

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) This summer, 20,000 youth are taking part in summer camps and educational courses at Salesian centers across Spain. Close to 3,500 people, including Salesian missionaries and staff, will be involved in carrying out these activities. The goal is to offer spaces for recreation and fun in an educational environment with supportive adults. Salesians will also offer Faith Education Program camps that will help youth grow in their faith.

During the summer months, young Salesian educators also participate in training experiences, such as courses for leaders and courses to qualify as teachers or recreation coordinators.

Salesians across the globe hold special summer activities. One of the most significant experiences is missionary volunteering. Close 100 youth from Spain are spending their summer volunteering in Salesian centers in countries such as Equatorial Guinea, Honduras, Brazil, Peru, Uganda, Colombia, Angola or Nigeria. This activity is organized by the Salesian provinces of Spain, the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid, Salesian Jóvenes y Desarrollo and Bosco Global.

A Salesian explained, “During the summer, Salesian organizations maintain their commitment to youth in vulnerable situations through summer camps, pilgrimages, and other recreational and educational activities. These are facilitated by professionals and the commitment of many volunteers.”

The summer activities in Spain organized by the Salesians can be followed on social networks, through the hashtag #VeranoSalesiano.

Salesian missionaries in Spain provide primary and secondary educational as well as vocational and technical school to ensure youth acquire employment skills for the futures. Salesians also work to meet the basic needs of those in poverty and offer workforce development opportunities to ensure an easier school to work transition.

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ANS – Spain – Thousands of children, adolescents and older youth prepare for a new Salesian Summer

Salesian Missions – Spain

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Foundation in Spain led the #CorazónSalesiano campaign to promote socio-occupational integration and residential care for youth at risk of exclusion. The campaign, which took place in January, invited people to create a future full of opportunities for those who need it most.

In Spain, thousands of youth face barriers that hinder their access to the labor market. Lack of training, economic constraints and the absence of support networks are all challenges. For over 25 years, the Don Bosco Foundation has been working to provide training, guidance and access to work.

Thanks to donor support, the foundation has already been able to offer important services. There has been resident assistance, providing a family environment house where hundreds of youth are supported. Direct support for youth to help them with job placement plans were designed with consultants and educators to meet the needs and aspirations of each youth.

A Salesian said, “The #CorazónSalesiano campaign seeks to bring together new members who wish to support this work. With the slogan ‘Become a member and write their future’, the initiative underlines the importance of citizens’ commitment to improving the lives of young people in vulnerable situations. Becoming a member involves not only a financial contribution, but also the opportunity to be an active part of a life-changing movement.”

The foundation has also offered training programs that have been adapted to the demands of the labor market in sectors such as hospitality, new technologies, renewable energy and customer service. Internships and work placements are available as the result of agreements with companies that facilitate access to work experiences and real jobs. Finally, there has been emotional support for these youth in the form of safe spaces where they can overcome difficulties and regain confidence in their potential.

Laura, a 19-year-old girl who arrived at the foundation with no future prospects after dropping out of school, is one of the success stories. Through a customer service course and the constant support of her tutor, Laura has not only completed her training, but now works in a telecommunications company.

Laura said, “The Don Bosco Foundation gave me a second chance. Today, I am independent and I am building a future for myself and my family.”

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ANS – Spain – Don Bosco Foundation launches the #CorazónSalesiano campaign

Don Bosco Foundation

Salesian Missions – Spain

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesians in Spain carried out initiatives to support people most in need during the Christmas season with thousands of people in Salesian houses participating. Salesian houses organized food drives, such as Operation Kilo, Bote-kilo, Operation Potito and Chupete, to collect food and health products for children. Parishes also mobilized to promote their food banks.

Operation Kilo is one of the most deeply rooted food donations initiatives in Spain and involves the Salesian Family and Youth Ministry. The initiative takes place simultaneously in locations throughout the country, uniting them in one effort to support those in need.

The food and hygiene products collected were sent to institutions such as food banks, various social projects and ecclesiastical bodies that directly provide items to family in need. In addition, donations collected from the solidarity mailbox, set up to collect cash donations, were provided to the victims of the flooding in Valencia.

In several locations, Salesians hosted “Sowers of Stars” activities that collect food and toys. Youth from schools and youth centers collected and brought items to families. Students in many areas were directly involved in these campaigns. In Granada, students prepared Christmas baskets to be donated to families, and in Ourense, the Salesian youth center collaborated with the Diocesan Caritas to give money, food and games.

Volunteers from many other Salesian houses stood in front of pharmacies and supermarkets, encouraging participation and donations. The Salesians in Barakaldo had the special project of setting up an exhibition of nativity scenes from all over the world to help a local child’s family pay for therapy to treat his lissencephaly, a rare brain disorder.

Finally, the Pinardi Federation carried out a Christmas lottery and a campaign to collect gifts for boys and girls who participate in its programs. A representative said, “We thank all those who bought the Christmas lottery this year. The funds raised benefited Casa Garelli, the reception project of our organization that provides a home for children and adolescents in vulnerable situations. Casa Garelli also supports young refugees and applicants for international protection.”

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ANS – Spain – Salesian solidarity at Christmas time

Salesian Missions – Spain

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesians in Spain continue to respond with support for the people impacted by the Oct. 29 flooding caused by torrents and river overflows that devastated the Valencian community. The flooding caused more than 200 deaths, left thousands of victims impacted, and severely damaged schools and other buildings. Thousands of youth faced the loss of their homes and interruption of their education.

“In tragic situations like these, children are always the most vulnerable. Our goal is to give hope back to hundreds of affected children,” said a Salesian at the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid.

Salesians are working to provide psychological support to help youth process the impact of the crisis and reduce the risk of long-term psychological effects. They are also working to ensure that education remains a priority. While the damaged schools are being rehabilitated to return to the standards necessary for education, Salesians are finding safe spaces for youth to learn.

The Salesian Mission Office in Madrid, together with the Salesian organization Jóvenes y Desarrollo, based in Valencia, are providing youth and their families with these safe spaces, shelter and support at this difficult time. They have also collected basic necessities for the families.

In addition, Salesians are offering the damaged centers educational material, carrying out educational workshops to raise awareness of climate change, and providing support for artistic activities that promote resilience and overcoming trauma.

Close to 32% of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14% less than men and represent only 34.5% of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – ‘Help us rebuild the future and restore hope to hundreds of affected children’. Aid continues for schools affected by DANA

Salesian Mission Office Madrid

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Salesians continue support for community after flooding first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are working to support people affected by the deluge of rains and subsequent flooding that has impacted parts of southeast Spain. More than 220 people have died, although the official figure is still increasing, and dozens are still missing due to the serious floods that have hit the region.

In Valencia, the Salesian facilities of San Antonio Abad Center, located in the northern part of the city, and San Juan Bosco, located in the southern part of the city, were not directly impacted.

Father Fernando Miranda, superior of the Province of Spain’s Mary Help of Christians Province based in Seville, said, “I have been in contact with the rectors of the Salesian centers in Valencia. Structurally, they have not suffered any damage. Both have mobilized volunteers to help loading and unloading trucks with aid. They were also involved in the solidarity that brought thousands of people to the affected areas to help. Salesians are also listening and providing support to families who have lost loved ones or their livelihood. Salesians have stressed the widespread sense of sadness, loss and pain that manifests itself in so many different ways.”

The Salesian centers in Valencia suspended classes to facilitate relief work. They have been in contact with the Caritas Emergency Committee in Valencia to coordinate the different responses according to needs. Rafael Gomar, delegate for communication at the San Juan Bosco Center, explained that they have been collecting food, filling vans and sending them to the affected areas.

The Federation of Youth Centers in the Valencian Community is managing the work of volunteers from Salesian centers, together with the Valencian Youth Council, to act in coordination with the affected municipal administrations.

There have been numerous expressions of solidarity from all over Spain including initiatives to collect of food, cleaning materials, bottled water, sleeping bags, personal hygiene products, pet food and other basic necessities. Initiatives such as the sale of sweets or fundraising during various events have also begun.

Fr. Miranda added, “In the midst of so much pain, the presence of so many people who rush to help in so many different ways shines. Many of these volunteers are young, even entire families who cannot remain impassive and get involved in what is happening. Hope continues to flourish, ever stronger, even in the midst of so much pain. God does not forget his people who suffer and cry.”

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ANS – Spain – Salesian houses throughout the country help people affected by DANA

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian students in Spain took part in European Mobility Week from Sept. 16-22, which focused on the benefits of choosing sustainable means of transportation. Students in Salesian centers across Spain participated in activities in their cities. The unifying theme for the week for the Salesian students was “Combine and move”, with the initiatives developed around this motto.

The week brings together civil society, social organizations, institutions and companies to raise awareness. Several Salesian organizations took part. In Ciudad Real, more than 200 students from the Salesian Hermano Gárate School had the opportunity to learn about making the city center pedestrian friendly during a visit by Miguel Hervás, councilor for Work and Mobility, and Pau Beltrán, councilor for Youth and Children.

Hervás said, “We took advantage of the European Mobility Week to visit this school, located at the center of the pedestrianization works, and explained how these interventions will improve the quality of life and the environment of the school.”

Miguel Ángel Muñoz López, school principal, stressed the usefulness of the meeting. He said, “This presentation of the pedestrian project could even awaken the vocations of the students, interesting them in engineering careers.”

In Huesca, Salesian students in the fourth grade learned about the advantages of traveling by city bus and the basic rules for the safe use of public transport. Students at the Salesian St. Anthony Abad Primary School in Valencia participated in an artistic competition organized by the Metropolitan Transport Company. Students used their drawings to highlight the importance of taking care of the environment using public transport.

In Monzón, Salesians continue to benefit from previous efforts. Six years ago, as part of service-learning projects, students at one Salesian center created a parking area for bicycles and scooters. Two years ago, students expanded it with a canopy to protect it from the elements.

Jorge Alquézar, communication delegate for the center, explained that Monzón is the only city in Spain with European legislation for scooters and has European recognition for its mobility work. The Salesian center has been very committed to promoting the use of bicycles and scooters. Alquézar  noted, “There are many young people who use these ecological means of transport on a daily basis, thanks to the awareness-raising work that has been done at the Salesian center in recent years.”

Spain has been one of the countries with the highest participation in the week, with 219 of the Spanish municipalities also implementing permanent measures last year.

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ANS – Spain – Salesian institutions engaged in European Mobility Week

Salesian Missions – Spain

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) More than 81,000 students resumed their education in Salesian schools in Spain during September. Salesians have 95 schools staffed by close to 6,000 educators who are ensuing the students are getting a high-quality education in the two Salesian provinces in Spain, St. James the Greater and Mary Help of Christians.

In addition to primary and secondary schools, Salesians offer vocational and technical education to ensure youth gain skills for later employment. There are 55 vocational training centers attended by 18,000 students, who thanks to the support of more than 2,000 educators, have the opportunity to learn a profession.

Between the two provinces, there are also 300 ongoing projects, 58 social platforms that offer opportunities for social networking and workforce development support for more than 44,000 youth. This work is supported by about 2,100 educators and collaborators.

In addition, about 45,000 youth attend one of the more than 102 Salesian youth centers. Youth have access to adult support and recreation with their peers to engage in productive activities during their free time. Nearly 4,000 leaders are guiding youth at these centers. Salesians also have 57 church parishes where Salesians provide sacraments and spiritual assistance to more than 46,000 people, supported 3,000 collaborators.

A Salesian explained, “Salesian missionaries are working to ensure youth and their families have the education and support they need to thrive. Salesians provide primary and secondary education as well as vocational and technical school to ensure youth acquire employment skills for the future. Salesians also work to meet the basic needs of those in poverty and offer workforce development opportunities to ensure an easier school to work transition.”

Close to 32% of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14% less than men and represent only 34.5% of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – 81,000 students resume the school year in Salesian centres

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) The Xuvenil Amencer Association at the Salesian center in Ourense, Spain, held its 37th edition of the Ourense Urban Camp in August. The camp brought together 164 youth between the ages of 8-16 and 93 volunteers. The camp is a chance to empower youth to see a brighter future through a mix of activities.

On the welcome day of the camp, participants went to the three bridges in Ourense to perform together as a symbol of the beginning of the camp. An “Urban Culture Day” followed where youth visited different examples of city culture, such as bookstores, libraries, a performing arts center and the city’s cathedral, to learn about the characteristics of each of them.

The second week included a wide range activities focused on sports and nature. Youth engaged in various sporting activities in locations across the city. Youth also learned about the importance of respecting the environment. A Salesian explained, “Youth were involved in what has been called ‘Good People’s Day’. On this occasion they met all the groups that provide services to the city, such as the police, cleaners and public transportation workers. They also met with leaders from different companies to explain how their business works.”

Participants also visited the Samil beach in Vigo and took part in a “Carnival  Day” in a suburb, which included visiting squares in the city where they carried out activities to learn about the characteristic elements of carnival in this area. The third and final week, participants visited a new water park in Monterrei and organized celebrations such as a foam party and a Hawaiian-themed party.

“These weeks have been a great effort,” said Laura Fernández, director of the Urban Camp 2024. “But at the same time, they have been much fun and a way for participants to learn about each other.”

Salesian missionaries in Spain provide primary and secondary educational as well as vocational and technical school to ensure youth acquire employment skills for the futures. Salesians also work to meet the basic needs of those in poverty and offer workforce development opportunities to ensure an easier school to work transition.

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ANS – Spain – The 37th edition of the Urban Camp in Ourense: a dream summer!

Salesian Missions – Spain

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Youth from seven European countries took part in an educational course called “Speak Up Europe”, which focused on human rights, fake news and sustainability. The course for European youth workers was held by the Auryn Association in León, Spain, and co-funded by the European Union, through the Erasmus+ Programme. Youth from Italy, Turkey, Georgia, France, Portugal, Germany and Spain participated. 

Four main topics were discussed during the course. The first focused on human rights in Europe. Students learned about the importance of respect for human rights and human rights education for youth, along with the risks encountered in society. Current conflicts and global passivity in the face of humanitarian challenges were studied. Salesians also focused on the diverse and intercultural European society as one of the keys to promoting intercultural education.  

The second topic focused on the rise of fake news. Students looked at an analysis of the risks of fake news in society, as well as how hate speech was promoted. All participants worked to draw up best practices to combat and prevent the negative effects of this kind of media.  

Students then explored the challenges of sustainability practices and how their own daily habits could affect their ecological footprints. They also explored best practices and the impact that lifestyle has on the environment.  

Lastly, students explored the challenges that Europe faces in the present and the future. A Salesian noted, “Students explored an analysis of the current situation of the European Union and the global challenges that we face as a society, reflecting on the possible solutions and educational strategies to be implemented in the youth sector. All this with the aim that whatever is learned can be useful and applied locally by youth workers in their daily work.”  

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ANS – Spain – “Speak Up Europe”: a formation course for young Europeans

Salesian Missions

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Pamplona, Spain, are involved in the INFINITE project, part of the European Executive Agency for Education and Culture Erasmus Cove project. The INFINITE project (intelligent printing, flexible and organic electronics excellence) is supported by the Department of Education of the Government of Navarre and the Smart Cities Institute of the Public University of Navarre. In addition, the project in Spain will have the collaboration of a network of partners in France, Portugal and Greece.

A Salesian explained, “The INFINITE project, which will receive European funding for four years, is to support the rapid progress of printed, flexible and organic electronics, providing a skilled workforce and enhancing specialist knowledge. We are creating new vocational training capable of providing the knowledge and skills necessary for the required jobs. The goal is for the project team to create a network of similar professional excellence centers across Europe to support these efforts.”

Printed electronics, flexible and organic, is an emerging field that encompasses several disciplines including electronics, materials science, chemistry, physics, printing technologies, and production and integration engineering. It is the production of electronic components and devices using printing and thermoforming techniques, which allow the creation of flexible, lightweight and economical electronic products. These products are being used in a wide array of industries including health care, accessibility, construction, automotive and aerospace, consumer electronics, energy efficiency and more.

Spain is currently the second dominant market in the European Union, after Germany. Continuous advances in printed, flexible and organic electronics also continue to drive innovation and open up new possibilities for applications and technologies. With the rapid evolution of the sector, new skills and profiles are increasingly required at different levels of education, from the operator to the engineering specialist.

The Salesian explained, “People hired in companies producing electronic materials and equipment, printing and graphic arts, paper, packaging, industrial screen printing or even companies producing plastic products will therefore have the opportunity to update their existing skills toward new knowledge and technologies. This project and the cross-section of professionals trained in functional printing and printed electronics will have a direct impact on these sectors, which will benefit from training courses for their employees, international training and recruitment of qualified personnel.”

In 2021, skilled workers in these sectors accounted for more than 11% of employment in Navarre and an income of almost 2 billion euro. The specialized training from this project will have an important impact on the demand for new qualified professionals.

The Salesian noted, “In today’s society, there is already a high demand for skilled labor able to design, manufacture and test these devices, but the industry continues to demand workers with knowledge and skills that go beyond the contents. The INFINITE project was created precisely to meet these needs.”

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ANS – Spain – The Salesians in Pamplona participate in the INFINITE project, which will guide and support the rapid progress of printed electronics

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Foundation will manage a community kitchen at the La Foggara Community Social Services Center in the Poniente Norte area of Córdoba, Spain. The kitchen will train and feed 30 families from the Las Palmeras neighborhood. The families will attend training three days per week where they will cook menus to feed 120 people.

At an opening event, José María Bellido, mayor of Córdoba, recalled that the project faced years of ups and downs to become reality. The project was financed with European funds for regional development, and its implementation is the result of the sum of many efforts, including those of the residents and administrative institutions.

CaixaBank, a Spanish credit institution, contributed funds to purchase food that will be cooked from now through the end of December. Dr. Gerardo Cuartero, commercial director of CaixaBank for Eastern Andalusia, said that he was pleased to make this project possible. He noted, “We will work with the participants two days a week through various other workshops, so that they can develop their personal skills and abilities and have a future with greater opportunities.”

The opening event for the kitchen featured Chef Ferran Adriá, an ambassador of CaixaBank. He said, “These projects are extremely important, and it is necessary to be pragmatic and objective. I believe that public-private projects are the ones that really work. Cooking, as a sector, is very important in economic terms, health, culture and as a social commitment.” Adriá stressed that cooking is as important as food and raw materials are for feeding the population.

The community kitchen will also involve professionals from the Spanish IMIBIC Research Institute to provide healthy eating workshops and help design the menus.

Salesian missionaries in Spain provide primary and secondary educational as well as vocational and technical school to ensure youth acquire employment skills for the futures. Salesians also work to meet the basic needs of those in poverty and offer workforce development opportunities to ensure an easier school to work transition.

Close to 32% of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14% less than men and represent only 34.5% of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – Opening of the Don Bosco Foundation community kitchen in the presence of well-known chef Ferran Adriá

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesians in Zaragoza, Spain, held the 37th gala award ceremony for the Don Bosco National Prize, which highlights the talents of those mastering science and technology. The event, held on March 21, has evolved to also showcase a pool of talent and projects that are sought after by an increasing number of companies and organizations.

Two artificial intelligence (AI) projects stood out — a mathematical tool for the expression of genes based on AI and an autonomous driving system based on AI. Other award-winning projects included the “Pigeon Express” alarms to prevent threats in municipalities, the “Nebula Lite” augmented reality glasses, the “Your well-being in your hands” mental health monitoring application and the “Keeping your pH at bay” research project.

During the two days of exhibition, participants showcased 39 projects for visitors and members of the jury who were industry professionals and representatives of the business world.

Father Merche López, principal of the Salesian School in Zaragoza, said, “This competition embodies the fundamental values of innovation, creativity and commitment that characterize our Salesian institution. We greatly appreciate the participation of these young people and their projects, which reflect their dedication, effort and desire to contribute to a better world. These projects show a high level of excellence and originality and open a path toward a more promising and supportive future.”

During the gala, Salesians also awarded La Caixa banking group a commitment award for its ongoing support of the Don Bosco National Award. On behalf of the institution, Dr. Jorge García received the award and gave the institutional address. The keynote speaker for the night was José Luis Latorre who spoke on the theme “The ingredients of people who will succeed in the 21st century.”

The gala was attended by leaders in economics, education and the Salesian Congregation as well as Luis Mallada, director general of planning, centers and vocational training. Marta Fernández, president of the Parliament of the Autonomous Community of Aragon and Father Juan Bosco, director of the Don Bosco National Prize, were also in attendance.

Salesian missionaries in Spain provide primary and secondary education as well as vocational and technical school to ensure youth acquire employment skills for the future. Salesians also work to meet the basic needs of those in poverty and offer workforce development opportunities to ensure an easier school-to-work transition.

Close to 32% of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14% less than men and represent only 34.5% of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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

ANS – Spain – The Don Bosco National Prize rewards the best technological innovation projects

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Science, technology projects honored first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) The Maria Auxiliadora Salesian School in Villena, Spain, organized a garlic sowing session for primary and grade school students. Students from grades 1-5 took part in the sessions. The school features a vertical garden where the garlic and other vegetation are grown. A vertical garden utilizes a vertical space rather than a horizontal space like typical gardens and is suited for small spaces, both indoors and outdoors.

Students were paired with tutors to work on the project and gain hands-on experience while being guided by someone who knows the process. After the planting, a Salesian said, “The time comes to water with a lot of care and wait patiently to see if our work pays off.”

Salesian projects around the globe have been focused on environmentally conscious initiatives. They have been inspired by Pope Francis’ 2020 Laudato Si’, which had as its theme “Good Christians and Upright Citizens.” Pope Francis underlined the importance of education and training to help youth foster environmental responsibility.

Salesian missionaries in Spain provide primary and secondary educational as well as vocational and technical school to ensure youth acquire employment skills for the futures. Salesians also work to meet the basic needs of those in poverty and offer workforce development opportunities to ensure an easier school to work transition.

Close to 32% of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14% less than men and represent only 34.5% of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Garlic Sowing Session organized by Colegio Salesianos Maria Auxiliadora, Villena, Spain

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Students learn to sow garlic first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Graphic design students from the Salesian Institute in Pamplona, Spain, and the Don Bosco Center in Marseilles, France, collaborated on the “Printing Smiles” project. Together, they presented the project to the public and highlighted its impact of providing games and recreational material for children at the Navarre Hospital Complex’s pediatric oncology department.

The project is part of the Erasmus+ program, the European Union’s program to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. The nine Salesian students and two teachers from France arrived in Pamplona on Jan. 22 to collaborate with the Salesian Institute’s students and staff on the project. The project will be completed in April, and at that time, the students from Spain will visit the Don Bosco Center in France.

The project includes 3D printing of games and play material for young cancer patients. The project also educates and provides hands-on experience for the graphic design students.

The presentation of the project was attended by representatives of the Government of Navarre, the Association for the Support of Children with Tumors in Navarre (ADANO in Spanish), and the oncological-pediatric department of the Navarre Hospital Complex.

A Salesian said, “The Salesian Institute in Pamplona sought the collaboration of ADANO to raise the students’ awareness of the plights of these young children. The project was building bridges between cultures and making a positive contribution to society. The Salesians in Pamplona and the participants at the Don Bosco Center in Marseilles have been enthusiastic about this exchange. It will not only promote the development of their technical skills but will also strengthen the values of empathy and service to the community.”

In addition to the project work, French students were able to fully immerse themselves in the culture of the region, participating in various activities while hosted by local families.

Guadalupe, one of the students, said “Our challenge was clear from the outset — to create educational and recreational material for a good cause. This motivated us a lot, and I have to say that we did not waste any time at all. Indeed, we were pleased to see how the regional media were also interested in our initiative.”

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32% of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14% less than men and represent only 34.5% of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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

ANS – Spain – “Printing smiles”: an international Salesian project for children in paediatric oncology in Navarre

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Students design games for children with cancer first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) The “nARTure” project aimed to foster the bond between youth and their cultural and natural environment through innovative workshops in Spain, Portugal and Greece. Workshops focused on sustainable cultural practices and the close relationship between body expression and nature. Supported by European Union funds, the project concluded at the end of 2023.

The Salesian Mission Office in Madrid was involved in the project to help facilitate youth activities. Its partners, The High Mountains and Arte M., carried out the same service with youth in Greece and Portugal.

The year ended with nearly 130 youth committing to fight climate change and build a more supportive, just, and inclusive community through art. One of the youth who participated in the project said, “I keep hold of everything I have learned — respect for others and the environment. The Earth belongs to everyone and there is only one Earth. This project brought me joy, knowledge and experience. There is still a lot to do to improve the environment.”

The Salesian Mission Office collaborated with Herbario Comestible, a local cultural association that promotes sustainable practices and a deeper bond with nature. In a day trip to Canencia Park near Madrid, participants were able to have fun, identify plants and learn responsible harvesting practices.

Ángela Denore, project manager for the Salesian Mission Office, explained, “‘nARTure’ is a project in which we tried to focus on cultural and artistic practices that we share and that are sustainable. We want to give youth visibility and encourage the need to transform society and culture to take care of our common home. We are satisfied with the response of young people and their involvement.”

The project supports development education, sustainability and the link with culture. In addition, the project lays the foundation for a future where local communities are rooted in their past, aware of their present and committed to a sustainable future.

Salesian missionaries have also been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32% of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14% less than men and represent only 34.5% of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Europe – The “nARTure” ecological education project has formed more than 100 people in 2023

Salesian Missions Madrid nARTure

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Nearly 130 youth learn about climate change first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run Hogar Fundación Institute in Vigo, Spain, celebrated its 75th anniversary with a commemorative day that included dignitaries, past pupils and teachers. Since 1948, the institute has provided vocational training in the city and its surroundings to ensure that youth have an opportunity to access skills for employment.

“These 75 years show that education is really a matter of the heart,” said Father Fernando García Sánchez, superior of the Salesians from St. James the Greater Province, at the celebration.

The institute offers nine training courses, including digital printing, graphic printing, welding, machining, electrical and automatic installations, telecommunications installations, production scheduling in mechanical manufacturing, industrial automation, and robotics and electronic maintenance.

Part of the success of the institute is its focus on employment. The institute has incorporated the dissemination of research and practical training into its business-oriented higher education model. The result is that 80% of students are recruited for work after they finish their studies.

A Salesian missionary noted, “Hogar Fundación Institute is always looking to adapt to not only students’ need but the needs of the community. During the most complicated moments of the COVID-19 pandemic and given the lack of medical safety equipment, the institute, at the request of its faculty and volunteer students, made masks and visors as a first protection barrier. Through a network, more than 14,000 were created.”

The institute continues to demonstrate that education and long-term stable employment are possible when there is collaboration among the social and entrepreneurial fabric of a city.

Close to 32% of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14% less than men and represent only 34.5% of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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

ANS – Spain – Salesians in Vigo: “These 75 years show that education is really a matter of the heart”

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Salesian Institute celebrating 75 years of vocational training first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) The State Coordination of Salesian Social Platforms in Madrid held the “Comprehensive approach for children, young people and educational teams” workshop for Salesian staff. The workshop provided practical tools to effectively address mental health challenges faced by youth who are being served by Salesian centers across Spain. An emphasis was placed on ensuring that the integration and normalization of mental health support in the educational plans remains a priority.

Father Luis Fernando López Martínez opened the workshop with a presentation about the importance of understanding mental health from a broader perspective. He highlighted the complexity of the issue and stressed the importance of defining strategies that educational teams manage during the year. He also focused on how youth face intensified emotional vulnerabilities due to overexposure and social comparisons in the digital age and through social networks.

The following day, María José Ortega Cabrera addressed mental health problems in childhood and adolescence, classifying them according to their severity. Challenges were examined and she offered guidelines to address them. She also highlighted ways to differentiate typical behaviors from those that could indicate deeper problems. The goal is always to ensure care for youth in Salesian centers.

The workshop included members of the Magone psychological team, which is a resource open to all Salesian centers. A Salesian said, “This part of the workshop focused on the importance of prevention as a fundamental method for mental health care, promoting healthy habits and emotional self-care, both in educational staff and among children, young people, and young adults who flock to Salesian centers. Specific protective actions were presented, reiterating the need to promote safe environments and encourage prevention from an early age.”

The workshop ended with a presentation about applying mental health support in socio-educational, support and volunteering environments. Participants shared their reflections and what they had learned. The cross-sharing of thoughts and experiences served to enrich the overall workshop and allowed time for peer-to-peer support.

Salesian missionaries have also been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32% of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Spain – Being formed to take care of the mental health of children and young people

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Youth mental health focus of Salesian workshop training first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Foundation in Spain has been supporting youth like Alhassane Camara, who left Guinea for Spain to find a better life. Thanks to his dedication and hard work, as well as the support of Salesians, Camara found a new home, a new family, and the prospect of a promising future along the way.

Camara shared his story. “In 2017, my travel companion, Abdul, and I left home to move by bus to Mali, a sister country to Guinea. After two weeks there, we moved to the border with Algeria. We crossed the desert on foot for three days, appreciating the gifts it gave us and also suffering its harshness. It was on the third day that an armed group blocked us and demanded a ransom for our freedom. Luckily, my mother found the money and sent it to allow me to continue my journey.”

Camara arrived in the Algerian town of Blida with no food, money or the strength to continue. He and Abdul found a way to survive working as bricklayers until they saved enough to continue to Morocco. He said, “A friend was waiting for us there, who gave us a place to live for three months, during which we continued to work to get more money to cross the Mediterranean. And we did it. After we raised enough money we managed to pay a person who got us on a zodiac. There were 59 people, 50 men and nine women, but not all of us managed to get to Spain. Many were lost in the vastness of the sea. Among them, Abdul, who had been my travel companion since the moment we left home.”

After waking from the shipwreck, Camara started a solitary journey. He was fortunate enough to meet people along the way who offered him support. Camara first went to the Don Bosco Center in Malaga for skills training school and Spanish language lessons. He began living in an apartment with other people and became self-employed very quickly.

However, shortly after, Camara’s documents expired and he was unable to renew them due to problems with the Guinean consulate. As a result, he lost his job and his bank account was blocked. A former classmate at the Don Bosco Youth Center reminded him that he could always return to the center for help.

Camara explained, “After I got back in touch with the Salesians, I went for an interview and entered the Francisco Míguez House, which has since become my home and family. I have not stopped working for my future. I have achieved many of my goals. I have a passport, I attend secondary school, I am learning a trade that will open the doors to me to get a quality job and I have met new people and new travel companions. I achieved all this also thanks to Abdul. We both had the same goals, but our destiny was different.”

He also credits the Don Bosco Youth Center for his success. He said, “I want to say thank you to all the professionals at Don Bosco who helped me when I was not in the best situation, and to all those who continue to support me still. I will never stop fighting for a better future.”

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ANS – Spain – The story of Alhassane in search of a better future

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Young migrant shares his story first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Erasmus Day was held from Oct. 9-14 to showcase the numerous international experiences within the Erasmus+ program, the European Union’s program to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. Close to 70 Salesian educational centers in Spain participate in projects that fall under this program.

Erasmus+ has become a model for short- and long-term student mobility, teachers to cross share and learn new teaching methods, participation in seminars, projects with partners in other countries and more.

As part of the “Prep4Pro” (Preparation for ErasmusPro) project, schools in the Salesian Province of Mary Help of Christians have organized a virtual tour and created their own Erasmus Corner. Salesian Monzón and the Salesians Palma del Río have highlighted the educational work taking place at Salesian schools.

As a result of the program, students are gaining diverse experiences. Sergio Castrillo, an electrical and automatic systems student at the Padre Aramburu Center in Burgos, spent time in Poland. He said,  “I learned different qualities, such as how to find ways to understand other people, interact with people who speak a language different from mine, live with people I did not know, and get to know other cultures and customs. In addition, I entered a world of work different from the Spanish one. Something that helped me mature.”

María Juan Navarro, a teacher at the Estrecho Center in Madrid, participated in an international course in Finland. She explained, “From the training and methodologies shared between teachers from different countries and new tools applied in the classroom to improving teaching, the Erasmus teacher training program enriches teachers personally and professionally.”

Salesian educational centers in Spain have committed to participate in this international work. A Salesian in Avilés said, “It is part of the Salesian mission to increase the socio-economic inclusion of our young people and one of the ways we can do this is to offer international opportunities and experiences in our centers.”

Daniel Alonso, responsible for the international work at the Don Bosco Center in León, agreed. He said, “This type of activity is very important to learn new ways of working and to make an effective comparison between the working methods in the different centers and places of work. We encourage the entire educational community to participate in any of these experiences because we know that no one will be disappointed.”

Salesian missionaries have also been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32% of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14% less than men and represent only 34.5% of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Spain – Connected lives thanks to the European “Erasmus+” programme

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Students gain international experience first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Nearly 91,700 students are returning to classrooms at the 137 schools run by Salesian missionaries and Salesian sisters with the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) in Spain. The students will be taught by more than 6,500 teachers.

In addition to primary and secondary schools, Salesians run professional training schools to ensure youth have more advanced education with the goal of finding and retaining employment. This school year, more than 16,100 youth will attend educational programs at 64 Salesian vocational training centers. These schools employ 1,300 teachers.

A Salesian said, “Salesian schools are committed to forming a global, critical, responsible and supportive citizenship. The aim is to encourage the development of students’ intelligence and skills through the adoption of successful educational methodologies such as cooperative learning, service learning, project work, effective thinking, emotional education strategies, and the use of information and communication technologies.”

He added, “Alongside these, there is also an urgent need to respond to the new educational needs of society. The presence of students from other cultures and origins, the new forms of youth poverty, the educational impact of “other schools” (friends, the environment, the media), and the insufficient family educational presence in many cases, create situations that require originality and creativity in educational action based on St. John Bosco’s Preventive System.”

To face all these challenges, Salesian schools continue to focus on ongoing professional education for teachers, who are starting the academic year with the hope of preparing their students for life.

Salesian missionaries have also been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32% of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14% less than men and represent only 34.5% of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Spain – It is time to return to the classroom for the 91,700 students of the Salesian schools

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Over 100,000 students return to Salesian schools first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Mission Office in Madrid, Spain, has launched the “Dreaming without chains” campaign to help ensure youth have access to education. One in six children in the world is excluded from education. In the 2022 school year, more than 240 million children did not go to school, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Children are out of school for several reasons including poverty, child labor, early marriage, motherhood, violence and long distances to travel to school. Some of these children are enrolled in school but will not attend classes. Others will stop going because they have to work to contribute to the livelihood of their families. The quality of education available is also a rising concern. Teacher training is essential.

Part of the “Dream without chains” campaign includes the “Canillitas” documentary, which raises awareness about the struggles and dreams of child laborers. Raúl de la Fuente, an award-winning documentarian, filmed in the Dominican Republic. He will travel to five European cities and 12 Spanish cities with three of the youth featured in the film to share how education is a path to eradicating child labor.

In the documentary, six teenagers, Edwin, Cristóbal, Moisés, Achilles, Kioranny and Abril, live in very poor and dangerous neighborhoods and work as shoe-shiners, sell fruit, clean houses, and more just to survive.

Karen Montás, director of the Canillitas program with Don Bosco in the Dominican Republic, said, “From an early age, they were taught that working was not a bad thing because it formed character, helped the family economy, made them responsible and drove away the possibility of them becoming thieves.”

Salesian missionaries around the globe are focused on ensuring children understand their rights and are able to learn in are safe environments. The goal is to offer quality education so children can become agents of change in their lives and put an end to inequalities and injustices, building a better, more just and sustainable world.

One of the biggest challenges Salesians face is eradicating child labor. More than 160 million children work and are deprived of the opportunity to go to school. A Salesian social worker in Peru said, “Many children try to combine school and work to help their poor families, without being aware that their rights are being violated.”

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

ANS – Spain – This year, too, millions of children will not go to school and education for them will return to being a dream

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Youth education focus of campaign first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Nearly 70 teachers gathered in León and Mohernando in Guadalajara, Spain, for new teacher training. In León, the meeting was led by Irune López, provincial coordinator for orientation, and in Mohernando, by Óscar Bartolomé, provincial coordinator for schools. Teachers who had not been able to participate in past training due to the COVID-19 pandemic also joined.

The training was divided into four sessions: a Salesian house that welcomes, a playground where one can be with friends, a parish for those without a parish and a school that prepares for life. These sessions help to educate new teachers on the Salesian preventive system of educating youth. Organizers created the sessions based on the educative and pastoral nature of Salesian schools and to strengthen the identity of Salesian educators both in knowledge and in attitude.

“Salesian teachers are the backbone of Salesian schools and centers,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Almost all students in Salesian schools have faced conditions of poverty or are marginalized in some way. Some were previously living and working on the streets, and others have faced war as child soldiers or become refugees in war-torn communities. Salesian teachers meet these challenges head-on, providing education and hope for a brighter future. Ongoing training is essential part of supporting their work.”

Salesian missionaries have also been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32% of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14% less than men and represent only 34.5% of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Spain – Formation of newly recruited teachers

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: New teachers go back to school with training first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesians in Spain are expecting close to 15,000 youth will take part in summer activities including camps and educational courses. These will be possible thanks to the involvement of 300 Salesians and more than 2,750 youth leaders who dedicate part of their vacation to support youth and children.

The activities provide time for leisure and free time while supporting Salesian values. Youth ministry delegations for two Salesian provinces in Spain are engaged in many of these activities. The organization Salesian Social Platforms is also involved in initiatives that support hundreds of youth who are at risk of social exclusion.

One initiative, started by the Spanish Mary Help of Christians province and coordinated by the Jesus the Adolescent Province of the Middle East, is the Formation School for Leaders. Held at the Salesian house in El Houssoun, Lebanon, the school will educate leaders from Salesian houses in Syria and Lebanon, including Iraqi leaders who live as refugees in the country and work in a Salesian school in Beirut.

Salesians in Spain are also preparing for the upcoming World Youth Day, which will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, the first week of August. Almost 2,200 youth from the Spanish Salesian Youth Movement will be involved in this worldwide event to express their faith and support for Pope Francis.

“All of these summer activities provide a change for youth to have some free time in a structured environment where they are supported by caring adults,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian missionaries have also been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs. These summer activities are extension of the great working already happening for poor and at-risk youth.”

Close to 32% of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14% less than men and represent only 34.5% of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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

ANS – Spain – More than 15,000 young people are ready to take part in the many summer activities run by the Salesians of Don Bosco

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Youth engage in summer activities first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) First-year students at the Salesian Don Bosco Center in Logroño, Spain, recently participated in the #HackRural training project focusing on digital transformation of the rural village of San Martín de Jubera, which has no electricity grid and almost no mobile network coverage. The students are part of dual vocation training at the center and taking courses in administration of information systems in networks and development of multiplatform applications.

The project was organized by TICandBOT, a company created eight years ago by a teacher from the center. The goal is to teach students how to create a communication infrastructure, contracting the Starlink satellite internet service, at the old school in the village. Students also learned to develop applications as if they were in an office in an urban environment. The project combined rural entrepreneurship, new technologies and educational innovation.

More than 20 project activities were scheduled over four days and included the involvement of local information and communication technologies companies. In addition to developing the services, students had the opportunity to learn more about the community by taking part in beekeeping and milking workshops, as well as visiting the mines at Jubera.

One of the project teachers said, “These were unforgettable days of shared life between students, teachers and professionals without forgetting the typical good things in the area. We want to pay credit to all the students from our school who participated in the project for their attitude, proactivity and know-how which they developed and put into practice during these days.”

Salesian missionaries have also been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32% of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14% less than men and represent only 34.5% of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Spain – The Salesian school at Logroño participates in “#HackRural”, a digital transformation project for the rural environment

Salesianos Los Boscos

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Students work to bring technology to rural village first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Pinardi Federation of Salesian Social Platforms in Spain and the Autonomous Community of Madrid, in collaboration with the Quiero Trabajo (I Want to Work) Foundation, hosted an event for 100 youth in search of their first job. The event brought the youth together with 50 managers and human resource officials from companies that are hiring. The event was part of the First Professional Experience project.

The project provides a framework for tackling the problem of youth unemployment. Training is provided by the Pinardi Federation and educational teams from local companies. In addition to skills training, youth also take courses in personal development and professional discovery. The goal is to increase employability and ensure a successful transition from the classroom to the workforce.

At this most recent event, youth were divided into groups of 25 with company executives. During the presentations, specific topics were addressed related to work and vocational training. Youth also had the opportunity to have one-on-one meetings to learn more and share their experience.

The event had high-caliber companies in attendance. One Salesian noted, “This meant an event of top quality and relevance for the young participants. The presence of these companies allows young people to deal with the world of work in a more realistic, close-up fashion, and offers them the opportunity to see how companies have confidence in them and in their potential for professional development.”

He added, “Likewise, the involvement of these companies has allowed young people to gain firsthand knowledge of the needs and demands of the current labor market, which will help them to better guide their training and preparation for the future.”

Since the Pinardi Federation and the Autonomous Community of Madrid launched their First Professional Experience in October 2022, 286 youth have begun work and almost 200 more are continuing their training process.

Salesian missionaries have also been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32% of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14% less than men and represent only 34.5% of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – The Pinardi and Quiero Trabajo Foundations bring 100 young people together with 50 managers from important companies to improve the employability of young people

Pinardi Federation

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Youth increase employability first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions Madrid in Spain, with the Salesian St. Stanislaus Kostka Province in Warsaw and Don Bosco Ełk, both in Poland, signed a collaboration agreement with Ciudad Real Madrid to establish a new Real Madrid Foundation socio-sports school. The school will help more than 100 at-risk youth, many of whom are refugees who have escaped from the conflict in Ukraine.

The Don Bosco Ełk socio-sports school will be the 21st project between Salesian Missions Madrid and the Real Madrid Foundation over the last 13 years. The first socio-sports school began operating in June 2010 with a socio-sports school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2012, social-sports schools opened in Portugal. Today, the schools train more than 4,500 youth every year in 15 countries on three continents.

Both the Real Madrid Foundation and the Salesians are aware that sports are important for social integration and the promotion of values like teamwork, communication, respect and team spirit. The social-sports schools are housed in Salesian schools. As part of the Real Madrid Foundation’s “They play, we educate” program, participants receive nutrition, family and psychological support, regular health checkups, the opportunity to participate in social and educational workshops, gymnastics, crafts, reading, and citizenship activities. Training sessions on topics such as health, hygiene, values, and the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse are also provided.

At the formal signing ceremony for the agreement, Father Luis Manuel Moral, director of  Salesian Missions Madrid, said, “We are convinced that sport has a special importance in the educational development of children.”

Father Tadeusz Jarecki, superior of Salesian Polish province, expressed his gratitude for this project. “We will provide Ukrainian young people with the opportunity to integrate with their peers in a safe environment for their development, physical activity and fun.”

The Real Madrid Foundation’s Training Department has already provided the first onsite training in Poland for 14 coaches and socio-educational activity leaders. Youth will be able to practice soccer and basketball in sports facilities built in 2019.

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ANS – Spain – Don Bosco Ełk, in Poland, will host a new football and basketball socio-sports school provided by the Real Madrid Foundation

Real Madrid Foundation

Salesian Missions – Spain

The post SPAIN: New socio-sports school to open in Poland first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Close to 50 Salesian schools in Spain offer international baccalaureate, dual baccalaureate or American dual baccalaureate degrees. Students focused on the American dual programs are immersing themselves in the English language. Everything they read, write, say, and hear is in the English language.

Courses currently in Salesian schools are offered online. This enables students to gain mastery of digital skills, learn time management and work independently. Students also achieve greater adaptability when working in diverse and multicultural environments.

Vicente Toro Romera, pedagogical director of the secondary school and baccalaureate program at Loyola Aranjuez Center, explained, “The dual American baccalaureate experience empowers students who want to expand their language proficiency through a serious, regulated program leading to an official degree. This program is allowing students to develop not only language skills but also digital and personal skills.”

One of the challenges for students who want to enter these programs is having the financial resources to do so. Francisco Álamo, director of the Salesians school in Sarrià, said, “We want to bring this to all students who could not access this type of study due to elevated costs. Young people with a curious, reflective and supportive student profile can access this bachelor’s degree at the lowest possible cost for their families, while maintaining the quality education associated with a Salesian schools.”

The international baccalaureate is a springboard to internationalization. Emilio García, pedagogical director of the Salesian high school and baccalaureate program at El Pilar School in Soto del Real, said, “Education is changing a lot. The American baccalaureate makes it easier to study at a university in the United States. It is a merit option in addition to scholarships at private universities in Spain or abroad. It is a good way to start obtaining a resume of official qualifications.”

The Salesians in Zaragoza agree. One Salesian said, “For the students it is a very motivating incentive. They improve their English language, become more autonomous in their studies, learn new study techniques, and at the end of their studies, get a double degree.”

Salesian missionaries have also been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14% less than men and represent only 34.5% of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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

ANS – Spain – International Baccalaureate, a burgeoning proposal in Salesian schools

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Students earn international degrees first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) The “Fern to Paper” project in Spain focuses on training, socio-employment, and entrepreneurship and was funded by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training. The project included the Salesian School of Pamplona’s Department of Graphic Arts, Don Bosco Center Toulouse, Malerraka Common Services, Tecnalia and Conexiones Improbables (Unlikely Connections).

The project was presented on April 27 in Sunbilla, where the initiative will be developed. The project looks to the past to learn from traditional wisdom and craft regarding fern management in rural environments and artisanal paper production. The goal is to combine that wisdom with modern technologies and digital printing techniques.

The process began with fern collection and preparation for chemical treatment. Cellulose fibers and nanofibers were extracted to produce paper, and then printing and finishing techniques were applied. The project  included the study of entrepreneurial developments with students from Salesian vocational training centers in Toulouse and Pamplona and Malerraka Common Services.

The exhibition in Subilla allowed participants to see and touch the new papers made from ferns. Isabel Elizalde, from Malerraka Common Services, explained, “We were able to make paper from ferns thanks to the collaboration of all the people involved, and here we have proof of that.”

Miren Garate, from the Salesian School of Pamplona’s Department of Graphic Arts, said, “It was a great experience, a challenge, to be able to apply a different way of learning with our partners. It was about trying different ways of printing and finding a finish for the paper that was already printed.”

Mentxu Aiertza, from the Don Bosco Center in Toulouse, explained the process of starting with ferns collected from the Malerraka Common Services and making pulp and paper from it. “Fern is quite complicated to work with. In our school, we work a lot on the industrial side of paper, whereas this challenge required working more by hand, in an artisanal way, and the students brought this knowledge with them, which is equally important.”

The future of the project includes further research and the possibility of creating a handmade paper from fern. Some experts believe that a local shrub may be a viable candidate to work alongside ferns for pulp extraction. A feasibility study will be launched to see if it is possible to set up a craft workshop to create paper from ferns and other plants. Other studies will assess what products could be made from this type of paper, with the goal of developing local job opportunities.

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Spain – Retro-active project “From fern to paper”: rediscovering the past, looking to the future

Salesian School in Pamplona

Salesian Missions – Spain

Video highlights of project

The post SPAIN: Students learn entrepreneurship with paper project first appeared on MissionNewswire.

MADRID

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Center Estrecho, in Madrid, recently held the “V Competition of Projects and Experiences of Basic Vocational Training,” which brought together students and teachers from Salesian vocational training centers from five communities in Spain. The competition highlights the ingenuity of young vocational training students and their methods to improve society. Several companies supported this competition to show support for youth.

The competition also showcases the importance of basic vocational training and the educators who do this work. Students share their projects at the school pavilion, and other students, educators and participants can observe the creations and interact with them. This year’s innovative projects included the “awesome car” to curb climate change, a sustainable automatic greenhouse and a panic button for vulnerable seniors.

“Salesian vocational training such as this is important for youth who might have dropped out of school and need a second chance at education,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Not only will students gain the skills for employment, but through the training program they will also obtain a Compulsory Secondary Education diploma, which guarantees them a greater likelihood of continuing their studies with an intermediate or high school diploma.”

Salesian vocational education is available in 36 schools and 25 vocational educational training centers in the Saint James the Greater Salesian Province in Spain. This represents more than one-third of the 30,000 students in the Salesian educational centers of the province. They are educated by nearly 2,500 educators.

Salesian missionaries have also been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32% of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14% less than men and represent only 34.5% of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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

ANS – Spain – Over 700 students and 27 innovative projects at the V Competition of Basic Level Vocational Training

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Students compete with innovative projects first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Eirené Youth Center in Seville, Spain, facilitated the Andalusian Federation of Youth Centers XXXIII Meeting of Oratories and Youth Centers in late March. The event was attended by more than 2,500 youth from the 34 Salesian youth centers in Andalusia and Extremadura.

Every year since 1986, youth have gathered to discuss recreation as education and essential for growth and development. During the meeting, youth participated in a wide variety of recreational and educational activities, from sports to creative workshops. They also attended dialogues and panel discussions on current issues relevant to youth.

Through its network of Salesian youth centers, the Andalusian Federation has been working for 36 years focused on youth development and providing them with safe spaces. Programs are focused on personal and community growth for the construction of a better society. The meeting was a time for friendship, collaboration, tolerance, respect and cheerfulness.

“Salesians aim to serve the whole person by providing safe spaces for youth, especially for those at-risk or in high violence and conflict areas,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian youth centers and oratories are safe havens for youth. They can access tutoring help, have a safe place to go after school and spend time engaging in recreational activities. Sports at youth centers also offer opportunities for youth to learn teamwork, improve their health and take on leadership roles. Youth feel empowered and are able to develop a sense of self-worth.”

Salesian missionaries have also been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14% less than men and represent only 34.5% of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Spain – Over 2,500 young people meet in Seville to promote education during recreation

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Meeting gives youth growth opportunities first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Institute Christ the Priest in Huelva, Spain, provides education for youth to gain a formal education in primary and secondary school before advancing on to vocational training. Hundreds of students have gained their education and studied for their future professions. One of the institute’s successful programs is the Transition to Adult and Working Life program. It was set up with the community of Andalusia, which aids youth with intellectual disabilities to find and retain employment.

The program, established 14 years ago, provides skill education for students ages 16-20. After completing basic compulsory schooling, these youth enroll in the program to continue to grow and face adult life as independently as possible.

Salesians have built a small apartment-style classroom with different rooms so youth can learn to fend for themselves. Youth learn how to do laundry, iron, cook, wash and go grocery shopping, among other tasks of daily living. The students work with their teachers with the goal of learning routines that prepare them to live on their own.

María José Pérez and Guadalupe Galloso direct this program and are mentors for the five youth who take the program each term. Class size is small so students can receive one-on-one instruction. The students are eager to share experiences with their peers and to access a job opportunity in line with their interests.

Although the program is offered in other educational centers in Huelva, Salesians have integrated the program with the rest of the student community. This enables students to take advantage of other vocational courses and educational offerings to help them achieve their dreams.

One Salesian said, “Personal autonomy is promoted as much as possible by the Salesians in Huelva, fostering the idea that students are adults and capable persons. Their well-being and self-care, personal security, and emotional balance are respected, and they are challenged to learn work skills and abilities that allow them to find employment.”

Salesian missionaries have also been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Spain – In Huelva, Salesians prepare young people with disabilities for life

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Students with disabilities learn independence first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) On Jan. 21, more than 800 youth participated in a meeting of Salesian oratories and youth centers in the Canary Islands, Spain. The meeting was held at the Salesian center in La Orotova and was coordinated by the Don Bosco Youth Center of the Our Lady of Conception Parish. The young participants took part in a day filled with sports and recreational activities. They were able to bond with their peers, meet new friends and learn from caring adults.

“The work of Salesian missionaries in Spain goes beyond traditional education, and youth centers play an important role in how they support youth,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesians aim to serve the whole person. Providing safe spaces for youth, especially for those at-risk or in high violence and conflict areas, ensures they feel empowered and are able to develop a sense of self-worth.”

Salesian youth centers and oratories are safe havens for youth. They can access tutoring help, have a safe place to go after school and spend time engaging in recreational activities. The sports offered at youth centers also offer opportunities for youth to learn teamwork, improve their health and take on leadership roles.

Salesian missionaries have also been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Spain – Over 800 young people at meeting of Salesian oratories and youth centers in Canary Islands

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Youth centers provide safe havens first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Pinardi Federation of Salesian Social Platforms in Spain, in collaboration with the Community of Madrid, is providing 400 youth the opportunity to train in companies thanks to its “First Professional Experience” program that aims to address youth unemployment.

This program, which targets youth ages 18-29, has been ongoing for several years and enables on-the-job training for youth at risk of social exclusion. Youth will do their training at companies like Ibedrola, La Caixa, UPS, Ferrovial, El Corte Inglés, Sacyr, Orange, Meliá, IBM, JP Morgan, Auren, Parques Reunidos and Clece.

Maria Concepción Dancausa, the family, youth and social policy councilwoman for the Community of Madrid, recently warned of the high youth unemployment rate and the difficulties of companies in filling certain positions. “We don’t have time to waste,” said Dancausa. “They are restless, creative and enterprising. And they want to learn.”

Javier Doval, general coordinator of Pinardi Federation of Salesian Social Platforms, said, “Young people need experience that focuses on them and their enormous potential. First Professional Experience is a personalized program in a real-work environment, which, as much as possible, develops practical training. Thanks to the companies that are committed, it will allow youth to acquire personal and professional skills, achieving an impact in the host community.”

The key to success of the program lies in professional mentoring during the real-work experience, which facilitates learning personal and professional skills in an intensive and experiential way. Youth have educational and professional support throughout the program. They also have personalized social support and access to scholarships so that their economic situation is not an obstacle to training.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Spain – Pinardi and Community of Madrid seek alliances with businesses to achieve job placement for young people at risk of exclusion

Salesian Missions – Spain

Salesians in Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Youth gain professional experience first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have launched the “Network for Human Rights: Young People Mobilized for the Rights of Children and Youth Around the World” project in the provinces of Salamanca, Valladolid and León, in the autonomous community of Castile and León, Spain. The project trained three groups of youth, ranging in age from 13 to 21.

Before starting the training, educators went through theoretical and practical training to learn about rights violations and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Agenda 2030, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They also received information about the project’s educational materials and training course, including an interactive clue game and complementary activities with online youth meetings, a photo exhibition, and a video forum.

During the training, youth solved a puzzle about a rights violation in order to put the material in context. After the training, youth developed their own awareness initiatives by choosing a right and then working to make this right visible in their environment and educational institution.

Youth also viewed the film “Libertad” created by the Salesian Missions Office in Madrid. The film illustrated human rights violations in Pademba Prison in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Also, on display was the photo exhibit “Rights of Children and Youth. A Global View.”

One Salesian said, “These activities helped youth to be able to reflect on human rights violations suffered by children and youth in different parts of the world. This training achieved its goal of helping youth to understand their rights and mobilizing them into action to bring greater awareness in their communities about these issues.”

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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

ANS – Spain – Young people in Castile and Leon mobilize for children’s rights by developing solidarity initiatives

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Youth learn about their rights first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Institute of Pamplona in Spain, in collaboration with two non-governmental organizations, Medicine Open to the World and Help Container, received a Learning-Service Award. The project “Incubators that save lives” began in 2021 and continued into 2022 with the support of seven other education centers.

This year, 359 projects were submitted for the awards and involved 121,429 students from more than 600 educational centers and social organizations from all Spanish autonomous communities. The themes addressed by the winning projects included healthy habits, solidarity, human rights, inclusion, environment, cooperative work, gender equality, the inclusion of people with disabilities, immigration, and reading.

The Spanish Learning-Service Network, Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, and the City of Seville, with the collaboration of the Edebé Foundation, announced the 21 winning projects for the Learning-Service Awards. The awards will be presented in Seville on Dec. 16, as part of the 15th state meeting of the Spanish Learning-Service Network.

The meeting will bring together more than 500 professionals seeking to promote the Learning-Service working methodology, which combines learning objectives and community service to provide a pragmatic and progressive learning experience while meeting society’s needs.

In recent years, the Learning-Service methodology has grown exponentially in Spain as an element of social and educational transformation. The methodology improves academic achievement, fosters students’ motivation, educates them about life and society’s problems, opens the school to the outside world, and develops an attitude of service to others, while helping students become supportive and committed citizens.

Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco said, “We congratulate these students for their accomplishments. Projects like these reinforce how important hands-on preparation is in the education of new skills. Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.”

Close to 32 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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

ANS – Spain – “Learning-Service 2022 – Development Cooperation” award to “Life-saving Incubators” project of Pamplona Salesians

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: ‘Incubators that save lives’ project honored first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) The Pinardi Federation of Salesian Social Platforms, in collaboration with the Community of Madrid, launched the First Professional Experience program that aims to address youth unemployment. The program is funded by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration and the Next Generation EU fund through the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan in Spain.

The initiative launched in the Salesian centers of Atocha, Puerta del Sol, and Pan Bendito in Madrid and in the cities of Alcalá de Henares, Fuenlabrada, and Parla, where 400 youth will gain skills and have a chance to work in companies to put the skills they learned in the classroom into practice.

The program offers youth in socially vulnerable situations professional experience and provides companies with the opportunity to discover potential talent. The main idea is to connect youth who have a desire to work with companies that are committed to people. The key to success lies in professional mentoring in a real work environment, which facilitates learning personal and professional skills in an intensive and experiential way.

One Salesian said, “The project pursues an inclusive approach to training and learning, breaking down the barriers that often exist between young people and companies, and betting on those young people who have been left on the sidelines and instead are just waiting for a second chance to train, learn, and discover their vocation.”

Youth will have educational and professional support throughout the program. They will have personalized social support and access to scholarships so that their economic situation is not an obstacle to training. They will also access professional mentoring in the workplace for personal and professional development.

Businesses are at the center of the program and are involved in designing and updating the training program according to the needs of the labor market.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Spain – Launching “First Professional Experience,” a solution to youth unemployment, pilot project of Pinardi and Community of Madrid

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Program addresses youth unemployment first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Foundation provides support and education for young migrants in Spain. The foundation develops projects to support youth in residential care as well as education and workforce development services. Two young migrants recently credited the support of the Don Bosco Foundation for their success.

Yassin Halim, a young man who received assistance in Don Bosco Foundation’s Project Buzzetti home, recently opened his own hairdressing salon in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and named it Don Bosco. When a customer recently inquired about the name, Halim said, “Because Don Bosco took me off the street.”

Halim arrived in Spain about four years ago by boat with only a backpack. He spent months on the road, ate meals at the Diocesan Caritas and took language classes with the Don Bosco Foundation. When faced with a deportation order for lack of documents, he was sent to the Don Bosco Foundation’s Project Buzzetti home. Today, Halim’s dreams have come true.

Another recipient of the Don Bosco Foundation’s support is Jimmy Samuel, a 21-year-old man from Venezuelan origin who arrived in Spain less than two years ago. Since then, he has worked hard to be successful and shown perseverance and gratitude for the support and opportunities he has been given. A Salesian said, “Jimmy won us over with that smile he never loses, with the melodious telling of his story, and with his satisfied look when he says he has managed to graduate.”

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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

ANS – Spain – Yassin, Jimmy and all the others… “Fundación Don Bosco” for reception and integration of young migrants

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: 2 young migrants find success first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Social Networks Platforms has released a 2021 report that highlights the work done by member entities to help children and families living in poverty. The report noted that Salesian programs in Spain have impacted more than 56,000 people through participation in at least one of its 600 projects. The work has been carried out by more than 3,700 coordinators and more than 1,500 volunteers.

Paco Estellés, president of the state coordination of Salesian Social Networks Platforms, said, “The year 2021 was also a year in which newer opportunities presented themselves, which, thanks to the initiatives of the coordinating technical team, then converted into new projects and campaigns launched already in January 2022. Very significant of these campaigns is the Innovation Program for the Prevention of Childhood Institutionalization, which will run until 2024, and brings a value of innovation, networking and prevention that makes us particularly proud.”

Salesian Social Networks Platforms is facilitating several projects including the “Take the reins” online publication, the continuation of the assistance provided to youth seeking international protection and legal orientation, the renewal of the Protection Program for Children, Young People and Vulnerable Persons, and the publication of qualitative research on migrant women known as “Many lives in one life.” Salesian Social Network Platforms continues its work to remain a significant point of reference for social and educational initiatives and policies in Spain.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Spain – Salesian Social Networks Platforms have reached out to more than 56,000 people in 2021

Memory Report 2021

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: 600 Salesian projects support more than 56,000 people first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Elche, Spain, have taken steps toward energy independence and the use of alternative energies to help reduce their environmental impact and to save energy costs. The steps are also more in line with the sustainable development goals and priorities of the Salesian Congregation, which aims to promote alternative energies and implement them in its centers around the world during this decade.

Salesians have added 80 solar panels to their building, which was possible in part by a grant from the Valencian Institute for Business Competitiveness. The Salesian school in Elche has also joined the Don Bosco Green Alliance, an international collective of youth from Salesian institutions and organizations. Membership is open to all Salesian institutions and organizations worldwide. It began April 2018.

The Alliance’s priorities are combating pollution, reducing global warming and eliminating disposable plastics. In each of these areas, it aims to partner with ongoing global campaigns promoted by U.N. Environment or other international organizations.

Members of the Alliance have also undertaken such initiatives as environmental education to increase green areas and planting trees, the reduction of the use of non-degradable materials, promotion of organic agriculture and home gardens, preservation and conservation of water, and increasing the use of renewable energy sources.

“Salesian organizations around the globe have an ongoing focus on the environment,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “This has been driven by Pope Francis’ 2020 Laudato Si’, which underlined the importance of education and training that will help youth foster environmental responsibility. As a result, youth have launched important projects to help their communities and beyond.”

These changes also reflect on the guidelines put forth by Rector Major Father Ángel Fernández Artime, to the Salesian Congregation after GC28, entitled “Accompanying young people toward a sustainable future.” In response, Salesian Congregation is aiming to equip all provinces with renewable energy by 2032.

He emphasizes that this is a true cultural conversion. A statement read: “Our commitment to an integral human ecology comes from a conviction of faith for which everything is interconnected, and that genuine care for our own lives and our relationships with nature is inseparable from fraternity, justice, and faithfulness to others.”

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – Salesians of Elche join green energy

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: 80 solar panels reduce environmental impact first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Emmanuel, a 12-year-old boy from Sierra Leone, has a new lease on life thanks to the medical team of Dr. Pedro Guillén, the CEMTRO Clinic in Madrid and many volunteers. Emmanuel was born with a leg disability and was abandoned by his mother. After being abused by his family, he ran away from home and survived on the streets. It was there that Salesian missionaries found him.

Emmanuel was asked to join Don Bosco Fambul, located in Sierra Leone’s capital city of Freetown and one of the country’s leading child-welfare organizations. Over the past two years, his life has changed. He has found an environment free from discrimination where he studies and dreams of becoming a soccer player. Thanks to his recent operation, he is now able to walk normally and “be like everyone else” as he has said.

The plan was put into place last summer, and volunteers worked to make the trip to Spain and the surgery possible. Emmanuel arrived in Madrid on April 22. On April 26 he was admitted to the operating room of the CEMTRO Clinic and underwent a successful surgery. Guillén explained, “We were clear that it had to be an operation on the soft parts, without touching the bone, although we realized that the bone was also affected after years of resting the leg badly.”

Dozens of volunteers, including the staff of the CEMTRO Clinic, and university students from Francisco de Vitoria and CEU-San Pablo Universities, took turns spending time with Emmanuel, going on walks, and playing games. A nurse said, “He arrived as a weak child and in these few weeks he has grown, gained weight, and has shown that he is very intelligent and adapts very well to any situation.”

In just a few weeks, Emmanuel experienced things he never imagined, including seeing snow for the first time, attending a Real Madrid game, and receiving a jersey with his name on it from the president of the Real Madrid club. For the past month, Emmanuel has spent most of his time with a foster family and has only gone to the hospital for rehabilitation. He has integrated seamlessly with his new siblings and has begun to enjoy his time being like everyone else.

The medical team will continue to follow him over the next year. Emmanuel will have to wear an insole in his shoe to walk properly and continue to strengthen his muscles. Next year, he may return to Spain for another corrective operation, but in the meantime, at Don Bosco Fambul everyone is waiting for him.

Salesian Father Jorge Crisafulli, former rector of Don Bosco Fambul and now provincial of the new Africa Nigeria Niger Province, said, “Thank you to all those who make these miracles possible. The world is a little more beautiful with each of these boys and the miracle of Don Bosco Fambul continues. We are all together part of this dream and we are the miracle in motion.”

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ANS – Spain – Emmanuel, Freetown street boy whose life has changed thanks to a leg operation

CEMTRO Clinic

Don Bosco Fambul

Don Bosco Fambul Facebook

The post SPAIN: Boy receives life-changing surgery first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) After two years of restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic, close to 18,000 youth will take part in summer activities hosted by the Salesians across Spain. From June through September, 160 activities are planned, including 102 urban summer activities at Salesian centers, 23 nature camps and 31 faith education camps. Activities are made possible thanks to the involvement of 300 Salesians and 2,750 youth workers who are using their summer vacations to volunteer and give back.

Another 150 youth will take part in spiritual formation activities in Valencia, Seville, Barcelona and Guadalajara. The goal is to provide youth with the technical and spiritual education so that they can continue their work in supporting and educating other youth.

In addition, Salesians, members of the Salesian Family and educators will take part in Days of Theological-Pastoral Actualization to be held in Santiago de Compostela from July 22 to 24. Father Jesús Rojano will address the theme “A look at today’s youth culture” to help attendees better understand the youth of today and how Don Bosco saw youth.

In Italy, Campobosco is also taking place this summer in Turin. This will bring together 660 youth from Salesian provinces of Spain and Portugal from July 30 to Aug. 8. Youth will visit places that played a key role in Don Bosco’s history and the birth of the Salesians. In addition, a group will participate in the European Youth Pilgrimage, organized by the Spanish Bishops’ Conference, to be held in Santiago de Compostela.

“Just because school is out for the summer that does not mean Salesians stop their education work,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs. That work continues year-round.”

Close to 32 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – 18,000 young people will participate in summer activities promoted by Salesians

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Close to 18,000 youth taking part in Salesian summer activities first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian vocational training centers in Pamplona, Spain have made 10 incubators for premature babies and provided them to Ukraine SOS Cluster, which is a group of associations and organizations helping provide support to the Ukrainian people. Five of the incubators are being sent to the Kyiv region, three to Zaporizhzhia and two to Mykolaiv.

The ongoing war in Ukraine is contributing to premature births and not everywhere is medically equipped to deal with them. The incubators, designed by Medicina Abierta al Mundo (Medicine Open to the World), were built by students in mechanical and electrical courses at eight Salesian vocational training centers. This is an ongoing project for the centers known as the “Incubators Saving Lives” project.

Ukraine SOS Cluster contacted the Salesians in Pamplona after hearing about the project. It ordered 50 incubators, and this 10 is the first shipment. One student said, “For us, it’s a pleasure to work on the construction of these incubators for premature babies. We learn to work with new materials and feel useful. It’s very inspiring for all of us.”

Lily Shyshkovska, a representative of the association Alas de Ucrania (Ukrainian Wings), which is part of the Ukraine SOS Cluster, said, “Thank you to all the people who participate in this project. You are incredible. Even among so much evil in this world, thanks to you, trust in the goodness of human beings is returning.”

The “Incubators Saving Lives” project began last year, and incubators have already been sent to locations in Africa and America. Pablo Sánchez, a young engineer who participated in the design of the incubators, said that the demand is high and comes from different places, so they will continue to produce them during the next academic year.

Many companies have been interested in contributing materials or manufacturing small parts of the incubators on a larger scale. M Torres provides 3D printing of small parts to complete the device and Moshy donated the liners for the incubator mats. The banking company La Caixa is also involved through the FPDualiza initiative.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – Salesian Vocational Training creates 10 incubators for at-risk children in Ukraine

Salesian Missions – Spain

Salesians in Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Students make incubators for babies in Ukraine first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) More than 1,000 youth from different parts of Andalusia, Spain gathered in the Salesian house in Huelva to participate in the XXXII edition of the Meeting of Andalusia’s Oratories and Youth Centers.

The event, organized by the Carabela Youth Association, featured fun and engaging activities for youth, including sports leagues, crafts, games, Zumba, fairs, and more. The goal of these gatherings is to offer youth recreational and leisure activities, sports, and a space where they can be themselves and meet other youth.

“It’s important that youth have an opportunity to meet and socialize with peers their age, allowing friendships to emerge and bonds to form,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Students also learn important social skills and have opportunities for growth and maturity.”

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Salesian centers in Spain operate close to 50 vocational and technical training centers that employ 1,300 teachers and offer 17,000 students a chance to gain an education. All Salesian centers have the support of companies from a variety of business sectors to give students real-world work experience.

Close to 32 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – More than a thousand young people at XXXII Meeting of Oratories and Youth Centers of Andalusia

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Salesian event brings youth together first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesians Sarrià Vocational Training School, located in Sarrià, a neighborhood in Barcelona, Spain, has been honored for its commitment to sustainability. The school received an award as part of the Green Roofs project, promoted by the Barcelona City Council to enhance nature within the city. The school is equipped with photovoltaic panels, two wind turbines, a drip irrigation system, an insect shelter to help pollinate plant species, an aromatic plant area and a vertical wall.

Father Xavier Brines, rector of the Salesian community, and Father Francisco Álamo, rector of the Salesians Sarrià Vocational Training School, have stressed the importance of such an initiative, especially in a city with a lot of pollution and few green spaces.

The school offers three bachelor’s level specializations including sciences and technology, humanities and social sciences, and the arts. These studies have a duration of two academic years and are divided into two areas — one containing subjects that are common to all the courses and another with specific subjects for the area of specialization.

“Students attending the Salesians Sarrià Vocational Training School have an opportunity to gain the skills needed for employment or more advanced education,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Sustainability projects like this not only help the environment but ensure that Salesian programs can have the funding needed to stay in operation and meet the needs of poor youth in the community who might not otherwise be able to afford an education.”

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – Salesians of Sarrià receive award for huge commitment to sustainability

Salesians Sarrià Vocational Training School

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Salesian school honored for green roof first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Social Platforms has launched the “Agents of Equality” project to educate and empower 20 youth to become agents of equality and work for the prevention of gender-based violence in Madrid, Spain. The project was launched in March and is a collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs.

To kick off the project, Salesian Social Platforms held a two-day training for 10 educators from Salesian centers. The first training objective was to gain knowledge about gender-based violence and provide a time for educators to share their experiences and emotions.

Gema Rodríguez, program manager of the state coordination of Salesian Social Platforms, said, “The return to in-person training fostered the motivation of the group, which showed determination to apply the empowerment methodology and gender perspective used in this project in their respective entities.”

Recovering mindfulness, knowing how to listen and be listened to, growing, and learning were some of the priorities that the educators discussed. They also discussed gender-based violence prevention and generating safe and trusting spaces that facilitate participation. The goal is to continue to plan the best way forward to educate youth.

Salesian Social Platforms, which is run by the Salesian Pinardi Federation, primarily supports children, adolescents and older youth, many of whom are alone in Spain for the first time. Since its inception in 2001, the Pinardi Federation has been developing programs to help poor youth between the ages of 12 and 16 and is currently operating close to 40 projects aiding more than 2,000 youth. Projects focus on promoting the quality of children’s lives, helping youth retain employment and supporting migrants through family mediation. Other community projects work to raise awareness of volunteerism.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical, and vocational training programs.

Close to 32 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – Salesian Social Platforms launch project “Agents of Equality”

Salesian Missions – Spain

Salesians in Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Youth program educates against gender-based violence first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) The DB Wave project brings together eight Salesian organizations from the six European countries of Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Hungary and France. The goal of the project is to strengthen the European Salesian network of vocational training centers. In the long term, the project is expected to impact approximately 60,000 students and 7,000 teachers from the European Union, increasing the quality of training and inclusion.

The development of a European network began with coordination by the Salesian Youth Ministry Department. Starting from a meeting in Rome in 2012, the network has continued to grow not only in the number of participants and countries represented, but also in the number of projects among the Salesian partners.

Among the latest activities was a peer review of vocational training centers in the Spain Mary Help of Christians Province, in Seville and Rota, by experts from CNOS-FAP, the National Salesian Center for Vocational Training and Ongoing Education in Italy.

The peer review methodology included interviews with representatives at the educational centers, coordinators of international projects and work teams. At the Seville center, students also participated in the interviews in some cases.

Most recently, the Salesian training centers in Pamplona and Soto del Real were visited by a Salesian organization in Hungary and Tech Don Bosco in Madrid in order to learn about, analyze, and evaluate the internationalization model developed in these centers.

Miguel Esquiroz, director general of Tech Don Bosco, said, “We visited the two centers which have already developed their own internationalization strategy, have a team dedicated to internationalization and integrate the work of this team in the different areas of educational activity of their centers.”

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical and vocational training programs.

Close to 32 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – “DB Wave” project gets underway

DB Tech Europe (DB Wave)

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Initiative aims to improve vocational training first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Ten Salesian vocational training initiatives have been listed among 141 national innovation projects highlighted by the Spanish Ministry of Education. Most of these initiatives stand out for their innovation in terms of collaborative robotics, smart manufacturing, digitization, 3D printing, drone management, artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things (IoT).

In total, all of the selected initiatives will have a budget of 23.8 million euros from Spain’s Chapter 20 of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. More than 600 entities will be involved including vocational training centers, companies and other organizations related to vocational training across the country.

The projects require five participants including at least two vocational training centers located in different autonomous communities, and one to three companies, foundations, associations, or public or private entities.

Salesian Lora Tamayo Vocational Technical Training Center in Jerez de la Frontera and Salesian Juan Solé Vocational Technical Training Center in Cartagena will collaborate on the “Advancing in Dual Vocational Training and Industry 4.0″ project. Salesian Lora Tamayo Vocational Technical Training Center will also participate in the “From the Traditional Workshop to the Sustainable Workshop” project.

Salesian San José Vocational Technical Center in Salamanca will participate in a project entitled “Technical and Methodological Development for Industrial Practice 4.0 and IoT,” which will have a grant of 163,000 euros. Students will design an electronic board that other students can use to practice their knowledge of robotics or home automation at home.

A Salesian missionary explained the aim of the project, “The objective is to make it accessible to the general public, containing it at a cost of about 20 euros. It will not only be necessary to design the hardware, but also the application that can allow its use in professional environments and the website where the design of the board will be made public, so that it can be used freely.”

Other notable projects include “Intralogística 4.0” with participation from the Salesian technical vocational centers in Pamplona, Atocha, Zaragoza, and Cordoba, the “Intelligent Manufacturing with Robotics” project with participation from the Salesian St. Domenico Savio Technical Vocational Center in Madrid, and “Drones in Classrooms 4.0” with the participation of the Salesian San Ignacio Technical Vocational Center in Cadiz. Finally, the Salesian Technical Vocational Training Center in Carabanchel is participating in the “The Development of Hydrogen Storage Units” project.

Salesian centers in Spain operate close to 50 vocational training centers that employ 1,300 teachers and offer 17,000 students a chance to gain an education. In addition to these centers, the Pinardi Federation of Salesian Social Platforms and the Salesian Association of Technology and Innovation also offer vocational training courses. All Salesian vocational centers have the support of companies from a variety of business sectors to give students real-world work experience.

Close to 32 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – Country’s innovation counts on Salesian Vocational Training Centers

Salesian Technical and Vocational Centers

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: 10 Salesian initiatives among 141 national innovation projects first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Fifty students from the Salesian University School Sarrià, located in Barcelona, Spain, have created a single-seater car (EM-04) capable of competing in Formula Student, an international tournament promoted by the Society of Engineers that brings together more than 800 universities.

The car was tested in December and will go back into a construction phase to make necessary adjustments. The final car will compete during the summer. The competition evaluation process takes into consideration not only how well it performs on the track but the business plan, consumption, and cost analysis.

The Salesian team, known as EUSS MotorSport, was first developed in 2017 and brings together students from different engineering specialties to design and build the car together. Alicia Camp, industrial organization engineering student and EUSS MotorSport project director, said, “It’s real work experience and a great personal learning experience. Seeing our idea run and making it work is the best reward. It’s like working in a company and applying your knowledge in the real world.”

For this competition, EUSS MotorSport changed its work process. Camp explained, “This is the first time we are working by projects and not by departments. We have made sure that the groups are composed of multidisciplinary teams that can manage and carry out the different phases of the project. We are more efficient. Also, it’s up to us, not the teachers. If we make a mistake and one part doesn’t go well, no one makes note of it, but we will have invested badly and will have to start over.”

Each of the 25 active projects that have gone into building the car, including improvement, innovation and validation projects, has its own director who carries out coordination and management tasks. Camp noted, “There is a lot of communication so that there is good planning. It is a rather radical change but we are already seeing many improvements.”

Also, first-year engineering students have the opportunity to join the team in any project from the sponsorship area. Camp added, “It’s a way to present them to the team in an equally necessary and important perspective, like media, social media, and sponsors. Without them, the car would not exist.”

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical and vocational training programs and college courses.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Poverty also rose in Spain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Bank, those expecting severe poverty or material deprivation affected reached 7 percent of the population in 2020, around 3.3 million people. This is sharp rise from 4.7 percent registered in 2019, and is slightly below the 7.1 percent seen in 2014, which was at height of the financial crisis in the country.

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ANS – Spain – Salesian students design new race car for Formula Student (SAE)

Salesian University School Sarrià

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Engineering students to compete in international tournament first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Huelva, Spain, hosted a recent event for the “New shoes for those who need them most” campaign, an initiative of the La Caixa Foundation. The event was hosted in collaboration with the Municipality of Huelva and provides new shoes for 1,871 youth from families in vulnerable situations.

The La Caixa Foundation works in collaboration with hundreds of organizations and thousands of volunteers to combat poverty and exclusion, promote medical research, bring culture within everyone’s reach, and improve children’s education. The foundation allocated 18,000 euros ($21,106) for this initiative. One of the collaborative organizations is the Salesian-run Carabela Youth Association in Huelva.

“New shoes provide a sense of dignity for children, especially as they return to school and are outside connecting with their peers,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “In addition, many schools ask parents to invest in required school clothing forcing families to struggle to pay for basic necessities. When children lack appropriate footwear, they are exposed to potential illnesses and injuries. With shoes, they are better able to participate and focus in school.”

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical and vocational training programs. Although teachers are available to provide distance learning again in the event of a new lockdown, the importance of face-to-face education is emphasized in Salesian schools.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Poverty also rose in Spain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Bank, those expecting severe poverty or material deprivation affected reached 7 percent of the population in 2020, around 3.3 million people. This is sharp rise from 4.7 percent registered in 2019, and is slightly below the 7.1 percent seen in 2014, which was at height of the financial crisis in the country.

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ANS – Spain – New shoes for those who need them most

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: More than 1,800 vulnerable youth receive new shoes first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Social Platforms State Coordination Committee recently presented its 2020 report, which highlighted the work of Salesian programs in support of Spain‘s most vulnerable people, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. During 2020, 52,667 people participated in one of the more than 500 projects in 74 municipalities that Salesian Social Platforms has developed. This work was done with the support of 1,700 workers, 900 volunteers and its funders.

In 2020, the State Coordination of Salesian Social Platforms celebrated 20 years of activity. It was created to coordinate the 10 social entities of Salesians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of Spain, which promote the social inclusion of vulnerable children, young people and families through education.

The report also published testimonies of people who collaborated in the growth of the State Coordination of Salesian Social Platforms. These testimonials describe what it meant for them to participate in this collaborative project to help people who need it most.

“Thank you all for this shared time. I hope that in the future, the people who make up this organization can look to the past with the same pride that I have. For this, we have the challenge of continuing to work as we have done so far,” said Paco Estellés, president of the State Coordination of Salesian Social Platforms, in the presentation of the publication.

The State Coordination of Salesian Social Platforms reached significant milestones, including the continuation of a reception program for young applicants seeking international protection, a legal orientation program, the start of a plan for equality, a new platform for online training and the “Red-In” mapping tool.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical and vocational training programs.

Close to 32 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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

ANS – Spain – Salesian Social Platforms accompanied over 52,000 people during hardest pandemic times

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Salesian Social Platform projects reach more than 52,000 people first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) More than 1,400 staff and volunteers at Salesian youth centers in Spain are organizing activities for 13,000 children and older youth during their summer break. Despite the limitations caused by the pandemic, the activities are broad-based and varied. These activities are facilitated at overnight camps and day camps in urban areas.

The goal is to create a lively atmosphere through games, gymnastics, sports, educational activities, workshops, cultural visits and excursions into nature. The camps will also feature workshops on technology, linguistic immersion and pilgrimage experiences along the Camino de Santiago. In addition, Salesian social platforms have developed activities such as camps, excursions, workshops and vocational training courses.

Some of the activities that could not be held last year are available this summer. A training course for youth who are Salesian staff helps with professional development so the youth can obtain the titles of supervisor and director of recreational activities. More than 600 people will take part in this training.

Teachers in the Spain-Mary Help of Christians province will also take courses in professional development. Close to 600 teachers are learning about the preventive system, neuro-education and educational marketing. Another 400 teachers attended sessions in Barcelona to improve learning processes in the classroom.

All the activities for youth and Salesian staff and teachers will be offered according to regulations to prevent COVID-19, including testing, distribution of masks and disinfectants, meeting capacity limits, and ensuring safety distances.

“All youth deserve a chance to have an enjoyable summer vacation, and Salesian programs provide a time when youth can relax with their peers and engage in safe activities,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “The programs provide much more than just recreational activities. There is an educational component to each program. Even the sports programs teach teamwork, skill building and problem solving. These programs also provide a chance for our youth leaders to practice their skills outside of the classroom.”

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical and vocational training programs. Although teachers are available to start providing distance learning again in the event of a new lockdown, the importance of face-to-face education is emphasized in Salesian schools.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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

ANS – Spain – Salesians organize summer activities for 13,000 children, adolescents and young people

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: 13,000 youth take part in summer programs first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) A hotel workshop is providing youth an opportunity to train for employment in Spain. The project is part of a collaborative effort between Salesian Social Platform Ángel Tomás Solidarity Initiative Foundation (FISAT) and Don Bosco Day Center of the Salesian St. Antonio Abate. The two organizations also operate the Apartments for Emancipation – Magone, where many of the youth who take the hotel training course live.

Carlos,  an educator at the Don Bosco Day Center, said, “Meeting these young people allows us to know their realities, not only to evaluate their employability, but also at what point in their life path they are.”

Omar, a student, said, “When I arrived in the emancipation apartment, I didn’t know which path to take. But it is the educators who have come to meet me with an appointment at the day center.” Ángela, who works at the apartments, noted, “For us, operators of the Apartments for Emancipation, the collaboration with the hotel workshop means a real job placement for many of them.”

In the Apartments for Emancipation, youth are able to pick a path toward training and improving their employability. For those who consider the hotel and restaurant sector as an option for the future, the Don Bosco Day Center provides a socio-work placement itinerary as a cook assistant and waiter, which then allows the youth to gain professional skills and training in the field. The training course also includes tutorials, job orientation and development of social skills.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical and vocational training programs. Although teachers are available to start providing distance learning again in the event of a new lockdown, the importance of face-to-face education is emphasized in Salesian schools.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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The post SPAIN: Youth choose their path to employment first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Social Platforms in Madrid, Spain, has launched the “Experiences without decent work” campaign to invite people to reflect on the unemployment and underemployment faced by more than nearly 11 million people in the country. Salesian Social Platforms manages 131 social and work integration projects in which it supports more than 33,000 people, employs 600 and has 100 volunteers.

Youth in Spain are more pessimistic about the job situation today than they were a year ago, and they have been hard hit by the pandemic. While youth are more educated today than their parents were, they have worse prospects for work. When asked recently what their perspectives on the future are, their responses were largely negative. One respondent said, “Work today is precarious and hinders the life plans of many people.” Another added, “It’s a frustrating time, but we young people have an obligation to persevere and not give up.”

Salesian schools, social platforms and youth centers in Spain are working to prepare youth for livable wage, long-term employment, while also collaborating with public administrations and businesses to make decent work tangible and accessible.

Salesian missionaries and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians operate 52 vocational training centers that educate 15,000 students and employ 1,200 educators. These centers also offer placement offices, job grants and guidance services to help young people find work.

A Salesian representative noted, “Building relationships with companies and offering tailored coursework to provide them skilled labor plays a very important role. In turn, these companies, in years of economic and social crisis, have given rise to new and original initiatives to place young people in preferential market niches.”

In addition to Salesian vocational centers, there are 99 Salesian youth centers throughout Spain that support 36,000 youth and employ 4,350 staff. These centers are also working to improve the employment opportunities of youth. The Confederation of Don Bosco Youth Centers is a founding member of the Reconoce Association, which requires certification of the skills acquired through volunteering. It has launched the campaign, “Our future work is a meme” to denounce the employment situation of today’s young people, raise awareness in society and inform public bodies on the need to improve the employment situation for youth.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical and vocational training programs. Although teachers are available to start providing distance learning again in the event of a new lockdown, the importance of face-to-face education is emphasized in Salesian schools.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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The post SPAIN: Program promotes better employment opportunities for youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Cadiz Virgili Don Bosco, a five-a-side soccer club founded at the Don Bosco Institute in Cadiz, Spain, has expanded its sports-educational offerings with a team dedicated to people with disabilities known as the Eyser team. Training for team members takes place free of charge on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Don Bosco Institute.

The team’s name honors George Eyser, the first Olympic athlete with a disability, who won six medals as a gymnast. The Eyser team was an initiative of the Don Bosco team’s coaches, Teresa Atero and Néstor Villegas, and has received the support of the Don Bosco Polideportivo Club and of the five-a-side soccer team Cadiz Virgili Futsal.

Cadiz Virgili Don Bosco currently has several teams engaged in tournaments and training. The teams are run by qualified and certified coaches who, with the support of the Salesian community, promote the individual care and development of athletes.

Villegas noted, “The new team for persons with disabilities is a team that five-a-side soccer needed, and we are fortunate to have qualified people to carry it forward. With this team, people with functional diversity will have a place and an opportunity to play sports, have fun and learn and play five-a-side soccer.”

Salesian Father Rafael Cazorla, coordinator of the Salesian sports club, added, “We want to achieve greater integration in sport. It is very important to work in this direction and that is why we want this team to continue to grow and be able to compete in tournaments in the near future.”

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical and vocational training programs. Although teachers are available to start providing distance learning again in the event of a new lockdown, the importance of face-to-face education is emphasized in Salesian schools.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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The post SPAIN: New soccer team launches for youth with disabilities first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Thirty projects from 19 vocational training centers across nine autonomous communities throughout Spain were showcased in the 34th edition of the Don Bosco National Award. More than 2,000 students have competed in these awards over the last 30 years. Due to the pandemic, the awards ceremony took place online, offering a virtual exhibition where watchers could visit each project and see prototypes, as well as contact the authors.

Each year, the number of companies and organizations involved has grown. Most business leaders see the competition as an incubator for talent and interesting projects. Many of the projects this year focused on innovation for dealing with the pandemic, including self-disinfecting outdoor furniture, a COVID-19 alarm network and an air quality meter.

“Participating in this competition stimulates the innovative skills of students and teachers, making them aware of the importance of research and the possibilities that they have to contribute to improving society,” said Dr. Merche López, director of the Salesian school in Zaragoza. “Every year there are important companies that reach agreements with young researchers to make their prototypes.”

For example, the family booth project gave a second life to telephone booths, transforming them into a technological point that gives access to new technologies for the elderly. The author of the project noted, “Our loved ones are isolated because of the health situation we live in or because they are far away and cannot travel. Our project aims to humanize technological communications.”

The clean air systems project created a disease transmission control installation designed for schools, which could also be applicable to workplaces or any other public building. The system makes it possible to have control access based on body temperature, control of space capacity, ventilation, hydrogel distributors and masks.

To ensure the quality of the air in an enclosed space, COncentra2 proposed measurement of CO2 concentration levels in the air. The novelty of this project is the use of different meters, made with a CO2 sensor based on Arduino programming.

The self-disinfecting furniture project focused on automatically disinfecting street furniture, thus increasing the control of public spaces and reducing the work of cleaning staff. Other projects highlighted innovations in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, renewable energy and augmented reality to contribute to the improvement of society.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical and vocational training programs. Although teachers are available to start providing distance learning again in the event of a new lockdown, the importance of face-to-face education is emphasized in Salesian schools.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions Office of Madrid (“Misiones Salesianas”) has created an educational campaign as part of the “Something new is sprouting” initiative launched by the Salesian St. James the Greater Province. The new educational campaign aims to help children and youth transform the world into a more just place, starting with the care of the planet.

There is a dedicated page on the Salesian Missions Office of Madrid website that includes activities that can be implemented in educational centers as well as in non-formal educational youth centers. The activities and information are structured along the four themes of eco-social justice, responsible consumption and fair trade, water, and healthy and sustainable agri-food.

In addition, five challenges will be launched, one on every Friday starting February 19. Youth are encouraged to participate by becoming an “influencer for the Common Home” and encouraging more people to change their habits. The campaign is using the hashtag #PonteEnVerde (GoGreen) for campaign activities on social media.

The first challenge is “Fair and sustainable clothing” and encourages participants to reuse their clothes or exchange them. The second focuses on “Healthy eating” with a focus on making a new recipe using seasonal, local or about to expire products. The next challenge is “Plastic” and urges participants to clean up plastics from the environment or give these items a second life. The fourth, “Meatless,” challenges participants to prepare a recipe without meat. Finally, the last challenge is “PonteEnVerde” and asks participants to describe what other small daily actions can help to preserve the “Common Home.”

The educational campaign is in response to the call from Pope Francis in his 2020 Laudato Si, which has as its theme “Good Christians and Upright Citizens.” Pope Francis underlined the importance of education and training that will help youth shape a lifestyle and foster environmental responsibility. Further, Salesian Rector Major Father Ángel Fernández Artime noted the importance of concrete initiatives in the care of the environment. The first objective is encouraging the environmental commitment of youth.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical and vocational training programs. Although teachers are available to start providing distance learning again in the event of a new lockdown, the importance of face-to-face education is emphasized in Salesian schools.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Father Eusebio Muñoz, the head of Salesian Missions in Madrid, Spain, and Emilio Butragueño, director of institutional relations for Real Madrid, a Spanish professional soccer club, recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of the alliance between the organizations. The collaboration has benefited more than 20,000 youth in Africa, Central and South America, and Europe over the past decade.

The partnership began in 2010 in a Salesian school in Senegal and continued to schools in Central and South America. The first social-sports school was in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2012, social-sports schools opened in Portugal. Today, the collaboration has 21 projects in 14 countries and serves nearly 4,000 children each season, using educational sport and its values as a catalyst for the social betterment of youth and communities.

Both the Real Madrid Foundation and the Salesians are aware that sports are important for social integration and the promotion of values like team work, communication, respect, and team spirit. The social-sports schools are housed in Salesian schools, and as part of the Real Madrid Foundation’s “They play, we educate” program, participants receive nutritional, family and psychological support, regular health checkups, the opportunity to participate in social and educational workshops, gymnastics, crafts and reading, and citizenship activities. Training sessions on topics such as health, hygiene, values, and the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse are also provided.

A ceremony, led by Julio González Ronco, administrative director of the Real Madrid Foundation, was held to mark the occasion. At the event Fr. Muñoz said, “The success of these 10 years of collaboration is due to two fundamental factors: the sharing of values, such as great commitment and teamwork; and the concern to help children and young people in very vulnerable situations through education and sport.”

Butragueño underscored his gratitude to Salesian Missions. “Even if there have been many patrons and supporters that we have had on our journey together in these 10 years, it is essential to have a solid foundation of education and care for the most vulnerable that Salesian Missions offers. You are our eyes and our hands on the pitch and you have always given great importance to sport in education.”

To celebrate the anniversary, both organizations have launched the “Change the rules” creative competition, which lasts for 10 weeks and involves 60,000 students from Salesian centers in Spain  in three different categories.

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ANS – Spain – “Misiones Salesianas” and Real Madrid Foundation celebrate 10 years of alliance for sport and education

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The post SPAIN: Salesian missionaries and Real Madrid Foundation celebrate 10 years of work first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesians in the Mary Help of Christians Province in Seville, Spain, launched the Kilo Operation to collect and distribute aid for families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative launched in December 2020 and provided 2,200 kilos of nonperishable food to 70 families. The initiative was promoted by many local institutions.

Another initiative, the Potito Operation, was held from Dec. 17-19 and collected close to 10,000 items. This initiative, led by the DOSA Youth Center and Bosco Global, brought together 350 volunteers who went to the city’s pharmacies and supermarkets in small groups of five to seek donations directly from people in Cordoba on behalf of Caritas, ADEVIDA, the Food Bank or the Franciscans of the White Cross.

Salesians in the San Lorenzo district reported, “This year we had the support of the students from the Salesian school and the La Salle School. There were also volunteers from the Don Bosco Foundation, Salesian Brotherhood of Córdoba, and many parents, teachers, and past pupils.”

In addition, the youth ministry from the Salesian house La Línea de la Concepción launched three initiatives during the Christmas season. The first was a traditional food campaign, the second supported day centers and the elderly, and the third found homes for families who have to travel to hospitals in Seville.

A Salesian representative said, “In these times, it is fundamental to show the importance of values such as affection, empathy and kindness. With these initiatives, we also try to unite the younger and older generations, showing affection through a greeting card and filling a void in their lives.”

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical and vocational training programs. Although teachers are available to start providing distance learning again in the event of a new lockdown, the importance of face-to-face education is emphasized in Salesian schools.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – Solidarity initiatives of “Mary Help of Christians” Province

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The post SPAIN: Initiatives provide aid to families first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire)  The Salesian Reconoce project was officially established as an association on Dec. 5 at a signing ceremony held at the Youth Council of Spain in Madrid. The project will certify the skills youth acquire in volunteer programs to improve participants’ work prospects. Volunteer positions provide youth hands-on, real world experience that helps them develop the skills needed for employment. The goal is to qualify this experience in such a way that bolsters their work prospects.

“This project is essential for all young people, as the skills acquired during volunteering can be fundamental in the selection process,” said Elena Ruiz Cebrián, president of the Youth Council of Spain.

Luis Caballero, a representative of the Youth Institute of Spain, noted, “A team of young people has developed a valid and rigorous instrument to qualify volunteer experience. It was important to make this project a legal association because of the great work that it does. Reconoce is recognized as a priority for the Youth Institute because it is born of young people and links non-formal education to employment.”

Santiago Domínguez, president of Reconoce, added, “The more than 20,000 young people from all over Spain who are part of Reconoce are the real engines of social change and must be considered by all as the entrepreneurial fabric for their unique skills acquired during the voluntary service.”

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical and vocational training programs. Although teachers are available to start providing distance learning again in the event of a new lockdown, the importance of face-to-face education is emphasized in Salesian schools.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – “Reconoce” officially constitutes itself as an association

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The post SPAIN: Volunteering improves work prospects for youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

Don Bosco Foundation launches new vocational training school in Polígono Sur

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Foundation, in collaboration with the Endesa Foundation and the Commissariat of Polígono Sur, a municipality in Seville, Spain, launched a new vocational training school at the Don Bosco Social Center. The center is equipped with classrooms, workshops, offices and multipurpose rooms for carrying out educational activities. Currently, there are 20 youth, aged 16 to 19 from Polígono Sur, who are attending classes.

The first class will run through June 2021 with the goal that youth can transition from the program to employment. Many youth in Seville are suffering from unemployment and see little hope for the future. One student in the program said, “There are not words to express thanks for this second chance.”

The school offers both traditional education and social support for youth who come from challenging backgrounds and need the extra support. The goal is to increase motivation, personal stability and maturity, promote positive influences in the environment, generate greater family involvement, and encourage positive habits and willingness to work.

Social and professional orientation sessions and pre-employment workshops in various professions are also planned. During the course, youth will visit companies from different sectors as well as other schools and training centers. At the same time youth are taking courses, support will be provided to their families.

“The vocational training school will support youth who have already left the education system, many of them without qualifications, and who do not have the training to enter the job market. Due to their age, they are in no man’s land, which makes their inclusion difficult. But we believe in second chances,” said Antonio Mengual, territorial director of the Don Bosco Foundation.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical and vocational training programs. Although teachers are available to start providing distance learning again in the event of a new lockdown, the importance of face-to-face education is emphasized in Salesian schools.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – Vocational training school for young people from Seville’s “Polígono Sur”

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SPAIN

Misiones Salesianas signs on to Pope Francis Global Compact on Education

(MissionNewswire) Misiones Salesianas, the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid, has signed on to the Pope Francis Global Compact on Education, a pact to encourage change on a global scale, so that education may become a creator of fraternity, peace and justice.

More than 258 million children around the world do not go to school. More than 1 billion people don’t know if their classrooms will reopen after the pandemic, and 23.8 million additional children and youth (from pre-primary to tertiary) may drop out or not have access to school next year due to the pandemic’s economic impact alone, according to the United Nations.

Children’s education is the first and best response to breaking the cycle of poverty. Father Eusebio Muñoz, head of Misiones Salesianas, said, “A child who goes to school will have tools and opportunities for the future. He will acquire knowledge that will help him find a better job and a better quality of life. He will marry later, will be a more responsible parent, and will want his children to go to school. He will also know his rights and will not let them be abused, and he will participate in decision-making in his community, town or country. It is a virtuous circle that begins with a pencil, a blackboard and a school.”

“Education is at the service of that path so that every human being can be the architect of his own destiny,” said Pope Francis in his latest encyclical Fratelli Tutti.

Misiones Salesianas believes that education fosters dreams and provides hope for a better life.  “We are committed to work for the integral education of children, especially the most vulnerable, so that they have opportunities in life,” added Fr Muñoz. For this reason, the Salesian institution adheres to the Global Compact on Education proposed by Pope Francis.

“Never before has there been such a need to unite efforts in a broad educational alliance to form mature people, capable of overcoming fragmentation and opposition and rebuilding the fabric of relationships for a more fraternal humanity,” said Pope Francis when he launched the Global Compact on Education.

Salesian missionaries establish vital primary and vocational schools in some of the most impoverished and remote places on earth. By focusing on the poorest places and most vulnerable children and young adults, this effort makes a lasting impact.

Salesians are also 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—with a focus on serving poor and needy youth.

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ANS – Spain – “Misiones Salesianas” joins Global Educational Pact proposed by Pope Francis

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(MissionNewswire) In early September, 136 Salesian schools throughout Spain started again, educating more than 95,000 students and employing thousands of teachers and staff members. The Salesian educational centers are following safety protocols to provide a safe environment.

Salesian teachers and staff members worked over their summer holiday to prepare for the new school year, including how to address some of the challenges children have faced in the lockdowns. At the start of the new school year, a virtual meeting was held for more than 400 elementary education teachers to discuss the emotional health of children.

“We have never disconnected,” said Rosa Erro, a teacher at the Salesian Institute in Pamplona. “We put together a team in the summer and adopted some measures for the start of the new school year.”

José Antón, from the Salesian Elche Institute, explained, “Since July, we have adapted the protocols put forth by the authorities. It was an ongoing job, but we did it with enthusiasm and with the final goal in mind that children can come to school feeling accompanied and safe.”

Salesian schools have employed new safety measures including daily temperature assessment of staff and students, social distancing, and the use of face masks. There has also been a coordinator appointed for the management of the virus emergency who will monitor compliance with hygiene measures and will be in direct contact with families and the health center.

From the very beginning, Salesian educational centers have insisted on making students aware of the importance of following preventive measures. A Salesian representative in Pamplona stated, “We have prepared a welcome day for the whole center, but with a tutor present in the classroom to focus on the educational aspects, prevention and collaboration.”

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical and vocational training programs. Although teachers are available to start providing distance learning again in the event of a new lockdown, the importance of face-to-face education is emphasized in Salesian schools.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – Salesian schools start lessons with enthusiasm and in compliance with safety measures

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The post SPAIN: 136 Salesian schools educating more than 95,000 students with safety measures in place first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian St. James Major Province in Spain recently coordinated a “Training Plan for the Development of Online Skills” project for educational centers. During the lockdown that resulted from the coronavirus pandemic, teachers had to quickly learn how to teach their lessons online. As a result of the change, educational centers needed training on how to facilitate distance learning most efficiently and effectively.

The training project had organizational support from TECH Don Bosco, and the State Foundation for Employment Training in Spain provided a virtual video conference room where the online courses were held. The basic training course provided digital teaching skills to 386 teachers, 58 of whom were on educational centers’ management teams. Teachers from all grade levels, from kindergarten to bachelor’s degrees and higher vocational training, participated.

The basic training course included four sessions of 90 minutes each that were structured to tackle various themes in online education including communication through the screen, security and digital teaching.

“There were morning and afternoon sessions,” explained Charo Fernández from the Salesian province innovation team and coordinator of this initiative. “We all worked together in an online environment divided into nine virtual classrooms. From time to time, as a coordinator, I visited the online classrooms to make sure there were no problems. I have been working on digital skills training for many years, but this was the first time we had organized such a thing. It worked perfectly.”

The training proposal for the development of distance teaching skills aims to support teachers and school management teams by strengthening their skills in achieving quality online education, and keeping the teaching and learning processes as close as possible to the Salesian educational style.

“The confinement was an opportunity to launch this proposal and the response of the teams, centers and teachers exceeded all expectations. We initially thought we’d give training to three groups, and in the end, we configured 12 of them. We have nine expert tutors with digital competence and Salesian Preventive System,” added Fernández.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – Distance teaching training exceeds all expectations: over 400 teachers trained in June

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Social Platforms, which is run by the Salesian Pinardi Federation, has programs in Spain to help vulnerable unaccompanied minors. Many countries around the globe have been grappling with an influx of children and adolescents who have fled their home countries in search of safety, employment and a better way of life. However, many youth find that life in a new country, where they are at greater risk of social isolation, poverty and violence, is not any easier than the life they left behind.

Requests for asylum from people who are fleeing their homeland continued to increase exponentially in Spain in 2019. In 2019, 118,264 asylum applications were received, according to data from the Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid. However, only 3,156 were granted, equal to one in 20 applications.

In Spain, more than 133,000 people currently live in uncertainty as their applications are pending. The global COVID-19 pandemic has also worsened the situation because processing procedures slowed down or stopped in some areas. During this time, Salesian Social Platforms has continued to work to house and provide support for those seeking protection.

Salesian Social Platforms primarily supports children, adolescents and older youth, many of whom are alone in Spain for the first time. In fact, of the 118,264 asylum applications submitted in 2019, 22,373 were from minors under age 18, whose situation is especially vulnerable.

Salesian Social Platforms has a program for youth who are 18 to 26 years old, which is funded by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, the European Social Fund, and by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund. For these refugees, their age makes them even more vulnerable because they are alone without a family support network in a new country. They are also challenged to find employment.

During 2019 and in the first part of 2020, 76 youth were supported by Salesian Social Platforms. These youth come to a Salesian reception center to learn or improve their knowledge of the language and to receive training to find a job. A staff person from Salesian Social Platforms said, “We are concerned that the personal, educational and work process of young people is not taken into account in the resolution of international protection.”

Salesian centers across Spain employ 60 professionals and 200 volunteers to serve more than 25,000 migrants and refugees through 40 projects. Salesian missionaries and their network of programs across Europe are assisting European countries with the ongoing refugee crisis. Salesian programs provide humanitarian and educational assistance to refugees by helping them become fully integrated and independent in their new countries and homes.

Since its inception in 2001, the Pinardi Federation has been developing programs to help poor youth between the ages of 12 and 16 and is currently operating close to 40 projects aiding more than 2,000 youth. Projects focus on promoting the quality of children’s lives, helping youth retain employment and supporting migrants through family mediation. Other community projects work to raise awareness of volunteerism.

The Pinardi Federation’s youth employment projects include training programs that collaborate directly with the business sector so that students learn marketable skills to ease the transition from coursework into employment. These programs also encourage the business community to take an active role in program development as well as meet with students to help shape their academic and social development, ensuring greater opportunities for employment after graduation.

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ANS – Spain – Salesian social platforms focus on situation of refugees in context of social deterioration

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ITALY

(MissionNewswire) The work of Salesian missionaries with at-risk youth was recently highlighted on social media by the Fundamental Rights Agency, a European Union agency focused on human rights. The agency shared a post on Twitter and Facebook that asked, “What did the COVID-19 isolation mean for vulnerable youth?” Thanks to the participation of Don Bosco International with the Fundamental Rights Agency, the agency highlighted the work of Salesian Social Platforms of Spain and Salesians for Social APS in Italy.

The Salesian Social Platforms in Spain has 83 residential centers for youth that house close to 700 across these centers. During the period of isolation, the work of Salesian missionaries and staff changed considerably.

“The extension of hours of intervention brought more time to foster conversation. We have seen how some gave their best, and we were forced to leave our comfort zones to seek new resources. They made us change,” said José Carlos Rodríguez, coordinator of the Salesian residential project Casa Garelli Protección in Madrid.

Ignacio Vázquez, general manager of the Don Bosco Foundation, which is active in Andalusia, Extremadura and the Canary Islands, said, “The efforts and creativity of the educational teams were fundamental. Today more than ever it has been seen that Don Bosco is the home of boys and girls who do not have another home.”

The work of Salesians in Italy was also critical. Many minors who have no place else to go rely on the services provided by Salesians for Social, which kept residential services open and operating during the pandemic. While many projects were on hold because of coronavirus, youth remained in residential services. Salesian staff did everything they could to minimize the risks of the coronavirus.

At several Salesian centers across Italy, Salesians for Social bought sanitizer kits, masks and gloves, supplied tablets to the houses to foster distance learning, and purchased tools to allow young workers to continue their training and to produce masks to prevent infections.

Salesian programs across Italy help youth who are unable to attend school and others who drop out to work at the few jobs available to them. A growing number of children work as laborers on farms and others have turned to the sex trade to help support their families. Those in poverty often live without adequate shelter, hot water, regular meals and health care.

Italy, Europe’s third-largest economy, has close to 2 million children living in poverty, according to UNICEF. The poverty rate has risen in the wake of Europe’s economic crisis. Unemployment is at its highest level since the late 1970s with the overall jobless rate at 12.5 percent and youth unemployment as high as 41 percent.

According to UNICEF, a growing number of youth are living away from their families in temporary shelters and within government and charity programs because of inadequate support from or neglect by their families. Salesian programs work to combat these challenges by providing shelter, nutrition, education and workforce development services for youth in need.

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ANS – RMG – Salesian activities with minors at risk also appreciated by “Fundamental Rights Agency”

Salesian Missions – Italy

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian educational centers are reopening for students in Spain. Vocational training and B.A. courses have started again with face-to-face lessons. Teachers and students have been wearing masks and temperatures are being taken at the entrance to the centers as a precaution. Centers are also following social distancing in classrooms and laboratories and reinforcing strict cleaning activities.

“Participation in these conditions was better than we expected. We are all eager to recover our habits,” said Josean Prol, director of the Salesian Center in Deusto, Bilbao. “There was intense preparation by the management team in collaboration with teaching staff. We have started with mathematics and language courses for those in the fourth year of secondary school.”

José Luis Pinedo, director of the Salesian Center in Urnieta, reported that this restart has not been easy. The center has restarted in a staggered way and entry is scheduled at specific times for each group. Only those classes that need to be held at the center have restarted with the rest of the lessons still being held online.

“The safety measures are exhaustive,” said Asier Irastuza, who is on the management team at the Salesian Center in Urnieta. “We also have the unconditional collaboration of the Parents Association which, among other things, has provided each student with protective masks and sanitizing gels.”

Salesian center directors and principals are already thinking about how to get organized for September. While responding daily to all the indications that come from the educational and health authorities, the goal now is how to best plan lessons for the next school year. Most centers are looking at offering 50 percent of the lessons online while 50 percent will be held in the classroom.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions Madrid and the Spanish Salesian Jóvenes y Desarrollo Foundation (Youth and Development) in Spain are helping Salesian organizations in countries around the globe respond to COVID-19. To date, the two organizations have sent more than 200,000 euros to the 12 countries of Bolivia, Ecuador, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Angola, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Togo, Sierra Leone and South Sudan to assist with efforts to fight the pandemic.

In many countries, not only are essential foods lacking, but also resources for hygiene. There are millions of people who cannot meet their primary needs. Mandatory confinement means families are unable to earn an income and to buy food, just as prices are rising.

“Access to water and hygiene products is very difficult. A bar of soap, clean water and a plate of food every day are a luxury for many families around the world,” said Father José Antonio San Martín, head of Salesian Missions Madrid. “For this reason, our organization and many other Salesian organizations are working to bring food to those who need it most and to distribute hygiene products because the lack of food and soap facilitates contagion.”

Salesian organizations are focused on the most vulnerable including children, migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons, as well as families with scarce resources. In addition to sending money, Salesian Missions Madrid and the Jóvenes y Desarrollo Foundation have launched the campaign “The essential should not be a luxury” to highlight the needs of at-risk groups. The goal is to provide basic food products and hygiene products to thousands of people who cannot access them to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – “Essentials should not be a luxury”: food and soap to fight coronavirus in Africa and the Americas

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) At the beginning of the new academic year, Salesian centers in Spain launched the Enredados campaign, an initiative of the Spain-St. James Major Salesian Province that helps families look at safety while online.

The campaign aims to address questions for parents, including: What are youth doing online all that time? What are they looking for in social networks? Are they making good use of technology? How and why should they be in that digital environment? Families are offered tools and resources to support youth in the digital environment.

Father Fernando García, the coordinator of Salesian schools in the province, explained, “With the end of this first quarter of courses, the Enredados campaign has come to light. It is an initiative that we coordinated within the pedagogical area of our province to help the parents of our students in the difficult task of accompanying and educating their children in a digital environment. The Enredados project was born to get closer to families, to count on them, and to provide them with reflections and materials that help them communicate with their children.”

The Enredados campaign offers a series of tools for parents to talk about topics at home with their children as well as to provide them with education about the internet. The first educational course of the campaign focused on privacy, and the next will focus on healthy habits for using the internet, along with using information and communication technologies while helping youth avoid addiction. The last educational course of the campaign will look at the nexus between personal relationships and virtual relationships.

With the aim of underlining the positive character of the internet, Salesian missionaries developed the slogan, “A better Internet starts with you: together we learn cybersecurity” as part of the campaign. The motto invites everyone to join the global movement, to participate and to take advantage of the best of the internet to bring people together.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – “Enredados” campaign: accompanying families in digital environment and for a secure Internet

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) BoscoSocial brings together the work of three organizations impacting communities in Spain. These organizations are the Boscos Foundation, which has projects in Basque Country, Navarra, La Rioja and Cantabria; the JuanSoñador Foundation’s projects in Galicia, Asturias, and Castile and León; and the Pinardi Federation, which has projects in Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha.

BoscoSocial projects focus on training and support and have impacted more than 14,000 children, adolescents and youth at risk of social exclusion. Nearly 1,400 families have been assisted thanks to the work of more than 400 educators and contract workers and more than 230 volunteers. Among the various programs supported by BoscoSocial are programs tailored specifically for migrants. These initiatives include training, social support and connection with the local labor market.

Abdalah, a 24-year-old Palestinian migrant from a refugee camp in Lebanon, took part in one of the Pinardi Federation’s projects in Madrid. Helped by educators, Abdalah is now taking many steps forward in life to seek employment. He is better integrated into his new community.

In Galicia, the JuanSoñador Foundation facilitates the Malaikas project, which is for women between 19-75 years of age who are at risk of social exclusion and in situations of vulnerability. In 2019, more than 650 women of 45 nationalities participated. The Malaikas project aims to break the isolation of migrant women, provides meeting spaces, and creates circles, networks and alliances, which encourage the empowerment of women to face their life plans within the migration process.

Salesian missionaries also offer housing for migrants in need. In Bilboa, the Boscos Foundation launched the Zuen Etxean project, which offers refuge and support to young people in situations of vulnerability through shared housing within a Salesian community.

“For these young people, this time with us is like an oasis in which they can take their life and decisions more calmly, and continue to fight for that dream which, for various reasons, they could not fulfill in their places of origin or that they did not see as feasible while they were there, and that now, from afar and after other experiences, some see that they can indeed face it, even in another way,” said a Salesian missionary engaged in the project.

Salesian centers in Spain operate close to 50 vocational and technical training centers that employ 1,300 teachers and offer 17,000 students a chance to gain an education. All Salesian centers have the support of companies from a variety of business sectors to give students real-world work experience.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

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ANS – Spain – “BoscoSocial” Foundation tries to meet migrants’ needs

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian teachers who took part in continuing education courses focusing on the management of educational centers and pastoral coordination received their diplomas at the Atocha Center in Madrid, Spain. The training course, which educated 80 teachers from Salesian schools, offered both classroom and online lessons focused on some of the challenges in teaching today.

During the graduation ceremony, Professor Rafael Díaz Salazar, faculty of sociology, international relations and political science at Complutense University of Madrid, presented a paper entitled, “Teachers with their feet on the ground.” He stressed the importance of helping students understand their role, especially from an ecological perspective.

Teachers who attended the courses also spoke at the graduation. Marta Parrado, a teacher at Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Aravaca, noted, “It is we who have the responsibility to accompany, help, delegate and leave when necessary as Don Bosco did.”

Yulema Pedro, a teacher at the Salesian-run St. Anthony Abate Center in Valencia, said, “Teachers of the Salesian schools are witnesses, guides, companions, guarantors and leaders of the Salesian style that makes us special.”

Teachers play an important role in the lives of poor youth in Salesian schools. Their work is vital to their students’ success both in and out of the classroom. Salesian missionaries educate more than 1 million youth in over 5,500 schools and youth centers and nearly 1,000 vocational, technical and agricultural schools in more than 130 countries around the globe.

Salesian missionaries understand the importance of education in building strong sustainable societies and are dedicated to increasing the number of trained teachers where they are needed most. Not only are the Salesians a major employer of quality teachers worldwide, but they also provide the training and certification teachers need. Salesian programs provide ongoing teacher training to ensure that teachers remain motivated and effective in the classroom and have their own educational needs met.

“Teachers are the backbone of the Salesian educational system and we are dedicated to providing the support and training they need,” says Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian teachers face many challenges educating poor youth. Many of their students have faced severe poverty and often lack basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. Some were previously living and working on the streets, and others have faced war as child soldiers or become refugees in war-torn communities. Salesian teachers meet these challenges head-on, providing education and hope for a brighter future.”

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

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ANS – Spain – Teachers of Salesian schools: Ongoing formation to educate students and offer quality education

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) On Jan. 17, the Salesian College of Puertollano had new solar panels installed on the roofs of the pavilions of the vocational and secondary education centers. More than 1,400 square meters of solar panels were installed at the Salesian College to improve the environment, enhance educational awareness, and achieve sustainability and energy efficiency.

An inaugural event to highlight the new solar panels was attended by the authorities of the Municipality of Puertollano in Ciudad Real, including Noelia Caballero Romero, councilor for the environment, and Jesús Buendía, councilor for sport and works. Salesian Father Fernando García Sánchez, coordinator of the schools of the province and recently appointed next provincial of the St James Major Province, was in attendance along with the director of the Salesians of Puertollano, Father Ernesto Rodríguez-Arias Izard, and many other prominent figures.

Salesian missionaries utilized the company POWEN to install the solar panels. During the public ceremony, a POWEN representative highlighted the importance of the work done and thanked the Salesians for their contribution to the community and students. The POWEN representative noted that they are pleased the Salesian College is a national reference point in energy efficiency for the educational field.

“As the world faces growing environmental degradation and climate change challenges, there is a need to embrace sustainable development more than ever before,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Many Salesian centers and institutions around the globe are exploring ways to utilize renewable energy both to cut costs for the schools and to help do their part for the environment.”

Salesian missionaries in Spain were inspired to move in this direction in part from Pope Francis’s message on the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation 2019. Pope Francis warned, “Too many are seeking domination on Creation. Let us choose to change, to take on simpler and more respectful lifestyles! It is time to abandon the dependence on fossil fuels and to undertake, rapidly and decisively, transitions towards forms of clean energy and a sustainable and circular economy.”

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

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ANS – Spain – Solar panels from Salesians of Puertollano: “We’re a national reference point in field of energy efficiency, education”

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Foundation, which was founded Cordoba, Spain, more than 21 years ago, has won a commemorative award as part of the Andalucía Joven Awards, facilitated annually by the Andalusian Institute of Youth. The Don Bosco Foundation, which provides programs in Andalusia, the Canary Islands and Extremadura, plays an integral role in the development of young people in situations of risk or social exclusion.

The Andalucía Joven Awards give recognition to the paths taken by youth, groups, entities or institutions that stand out in their work throughout the year. These awards, which received more than 150 candidate applications from all over Andalusia, include prizes for categories such as entrepreneurship, art and culture, sport, science and innovation, social commitment, environment, and sustainable development.

Rocío Ruiz, councilor for equality, social policies and conciliation at the Andalusian Council, presented the awards on Dec.18 in a gala event held in the Gran Teatro in Huelva. Many Andalusian youth associations were represented at the event. Attendees enjoyed an artistic performance by youth from the Salesian Carabela Youth Association.

In a speech made at the event, Salesian Father Fernando Miranda, president of the Don Bosco Foundation and vicar of the Salesian Province of Spain, thanked the public and private institutions that support the foundation and all of the people who make the work possible, including more than 500 professionals and 200 volunteers.

In his statement, Fr. Miranda said, “Thanks above all to all the young people who make the foundation’s dream come true. A dream that is already many years old. It was born in the head of Don Bosco—of which we bear the name—and he dreamed of giving a better future to many children who were lying on the street at that time. We continue to encourage and accompany many young people so that they continue to dream and find a place in the midst of reality, in the world, in the place where they live.”

Salesian centers in Spain operate close to 50 vocational and technical training centers that employ 1,300 teachers and offer 17,000 students a chance to gain an education. All Salesian centers have the support of companies from a variety of business sectors to give students real-world work experience.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

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ANS – Spain – “Fundación Don Bosco” awarded for efforts in favor of young people

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SPAIN

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Institute in Ciudad Real, a city in central Spain and south of Madrid, was recently awarded the 2019 Educational Innovation Award in the Best Innovative Experience-Nursery and Primary School category at Simo Educación, an international exhibition of educational technology and innovation. The Salesian Institute was chosen for this honor for its “The car of the future” project.

This project was launched by primary school teacher Carlos García Turrillo, who teaches 6th grade. “The car of the future” project engaged students in cooperative learning and gamification processes while teaching the fundamentals of electronics and robotics.

The students’ objective was to construct a scale-model car. This enabled students to learn how to work in groups and use renewable energies. The project was developed in three phases and students had to use learned skills in geometry, natural sciences, languages and robotics in order to complete the project successfully.

The top 10 schools that were awarded honors at Simo Educación will go on to compete against each other for the InnoTechEdu Award and the Award for Best Innovative Experience in Teaching, which is the absolute top prize in the competition. Both prizes will be announced Nov. 6 in Madrid during the InnoTechEdu Party & Prizes celebration. The event has the theme “We love our teachers!”

“Salesian teachers work to provide students with the best learning environment and utilize innovative and effective methods of teaching,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “This competition aims to be a stimulus and a point of transformation for those who participate. For students and teachers, it is an incentive for innovative skills, to become aware of the importance of research and explore the possibilities of contributing to the improvement of society.”

Salesian missionaries arrived in Ciudad Real more than 50 years ago. In 1962, missionaries started the St. Tomás de Villanueva school and reception center focused on poor and orphaned youth. Over time, Salesian missionaries expanded their educational and social programs by adding a primary school and vocational training courses as well as workshops in mechanics, carpentry and printing.

Salesian centers in Spain operate close to 50 vocational and technical training centers that employ 1,300 teachers and offer 17,000 students a chance to gain an education. All Salesian centers have the support of companies from a variety of business sectors to give students real-world work experience.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

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ANS – Spain – “Car of the future” project awarded at “Simo Educación 2019” fair

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UGANDA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Mission Office Madrid and the Salesian Jóvenes y Desarrollo Foundation presented a new documentary “Palabek: Refuge of Hope” from award-winning filmmaker Raúl de la Fuente on Oct. 17, in Madrid, Spain. Other screening locations will follow in Spain and other European cities in the coming weeks.

Uganda has become home for more than 1.3 million refugees—82 percent of whom are women and children—in the wake of the ongoing conflict in South Sudan, according to the UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency. Millions have fled the country and nearly 400,000 have died as a result of armed clashes. Many of those who have fled to Uganda have taken refuge at the Palabek Refugee Settlement in northern Uganda.

The Palabek Refugee Settlement is currently home to 34,000 people. It was officially set up in April 2016 to reduce congestion in larger refugee camps in the northwestern corner of Uganda. Several agencies are involved in providing food and education within Palabek.

Salesian missionaries at the settlement are offering much needed psycho-social support and pastoral care for thousands of Christian residents. They also operate four nursery schools that educate more than 1,000 children. In addition, there are over 700 children attending Salesian primary and secondary schools and more than 700 families that are supported by various other initiatives.

Young refugees are also able to attend vocational training courses for free. Depending on the discipline, some courses will run for 3-6 months while others will run as long as a year. Salesian missionaries have also set up a job placement office that will help students make contact with companies that are hiring, prepare resumes and prep for interviews, and find internships and onsite training opportunities.

Ordinary life in the camp is the main theme of the documentary, with a focus on the daily difficulties and uncertainty of the future of these people. The film offers moving stories of refugees arriving from all over the world and shows the dreams that keep them alive, along with the work that the Salesians do with them, offering education, support and hope.

Alice and Gladys, two young refugees and mothers, have started a new life in the settlement of Palabek thanks to the study opportunities offered to them by the Salesians. Thanks to a scholarship, Alice is finishing high school in a village near Palabek, while Gladys is the only girl who attends the Motorcycle Repair course of the Don Bosco Technical School.

“This new documentary sheds light on the realities faced by those who have had to leave everything behind to save their own lives and now live with the painful difficulties of being separated from their families and waiting for peace to be able to return home,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Close to 67 percent of Ugandans are either poor or highly vulnerable to poverty, according to UNICEF. While the country has seen some economic growth, as well as improvement in its Human Development Index ranking over the last 20 years, the country still ranks near the bottom at 163 out of 188 countries. After decades of war left many displaced, the people of Uganda face many significant challenges as they work to rebuild their country.

Uganda’s literacy rate has improved with 73 percent of the population literate but only 23 percent of Ugandans go on to acquire a secondary education. According to UNICEF, one of the biggest challenges in the country is combating the serious increase of HIV/AIDS that has left millions of children orphaned.

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ANS – Spain – “Palabek. Refugio de esperanza”, documentary about refugees’ life and dreams

Don Bosco Palabek Refugee Resettlement Camp

Salesian Missions – Uganda

Salesian Missions – Spain

UGANDA: Young women from South Sudan are learning the skills needed to earn a living at Palabek Refugee Settlement

The post UGANDA: Salesian Mission Office Madrid and Salesian Jóvenes y Desarrollo Foundation present the new documentary “Palabek: Refuge of Hope” first appeared on MissionNewswire.

María Auxiliadora is the first school in the autonomous region of Cantabria to have received this recognition by Google. The center offers an education based on Christian development along with core components of multilingualism, digital competence and methodologies such as cooperative learning and project work.

Students attending María Auxiliadora can attend the educational center from nursery school up to secondary school. Courses are offered in the sciences, humanities, social sciences and the arts. The center also offers vocational training courses in manufacturing and assembly and electrical and automatic mechanized installation and a more advanced level course in telecommunications and computer systems.

Father Miguel Ángel García Morcuende, SDB of the Department School-Formation of the Dicastery for Youth Ministry, notes, “Technology does not reinvent pedagogy, but expands its possibilities. We are pioneers in educational diversity and have the best specialists to accompany students in the different phases of their evolutionary development.”

Staff at María Auxiliadora are constantly working to improve the education and opportunities provided to students. The center recently implemented a dual training program which integrates classroom training with hands-on training in companies. Father Morcuende adds, “Our next challenge and our main commitment is to bring business realities into high school classrooms, even before the kids get to university. We are also looking for the participation of families in the center’s projects and want to design a program that address emotional education at a general level from the very earliest age.”

The center has a great success rate for graduates who finish vocational training. Father Morcuende says, “It should be noted that the percentage of employment at the end of the vocational training courses is 100 percent.”

Salesian centers in Spain operate close to 50 vocational and technical training centers that employ 1,300 teachers and offer 17,000 students a chance to gain an education. All Salesian centers have the support of companies from a variety of business sectors to give students real-world work experience.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

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ANS – Spain – Fr Miguel Ángel García: “Our priorities are integral education and employment”

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Salesian centers María Auxiliadora and Salesianos Estrecho are recognized as Google Reference Schools first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The project is carried out in close collaboration between the National Commission of the Youth Centers of Spain, the Delegates for Youth Ministry of the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Syria.

Despite ongoing conflict and instability, Salesian missionaries have continued their work with youth in Syria. Over the course of the last eight years since the outbreak of civil war began in March 2011, Salesian missionaries have operated three centers in Kafroun and the particularly high conflict areas of Aleppo and Damascus. Each of the centers is staffed by three Salesian priests and a deacon.

“This project provides youth in Spain a chance to pay forward all that they have learned and help those who have lost so much because of the ongoing conflict in Syria,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “The youth centers in Syria have been in operation since well before the start of the war providing educational classes, meeting space and social development and sporting activities for youth and their families. The centers also offer trauma counseling, emergency shelter, nutritious meals and medical referrals to those in need.”

The goal of the Suriya project is to promote awareness and collect material aid for those still in conflict regions. From the start, youth involved in the project held various awareness-raising, support and fundraising activities. They categorized the potential needs of youth in Syria into basic necessities, materials for education and psychological training for Salesian teams and materials for recreational activities at the Syrian Salesian youth center.

As part of the Suriya project, youth vigils were held on Dec. 2, 2017 in youth centers in Spain and Syria that were supported by the Salesian Youth Movement. In 2018, the campaign “bracelets and solidarity sweets” was launched and implemented at various events carried out by the Salesian youth centers in Spain. The funding raised was provided to the Salesian youth centers in Syria.

As part of the project’s ongoing work, in May, Father Santi Domínguez, National Coordinator of the Salesian Youth Centers, and María Alonso of the María Auxiliadora Youth Center will travel to Syria to visit the Salesian youth centers in Aleppo and Damascus.

The purpose of this trip is to get to know firsthand the reality of youth centers in Syria, to see how young people there live and what they need. During the visit, Fr. Dominguez and Alonso will meet with Salesian missionaries and lay staff to learn more about their work to help prepare the support and materials in Spain.

In the coming months, a traveling photographic exhibition is also planned to raise awareness of the reality of refugees and the work of Salesian staff in Syria. The goal is to have this exhibit opened during the summer activities held by the Salesian youth centers in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – A trip to Syria, through “Suriya” project

Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.

The post SPAIN: Youth in Salesian centers in Spain provide awareness and fundraising activities to help youth in Salesian centers in Syria first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The jury members who evaluated the projects came from technology companies, polytechnic universities, professional associations and public administrations. The projects were presented and evaluated at a Salesian sports center in Zaragoza, Spain with the awards presented at the center’s auditorium.

Javier Sirvent, specialist in digital transformation at the Salesian center, facilitated the awards ceremony and presented the prizes. The Mario Rubio Award, a tribute to the Salesian creator and promoter of the Don Bosco National Award, is presented each year to a person with a renowned professional career. This year the award was presented to Amado Franco, president of the IberCaja Foundation, a local nonprofit that promotes social and cultural projects.

The Don Bosco National Award is an acknowledgment of entrepreneurship, teamwork and innovation. Since its creation in 1984, the competition has made an important contribution in the field of education and in the relations between academia and business. The Don Bosco National Awards is a showcase for entrepreneurial initiatives applicable to future company projects.

“The Don Bosco National Award wants to be more than a prize,” says Father Juan Bosco Sancho, director of the initiative. “This competition aims to be a stimulus and a point of transformation for those who participate. For students and teachers, it is an incentive for innovative skills, to become aware of the importance of research and explore the possibilities of contributing to the improvement of society.”

Salesian centers in Spain operate close to 50 vocational and technical training centers that employ 1,300 teachers and offer 17,000 students a chance to gain an education. All Salesian centers have the support of companies from a variety of business sectors to give students real-world work experience.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

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ANS – Spain – Don Bosco National Award reaches 1000 innovative projects presented during its history

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: The 32nd Don Bosco National Awards evaluated 45 innovative projects developed from Salesian training centers first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Viktor Mayer-Schönberger, professor of internet governance and regulation at the Internet Institute at Oxford University and author of the book, “Big Data,” has said, “The great hope of Big Data is that every student have a personalized and adaptive tutoring with costs that are not prohibitive.”

Salesian missionaries have launched this initiative with these words in mind. The use of artificial intelligence in school will offer students personalized learning, adapted to their needs, with the content and materials they need at all times. Reaching the maximum potential of each student, according to his or her abilities, will be the objective. The technology will provide educators with a virtual assistant that will facilitate the individualized planning for each student and will be able to detect and solve the challenges of the learning process.

Marc Sanz López, director of Google for Education for Southern Europe, said, “With this strategic alliance we want to accompany leaders and teachers in the process of transformation and evolution of education, having technology as a key ally to achieve this goal and to support their projects.”

As a result of this agreement, the first products will be made available during the 2019-2020 school year. The collaboration between the two companies aims to drive digital transformation by combining Google’s digital tools and Edebé’s digital educational products and content. These new products integrate with the Google for Education ecosystem consisting of the “G Suite for Education” collaboration and communication platform and Chromebook devices.

The agreement will also allow the latest findings of artificial intelligence and adaptive learning based on Big Data to be within reach of the educational community and they will be able to respond to its great challenges.

Antonio Garrido, general manager of the Edebé Group, said, “This collaboration agreement allows us to support the digital transformation of schools and give teachers more time to personalize the teaching and be able to make every student face his own challenges.”

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

Salesian centers in Spain operate close to 50 vocational training centers that employ 1,300 teachers and offer 17,000 students a chance to gain an education. In addition to these centers, the Pinardi Federation of Salesian Social Platforms and the Salesian Association of Technology and Innovation offer vocational training courses. All Salesian vocational centers have the support of companies from a variety of business sectors to give students real-world work experience.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

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ANS – Spain – Edebé and Google allies for improvment of education with Artificial Intelligence and Big Data

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: The Salesian publishing house Edebé Group develops partnership with Google for Education for the production and distribution of digital educational products first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Director, Raúl de la Fuente, and producer, Amaia Remírez, won their second Goya Award with “Un día más con vida,” a feature film inspired by a novel written by Polish journalist, Ryszard Kapuściński. Raúl de la Fuente is the director of many films produced all over the world by the Salesian Missions Office in Madrid. In recent years he has traveled around the world with Salesian staff to create documentaries that highlight Salesian missionary work among the most disadvantaged.

One of his most well-known documentaries, “Love,” denounces child prostitution in Sierra Leone and highlights the work done by Salesian missionaries at the Don Bosco Fambul Girls Shelter helping hundreds of girls forced into prostitution. “Love” has been presented at many Salesian centers and international venues, including at an organized event at the United Nations in New York.

In recent years, Raúl de la Fuente has worked on Salesian productions including, “Hijos de Haití” (Children of Haiti), “No estoy en venta” (They are not for sale), “Yo no soy bruja” (I am not a witch), “30,000,” “Diamantes en Lixeira” (Diamonds in Lixeira) and “Alto el Fuego” (Cease Fire). The director is also involved in several upcoming Salesian projects. He reports, “Currently we are working on a new project that is already in progress. It is a short documentary entitled, “El Infierno,” which will be ready in June.”

In addition, he is working on a joint project with the Salesian Central Office, the Salesian Missionary Offices and the Dicastery for the Missions, Youth Ministry and Social Communications for the production of three short films with a theme of vocations in different cultural contexts. This upcoming film series has the title, “Terra di Missione.”

Chilean former Salesian student, Jesús Vidal, also received a Goya Award. When awarded, he said, “Three words came to mind – inclusion, diversity and visibility.” He is the first visually impaired actor to win a Goya Award for his work in a film, winning the Actor Revelation award for the film, “Campeones.”

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ANS – Spain – Salesian presence at 33rd edition of Goya Awards

SIERRA LEONE: New Salesian short film “Love” debuts in Rome, highlights Don Bosco Fambul’s rescuing young prostitutes from the streets

The post SPAIN: Director of Salesian films and Salesian past pupil win Goya Awards in Spain first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The training is the result of a partnership established between Salesian centers in Spain and Siemens. Salesian missionaries are committed to fostering vocational training opportunities to ensure youth have access to the skills needed to find and retain employment. Partnerships help provide teachers with the training they need to become more informed educators while giving students access to the most up-to-date training and equipment available in the field.

Salesian centers in Spain operate close to 50 vocational training centers that employ 1,300 teachers and offer 17,000 students a chance to gain an education. In addition to these centers, the Pinardi Federation of Salesian Social Platforms and the Salesian Association of Technology and Innovation offer vocational training courses. All Salesian vocational centers have the support of companies from a variety of business sectors to give students real-world work experience.

“With so many young people out of work and facing conditions of poverty in Spain, it is vital for Salesian workforce development programs to respond to market demand,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Students in these programs have a real opportunity to enter the workforce prepared both in terms of the skills they have learned and in their social development, ensuring a lifelong ability to retain livable wage employment and escape poverty. Partnerships with these corporations help ensure that teachers are trained and Salesian students have an easier transition from the classroom to the workforce.”

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

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ANS – Spain – Siemens course for Teachers of Vocational Training Centers

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Seven Salesian vocational training centers receive Siemens training certification first appeared on MissionNewswire.

According to Salesian missionaries working in Madrid, the reception center in Hortaleza is currently at the point of collapse and the government does not foresee new finances being available for maintaining these kinds of programs for unaccompanied minors. Many young migrants have arrived in the Spanish capital after going through dire and unusual circumstances and yet, a number of the communities chosen to house them have refused to do so.

In the midst of this crisis are stories like those of Said and Moha that enable Salesian missionaries to view these young people as able to have a bright future when they come of age, through commitment and hard work.

Said, an Algerian, is the second of four brothers. Seeking a future with opportunities, he decided to embark on a voyage to Spain because he felt he did not have many opportunities in his home country. Moha felt the same. He left his mother and two brothers in the Ivory Coast. He explains, “I left my country for a very clear and powerful objective – to be able to help my family and pursue a better future.”

Moha landed on the Cadiz coast at Tarifa and ended up with Said at the reception center in Hortaleza. They were then sent to different programs but once they came of age, they reconnected and joined the Salesian Garelli House program in order to gain an education. They live with six other young men in the Madrid suburb of Carabanchel and are supervised by staff from the Pinardi Federation of Salesian Social Platforms which oversees the program.

Hard hit by the current economic troubles in Europe, Spain, although slowly improving economically, has the third highest rate of income inequality of the countries of the European Union. The richest 1 percent of the Spanish population accounts for a quarter of the national wealth, according to the World Bank. It also notes that 10.2 million people in Spain live below the poverty line, equivalent to a poverty rate of 22.3 percent.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain are also challenged in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

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ANS – Spain – The crisis of Unaccompanied Minors, Said: “I arrived here alone and I hope to learn so I can become a cook in my country”

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Salesian Garelli House provides a home and education for older youth who came to Spain as unaccompanied minors first appeared on MissionNewswire.

According to UNCHR (UN Refugee Agency), more than 1 million refugees live in the European Union today. In 2017, Barcelona, Spain welcomed 4,405 refugees, according to data from the Immigrants, Emigrants and Refugees Service of the Barcelona Municipal Council. Many of them have lived or still live in spaces granted by the Catholic Church.

The Salesian Martí-Codolar residence,  a program within the broader Salesian Martí-Codolar Center in Barcelona, serves as a place of first arrival for refugees and migrants. Two years ago, the local Salesian congregation appointed two floors of the Martí-Codolar residence and dedicated them specifically to welcoming refugees who arrived in the city.

In addition to ceding the space, the Salesian congregation made some necessary improvements including the installation of laundry facilities. Salesians missionaries, together with volunteers, spent time making the facility accessible and appropriate to meet the needs of new arrivals.

Most of the people who arrive at the Martí-Codolar residence are families with children. However, there are also young people who arrive alone. There is much turn over at the residence as its primary purpose is to act as an emergency shelter for those refugees who have most recently arrived and who have not yet been integrated into other programs.

“The work done by Salesian volunteers to help these refugees are done without any act of heroism, but are simply part of being Salesians,” says Father Joan Codina, superior of the Martí-Codolar Center. “As Salesians, we are called to work with young people and children. We could not refuse; on the contrary, we consider it absolutely necessary.”

The Martí-Codolar Center is one of nine Salesian centers organized under the Salesians of Sant Jordi. In 2017 at their nine centers in the Catalonia region, the Salesians of Sant Jordi carried out 54 projects to improve the quality of life for children in the region. These projects included social and work placement for youth, welcome and reception to migrants, residential assistance, family orientation and community development. In total, 4,072 children and older youth who were at risk of social exclusion were helped by these projects.

Hard hit by the current economic troubles in Europe, Spain, although slowly improving economically, has the third highest rate of income inequality of the countries of the European Union. The richest 1 percent of the Spanish population accounts for a quarter of the national wealth, according to the World Bank. It also notes that 10.2 million people in Spain live below the poverty line, equivalent to a poverty rate of 22.3 percent.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain are also challenged in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

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ANS – Spain – Salesian Martí-Codolar residence: two years welcoming refugees and migrants

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: The Salesian Martí-Codolar residence provides emergency shelter for newly arriving refugees in Barcelona first appeared on MissionNewswire.

“This award is a very important recognition of the work we do as a Missions Office and together with Salesian missionaries across the world for children and young people. The protection and education of the most vulnerable children is our purpose. We are grateful for awards like this, which continue to give us energy to continue our mission,” explained Father José Antonio San Martín, head of Salesian Missions Madrid, after receiving the award.

The International Observatory on Juvenile Justice is a public service foundation based in Brussels, Belgium. Since 2002, the organization has been working for the rights of children and young people at risk of social exclusion, especially those in conflict with the law or immersed in the cycles of youth violence and delinquency. The main objective of the organization is to promote fair and borderless juvenile justice.

The International Observatory on Juvenile Justice serves as a platform for the creation of shared knowledge that aims to promote the improvement of juvenile justice systems and policies. It also works to implement international standards in the field and foster the skills of professionals in the sector as well as highlight innovative practices.

“The winners of this edition of the awards are an example of the values ​​that this recognition seeks to promote, that is, broad and exceptional professional work that contributes to the progress of juvenile justice systems and the protection of the rights of children and young people all over the world,” said Francisco Legaz, director of the International Observatory on Juvenile Justice.

Hard hit by the current economic troubles in Europe, Spain has the third highest rate of income inequality of the countries of the European Union. The richest 1 percent of the Spanish population accounts for a quarter of the national wealth, according to the World Bank. It also notes that 10.2 million people in Spain live below the poverty line, equivalent to a poverty rate of 22.3 percent.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

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ANS – Spain – “Misiones Salesianas” receives “Juvenile Justice without Borders” award

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Salesian Missions Madrid receives “Youth Justice without Borders” international award from the International Observatory on Juvenile Justice first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Youth engaged in the “First the last” campaign planned all of the campaign activities including awareness-raising courses and a screening of a documentary film called, “Love,” directed by Goya prize winner, Raúl de la Fuente. The film captures the work of Salesian missionaries in Freetown who are helping hundreds of girls who were forced into prostitution by poverty or neglect.

On World Mission Day on Oct. 21, the campaign was presented at a Catholic service at the local Salesian parish in Valencia. Youth designed and sold bracelets with the words, “Primero las últimas – #LOVE?” The final proceeds of the sale of the bracelets – almost 1,200 euros – will go entirely to the Girls Shelter in Freetown.

The campaign has also grown to include third- and fourth-year English language students who are offering support for the girls by writing and sending them letters. While many of the campaign activities raised money for the Girls Shelter, the letters brought messages of support, empathy and solidarity to the girls of Sierra Leone.

In addition, the campaign coordination team created a 3D mural at the entrance to San Juan Bosco Salesian Institute and students recorded a video using background images from the “Love” documentary. The entire community plans to organize a musical for next April and to allocate all the proceeds from the musical to the Girls Shelter.

Don Bosco Fambul is one of Sierra Leone’s leading child-welfare organizations and has been helping young women caught up in prostitution come in off the streets. Father Jorge Crisafulli launched the program out of Don Bosco Fambul’s Girls Shelter in September 2016 with the aim of searching for girls in their workplaces where they are surrounded by alcohol and drugs and at risk of danger and exploitation. The program offers them shelter, health, nutrition, education and wherever possible, reintegrates them back into their families.

Close to 200,000 young girls and older women were sexually assaulted during Sierra Leone’s decade-long civil war, according to UNICEF. And although the war has stopped, the sexual violence against women continues. Young women are at risk for sexual violence, trafficking and forced pregnancy, among other atrocities. Today, one third of girls are forced into marriage and often sexually assaulted by their husbands before their 15th birthday. In addition, 90 percent of girls are subjected to female genital mutilation. The Girls Shelter, which has been in operation for five years, was developed in response to this crisis.

Salesian missionaries, professional social workers and pastoral workers provide crisis intervention and follow-up care for girls and young women who have been victims of sexual assault. Girls that access the shelter services are also able to attend educational programs that are a part of the broader Don Bosco Fambul network of programs. These educational programs give young women the skills necessary to find and retain employment.

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ANS – Spain – “First the last”: campaign by a Salesian institute in Valencia for girls saved from prostitution in Sierra Leone

SIERRA LEONE: Don Bosco Fambul Girls Shelter gives girls caught in prostitution a chance for a better life

The post SPAIN: San Juan Bosco Salesian Institute launches campaign to bring awareness of girls caught in prostitution in Sierra Leone first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Share the Light is a nonprofit organization created from projects developed by staff and students of the Salesian College Farnborough in the United Kingdom. The organization focuses specifically on helping youth in Mazabuka, a town in the Southern Province of Zambia. Having grown in recent years, Share the Light now includes a Scholarship Program, a Porridge Club and the City of Joy orphanage.

“Share the Light provides an opportunity for Salesian students to give back to the broader Salesian community through their work in Zambia,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Feeding programs, scholarships and programs that aid young women in gaining an education are all vital to combat poverty and give youth a chance for a better future in Zambia and around the globe.”

Volunteers at Share the Light consist of older students and teachers who specialize in the fields of graphic arts, mechanics, electricity and telecommunications. They visit Zambia every year near the end of June to help support the City of Joy orphanage run by Salesian Sisters in Mazabuka. The orphanage is home to a growing number of girls and young women who are unable to live with their families. Share the Light aims to meet the residents’ medical and nutritional needs and provide them clothing, school uniforms and school equipment. In addition, the organization provides transport to enable groups from the City of Joy to travel out together in safety.

Share the Light’s Scholarship Program provides children and older youth access to education, enabling them to achieve their goals and pursue a brighter future. It offers both financial and practical help to students at all levels of education.

The organization also focuses on nutrition. Its Porridge Club has become Share the Light’s longest running project. The club provides daily nutritious meals to the 700 students attending Luyobolola Community Primary School. The porridge provided at school not only gives children vital nutrients, it has improved their attendance and ability to concentrate and learn. Share the Light’s Nutrition Program also works to support the community in Mazabuka by providing essential food items, clothing and blankets for those who are sick or out of work. It has proved to be an essential lifeline for those in need.

Share the Light has also been awarded a Blanquerna Impulsa Award as the first finalist in the field of health. These awards aim to raise awareness of sustainable development to motivate and encourage the involvement of members of the educational community.

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ANS – Spain – “Share the Light” project of Salesians of Sarriá are finalists in Fundación Telefónica al Voluntariado award ceremony

Share the Light

ZAMBIA: The Salesian College Farnborough operates Share the Light, an organization that helps youth in Salesian programs in Mazabuka

The post ZAMBIA: Salesian College Farnborough’s Share the Light organization receives award in recognition of volunteer initiatives in Zambia first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The Salesian school of Alcalá has been educating students for 104 years and has greatly impacted many in the region. Its current goal is to advance the school’s use of technology in the fields of construction, medicine, science, space navigation and others. Computer programming, as well as the use and management of technologies, is now considered a basic competency of the 21st century. The Mi Colegio 2020 project has been launched to ensure that school educators and students have access to the latest technologies available for learning.

After the interest shown by other schools in the province of Seville as well as by national and local media, the Spanish channel, Canal Sur, took an interest in the project and sent a camera crew to the school to report on it. The project was then highlighted by the weekly program, #EnRed, which researches cutting-edge technological experiences throughout the region of Andalusia.

“With so many young people out of work and facing conditions of poverty in Spain, it is vital for Salesian education and workforce development programs to respond to market demand, especially keeping up with new technologies,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Students in these programs have a real opportunity to enter the workforce prepared both in terms of the skills they have learned and in their social development, ensuring a lifelong ability to retain livable wage employment and escape poverty.”

Salesian centers in Spain operate close to 50 vocational and technical training centers that employ 1,300 teachers and offer 17,000 students a chance to gain an education. In addition to these centers, the Pinardi Federation of Salesian Social Platforms and the Salesian Association of Technology and Innovation also offer vocational training courses. All Salesian vocational centers have the support of companies from a variety of business sectors to give students real-world work experience.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

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ANS – Spain – “Mi Colegio 2020”: a project by Salesians of Alcalá de Guadaíra

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Mi Colegio 2020 project ensures teachers and students at Salesian school in Alcalá de Guadaíra have access to the latest technology first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The agreements were signed by Father Ángel Asurmendi, superior of the Spain Mary Help of Christians Province, Father Juan Carlos Pérez Godoy, superior of the Spain St. James Major Province and by representatives of the three collaborating companies.

FeuVert will offer training for teachers related to a course degree in vehicle maintenance management that is certified by the University of Salamanca. The company will also collaborate on projects for youth at-risk of social exclusion. The AyS group will provide training courses for teachers as well as technical advice and software licenses in the most advanced technologies.

Herco will provide Salesian vocational training centers with a wide range of mechanical instruments, tools and technical equipment for their classrooms and laboratories, chosen from among their catalogs, together with the necessary technical support and commercial advice.

These three signed agreements are the latest collaborations that Salesians missionaries have entered into in recent years to help bolster the education provided to youth in vocational training centers. Other collaborations have been established with Schneider, Hoffmann, Siemens and Festo.

Salesian centers in Spain operate close to 50 vocational training centers that employ 1,300 teachers and offer 17,000 students a chance to gain an education. In addition to these centers, the Pinardi Federation of Salesian Social Platforms and the Salesian Association of Technology and Innovation also offer vocational training courses. All Salesian vocational centers have the support of companies from a variety of business sectors to give students real-world work experience.

“With so many young people out of work and facing conditions of poverty in Spain, it is vital for Salesian workforce development programs to respond to market demand,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Students in these programs have a real opportunity to enter the workforce prepared both in terms of the skills they have learned and in their social development, ensuring a lifelong ability to retain livable wage employment and escape poverty. Partnerships with these corporations help ensure that teachers are trained and Salesian students have an easier transition from the classroom to the workforce.”

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

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ANS – Spain – Salesians sign three new partnership agreements with companies, for the benefit of young people

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Salesian missionaries sign collaboration agreements with companies that will provide teacher training and technical assistance first appeared on MissionNewswire.

“This anniversary is lived as an opportunity for updating and innovation,” says Ignacio Vázquez, director of the Don Bosco Foundation. “At the same time, we want to stimulate the attention of society and administrations to those young people who are not part of the educational system, but that certainly deserve an opportunity.”

More than 400 people work at the Don Bosco Foundation helping over 20,000 youth each year. The foundation provides “second chance” schools which are currently certified in all the territories in which the foundation operates. It also manages houses for minors and apartments for young refugees, facilitates programs for employment integration, provides multiple socio-educational resources and offers common family kitchens.

The Don Bosco Foundation is also focused on ensuring youth have access to education so they are able to successfully join the work force. In 2017, 3,300 graduates of Don Bosco Foundation programs entered the labor market. “Although the working situation is improving, the foundation gives an opportunity to all those people who otherwise would not be able to have them,” adds Vázquez.

In addition, the organization deals with the protection of minors living in refugee homes. Vázquez explains, “We make sure that they have a life as normal as possible and that this phase they live is similar to that of any child of their age. When foreign minors reach the age of majority, they are often forced into the streets because they do not have support networks. This is why the foundation offers them an apartment and personalized support actions, tailored to each case.”

Twenty years after the foundation was launched, there is still enthusiasm and the desire to continue improving the situation of all people turning to it for help. Vázquez concludes, “We hope, however, that the day will come when we will celebrate that our foundation has achieved its objectives and that therefore it is no longer necessary.”

Hard hit by the current economic troubles in Europe, Spain has the third highest rate of income inequality of the countries of the European Union. The richest 1 percent of the Spanish population accounts for a quarter of the national wealth, according to the World Bank. It also notes that 10.2 million people in Spain live below the poverty line, equivalent to a poverty rate of 22.3 percent.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

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ANS – Spain – “Fundación Don Bosco”: 20 years at service of most vulnerable youths

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Don Bosco Foundation celebrates 20 years of providing access to education and social programs for vulnerable youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.

An apartment in Madrid, donated by the Carmelite nuns at Parla, has been set up to accommodate five children with a goal of expanding the program over time to reach more youth. The program is in response to a recent appeal by the Community of Madrid, through the Family and Minors General Management, to meet the needs of these children and adolescents.

“We are aware that everything has gone very fast and what normally takes months has been a matter of days. There are many urgencies of all kinds for these children to be assisted by the conditions they deserve, in the most dignified way and by safeguarding their rights as minors,” noted the Pinardi Federation in a statement about the new program.

The apartment provided is part of the Casa Garelli project, a Pinardi Federation initiative that provides apartments for youth between the ages of 18 and 21 who are at risk of social exclusion. This initiative was launched in February as a follow up to a similar program run by the Pinardi Federation for vulnerable young refugees.

In Madrid, the Pinardi Federation manages two apartments donated by the Daughters of Charity that accommodate ten young refugees. In Seville, a Don Bosco Foundation apartment has welcomed four young refugees. The successful program includes lessons in Spanish local customs and language, financial and administrative support and work orientation to help the young refugees find and retain stable employment.

Salesian centers across Spain employ 60 professionals and 200 volunteers to serve more than 25,000 migrants and refugees through 40 projects. Salesian missionaries and their network of programs across Europe are assisting European countries with the ongoing refugee crisis. Salesian programs provide humanitarian and educational assistance to refugees by helping them become fully-integrated and independent in their new countries and homes.

Since its inception in 2001, the Pinardi Federation has been developing programs to help poor youth between the ages of 12 and 16 and is currently operating close to 40 projects aiding more than 2,000 youth. Projects focus on promoting the quality of children’s lives, helping youth retain employment and supporting migrants through family mediation. Other community projects work to raise awareness of volunteerism.

The Pinardi Federation’s youth employment projects include training programs that collaborate directly with the business sector so that students learn marketable skills to ease the transition from coursework into employment. These programs also encourage the business community to take an active role in program development as well as meeting with students to help shape their academic and social development, ensuring greater opportunities for employment after graduation.

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ANS Spain – Salesians start new project in favor of Unaccompanied Foreign Minors

World Bank – Spain

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As part of the initiative, a group of Salesian students are working to address difficulties that children with ASD encounter in communication and interaction. At the beginning of the last school year, students in the first year of automation and robotics at the Salesian university in Pamplona were asked to investigate how electronics, automation and robotics could help reduce the barriers that people with ASD face.

Both the students and the teachers took part in training on autism spectrum disorders, went on a visit to see how the Association for Autism of Navarre works with these children and engaged in the creation of prototypes of electronics that can help in the classroom. The prototypes created include a portable multisensory “room”, an interactive machine for making soap bubbles, an electronic agenda, a blackboard to set up and track habits, a device for managing shifts, a visual timer and a noise meter for the classrooms.

“It was intense work,” said one of the students. “It is motivating to help others but at times we were overwhelmed by the difficulties presented during the development of the project. We have invested many, many hours but the result has repaid our efforts.”

“We do not want the work we have done to be left alone, set aside among done projects,” added the student. “We want anyone who wishes to and is interested to have the documentation we produced, replicate it and maybe even improve our devices. This is why we have created a web page where you can download everything you need.”

The Santa Luisa de Marillac Institute has expressed its willingness to welcome Salesian students into its classrooms. A teacher at the institute said, “It was a great experience to share our needs with them and see how they welcomed them with interest and looks of complicity that seemed to say to us ‘we can do it!’”

Hard hit by the current economic troubles in Europe, Spain, although slowly improving economically, has the third highest rate of income inequality of the countries of the European Union. The richest 1 percent of the Spanish population accounts for a quarter of the national wealth, according to the World Bank. It also notes that 10.2 million people in Spain live below the poverty line, equivalent to a poverty rate of 22.3 percent.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

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ANS – Spain – Electronics and Autism: building bridges for communication

World Bank – Spain

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The Google for Education program takes place several times a year in different cities around the globe. Salesian teachers, Raúl Diego from the Salesian Primary School of Santander and member of the provincial school innovation team, Charo Fernández from the Salesian Institute of Madrid-Atocha and Martín García from the Salesianos Ciudad de los Muchachos Center, will attend a Google training session in Madrid from Oct. 3-5. The program will also offer additional online training that will run to October 2019.

The three Salesian teachers will join 33 other teachers from Spain and Latin America who have been accepted into the Google for Education program and will attend the Madrid training session. The candidates were selected based on their professional experience, passion for teaching and learning, innovative use of classroom technology, ability to influence other educators and desire to tackle some of the biggest challenges in the industry.

The program aims to promote educational transformation through innovative projects, inspire other educators through various support opportunities and develop teachers’ abilities through training, development and ongoing collaboration with other innovative figures in the education sector.

After completing the program, innovators become ambassadors of change who provide valuable tools to other educators and students through a culture of innovation. The Salesian teachers will join more than 1,500 educators from over 50 countries who have completed the Google program.

“With so many young people out of work and facing conditions of poverty in Spain, it is vital for Salesian centers to keep up with technology and innovate in this digital age,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Students in Salesian programs have a real opportunity to enter the workforce prepared both in terms of the skills they have learned and in their social development, ensuring a lifelong ability to retain livable wage employment and escape poverty.”

“Teacher training programs such as this one provided by Google help ensure that Salesian teachers have the skills needed to educate youth in a way that meets market demand,” adds Fr. Hyde.

Hard hit by the current economic troubles in Europe, Spain, although slowly improving economically, has the third highest rate of income inequality of the countries of the European Union. The richest 1 percent of the Spanish population accounts for a quarter of the national wealth, according to the World Bank. It also notes that 10.2 million people in Spain live below the poverty line, equivalent to a poverty rate of 22.3 percent.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

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ANS – Spain – Google selects three teachers from schools of Spain-St James Major Province for its educational innovation course

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Three Salesian teachers have been selected to take part in the Google for Education Certified Innovators Program in Madrid first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Salesian centers will continue to promote pedagogical innovation in the classrooms. Several initiatives have been launched including the celebration of an Annual Innovation Day and the opening of an innovation portal to share good practices.

Encouraging and supporting teacher training and networking, Salesian educational centers have planned seminars, courses and other training programs that allow teachers to regularly update their skills and knowledge. In addition, every year, a group of Salesian pastoral directors and coordinators from various Salesian centers have the opportunity to achieve specific university-level training.

One of the initiatives that has become a long-standing tradition within Spanish Salesian schools is the Don Bosco National Award which is celebrating its 32nd edition this year. The event provides an opportunity for Salesian students to present projects from their classes. In addition, Salesian centers will hold a second annual school business coordinators meeting to encourage the cross-sharing of information and better networking among Salesian centers. The goal is to ensure that Salesian centers stay current on economic and business trends in order for program courses to remain relevant to existing markets.

“With so many young people out of work and facing conditions of poverty in Spain, it is vital for Salesian workforce development programs to respond to market demand,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Students in these programs have a real opportunity to enter the workforce prepared both in terms of the skills they have learned and in their social development, ensuring a lifelong ability to retain livable wage employment and escape poverty.”

Hard hit by the current economic troubles in Europe, Spain, although slowly improving economically, has the third highest rate of income inequality of the countries of the European Union. The richest 1 percent of the Spanish population accounts for a quarter of the national wealth, according to the World Bank. It also notes that 10.2 million people in Spain live below the poverty line, equivalent to a poverty rate of 22.3 percent.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

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

ANS – Spain – Over 75,000 students return to Salesian schools and about 17,000 begin Vocational Training courses

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Salesian schools welcome more than 75,000 students and close to 17,000 vocational training students at centers and workshops first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons was adopted in 2010 and urges governments worldwide to take coordinated and consistent measures to defeat human trafficking in all its forms. The UN plan calls for integrating the fight against human trafficking into the UN’s broader programs to boost development and strengthen security worldwide.

UNODC notes that every year millions of children, women and men fall into the hands of traffickers, lured by false promises and deceit. Human trafficking has become a global multi-billion-dollar enterprise affecting nearly every country in the world. Those who have been trafficked are coerced into sexual exploitation, forced labor, domestic servitude, forced begging or stealing.

The International Labour Organization estimates that there are 40.3 million victims of human trafficking globally: 81 percent of them are trapped in forced labor and 75 percent are women and girls.

This year, the theme of World Day against Trafficking in Persons is focused on “responding to the trafficking of children and young people.” The campaign highlights the fact that almost a third of trafficking victims are children.

Part of the statement of the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons reads, “Trafficking in persons is a vile crime that feeds on inequalities, instability and conflict. Human traffickers profit from peoples’ hopes and despair. They prey on the vulnerable and rob them of their fundamental rights. Children and young people, migrants and refugees are especially susceptible. Women and girls are targeted again and again.”

To mark World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2018, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight programs around the globe that provide life-changing education and prevention and awareness programs. Salesian Missions, headquartered in New Rochelle, N.Y., is the U.S. development arm of the international Salesians of Don Bosco.

COLOMBIA

Don Bosco City, one of the oldest and largest programs for street children in Latin America, has been working with youth for 52 years and has saved more than 1,300 of them from a life of violence. It is estimated that close to 6,000 minors continue to be utilized as child soldiers with thousands more having reached their 18th birthday after years of combat. The long rehabilitation process focuses on participants learning three key things—how to trust, how to have hope for the future and how to build relationships with others. Psychologists and teachers work together with the young participants, giving them the tools for a better future, including providing basic education and more advanced skills training that will lead to stable employment.

Since its start in 1965, Don Bosco City has rescued more than 83,000 boys and girls. Through its program, Salesian missionaries offer a multi-pronged approach designed to address the broad social issues that contribute to the poverty and exploitation these youth face while training them in the skills necessary to break the cycle of violence and poverty. Currently, there are 900 youth between the ages of 8 and 12 living and receiving education at the program.

GHANA

Salesian missionaries operate two centers in the urban area of Accra, the capital and largest city of Ghana. One is a home for children and older youth who have been victims of child trafficking. Currently, the Salesian home has 51 children ranging in age from 7 to 16 years. Some of the children are known as “wheelbarrow boys” because they come from extremely poor families with many children and work pushing and carrying diverse materials with carts and wheelbarrows. Other children come from the gold and diamond mines where they are utilized for their small size and ability to move about easily in the mines.

Children face a variety of hardships from being exploited as child laborers to being sold by their relatives, often to pay off a debt. In the Lake Volta region, it is estimated that there are approximately 21,000 children and teen laborers who have been prevented from attending school.

Salesian missionaries have also launched the Child Protection Center. Children come to the Child Protection Center via referrals from other nonprofits and from the police, usually following a complaint. The center offers shelter, counseling and education to help children make the transition out of trafficking and into long-term recovery. Often arriving at the center injured, with low self-esteem and little hope for the future, many become comfortable and settled into their new surroundings within a few weeks.

Academic classes are offered in the morning after which students are able to participate in group activities with their peers such as theater, music, dance, sports and games. Through the program, participants learn life skills, gain confidence and prepare for a happy, healthy future.

SENEGAL

Salesian missionaries operate an “Action to combat irregular migration through support of local development in the Tambacounda Region” project in Tambacounda, Senegal, a town of 80,000 people. This is part of the broader “Stop Human Trafficking” campaign Salesian missionaries are operating in several African countries.

In Tambacounda, there are few opportunities and prospects, especially for young people who represent the large majority of the Senegalese population and serve as a primary source of support for families. Many youth leave the area in search of opportunity but can fall victim to exploitation and trafficking.

The project is part of an initiative by VIS and Don Bosco Missions in Turin, Italy to develop projects and launch awareness campaigns to both stop and educate about the dangers of migration related to human trafficking. With a focus on youth leaving countries in Africa in search of a better life in Europe, the campaign aims to prevent young migrants from becoming victims of crime and exploitation.

By providing analysis and research on the real reasons for migration, informing potential youth migrants about the risks of the journey and the real chances of success, along with giving individual guidance to those who want to leave, the campaign is working to deter young people from leaving countries where people are most at risk of human trafficking. These include Senegal, the Ivory Coast, Ethiopia and Ghana. In collaboration with Salesian missionaries in Africa, the campaign will also raise funds to help with program development in targeted countries in Africa.

The campaign has already found success in Senegal after research there has shown that nearly 40 percent of youth leaving the country are leaving in search of better educational opportunities. With that knowledge, funds now are being raised through the campaign to provide scholarships to students in Senegal so they are able to access educational opportunities within their own country.

SPAIN

The Salesian Missions office in Madrid, Spain has been working with photojournalist Ana Palacios on a documentary about child trafficking called, “Child slaves, the back door.” The documentary notes there are some 152 million child slaves in the world, 72 million of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa. It also notes that 50 percent of these 152 million children are between 5 and 11 years old.

As the documentary explains, human trafficking is considered modern slavery. The term “trafficking” is used in contexts including trafficking in human beings, forced labor, exploitation of minors, recruitment of child soldiers, child marriages, begging, organ trafficking, and sexual exploitation. The common denominator of all these crimes is that the forms of exploitation are varied and different.

Also known as #TheBackdoorProject, the documentary highlights the work of three Spanish non-governmental organizations and religious institutions, including Salesian Missions in Madrid. Salesian reception centers ensure the full transitional protection of exploited youth and carry out research to find their families or to offer alternatives for their social reintegration while also offering them education and social development services to meet their basic needs.

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COLOMBIA: Salesian Missions highlights work with former child soldiers on International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers

GHANA: Salesian missionaries have 4 centers across the country serving poor youth who are at risk of child labor and human trafficking

SENEGAL: Youth start vegetable garden and small farm together as part of the Stop Human Trafficking Now campaign

SPAIN: New documentary shines light on child slavery in Africa, work of Salesian programs

UN Statement

World Day Against Trafficking of Persons

The post GLOBAL: Salesian Missions highlights programs for victims of human trafficking on World Day against Trafficking in Persons first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Every year, thanks to Salesian vocational training and the Marticoffee project, 40 youth attending hotel courses will be able to gain experience and work at Marticoffee, a coffee shop located at the Salesian center that is open to the public. Salesian missionaries with Salesians of Sant Jordi know the importance of vocational education coupled with on-the-job experience that gives youth the skills needed to find and retain stable employment after graduation.

Missionaries with the Salesians of Sant Jordi also collaborate with the local Salesian-run Jovent Foundation which provides both formal and informal educational opportunities to youth and ensures job placement or advancement into higher learning. Together, the two organizations work hand-in-hand to offer the best opportunities for training and work experience to the most vulnerable and at-risk youth in the region.

“With so many young people out of work and facing conditions of poverty in Spain, it is vital for Salesian workforce development programs to respond to market demand,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Students in these programs have a real opportunity to enter the workforce prepared both in terms of the skills they have learned and in their social development, ensuring a lifelong ability to retain livable wage employment and escape poverty.”

During 2017, the Salesians of Sant Jordi, through their nine centers in the Catalonia region, carried out 54 projects to improve the quality of life for children in the region. These projects included social and work placement for youth, welcome and reception to migrants, residential assistance, family orientation and community development. In total, these projects helped 4,072 children and older youth who were at risk of social exclusion.

Hard hit by the current economic troubles in Europe, Spain, although slowly improving economically, has the third highest rate of income inequality of the countries of the European Union. The richest 1 percent of the Spanish population accounts for a quarter of the national wealth, according to the World Bank. It also notes that 10.2 million people in Spain live below the poverty line, equivalent to a poverty rate of 22.3 percent.

Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain are also challenged in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

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ANS – Spain – “Marticoffee”, a new educational and social café project inaugurated

World Bank – Spain

The post SPAIN: Salesian missionaries launch new coffee shop Marticoffee to offer vocational students real work experience first appeared on MissionNewswire.

These programs would not be possible without the many Salesian missionaries and youth leaders engaged in setting up and facilitating the activities. For many leaders, this is an opportunity to gain some hands-on volunteer experience. More than 2,500 youth leaders and 350 Salesian missionaries will help to lead these summer camps.

The Don Bosco Center dedicated the last week of June for the Talayuelas summer camp, while the Entreamics center hosts a summer camp from July 2 to 7 in Bocairent. At the Salesians of Alcoy, an urban summer camp is being offered from July 2 to 27 featuring excursions to parks and a swimming pool and activities such as adventure games and horseback riding along with many others.

At Alraso Cartagena, a camp for youth ages 15 to 21 will be offered that includes school mentoring, cultural initiatives, trips to the beach, pool, water park and zoo. The Camino de Santiago and the Don Bosco Challenge are also reserved for older children between the ages of 16 and 18 and will be held during the week of July 16 to 23. Campobosco, organized by the Salesian Youth Movement of Spain and Portugal, will serve about 650 youth and will take them to visit the Salesian sites of Barcelona and Turin.

This year, thanks to scholarships from Educo, a global development nonprofit focused on child rights, especially access to education, 485 children from the urban areas of Valencia, Elche and Cartagena will be guaranteed nourishing and healthy meals.

The summer camps bring together youth from many different faiths and serve as an opportunity for campers to learn from one another. Traditionally the camps are held in places around the country that feature special natural environments. Some camps offer outdoor camping and others accommodate participants in country houses. Leisure time and activities are combined with times of prayer and reflection, all with an emphasis on maintaining a friendly atmosphere. In more urban areas, activities are held on Salesian center grounds and are aimed at the general public, especially young families who cannot travel far from home. Traditional recreation activities, sports and education programs are offered.

“All youth deserve a chance to have an enjoyable summer vacation, and Salesian programs provide a time when youth can relax with their peers and engage in safe activities,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “The programs provide much more than just recreational activities. There is an educational component to each program. Even the sports programs teach teamwork, skill building and problem solving. These programs also provide a chance for our youth leaders to practice their skills outside of the classroom.”

Hard hit by the current economic troubles in Europe, Spain now has the greatest inequality of the 27 countries of the European Union. According to the World Bank, close to 25 percent of Spanish workers are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. One in five citizens is living below the poverty line and poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment.

Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential and technical and vocational training programs.

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ANS – Spain – 500 minors at risk of exclusion to benefit from summer of Salesian accompaniment

ANS – Spain – Salesians organize summer activities for about 20,000 youths

The post SPAIN: Salesian programs remain open during the summer to provide summer camps for more than 20,000 youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.

As the documentary notes, human trafficking is considered modern slavery. The term “trafficking” is used in contexts such as trafficking in human beings, forced labor, exploitation of minors, recruitment of child soldiers, child marriages, begging, organ trafficking, sexual exploitation. The common denominator of all these crimes is that the forms of exploitation are varied and different.

Further, according to a 2016 report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the vast majority of all human trafficking victims, some 71 percent, are women and girls. Globally 28 percent of trafficking victims are children, but children account for 62 percent in Sub-Saharan Africa and 64 percent in Central America and the Caribbean.

Thanks to the work of the photojournalist Ana Palacios, the slavery, release, rehabilitation and return of the child victims of human trafficking in West Africa to their families are documented through a book, a documentary and a photographic exhibition that will be presented in June 2018.

Thousands of children are trafficked every year on the west coast of Africa, usually sold by their families in exchange for about thirty euros and the vague promise of a better life for the child. Instead children are sold into slavery and experience physical and psychological abuse and work in solitude far away from the family and places of origin. If the child is female, she is often living as a domestic slave, forced to help in the commercial activities of the family and often subject to sexual abuse.

“All youth deserve a life that is free of exploitation and abuse,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian programs around the globe connect with children who have been forced into labor, faced physical and emotional abuse and sexual exploitation. Programs provide psychological support and a place for children to live safely while basic needs are met. They can then connect with educational programs and gain an education.”

#TheBackdoorProject shows the work of three Spanish non-governmental organization and religious institutions, including Salesian Missions in Madrid. Salesian reception centers ensure the full transitional protection of these children and carry out research to find their families or to offer alternatives for the social reintegration of youth, while also offering them education and social development services to meet their basic needs.

With this new project, Ana Palacios tells the life stories of more than 50 child slaves who managed to find, open and go beyond that “back door” to recover their interrupted childhood.

The project is the result of three years of work, four study trips and five months spent in the field connecting with child slaves in Togo, Benin and Gabon, thanks to the support of Salesian Missions office in Madrid, the Carmelite Sisters of Charity of Vedruna, the Messengers of Peace and with the support of UNICEF.

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ANS – Spain – “Child slaves. The back door “: a documentary in favor of Africa’s children

UN – Report: Majority of trafficking victims are women and girls; one-third children

Salesian Missions in Madrid, Spain (Misiones Salesianas)

The post SPAIN: New documentary shines light on child slavery in Africa, work of Salesian programs first appeared on MissionNewswire.