Training follows guidelines issued by Bishops’ Conference of Chile

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries, in collaboration with the Salesian Provincial Prevention Council, held a “Basic Abuse Prevention Training” course in Puerto Montt, Chile. The training follows the guidelines of the abuse prevention program issued by the Bishops’ Conference of Chile. Close to 100 people, including teachers, educational assistants, and pastoral staff from the Cristo Salvador Parish, took the course.

The training was configured in four modules including sexual abuse in the Universal and Chilean Church, basic elements for understanding sexual abuse and the church’s approach, introduction to sexual abuse in civil and canonical justice, and sexual abuse prevention.

Freddy Araya, the trainer of the course, said, “The commitment of the Salesian Congregation and local communities continues to be reaffirmed through these activities, since the issue of abuse and its prevention is of great importance for the future of society and the church, and together we must confront it.”

Salesian missionaries provide education and social development programs for poor youth in Chile. Once finished with primary and secondary school, students can advance for higher education. Salesian technical schools cater to students who have dropped out of school and are seeking a second chance. In many programs, students complete their education while engaging in internships with local employers. This increases the students’ hands-on work experience and ability to gain livable wage employment after their studies are completed.

According to the World Bank, Chile has a fairly low poverty rate of less than 10 percent. However, Chile struggles with high rates of income and education inequality. Salesian missionaries working in Chile focus their efforts on providing education and social services to poor and at-risk youth. At Salesian schools, universities and youth centers throughout the country, youth can access an education as well as the skills and resources necessary to break the cycle of poverty.

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ANS – Chile – Salesians in Puerto Montt organize abuse prevention course

Salesian Missions – Chile

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