Salesian schools reach more than 700 youth in isolated communities

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Yankuam Jintia Soccer School benefits youth in the Achuar community of Wichimi, in the Amazon of Ecuador. Currently, there are eight Salesian schools which educate more than 700 youth. In the last year, under-12 soccer leagues have been organized to strengthen the bonds of fellowship between the communities.

Father Agustín Togo explained, “Through soccer, which is so important in the lives of the Achuar population, children learn values such as respect, discipline, responsibility and teamwork. But it is also an invitation for young people to meet God.”

The operation of the Salesian schools is possible thanks to the collaboration of monitors, who are people in the community who volunteer to guide everything related to training. Through the support of the Salesian centers, the monitors have mobile phones or tablets, which help them remain in contact with Fr. Togo to carry out the planning and evaluation of the activities.

One of Fr. Togo’s goals is to provide technical soccer training for the monitors. Salesians will do this through an agreement with Salesian Polytechnic University of Ecuador physical and sports activity faculty. Fr. Togo would also like to establish connections with soccer teams or schools in other provinces of the country.

Fr. Togo said, “Youth dream of becoming great soccer players, of playing in the national team. My dream is to create a national team for the Achuar people and participate in championships in other cities of the country.”

Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help poor youth gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities.

Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Programme, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% in Indigenous communities.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Misiones Salesianas

ANS – Ecuador – Salesian education and evangelisation in the Ecuadorian Amazon thanks to the Yankuam Jintia football school

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador