Listening sessions advance goal of responding more effectively

(MissionNewswire) The North Coast Salesian Project Foundation in Ecuador recently welcomed a visit from the pastoral care team from the Salesian Polytechnic University Guayaquil’s campus. The goal was to strengthen social work efforts and respond more effectively to the needs of youth and their families by facilitating needs assessments.

Over the course of three days, missionaries carried out an assessment within the Afro-Ecuadorian Salesian missionary community. The process enabled them to gain firsthand knowledge of what’s happening with youth in the cities of San Lorenzo, Esmeraldas and Santo Domingo.

A Salesian noted, “In each city, Salesians created opportunities for dialogue and listening sessions with educators, youth, family representatives and technical teams. They shared their experiences, challenges and expectations for strengthening their communities.”

The assessment was carried out using a participatory methodology that made it possible to identify the main problems, strengths, opportunities and needs in each area. Rather than merely collecting technical data, the process empowered those who participated, giving them a direct say in developing proposals for the development of their communities.

Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth who are poor 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:

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

ANS – Ecuador – The Salesian Polytechnic University and the ‘Costa Norte’ Salesian Project chart a course for new social initiatives

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador