ECUADOR: Students benefit from daily meal at new canteen
Mamma Margherita school canteen opens in Esmeraldas
ECUADOR
(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Project Foundation–North Coast inaugurated the Mamma Margherita school canteen at the Mother of the Savior Reference Center in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. The canteen will provide a space to serve nutritious food for youth to ensure their well-being.
Sixty youth will receive a balanced lunch, which will aid their academic performance and participation in educational activities. Beneficiaries expressed their joy and gratitude, seeing the space as a place where they feel valued, welcomed, and cared for.
A Salesian said, “We are grateful for the support provided that has enabled us to develop this school canteen. Children who are hungry cannot learn. We are now able to give our students at least one proper meal a day. They are able to focus on their studies and engage in activities with their friends.”
This project was made possible thanks to the coordinated efforts of Father Robert García, director of the Salesian Project Foundation–North Coast, Samuel Lozada, project technician, and various benefactors, including the Salesian Cross Catholic Parish and the De Paoli family.
The ceremony to launch the canteen was attended by the beneficiaries of the center, their parents, local authorities, and institutional representatives, including Professor Diego Jiménez, vice rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Esmeraldas, who expressed his support for the project.
The blessing of the new canteen was given by Father Marcelo Farfán, provincial of the Salesians in Ecuador, who shared his joy in seeing a space dedicated to Mamma Margherita, the mother of Don Bosco and a symbol of unconditional love, service and care for the poor.
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.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
Salesian Missions – Ecuador
UNICEF – Ecuador
