ECUADOR: Youth, families impacted by violence receive assistance
Bosco Global project provides psychological support, technical education
ECUADOR
(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries through Bosco Global have been facilitating the “Building societies and life free from violence” project for the last 15 months in violence-prone areas of Guayaquil, Ecuador, as well as the state of Baja California, Mexico. Thousands of families face rising insecurity, and extortion practices are also affecting small street businesses, which families rely on for income.
The Don Bosco Center and Don Bosco House in Guayaquil are offering psychological support for 360 youth and 170 families. The project offers personalized psychological assistance with specialists, safe spaces for dialogue and opportunities for young people to participate in initiatives such as the Local Citizenship Forum. Another part of the project is working to curb school drop-out by offering school kits and supporting youth in their studies, enabling many to remain in school.
“The work to be done is enormous, but we know how important it is for a young person to be able to continue to study and have opportunities for the future. This confirms to us that it is worth it,” explained Begoña Simal, project coordinator. “We cannot ignore the harshness of reality, but we can offer opportunities that show that another way of life is possible.”
In addition, 115 youth have participated in technical education courses in subjects like industrial mechanics, carpentry, cutting and sewing, baking, or computer science. Workshops were also organized to help youth become barbers and mobile phone repairers, trades that offer rapid job opportunities and require minimal initial investment. These courses are complemented by training in interpersonal skills and entrepreneurship, as well as internships in companies, which help participants build real, effective and sustainable employable skills.
A representative from Bosco Global said, “The work is not easy and the challenges are great, but the results show that every effort pays off. We want to continue offering opportunities to more young people living in difficult situations.”
The project has been made possible thanks to contributions from Camins-Fundació Social Escola Pia in Spain, Educación Solidaria in Mexico, the Salesians in Ecuador and the Catalan Agency for Development Support.
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)
Salesian Missions – Ecuador
UNICEF – Ecuador
