Salesian Technical Education School hosts fair to showcase youth talent 

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Technical Education School in Cuenca, Ecuador, hosted Don Bosco Skill, a Salesian artistic fair organized by the National Council of Salesian Education to celebrate the school’s 25th anniversary. The fair was attended by close to 150 students who are members of dance and music groups from 15 Salesian schools and centers.

Ten groups presented folk dance choreography from Ecuador and Bolivia as well as urban dances and ballroom dances. Five musical groups shared a repertoire of national, pop, rock and cumbia music. Youth were able to highlight their skills and talents during their performances.

“The fair was a great opportunity for youth to highlight their talents while also sharing the achievements of the Salesian school over the past 25 years,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “The fair also provided a chance for youth from different Salesian schools to meet, network and connect with their peers.”

The event was attended by Father Francisco Sánchez, provincial of the Salesian Province of Ecuador; Father Wladimir Acosta, president of the National Council of Salesian Education; Father Juan Flores, rector of the Sacred Heart Community of Cuenca; Salesian leadership and staff, delegations from invited institutions, teachers, students, and parents.

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

Close to 20 percent of Ecuador’s population is people of Indigenous heritage. For poor, rural and Indigenous youth, education provides the best opportunity for finding employment, reducing inequities and breaking the cycle of poverty. Salesian missionaries have been providing education and other social programs for disadvantaged youth across Ecuador for more than 125 years.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Ecuador – At Salesian Artistic Fair, youth share their talents in dance and music

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador