ECUADOR: Youth learn employable skills at new center
Salesian Artisan Training Center launches in Bomboiza
ECUADOR
(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries within the Salesian Mission of Bomboiza in Ecuador celebrated the opening ceremony of a new Artisan Training Center. Salesians of Don Bosco, Daughters of the Divine Savior and Salesian collaborators came together in March to launch the project. During the ceremony, the facilities, equipment, instructors and students were blessed.
Father Marcelo Bravo, rector, emphasized the importance of providing opportunities to community members to reduce social gaps and promote entrepreneurship. He also highlighted that the Artisan Training Center is designed to equip participants with practical skills, enabling them to improve their quality of life and develop their talents.
The training center will offer several courses for youth including bakery and pastry, information technology, carpentry, and hairdressing and aesthetics. The center has started with 92 students who will learn employable skills.
“Ensuring youth have access to job training is critical for a successful life,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesians understand the local employment market and teach skills they know will help youth match what’s needed in their community. This creates an easier school to work transition. We want Salesian youth to leave our educational facilities ready to obtain long-term stable employment and to contribute back to 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:
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ANS – Ecuador – Salesian Mission in Bomboiza Inaugurates Artisan Training Center with 92 Participants
Salesian Missions – Ecuador
UNICEF – Ecuador
