Project benefits youth who are poor, marginalized

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Colle di Val d’Elsa, Italy are committed giving youth an opportunity for a better life through social and educational programs. Salesians launched a new semi-residential care project at a conference held Jan. 23 focusing on youth in need.

The new facility will be a safe place aimed at supporting the well-being of youth and development of their potential. It will be operated in collaboration with families and the local Salesian network.

The conference announcing the facility was hosted by Father Luigi Ciotti, president of Libera Association, an organization that works against organized crime. The event was promoted by the Salesians Don Bosco in Colle and the archdiocese in collaboration with the Alta Valdelsa Social Territories Foundation and with the patronage of the Municipality of Colle and Italy’s Catholic Scouting and Guiding Association.

A Salesian noted, “The conference was a valuable opportunity to reflect on issues related to the protection, reception and future of minors, through an open dialogue with Don Ciotti, a leading figure in the commitment to social justice and the rights of the most vulnerable.”

The Salesian added, “The project is supported by many lay people and religious who want to once again provide an extra opportunity for the younger generations. It is the very dream of Don Bosco in his educational humanism to make today’s young people the upright citizens of tomorrow. The conference, where the project was launched, was an opportunity for discussion on fundamental issues for the future, to build new synergies and paths of shared responsibility on behalf of the new generations.”

Salesian programs across Italy help youth who are unable to attend school and others who drop out to work at the few jobs available to them. A growing number of children work as laborers on farms and others have turned to the sex trade to help support their families. Those in poverty often live without adequate shelter, hot water, regular meals and health care.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Italy – A conference and new special facilities for young people in Colle Val D’Elsa

Salesian Missions – Italy

World Bank – Italy