New path leads to helping youth in Salesian programs

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Naples, Italy support at-risk youth through education and social programs. Services are provided through a parish, oratory, residential services, a community for foreign minors, a reception center, educational services and vocational training.

Luca, age 23, is one young man who found a refuge with the Salesians. His youth in Campania was marked by episodes of violence before he dropped out of school and ended up in a family home. When he returned to Naples, an incident with law enforcement set him on a new path at age 17.

Luca explained, “The police came in the evening and arrested me. They took me at first to one reception center, but the Don Bosco center was also equipped to care for me and I went there.”

He experienced the Don Bosco Center as his home. Many relationships were developed over those months. Luca said, “I visited three communities, but the Salesians had something different. One of the staff members, Cristina, is like a second mother to me.”

Luca had a chance at real connection and to get an education. He noted, “I took a cooking/dining room course. They also offered mechanics and logistics. Thanks to their help with my studies, I gained a certificate as a chemical expert.”

His time at the center ended during the COVID-19 when he returned home. However, he faced depression and had trouble relating to others. While feeling the need to return to Don Bosco, he instead engaged in the Italian civil service, which led him back at to the Salesians to help other youth.

Luca passed the tests and was working with children in the same situation he had been years before. He added, “We helped during the games and after school with the afternoon activities in the oratory. I also coached a soccer team.”

After his civil service time, Luca took what he learned with the Salesians and enrolled in a university in Naples where he studied political science. Luca said, “I’m trying to fit into some student groups to find a new dimension. I want a quiet life, a good salary and a family. When I think back on my time with the Salesians I only have beautiful memories. They gave me joy and hope. In other centers, they stole my time, but Salesians gave me back my life.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – Italy – Luca’s story: “At ‘Don Bosco’ they gave me back my life”

Salesian Missions – Italy

World Bank – Italy