Campaign shares with children and the elderly

(MissionNewswire) Youth from the Salesian center in Granada, Nicaragua, recently carried out a campaign called “Sharing dreams and smiles”. The initiative aimed at sharing Salesian joy and promoting charity and empathy with the children at the St. Vincent de Paul Special School and the elderly people living in the La Providencia Care Home.

Representing the educational community, students brought sweets and food to share with the students and the elderly. Youth were able to meet new people, listen, converse and be part of the daily life of these places.

“Volunteering is a great way for youth not only to give back but to share in new experiences,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “While education in the classroom is the primary focus, Salesian schools also provide youth an opportunity to get out into their communities and provide support for those in need. The exchange brings joy and growth on both sides.”

Nicaragua, the poorest country in Central America and the second poorest in the Western Hemisphere, has widespread underemployment and poverty with a quarter of its population living below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. More than 80% of Nicaragua’s poor live in remote rural communities where access to basic services is a daily challenge.

Years of widespread poverty have taken their toll and many residents suffer from poor health conditions including HIV/AIDS. In addition, crime, violence against women, gang violence and high unemployment result in challenging economic and social conditions, particularly for young people and women.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Nicaragua – Solidarity campaign: “Sharing dreams and smiles”

Salesian Missions – Nicaragua

World Bank – Nicaragua