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PORTUGAL: Digital oratory connects youth to services

Salesian missionaries in Estoril developed a digital oratory to provide support to youth and their families

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Estoril, Portugal, have developed a digital oratory in response to the challenges posed by the interruption of normal school activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The app promotes educational, recreational and playful activities led by Salesian students and educators for children and their families.

“The digital oratory was a response to stay close to students and their families and provide social support, promote hope, and mobilize essential resources for physical, psychological, and spiritual need,” said a Salesian representative in Estoril. “We adapted what we provide in person to a digital space, addressing head on the challenges of the pandemic and using technology to fill the needs that youth and families still have.”

Activity areas include sports, music, science, emotions, spirituality, arts, cooking, social networks, study methods and techniques, games, and photography. In addition, the activities are segmented by age groups, from 4 to 18 years, to ensure greater adaptability to the diversity of the participants.

The interactions between educators and participants exceeded initial expectations, reinforcing that by working together it is possible to overcome difficulties and to learn and continue to grow.

According to the World Bank there is close to 2.6 million people living below the poverty line in Portugal, 487,000 of whom are under the age of 18. The country is one of the most unequal countries in Europe as far as wealth distribution. Wealthy citizens earn five times the rate of income than those living in poverty.

Unemployment and low incomes are two of the factors that contribute to unequal wealth distribution. Portugal has a low hourly rate for workers in comparison to other countries in Europe. Many parents have to work multiple jobs, which leaves less time at home with their families and children. This leaves children without the proper guidance at home leading to behavior problems and lack of preparedness for school, including getting homework done and eating breakfast before coming to school.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Portugal – Salesians of Estoril develop “Salesian Digital Oratory” to continue accompanying young people

Don Bosco International

World Bank – Portugal