PORTUGAL: Polish students acquire skills with internships abroad
Salesian Artisan Schools of Łódź sends students as part of Erasmus Setúbal Project
(MissionNewswire) Students from the Salesian Artisan Schools of Łódź, Poland recently participated in the Erasmus Setúbal Project, which is co-funded by the European Union. As part of the project, two groups of 15 students went to Portugal for two-week professional internships for computer technicians and mechatronic technicians. The school collaborated with EDUGEP education services and the Salesian Vocational School in Setúbal, Portugal.
A Salesian explained, “The stay in Portugal was an intense time for students to acquire new professional skills and develop competencies in an international environment. The internships took place at local companies, which allowed participants to improve their qualifications and learn about the realities of working abroad. An important element of the trip was also the opportunity to form their spirituality with the pilgrimage to Fatima. Each group was supported by a Salesian priest and a Salesian collaborator working in the Salesian Artisan Schools.”
Salesian schools and centers educate poor and disadvantaged youth across Portugal. According to the World Bank there are 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.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
World Bank – Portugal
