SPAIN: Initiatives provide aid to families
Salesians in Seville launch several initiatives to provide food and aid to families in need
SPAIN
(MissionNewswire) Salesians in the Mary Help of Christians Province in Seville, Spain, launched the Kilo Operation to collect and distribute aid for families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative launched in December 2020 and provided 2,200 kilos of nonperishable food to 70 families. The initiative was promoted by many local institutions.
Another initiative, the Potito Operation, was held from Dec. 17-19 and collected close to 10,000 items. This initiative, led by the DOSA Youth Center and Bosco Global, brought together 350 volunteers who went to the city’s pharmacies and supermarkets in small groups of five to seek donations directly from people in Cordoba on behalf of Caritas, ADEVIDA, the Food Bank or the Franciscans of the White Cross.
Salesians in the San Lorenzo district reported, “This year we had the support of the students from the Salesian school and the La Salle School. There were also volunteers from the Don Bosco Foundation, Salesian Brotherhood of Córdoba, and many parents, teachers, and past pupils.”
In addition, the youth ministry from the Salesian house La Línea de la Concepción launched three initiatives during the Christmas season. The first was a traditional food campaign, the second supported day centers and the elderly, and the third found homes for families who have to travel to hospitals in Seville.
A Salesian representative said, “In these times, it is fundamental to show the importance of values such as affection, empathy and kindness. With these initiatives, we also try to unite the younger and older generations, showing affection through a greeting card and filling a void in their lives.”
Salesian missionaries have been working for many years to provide educational and workforce development opportunities for poor youth and women in Spain through residential, technical and vocational training programs. Although teachers are available to start providing distance learning again in the event of a new lockdown, the importance of face-to-face education is emphasized in Salesian schools.
Close to 37 percent of young Spanish workers under the age of 25 are unemployed and a growing number of them can’t afford to buy enough food to live. Poor youth with few employable skills struggle the most to find and retain stable employment. Women in Spain face inequality in the workforce. They earn up to 14 percent less than men and represent only 34.5 percent of those listed as the highest earners in Spain.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
ANS – Spain – Solidarity initiatives of “Mary Help of Christians” Province
Salesian Missions – Spain
World Bank – Spain
