Workshops held with a focus on sustainable cultural practices

(MissionNewswire) The “nARTure” project aimed to foster the bond between youth and their cultural and natural environment through innovative workshops in Spain, Portugal and Greece. Workshops focused on sustainable cultural practices and the close relationship between body expression and nature. Supported by European Union funds, the project concluded at the end of 2023.

The Salesian Mission Office in Madrid was involved in the project to help facilitate youth activities. Its partners, The High Mountains and Arte M., carried out the same service with youth in Greece and Portugal.

The year ended with nearly 130 youth committing to fight climate change and build a more supportive, just, and inclusive community through art. One of the youth who participated in the project said, “I keep hold of everything I have learned — respect for others and the environment. The Earth belongs to everyone and there is only one Earth. This project brought me joy, knowledge and experience. There is still a lot to do to improve the environment.”

The Salesian Mission Office collaborated with Herbario Comestible, a local cultural association that promotes sustainable practices and a deeper bond with nature. In a day trip to Canencia Park near Madrid, participants were able to have fun, identify plants and learn responsible harvesting practices.

Ángela Denore, project manager for the Salesian Mission Office, explained, “‘nARTure’ is a project in which we tried to focus on cultural and artistic practices that we share and that are sustainable. We want to give youth visibility and encourage the need to transform society and culture to take care of our common home. We are satisfied with the response of young people and their involvement.”

The project supports development education, sustainability and the link with culture. In addition, the project lays the foundation for a future where local communities are rooted in their past, aware of their present and committed to a sustainable future.

Salesian missionaries have also 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.

Close to 32% 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% less than men and represent only 34.5% 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 – Europe – The “nARTure” ecological education project has formed more than 100 people in 2023

Salesian Missions Madrid nARTure

Salesian Missions – Spain

World Bank – Spain