Salesian institutions attend sustainability expo

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian St. Joseph Province of Uruguay took part in the Sustainable Uruguay Expo, an event organized by the Ministry for the Environment. The expo brought visibility and promoted initiatives and actions for environmental sustainability. The four-day event offered talks, debates, workshops, exhibitions and games for participants to learn first-hand about Uruguay’s efforts for sustainability.

Entrepreneurs, companies, state organizations, civil society and educational centers showcased the projects and initiatives that have had a positive impact on the environment and have helped to generate social and cultural change.

The Salesian St. Joseph Province of Uruguay’s Integral Ecology Commission, which leads the Integral Ecology Community Commitment and Participatory Action guideline, organized and coordinated the involvement of nine Salesian institutions at the expo.

Students had a chance to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility by presenting their actions and concerns for the planet to achieve change. One of the participants said, “It was an incredible experience of exchange and connection, where we were able to present some of what is done in our institutions.”

Salesian missionaries offer many programs in Uruguay including shelters, primary and secondary schools, and technical and vocational education centers that help youth prepare for the future and learn the skills to be independent.

Uruguay has managed to decrease its poverty rate by almost half since 2007. Today, the poverty rate is close to 10% with the majority of poor residents concentrated in rural towns and villages. In addition to a lack of education and employment opportunities, access to affordable housing is a concern for many poor families. Many do not have the resources to purchase homes or land to build on, and schools are often so far away children cannot attend.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Uruguay – Salesians involved for the second consecutive year in the “Sustainable Uruguay Expo”

Salesian Missions – Uruguay

World Bank – Uruguay