Posted August 6, 2008
Cameroon – Vocational training of young people
(Yaoundé) –The third annual meeting of those in charge of work-shops and teachers from vocational training centres in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Gabon and Congo took place in Yaoundé, July 20-28, 2008. The purpose of the gathering was to prepare textbooks and other materials for the vocational training of youngsters and young people, especially those who are often socially disadvantaged. The previous meetings prepared texts that have already been published and are being used during the first two years of the courses preparing carpenters, electricians and auto mechanics.
The Ministers for Vocational Training in Bangui and Libreville have expressed their appreciation that even now Don Bosco succeeds in showing how close he is to the most disadvantaged young people though his Salesians and lay collaborators. The project is also being well received outside the network of Salesian vocational training centers. Some State schools have asked for the manuals prepared by the Salesian Staff.
Fr. José Antonio Vega, Superior of the Vice Province of Equatorial Tropical Africa (ATE), the members of the Provincial Council and the 20 workshop managers attending the meeting held a press conference during which they responded to questions about the problems of the young and about the difficulties and the possibilities in vocational training teaching in the countries of Central Africa.
India - Juvenile Justice Network Web launched
(Hyderabad) - The website for the Juvenile Justice Network (JJ Network) www.jjindia.net was launched on July 18, 2008. The site is managed at Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), and is intended to inform Government officials, NGOs and individuals, about ways to make India a better place for children. The launching of the website enhances the already existing network of agencies and provides a stronger communication platform to share and utilize information and resources.
India has the highest number of children in the world with more than one third of the country’s population is under the age of 18. Approximately 40% of the total population (around 440 million) are children. The Constitution of India promotes a happy and healthy childhood, free of abuse and exploitation. However, the reality of daily life for vast numbers of children is far from this vision. In the case of juveniles facing law enforcement involvement, the situation is even more poignant.
In the light of this need, the Salesians help facilitate the creation of a network of like-minded organisations and individuals to help coordinate a substantial and collaborative effort rather than sporadic and isolated interventions. The national network intends to provide a forum for the sharing of experiences, critical analysis of present child related laws, influence child welfare policies and help and supervise the application of Juvenile Justice System for India. To this end, Government departments involved in Juvenile Justice Administration, NGOs involved in Child welfare, civil Society groups and Social Research Institutes have joined together to form this network.
The network has already initiated several ventures across the nation as part of realizing the Millennium Development Goals (to be achieved by 2015). Tthe following individuals have been the driving forces behind the realization of this initiative: Fr. George Kollashany, S.D.B. and Fr. Koshy Thomas, S.D.B. along with the National YaR forum, Mr. Sony George (UNICEF) and Ms. Arlene Manoharan (research scholar at the Center for Child and Law) along with a host of like-minded individuals.
Philippines – A Theological Symposium on Word and Life
(Manila) – On the 25th anniversary of the Don Bosco Center of Studies in Parañaque, the Salesians of the North Philippines Province organized a theological symposium at St. John Bosco Parish Church, Makati Manila. Over 700 participants, including clergy, seminarians, religious and laity, from the different congregations and dioceses of the Philippines attended the day-long symposium on July 21, 2008. They examined the theme of the Synod of Bishops to be held in Rome in October: The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.
Four noted experts on the Bible presented the significant influence of the Word of God on the life of God’s people from the time of Moses in the Old Testament through the New Testament times of St. Paul to the present day in the Philippine scene in the Church of the Poor.
Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Auxiliary Bishop of Manila and Delegate of the Catholic Bishops` Conference of the Philippines to the Synod, presented: Themes and Proceedings of the Synod of Rome 2008. Fr. Jean Louis Ska, S.J., noted biblical scholar and expert in the Pentateuch and professor of Old Testament exegesis at the Pontificio Istituto Biblico in Rome, presented: The Role of the Torah in the Covenanted Community of Israel. Fr. Gil Alinsanga S.S.P, former Philippine Provincial of the St. Paul Fathers and Brothers and professor of New Testament studies in different theological schools in Manila developed St. Paul`s Proclamation of the Word to the early Christian Communities. Sr. Miriam Alejandrino O.S.B., former Mother General of the Benedictine Sisters of the Eucharistic King, professor of Sacred Scriptures in various theological centers in the Philippines presented her proposals in Breaking the Word in the Church of the Poor.
The Don Bosco Center of Studies in Paranaque City, a suburb of Manila, was established in 1972 as a residence for Salesian candidates to the priesthood who were then studying theology at the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas in Manila. In June 1983, the Center started its own Theology School and with the decree of the Sacred Congregation for Catholic education it was granted affiliation to the Faculty of Theology of the Salesian Potifical University in Rome, enabling it to grant the ecclesiastical degree of Bachelor in Theology (BTh). In 1996, the Commission of Higher Education of the Philippines granted recognition of Masters Graduate courses in Theology (MATh) and Religious Studies (MRS). The Center also offers diploma courses in Spirituality, Religious Studies, Catechetics and Youth Ministry as well as other updating courses in Pastoral Ministry and Consecrated Life.
Bolivia – Educating with the heart of Don Bosco
(Cochabamba) – Educating with the heart of Don Bosco was the theme of the National School for leaders, a training course for those working with Salesian groups and youth centers in Bolivia. It was held at Cochabamba, July 2-10, 2008. Over 190 leaders from the Salesian Youth Movement, those responsible for the Don Bosco Peoples’ Schools (EPDB) and members of the Salesian Family from various parts of the country attended the course.
The young people experienced and shared in a practical way the style of life Don Bosco started at the Oratory at Valdocco and which is being renewed in various parts of the world. The subjects dealt with were focused on group planning and management, group dynamics and the basics of leadership.
The celebration of the mass and the sacrament of reconciliation, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and quiet time in prayer gave the young people the opportunity to examine, reflect on and to deepen their own ideals, dreams and goals for a life based on the gospel message.
This event was a preparation for Camp Bosco which will be held in October, 2008 at Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The organizers hope to bring together about 3,000 young people.
Brazil – A museum to record Salesian history
(San Paolo) – On July 14, 2008, as the Salesians celebrated the 125th anniversary of their work in Brazil, the Salesians of Mary Help of Christians Province of San Paolo (BSP), they presented a project for a Museum of Salesian History in Brazil to be set up in the Liceu Coração de Jesus. This was the second Salesian house founded in Brazil after that of Santa Rosa, at Niterói, in the State of Rio de Janeiro.
Fr. Marco Biaggi, the Provincial, explained that the museum project had received the approval of the General Council. Following his introduction, Fr. Mário Quilici, the Rector of the Provincial house community and province archivist, illustrated the historical significance and value of some of the relics important for the Congregation. Then the Provincial Economer Fr. Adão Rodrigues, introduced Dr. Antonio Luís Tebaldi Castellano and Dr. Flávia Brito Garboggini, the architects responsible for the project. The Academic Directors of Don Bosco Catholic University and Don Bosco Museum of the Cultures of Campo Grande (MS) as well as Dr. Aivone Carvalho, from the Department for Conservation and Research, and Dr. Dulcília Silva, from the Department for Cultural Documentation and Publication also addressed the gathering.
The museum, wonderfully modern in form and with ample pedagogical resources will facilitate the exploration of Salesian history and values within the evolution of Brazilian society. The Museum of Salesian History in Brazil will be part of a network of Salesian museums to be found in various countries.
Italy – The WYD of the Salesian Youth Movement
(Colle Don Bosco) – Saturday, July 19, 2008, the Italian Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) celebrated World Youth Day (WYD) by gathering together in different parts of the country and uniting themselves in spirit with the young people gathered around Benedict XVI in Sydney.
The event was organized by the SYM of the Provinces of the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Sicily, Southern Italy and Piedmont and the Val d’Aosta and brought young people together for a weekend full of activities, in three different places.
At Colle Don Bosco, where Don Bosco was born and lived the first years of his life, young people from Piedmont and the Val d’Aosta came together. In addition to viewing the places associated with Don Bosco, they visited a missionary exhibition, took part in music and dance, games and sporting events. In late evening, the youngsters divided into five groups representing the continents, and held a prayer vigil.
At the Lido Valerio, in Margherita di Savoia, Puglia, the young people of the SYM in southern Italy met and after some initial recreation they split into groups and workshops to prepare the Sunday liturgy. In the evening, some young people spoke about their own faith experiences and celebrated an all night vigil under the stars. At dawn mass was celebrated by Fr. Luigi Cella, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry in southern Italy.
At Gela, in the Province of Caltanissetta, the young people of the SYM in Sicily met together with others from the diocese in different churches in the city for catechetical instruction. Following this, the young people went in pilgrimage to the main square for a prayer vigil. After that, they went to the Salesian oratory for an evening of festivities, including street-artist performances and a fire-works display.
Poland – On the march, at the school of Mary
(Suwalki) – On July 15, 2008, at the XVIII International Marian Pilgrimage to the sanctuary of Our Lady of Mercy at Vilnius, in Lithuania began from the Salesian House in Suwalki, led by Fr. Marek Borysiak. The motto of the event is: At the School of Mary we are Disciples of Christ. The 1,250 pilgrims were divided into seven groups, each under the guidance of Salesian, diocesan and Pallotine priests. Five hundred of the pilgrims were under the age of 25.
The pilgrimage, organized by the Salesians in the St. Stanislaus Kostka Province of Warsaw in collaboration with other Church groups, leads the faithful travel on foot for 160 miles. The pilgrims are expected to arrive in Vilnius on July 25th. The pilgrims shared some tasks and duties including cooking, security services, medical assistance and transportation for what is needed.
The evening before the pilgrimage started Fr. Slawomir Lubian, Provincial of the Salesians of Warsaw, in the traditional Salesian manner, gave a Good Night after the prayers. He pointed out that the Christian, called to be a disciple of Christ, grows in his vocation only when he gives witness to his links with the Son of God, and in an ever-changing world tries to find new ways of following Him.
Morocco – The “Nadi el Farah” in Kénitra
(ANS – Kénitra) – In this month of July the Salesian Oratory in Kénitra, “Nadi el Farah” (Happy Times Association), has put on a series of activities that gives great hope for the future. The Oratory, which stopped its activities shortly after it opened on 1 April 2007, has succeeded in keeping alive enthusiasm and its contacts with youngsters thanks to a small group of young students of the Vocational Training Centre and three staff members of the “École Don Bosco”.
Between 9 and 13 July there was a training course for youth leaders and adults attended by 40 people. The course material– Salesian Pedagogy, basics of Leadership and also some First Aid hints – was taught by Sr. Lidia Sordo, Daughter of Mary Help of Christians with Walid and Lilia, two young Youth Leaders from Tunisia.
On Monday 14 activities began for the smallest boys and girls from the district. About a hundred of them turn up each day at the premises of the ”École Don Bosco” where welcomed by 25 leaders they are able to spend their free time in a peaceful and constructive way. The month of July will conclude with a great festival and a two day trip.
The “Nadi el Farah” Project in Kénitra seems to have been very well received in an area that is mainly Muslim. In Kénitra the Salesians have a parish, an elementary school, and a Vocational Training Centre.
Spain – The “Lumbre” Centre for young immigrants opened
(ANS – Madrid) – On Friday 18 July representatives of the city and of the local authorities of Madrid opened the “Lumbre” Social Assistance and Educational Centre entrusted to the care of the Salesians and the Daughters of Charity.
Located near the “Puerta del Sol”, the “Lumbre” Centre will offer young immigrants between 12 and 25 years of age, in danger of being socially marginalised, formation activities, including workshops for training and guidance to prepare them to look for jobs.
Present at the opening were the Councillor for Immigration and Cooperation of Madrid, Javier Fernández-Lasquetty, the Delegate for the Family and Social Services, Concepción Dancausa, Fr Luis Onrubia Miguel, the new Provincial of the Salesians in Madrid and Mother Cruz Gutiérrez, Provincial Superior of the Daughters of Charity.
Both religious Superiors spoke about the work already being carried out by their orders for young immigrants, and their willingness as Church organisations to work for the most disadvantaged. The name of the Centre – “Lumbre” (the flame in the hearth) – expresses the sort of work they want to do on behalf of the young immigrants, offering them a welcome, affection and the chance of a better future.
Also present at the opening of the Centre which is being financially supported by the local authorities were the Directors General for Youth, for Voluntary Service, and for the Family from Madrid, the Director General for Child Care of Madrid, the President of the Municipal Council and some representatives of the Ministry of Education.
Austria – The UNODC forum
(Vienna) – The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) held a Forum in Vienna, July 7-9, 2008. It was attended by 500 national NGOs and 65 international NGOs from 116 countries around the world.
During the Forum a declaration and some deliberations to be presented to the experts of the intergovernmental commission for the reduction of the demand for drugs was prepared by the group of attendees. These documents will be presented to the steering committee preparing for the 52nd session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) that meets in September 2008. The reflections and first-hand experience of the NGOs enriched the document with concrete data about what is and is not effective in dealing with the problem of drugs within society.
Fr. Barnabe D`Souza, S.D.B. from Shelter Don Bosco in Bombay, India, had an important role representing the South Asia Region. With Dr. Khazi Alam, from the Dhaka Ashiana Mission in Bangladesh, he presented the suggestions and the goals for the South Asia Region in view of the Forum: Beyond 2008.
Further information can be found on the site www.vngoc.org
Germany – Award for the Masters in Education for Street Children
(Heidelberg) – The Masters in Education for Street Children provided by the Teachers’ Training College in Heidelberg, with the support of the Jugend Dritte Welt, a Salesian Inspired NGO, in Bonn, has been awarded the Ausgewählter Ort 2008, by the Federal Government of Germany under the Patronage of the President of the Federation for its contribution to education.
The Ausgewählter Ort 2008 (Chosen for 2008) is an award made by President Horst Köhler and by the representatives of German business interests to promote Germany as a Land der Ideen, that is, as a Country with Ideas. Launched in 2006, each day of the year it recognizes and honors a German organization or place where there has been a new idea or project in the field of culture, the arts, training, education, religion, the economy, sport, the sciences, or technology. Land der Ideen, with its 365 awards each year, is a program that encourages creativity.
“I’m especially pleased about this award, because it honors the innovative ability of our university. With the Masters Program: Education for Street Children, we did pioneer work”, underlined Prof. Dr. Michael Austermann, rector of the teacher training college in Heidelberg.
“Children and young people, who find themselves in difficult situations in life, need special learning opportunities, which fit their knowledge and abilities. I’m grateful for this award, because it shows how important education is, especially for young people”, Prof. Dr. Hartwig Weber, the founder of the course of study, said.
Many students can just afford the course of study because of the Don Bosco Stipendium. “Don Bosco would always like to be in the forefront of an innovative process to help young people”, Hans-Jürgen Dörrich, executive director of Don Bosco JUGEND DRITTE WELT, said in the lecture. “With the Masters Program: Education for Street Children, the pioneer work of Don Bosco continues.”
The Masters Program, which last four semesters, is unique throughout Germany. It qualifies for the sustainable education with children and young adults who do not go to school, street children and children of ethnic minorities.
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