austraLasia - 5830(I)_Towards the Salesian world level meeting on Youth in need 2022

By Youth Ministry, EAO

EAO, 7 July 2022 -- Already 22 years have passed since the previous world sharing of Salesian mission for the youth in need, held in Rome in 1998 and convoked by the late Fr Juan E. Vecchi. Now, carefully in preparation since 2018, this 'International Congress of Salesian social works and services' will be held next September 28 - October 2, 2022 at Valdocco (Turin-Italy), connecting us to the heart of our charism - living and working for young people, especially those most in need (SDB C. 2).

As of 2020, there are no fewer than 621 full-time SDBs, 663 part-time SDBs, 856 Salesian Family religious members, 644 other religious, 8376 lay mission partners, 2973 animators and 2983 volunteers involved in the mission for poor and marginalized youth worldwide (622,000 beneficiaries) in 1436 Salesian works. [Statistics from GC28, chapter 14]

The main aims of this Congress, as expressed by the Rector Major in his invitation video message are the following:

An updated reading of Don Bosco's Preventive System in the reality of each SDB province's social works
Integral interpretation of Salesian social action in the light of human development in today's world
Discern the way forward at concrete level: improve Salesian social work culture in dialogue with all involved

Three main objectives of the Congress

To reflect on the present guidelines of the Church, SDB and others involved in this mission
To identify the common aspects that guarantee Salesian charismatic unity of Social work (SEPP)
To set up regional networking in the area of social works as part of Salesian youth ministry

During the last 22 years we have noticed a significant process of growth and reflection in this very important charismatic mission for 'abandoned and neglected youth' (Don Bosco'), for this 'preferential option' of the Congregation (a Latin American expression), Youth at risk and Youth in need (South Asian expression). Two SDBs from the EAO region took part in the 'World Advisory Council' last May 2019 at Sacro Cuore, Rome.

There are more Salesian works (centres) - a total of 1436 worldwide, for youth in need: street children (12%), youth with special needs (12%), refugee or migrants (8%), recovery from addictions (8%), alternative education - assisting school drop-outs (21%), assisting families in need (8%), promotion of women (20%) and health centre - dispensary (3%).

There are also more numerous youth and vulnerable people (beneficiaries) assisted by the Salesians, total of 622,000 worldwide - according to the following 'categories': Refugees and migrants (30%), youth with special needs (17%), street-children (5%), addiction recovery (1%), assisting families (4%), school drop out assistance (4%), promotion of women (8%) and health service - dispensary (30%).

There are more personnel (a total of 17,115 worldwide) involved with the SDBs, more lay mission partners (staff, educators, social workers, counsellors, volunteers) and Salesian Family members involved in this 'sector'. Among the personnel committed to this field, full-time SDBs only reach 4%, while lay staff are 49%, with 17% volunteers and 17% of animators).

Within the EAO (East Asia - Oceania) region we are familiar with some of the following 'flagship' Salesian social works: Boys Town (Australia-Sydney), Escola Luis Versiglia (Macau-China), Tuloy sa Don Bosco, hostels for young working migrants 'ampon' or Calauan Don Bosco (Philippines-Manila), Boys Home (Philippines-Cebu), Boys Town (Japan-Tokyo, Kodaira or Nakatsu), DBYC or Salesian Youth Center (Korea - Seoul), Street children (Mandalay, Myanmar), Don Bosco Village (Thailand, Bangsak) Orphanage Don Bosco (Timor Leste, Los Palos) or Can Gio (Vietnam) and Caring Center (Ulanbaatar, Mongolia).

At present (July 5), there are only 8 SDB and lay mission partners from our EAO region among the total 207 officially registered from all 7 Salesian regions. Don't miss this rare opportunity to be inspired (workshops, best practices and peer-to-peer learning).

Coordinator of the event is Fr Rafael (rbejerano@sdb.org) based in the Rome. You can find many related materials on Boscolink.

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5830(I)_Towards the Salesian world level meeting on Youth in need 2022