By Youth Ministry Sector EAO
July 5, 2022
What kind of EAO Salesians for the Youth in Need?
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Salesian Social Works meeting after 22 years at world stage
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Towards the Saleasian world level meeting on Youth in need 2022
Already 22 years passed from the previous world sharing of Salesian mission for the youth in need, held in Rome in 1998, convoked by the late Fr Juan E. Vecchi. Carefully prepared already since 2018, this 'International Congress of Salesian social works and services'. Next September 28 - October 2, 2022 at Valdocco (Turin-Italy) is the next appointment, that connect us to the heart of our charism - living and working for the young people, especially those most in need (SDB Const. 2).
As of 2020, there are not less than 621 SDB full-times, 663 SDB part timers, 856 Salesian family religious members, 644 other religious, 8376 lay mission partners, 2973 animators and 2983 volunteers involved in the mission for the poor and marginalized youth worldwide (622.000 destinataries) in 1436 Salesian works. [Statistics of the GC28, chapter 14]
Main aims of this 'more than' Congress, as expressed by the Rector major invitation video message' are the following:
* An updated reading of Don Bosco Preventive System in the reality of each SDB province 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 the Salesian social work culture in dialogue with all involved
Three main objectives of the Congress
* To reflect on the present orientations of the Church, SDB and others involved in this mission
* To identify the common aspects that guarantee the Salesian charismatic unity of the Social work (SEPP)
* To set up regional networking in the area of social works as part of Salesian youth ministry
During last 22 years we notice a significant growth and reflection process in this very important charismatic mission for the 'abandoned and neglected youth' (Don Bosco'), for this 'preferential option' of the Congregation (Latin American expression), Youth at risk and Youth in need (South Asian expression). Two SDB from the EAO region took part in the 'World Consulta' last May 2019 at Sacro Cuore, Rome.
There are more Salesian works (centers) - total of 1436 worldwide, for the youth in need: street children (12%), youth with special needs (12%), refugee or migrants (8%), recover from addictions (8%), alternative education - assisting school drop-outs (21%), assisting families in need (8%), women promotion (20%) and health center - dispensary (3%).
There are also more numerous youth and vulnerable people (destinataries) assisted by the Salesians, total of 622.000 worldwide - according the 'categories': Refugees and migrants (30%), youth with special needs (17%), street-children (5%), addiction recovery (1%), assisting families (4%), school drop out assistance (4%), women promotion (8%) and health service - dispensary (30%).
There are more personnel (total of 17.115 worldwide) involved with the SDB, more lay mission partners (staff, educators, social workers, counsellors, volunteers) and Salesian family members involved in this 'sector'. Among the personnel committed in this field the full time SDB are only 4%, while the 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' of these 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. On the Boscolink you may find many related materials.
