Benediktbeuern, Germany - September 2020 - The “Don Bosco Volunteers” in Germany have started their new year of activities with 56 young people. 31 of them carry out volunteer service in Germany and will actively support work in local structures. The organization of international volunteering, even towards European countries, is made difficult by the pandemic. To offer young people an opportunity to volunteer abroad, the employees of the "Aktionszentrum" educational center in Benediktbeuern have also developed the "Don Bosco Volunteers Academy" program, which can be extended up to six months. Started on 14 September, it includes: seminars, conferences, recreational activities, workshops and internships in Salesian structures with a focus on sustainability and ecology. "This project promotes volunteers' awareness of the sustainable development of our society," emphasizes Niklas Gregull, a consultant for international youth work at the "Aktionszentrum." This year, 25 young people participate in the Academy program and will live in the Benediktbeuern monastery for the duration of their volunteer service, and if the ministerial directives allow it, they will carry out volunteer service abroad.

Francesco Bagiolini