The activity was attended by the heads of various international organisations, representatives of private companies, supranational bodies, ambassadors of various countries and collaborators. At the opening of the evening, an open forum was held, which also involved the Executive Director of FUSALMO, Nelson Cruz, who used the opportunity to share the experiences and perspectives of the Salesian organisation in its work with young people.
The prize, worth $100,000, will serve to promote the implementation of the “Ad Astra” project, and was received by the members of the board of directors, the executive management and the team of specialists in the areas of Management and Development, Communication, Monitoring and Evaluation and STEAM of FUSALMO.
“Ad Astra” is a well-known Latin phrase which means “aim for the stars” and is the perfect motto for the FUSALMO project, focused on the conquest of new horizons by young people. By improving themselves personally and constantly, they can build their own life projects and support their communities.
Specifically, this project aims to help teenagers and young adults become key decision makers in their own their lives and society through the activation of robotics clubs and laboratories, and to accompany them in the development of their leadership through the “STEAM+LAB” approach (scientific, technological, engineering, artistic and mathematical disciplines + laboratories) and Industry 4.0, with innovative projects for the improvement of their communities.
This project also aims to implement a “Space for Investigators” (Maker Space) in the FUSALMO facilities in Soyapango, a highly innovative and visionary project: a fully equipped area for the transformation of ideas into innovative projects through the development of technical and technological skills, the promotion of collaborative and practical learning and youth leadership, the empowerment of young people, the dissemination of critical thinking, innovation, values of responsibility, teamwork, empathy, problem solving... and without forgetting all the other aspects that help prepare young people to obtain better job opportunities and transform situations in their communities.