These projects are distributed along several lines, including:
– Educational and recreational infrastructures;
– School grants;
– Leisure programmes;
– Support to reference centres and oratories;
– Formation and entrepreneurship for young people and adults in poverty;
– Support for agricultural, agro-ecological and artisanal production;
– Female emancipation;
– Formation for the indigenous communities of the Amazon (ETSERIN, in Spanish).
The resources obtained are then mainly allocated to social works and Andean, Amazonian and Afro-descendant missions. The cities with a Salesian presence where these initiatives are developed are Quito, Guayaquil, Santo Domingo, Esmeraldas, San Lorenzo, Cayambe, Salinas, Simiatug, Macas, Taisha and Wasakentsa.
The support comes thanks to several institutions of international cooperation, first of all the network directly dependent on the Rector Major, and then from other institutions such as ACTEC (Belgium), Jugend Eitnewelt (Austria), Jugendhilfe Weltweit (Switzerland), Fundación del Valle - Agencia Española de Cooperación para el Desarrollo (Spain), Bosco Global (Spanish Salesian NGO), Misiones Salesianas (the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid) and Salesian Missions (Salesian Mission Office based in New Rochelle, United States).
In 2023, 33 development projects were managed, for a total amount of $1,139,512.39. For example, through the educative and pastoral initiatives carried out by the Salesian communities in Esmeraldas, which benefit 3,120 children, adolescents and adults, 10 projects were carried out, for an amount of $420,934.23, for the benefit of 24 neighbourhoods located in vulnerable areas.
The Planning and Development Office continues to carry out Don Bosco's dream in Ecuador and is organising new projects for 2024, such as the adaptation of sports facilities, playgrounds and care spaces for about 649 girls, boys and young people; and training courses in aesthetics, repair of mobile phones and motorcycles for 180 young people.
"For us, it is a priority" conclude the Salesians of Ecuador, "to continue with Salesian, human, spiritual and social attention, which has an impact on the life project of the most vulnerable children and young people and those at high social risk; and which helps us tackle violence, illiteracy, drug trafficking and unemployment."
