The objectives of the visit, which took place from 24 to 28 February, were to learn about Social Works, share the importance of networking and strengthen the Salesian identity in social services, encouraging them to seek greater effectiveness in different projects.
On the first day, Fr Bejarano participated in the Provincial Youth Ministry Meeting, held at the Salesian Colony of Jaboatão dos Guararapes, which was attended by about 40 people including Salesian local pastoral coordinators and members of the teams.
Particularly intense was 26 February, during which Fr Bejarano offered the "Good morning" to employees at the Province Centre and later met the sectors related to Social Works. In his address, Fr Bejarano shared the importance of networking for justice and peace in society and urged those present to strengthen their Salesian identity in the field of social services.
Speaking to representatives of the sectors linked to Social Works, Fr Bejarano invited them to always seek greater assertiveness in projects, aligning them with public policies and with institutions that share the same mission and that can be channels of service and transformation. Reflecting on the social action of the Province, those present were invited to reflect on the fact that it is part of a large network existing in 136 countries, with works that help and serve 7 million children, adolescents and young adults.
On the same day, Fr Bejarano visited the Don Bosco school in Recife, the Salesian Rest Home, the Salesian school and the Don Bosco Educational Centre in Jaboatão dos Guararapes.
His presence at the Don Bosco school in Recife offered moments of reflection and inspiration to all those present, strengthening the bonds of the educative and pastoral community and reaffirming the institution's commitment to the well-being and integral development of its young people. The Don Bosco School, located in the Bongi district of Recife-PE, takes in around 1,700 young people free of charge, involving them in apprenticeship projects and graphic design courses.
In Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Fr Bejarano got to know the Salesian school which plays a crucial role in the philanthropic education of over 600 primary school students and stands out as a true point of reference in the Region.
The visit, as mentioned, continued at the Don Bosco Educational Centre, located in the heart of Jaboatão dos Guararapes. It plays a fundamental role in the professional qualification of adolescents and young adults and their families in situations of poverty and social risk.
The next day, 27 February, Fr Bejarano took part in the strategic meeting with the management team at the Provincial Centre, together with Fr Francisco Inácio, Superior of the Brazil-Recife Province (BRE), Fr João Carlos, Vice-Provincial, and Fr Robson Barros, Provincial Economer. Several topics were discussed the meeting, including provincial planning, Salesian identity, determining the area of activity, formation, provincial evaluation and the implementation of transparency methodologies. The discussion aimed to strengthen ties and align strategies for the continued development of Social and Pastoral Works in the region.
Fr Bejarano then visited the Don Bosco Curado Oratory in Jaboatão dos Guararapes, which welcomes about 45 children and also functions as an after-school opportunity for vulnerable families. Here he had the opportunity to meet some of the dozens of children assisted, sensing the receptivity and joy of those who attend him.
Finally, on the same day, the Salesian took part in the meeting to present the other Salesian works of the Northeast of the country. The Province demonstrated the breadth and impact of its social projects: with more than 80 ongoing initiatives, Social Works have reached about 8,000 children, adolescents and young adults on various fronts, as shown by the results of the Social Report 2023.
The Don Bosco Educational Centre in Gramoré, the Matriz de Camaragibe Youth Centre, the Don Bosco Educational Centre in João Pessoa and the Don Bosco Social Work in Areia Branca are just some of the institutions that play a crucial role in the mission of promoting integral human development.
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