Eeklo, Belgium - July 2024 - Towards the end of June, during its General Assembly, the Salesian youth association "Youth Aid Don Bosco Flanders" of the North Belgium and Holland Province (BEN) presented a new environment in which the Salesian reception, orientation and observation centres "OBC De Waai" and "OOOC De Bries - Jeugdhulp Don Bosco" can carry out therapeutic work with animals. Some of the stables have been completely renovated, an experience trail called "Paddock Paradise" has been opened and the gardens have been arranged so that the young people can carry out outdoor activities in close contact with nature. Thanks to this new project, it will be possible to work together with animals, a type of activity that is particularly useful for vulnerable young people and their families. Young people learn to interact with different species, learning that each one has different needs, inclinations, characteristics and properties. Contact with animals, especially horses and donkeys, promotes not only physical well-being, but also has significant positive effects on the mental and emotional well-being of young people.