During the continental meeting of the Salesian Works and Social Services of America, held from 9 to 13 September in Aparecida, Brazil, the best practices of what is done in the social works of the Provinces of America were presented and different workshops were held, splitting the participants into groups according to the following topics: "Human mobility", "Youth employability", "Drug addiction and problematic consumption", "Child labour and the street situation", "Networking at the local level", "Youth violence" and "Networking at the international level".
During this process, in each working table, opportunity for exchange was promoted in which the weaknesses, threats, strengths and opportunities (SWOT analysis) of Salesian activity in each field were identified, taking into account the criteria of evangelisation, human rights and the mental health of young people running through all topics.
In the "Networking at the international level" round table, based on the initial analysis, the participants reflected on possible strategies to strengthen Salesian action at the global level; among these are:
Strengthening internal and external communication; Increasing participation in advocacy spaces: in the Congregation and in politics; Focus on professionalisation at the local level, which will promote credibility and continuity; Implementing the human rights-based approach in processes, across all areas Strengthening the Congregation's networks: Youth Ministry, Non-Governmental Organisations for Development (NGOs) and Provincial Planning and Development Offices (PDOs). For example, maintaining an place for the exchange of experiences of the Meeting of Works and Social Services of America, PDOs and Salesian NGOs promoted by RASS every two years; Strengthening communication and fundraising strategies; Raising awareness and creating internal and external discussion spaces on the Human Rights-based approach; Promoting joint formation on Human Rights-based approach in the Congregation and encourage the development of Human Rights Commissions at the provincial level, as in the case of the Provinces of Colombia (COB and COM).
This process of strengthening the network reflects the richness of diversity and the strength of unity. By sharing challenges and dreams, Salesian works become a more cohesive global body, capable of dealing more effectively with the problems that arise in local contexts. Thus, every step that is taken in the construction of this global network not only strengthens the Salesian mission, but also feeds the dream of a world in which every young person, regardless of their situation, can find a place of welcome, formation and hope.
At the end of the Aparecida work the General Councillor for Salesian Youth Ministry, Fr Miguel Angel García Morcuende, together with other leaders involved in the event, sent a short video of thanks to the organizers, available on ANSChannel.
Soledad Soto,
Salesian Social America Network
