The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been translated into more than 500 languages. This milestone document proclaimed the inalienable rights that everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being — regardless of race, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.
Through education and social development programming, Salesian missionaries in more than 130 countries around the globe work to ensure that all youth know their rights, are able to fully participate in their communities and have their voices heard.
“Whether it’s combating child labor, assisting homeless youth or building schools where children previously had no access to education, Salesian missionaries are educating youth on their rights and ensuring access to programs and services they need,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “Working in more than 5,500 Salesian educational institutions and youth centers around the world, missionaries educate and meet the basic needs of children in some of the poorest places on the planet.”
In honor of Human Rights Day, Salesian Missions highlights unique programs that are helping poor youth receive an education and find a path out of poverty, bringing them hope for the future.
DR CONGO
Salesian missionaries in the Democratic Republic of the Congo*, led by Father Carlos Balezi Kabumba, recently concluded a series of educational sessions aimed at raising awareness of the rights of women and minors. The training was held for children at the Salesian House in Gahinja and for girls from the Maison Marguerite Center.
At the end of the course, participants received certificates of completion. Salesians thanked the Salesian Mission Office in Bonn, Germany, for financial support and its commitment to the protection of the rights of women and children in this conflict-torn region.
Pascal Bauma, project manager, noted, “This initiative has been useful to assess the situation of many children living on the street, especially in the city of Goma. Many young people, due to difficult family situations, are forced to take to the streets. This problem is also aggravated by the influx of people displaced by the war in and around Goma.” Over the last years, Salesians have been dedicated to caring for displaced children, who are living at Salesian houses in the region.
PAKISTAN
Salesian missionaries provide social development and educational services to poor youth and their families in centers in Lahore and Quetta, Pakistan. Salesian schools provide economic benefits, scholarships and accommodations for students from the poorest families so that education is not only accessible but also an incentive for parents to send their children to school.
Pakistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in South Asia at less than 50%. Although the country’s constitution acknowledges free and compulsory education for children and youth between the ages of 5 to 16, the rule is often not followed in rural areas for those over age 13.
Salesians have a particular focus on ensuring that young girls are able to start and continue their education. Unfortunately, many girls abandon their studies before the end of compulsory schooling to take care of their families or because of early marriage. This happens in both villages and large urban centers such as Lahore. Some families believe that early marriage will solve the family’s economic challenges.
To help combat this, Salesians provide training programs focused on educating girls and young women about their rights with the aim of creating and spreading awareness and self-determination. Salesians encourage girls and young women to continue their studies. They also organize courses to impart knowledge and skills aimed at learning a trade. One of the students said, “If we study, we can have a brighter future.”
SPAIN
Youth from seven European countries took part in an educational course called “Speak Up Europe”, which focused on human rights, fake news and sustainability. The course for European youth workers was held by the Auryn Association in León, Spain, and co-funded by the European Union, through the Erasmus+ Programme. Youth from Italy, Turkey, Georgia, France, Portugal, Germany and Spain participated.
Four main topics were discussed during the course. The first focused on human rights in Europe. Students learned about the importance of respect for human rights and human rights education for youth, along with the risks encountered in society. Current conflicts and global passivity in the face of humanitarian challenges were studied. Salesians also focused on the diverse and intercultural European society as one of the keys to promoting intercultural education.
The second topic focused on the rise of fake news. Students looked at an analysis of the risks of fake news in society, as well as how hate speech was promoted. All participants worked to draw up best practices to combat and prevent the negative effects of this kind of media.
