Between 29 and 30 January, Sara Sechi, DBI Executive Secretary, Piero and Marco held six official meetings with: the Italian Ambassador Federica Favi, the Vice-President of the European Parliament Antonella Sberna, the Member of the Parliament (MEP) Benedetta Scuderi, MEP Elena Donazzan, the Councillor at the Apostolic Nunciature before the EU Mgr. John Baptist Itaruma, and the COMECE Secretary General Fr Manuel Enrique Barrios Prieto.
These meetings aimed of reinforcing and establishing new institutional contacts precious to advocate for the rights and better future of young people. Every representative received the ‘Hidden Diamonds’ book, which encompasses 200 dreams of young people collected by the Youth Ministry Dep., as well as the invitation to visit our local Salesian realities around the world.
During these dialogues, it emerged the importance of investing in advocacy to effectively promote: more funds for vocational training quality education, inclusive youth participation for those in situations of poverty and social marginalization, more awareness on mental health, constructive and sustainable partnerships with the private sector, new solutions for the challenges of migration targeted to guarantee the respect for human rights, a constant dialogue with the institutions that can value diversity and peace.
At the same time, we had the pleasure of visiting the Don Bosco Brussel school in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre (BEN Province), where we were warmly welcomed by the Director and his team.
On 30 January, DBI and Don Bosco Tech Europe hosted a public event at the Chapel for Europe in Brussels titled "Migration & Vocational Education and Training: Challenges and Opportunities for a Human Rights-Based Europe." Expert speakers such as Piero Fabris - Executive Director of DB Tech Europe, Theodor Grassos - Secretary General of the European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB), Giulia Meschino - Secretary General of the European Vocational Training Association (EVTA), and Fr. Alberto Ares SJ - Regional Director of Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe, addressed one of Europe’s most pressing issues: migration and its intersection with vocational education and training (VET).
Europe is currently at a crossroads, facing the dual challenges of managing migration and addressing labor market demands. The increasing polarization of migration narratives, the focus on stricter border controls, and the push for legal pathways to attract skilled professionals from non-EU countries all highlight the complexities of the current situation.
The speakers contributed valuable insights on how a human rights-based approach can ensure inclusive integration for young people with a migratory background, including girls and women, while tackling the skill shortages and workforce diversification needed to sustain Europe’s productivity. The discussion emphasized the importance of creating inspiring role models and mentors able to generate trust and confidence in learners, facilitating inclusive environments within companies and training centres, promoting collaborative approach with local communities. Unity among civil society and faith-based actors is crucial to boost policies that respect human dignity and provide fair opportunities for all.
Over 70 people attended the event, which was followed by the Eucharistic celebration for St. John Bosco, animated by Joaquim Lesne and the FMA Sisters of Ganshoren. The mass was celebrated by Fr Bart Decancq, Provincial of the BEN Province, and concelebrated by Mgr John Baptist Itaruma, Councillor at the Apostolic Nunciature before the EU, and Fr Andrè Van Der Sloot, Rector of the Salesian Community of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert.
We were delighted for the active participation of numerous members of the Salesian family, including VIA Don Bosco, Don Bosco Network, Don Bosco Youth-Net, Fondation Don Bosco, the FMA Sisters of Ganshoren, and young people from the SDB MOR Province.
We thank all participants for making the celebration of the Don Bosco’s feast joyful and filled with enthusiasm.
The recording of the event is available on YouTube
Don Bosco International
