At the outbreak of the fire there were some minors and educators inside, but they are fortunately all in good condition. While there is still no ascertained explanation for the fire's origin, the enormity of the center's material damage is clearly and unfortunately evident.
The "Miguel Magone" house is promoted by the Don Bosco Foundation of Chile, an answer to the pressing and difficult situation: thousands of children, adolescents and young people living on the street. "We go to look for them in the alleys, under the bridges, in the subways and we are especially attentive to the dangers of child sexual exploitation, one of the biggest scourges of this time," report the operators of the foundation.
Many of the young people who roam the streets of Santiago come from vulnerable families, and live near the Mapocho River, in abandoned houses, outside shopping centers and in small villages marked by drug dealing.
At the origin of this situation there are many possible causes. "One of these is that the whole family itself lives on the street, so the child is in that very situation. Another has to do with children who have escaped from domestic violence. Sexual abuse or negligence of parents and family members. There are also those who end up joining socially excluded groups, for example, those minors who have educational difficulties (...) And then there are children who live in a world of crime and drug use."
The saddest thing about this situation is that many believe that these children and young people do not exist only because they are often hidden from the sight of most people; but reality is much more difficult and harsher than the short memory of the general public.
Now, unfortunately, there is a new difficulty. "The Miguel Magone minors home of the Don Bosco Foundation fell victim of a fire," said Fr Victor Mora, Salesian. "Children and staff have not suffered any harm or serious problem, but we have lost everything. We thank you for your prayers and your constant commitment to our children and young people."
