Thanks to the mutual cooperation and trust between Lao Youth Union and the Salesian Foundation of Don Bosco in Thailand, this country's unique Don Bosco presence has been developing well. Under the 5-year MOU between the Lay Youth Union and Don Bosco Foundation Thailand (2016-2021), more than 750 are trained in four vocational training departments. The THA province (Thailand-Cambodia-Laos) of the Salesians has been funding with generosity the whole project from the beginning.
At present, 143 young men are being assisted by 26 teachers and instructors under the guidance of a small Salesian community (Rector Fr. Patrick Maccioni) and trained in: Automechanics, Technical Welding, Electricity and Motorcycle Repair. More than 60 of them are living full-time in the VTC boarding house since they come from many far away provinces of the country. During their one-year stay (auto mechanics and electricity) the “Bosconians” learn not only technical skills, but also mature as persons, learn music, do sports and foster community building. Before the end of each course, there is an on job training session organized with the help of Lao Youth Union. Cultural outings to the capital's museums, blood donation, services to the needy in the local community all contribute to the holistic education.
After the 2017 animation visit of the World-level Alumni of Don Bosco, the local unit of Past Pupils has also been growing in Vientiane. Indeed all the VTC teachers are our former students. One year after the animation by Mr Angel Gudiña (Spain, Vicepresident for GEX) and Mr Alberto Piedade (Timor Leste, GEX Asia-Oceania) with the help of their Delegate - SDB Rector, the formation of the Alumni animation team has started recently.
Until now there has not yet been any Lao Salesian of Don Bosco. Our Don Bosco Vientiane teachers and instructors - former students dream about a first Lao Salesian member and commit themselves to follow the path of Don Bosco with a whole heart!
Even if you do not travel to Laos, you can watch the wonderful video presentation of Vientiane VTC on Youtube this year: Whispering the Gospel in Asia: “Laos Don Bosco”
Source: BoscoLink
