The proposals are born from direct knowledge of local conditions and of the work done over the years with the most vulnerable groups. Among these, the request to review the increasingly complex administrative procedures, to offer complete answers and to put the person and families at the center of the intervention. It is "an axis that needs to be strengthened and needs very urgent responses," explained Doval.
The Pinardi Federation made its proposals, which are articulated around five points: social protection policies (such as the creation of an emergency aid fund); the regulation of the minimum income of inclusion or the creation of an instrument of dialogue and civil cooperation; the creation of alliances, such as the one between formal and non-formal education or the creation of a one-stop office for assistance to young people previously under protection; support for digital literacy and the supply of technological equipment; preferential attention to children and adolescents, with personalized courses in education and the development of a plan for emotional and psychological assistance; a plan for youth employment.
Doval said at the beginning of his presentation: "We are the social face of the Salesians of the Community of Madrid." He then presented some of the interventions carried out by the Salesians during the pandemic period, such as strengthening educational intermediation and psychological assistance for minors, young people and vulnerable families. Furthermore, among the many actions carried out, he presented the coordination that is conducted with the private firms that accompany and guide 1,500 young people.
For Doval, "this crisis is an opportunity to redesign, to look at our social policies in a different way, strengthening systems, exploiting strengths and working to overcome weaknesses."
Pinardi Federation
Pinardi started more than 25 years ago with projects in the Pan Bendito-Carabanchel, Alcalá de Henares and Fuenlabrada neighborhoods. Today it has 8 centers where more than 250 professionals work, assisting more than 10,000 people every year.
Salesian Social Platforms
Pinardi is also part of the Coordination of the Salesian Social Platforms, a network of Salesian social entities in Spain with almost 400 ongoing projects, 1,300 professionals involved to serve more than 50,000 people.