The Hogar Don Bosco is one of four Salesian homes for minors that make up the Don Bosco Project in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The program was founded in 1991 and the Don Bosco House was the first facility to be opened. It houses 75 minors, ages 5 to 17, divided into three groups, who receive 24-hour care. "They are minors in vulnerable situations, orphans or who have not seen their parents for a long time," Monica explains.
In its 32 years of existence, Proyecto Don Bosco has been able to respond to the needs of the city of Santa Cruz in terms of comprehensive care, promotion and protection of the rights of children, adolescents and youth in vulnerable situations. It has specialized its interventions and made significant changes in the different stages, units, services and programs it offers.
In all Salesian homes, "one is struck by the happiness one breathes already upon arrival. Being children with such complicated lives, the joy with which they face all situations is amazing. It's like living in a big family with so many siblings," emphasizes Monica, who worked as an educator in the home. "I prepared breakfasts, accompanied them to class, ate with them, helped them dress, organized entertainment activities... just like any other mom," she emphasizes.
The children lack neither affection nor attention. Monica recalls that "they eat five times a day and are surrounded by love. They have clothes, school supplies, and no shortage of birthday gifts. The educators and volunteers are very attentive to them and many benefactors also support the home. The children are a life lesson and an ongoing example. I don't think that even in more developed countries parents spend as much time with their children as they do at the Hogar Don Bosco."
Monica was responsible for the group of younger children, under 9 years old. "It wasn't easy to do activities with them, precisely because they were so young, but we had a lot of fun and it all helped them emotionally."
The young volunteer recalls two situations that especially touched her heart: "One of the children, because of diction problems, did not pronounce some letters well. I suggested he read aloud only with me and he never made a mistake. In a short time, he improved a lot and started coming with the other children who were waiting their turn to read aloud."
The second situation Monica recalls is much more emotional: "Twins who were living in the Hogar Don Bosco were taken up for adoption. The first night there were many tears from the rest of the children, but after the shower and dinner, one of the children came to me and asked, 'Where are they now?' And right away, however, he also replied, 'Well, wherever they are, I'm sure they miss us.'"
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