The idea was first conceived among some Salesian animators, given the impossibility for young people to meet face-to-face in Salesian evangelization spaces. After a few weeks of debate, content planning, and testing, the first program was broadcast on May 17, 2020, attracting the interest of hundreds of young people, by virtue of its being a space for encounters as well as human and Christian growth.

Father Mauricio Leime, Salesian Youth Ministry Delegate, who together with his team has been accompanying the radio since its inception, explains, "El Gris, the radio is a proposal born by young people and for young people. Besides offering a space for formation and entertainment, it is a means for the growth of the young people who work there on the front lines, since they are the ones who have shaped and learned the art of communicating on the networks."

The program was developed together with the Salesian Polytechnic University's Faculty of Social Communication and ECU's Office of Social Communication, who pooled their knowledge and technology to train youth in radio. "It is a source of joy for the Province to have this youth radio, not only because it is about digital evangelization, but also because it is young people evangelizing other young people."

Each week, the radio offers different features: "The Word Listener," where a message from the Sunday Gospel is given, and "Let's Learn Together," which is the educational space with expert guests on different topics such as Salesianism, health, politics, art, culture, youth affairs... The program ends with a Salesian tradition practiced since Don Bosco's time: the "Salesian goodnight," a short thought meant to give listeners a moment of meditation and prayer.

"El Gris, the radio," as a space for Salesian evangelization, is inspired by the steps taken by Don Bosco in the field of communication, for whom this activity was a constitutive element of his being an educator and apostle of young people.

To continue this legacy, young people continuously prepare themselves through radio communication workshops, voice-over techniques, program scripts..., activities that help them in their role as Salesian communicators. And many outstanding Salesians, teachers, artists, and young people in different fields have passed through the "booth" of "El Gris" to share their life testimonies.

The radio station's name "El Gris" (The Gray) is an obvious reference to the dog who, on more than one occasion, saved Don Bosco's life, and who had been taught never to leave the oratory alone. The Youth Saint saw in that animal the action of God's providence, which protected not only his life but also the mission to which he was called. Likewise, the radio team seeks to place under God's protection not only its own work, but also the welfare of the youth and families that are part of the Salesian province in Ecuador.

The team currently consists of nine members, including coordinator Nancy Carrillo. Her motivation for joining this space was the opportunity to accompany, through an online radio station, young people who are physically distant. "It was a new space where I discovered new skills in diction, in writing, in managing a space for young people.... It was one of the best experiences I've ever had."

Among the radio hosts is Isabel Bravo, a Cuenca native who, with the help of professionals, tackles topics often considered "taboo," such as abortion, depression, domestic violence...

"I decided to join El Gris because it is a proposal aimed at young people and this caught my attention.... Radio is a communication bridge where we can transmit our joy and help, in some way, in the needs that a young person may go through," adds Anabel Vinueza, one of the new members of the project.

The challenge of "El Gris, the radio" is to continue to grow and reinforce itself as an educational and evangelizing proposal, capable of giving a leading role to young people, promoting their identity and their commitment to build the Kingdom of God with and among other boys and girls throughout Ecuador.

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