The Foundation's work began in 1993 with the opening of the 'Fr Antonio Amador' home for street children in the city centre of Guayaquil. The aim was to create a preventive structure that would welcome young people from the most vulnerable neighbourhoods.
The programme of the celebration took place in the facilities of the Don Bosco House. Initially, the Eucharist was celebrated and presided over by Fr. Juan Flores, the provincial accompanied by the Salesians who were part of the community.
This was followed by a solemn ceremony attended by various local authorities, representatives of partner organizations, lay collaborators and the mission beneficiaries. Mauricio Bonifaz, Coordinator of the 'Kinder Not Hilfe-KNH' organisation, was also among those who spoke. He said: 'It is an honour to feel that we are partners in this great work of human edification; we have a deep satisfaction in continuing to make progress with the Foundation. I would like to recall a phrase from Don Bosco: 'on the healthy education of the young depends the happiness of nations', and there is a need for this vision of solidarity, carried out every day by the Salesians".
Afterwards, Tomás Ordoñez, former student and current collaborator of the 'Salesian Project Foundation Guayaquil', took the floor, thanking the institution for training him to be a good person. “Looking back in time, it is impossible not to feel feelings of nostalgia and pride for all the experiences we have had. As we move forward, going our different ways, we carry with us the miracle of Don Bosco. We are ambassadors of the values learnt here: compassion, perseverance and love”.
“Dear young people, follow the example of the good Salesians: work, prayer, temperance and dedication,” urged Fr Flores. “On behalf of the Salesian Province, we remain committed to this work, because where there are young people, there is the love of our father Don Bosco.”
Finally, a small tribute was paid to the outgoing director, Fr Esteban Ortiz. Through an emotional video, the recipients of the Project delivered their greetings and messages of thanks for his accompaniment and closeness as a true father.
