Torre Annunziata is a very difficult area. It is divided between the north where the middle class live, and the south, the poorest part, which includes the district prison, and entire blocks of flats under the "ownership" of one of the clans. Part of the economy of Torre Annunziata is based on illegal activities and the south is the most isolated part with very little to attract the young. It is there the Salesian Oratory is.
This area has often been the site of countless criminal acts linked to the clans of Camorra that have impeded the economic and social development of the city. The Salesian Oratory undertakes to enable young people to live in a serene environment and to develop their potential. It tries to respond to the difficulties in the area in order to prevent juvenile delinquency and to work with families as a whole, in collaboration with other educational agencies.
Children and families are supported by volunteers and qualified staff, who have specific tasks and educational objectives to be achieved. The Salesian intervention seeks to be a flexible and innovative response to social problems. It adopts resources, methods and tools - through support for the child and his living environment - so as to prevent and repair damaged relationships.
In Salesian pastoral activity it is important to offer training programmes within a functional setting, which meet the expectations of children and young people. Right now it seems that there is an urgent need of a soccer field with synthetic grass that would enhance the educational, recreational and sporting activities.
Today this dram has come true with the help of the Diocese of Nola, of the Salesians in Zurich, and of local business people, as well as the generosity of so many fine people who continue to support the Salesians of Torre Annunziata.
