More than 300 people gathered at this festive event, characterised by a great family atmosphere, together with a wide representation of the Andalusian public administration, the business sector and the third sector of Andalusia. In this way, recognition has been given to the work that this Salesian foundation has carried out in its 25 years of existence, that is, since it was created in 1998.
The gala evening, which had as its theme the transforming power of dreams, was presented by singer Virginia Carmona, while the musical entertainment was curated by singer Laura Gómez. The event saw the testimony of young people in situations of vulnerability, who are or have been assisted in the different locations where the Foundation is present, through its 28 social centres and its over 90 presences, including centres for the protection of minors, apartments for young refugees, Second Opportunity Schools and multiple job placement projects.
Ignacio Vázquez de la Torre, Director General of the Fundación Don Bosco, sought to underline in his welcoming words "how much good has been done since the beginning of the Foundation, how many people have met Don Bosco in these 25 years... God only knows how many people have benefited from the intuition of the Salesian Congregation to approach people in situations of vulnerability." Vázquez then recalled that "in the Foundation we bring the charism of Don Bosco to all the places where we are; every project, every strategy, every option has always tried to have the same nature that Don Bosco had in Valdocco, a sign of fidelity and authenticity."
Marc Simón, highlighted that "the link with employment unites the Fundación Don Bosco with the la Caixa Foundation, offering opportunities to create a more just society, with real equality." He also stressed that for la Caixa, involving young people in initiatives for their future is essential and could not be done without collaboration by everyone. Therefore, now is the time to continue facing important challenges. Simón then concluded by insisting that we must "help incorporate technology, so that people have more opportunities."
Fr Fernando Miranda, Superior of Spain's Mary Help of Christians Province (SMX) and promoter of the Fundación Don Bosco, stressed that "the Foundation always has a providential vision of these young people who are in situations of vulnerability and if some sectors see young people as a finished story, for the Foundation they will always represent a story to be written". Fr Miranda therefore insisted that every effort must be made to welcome the individual with the affection and trust that characterise the Salesian educational style.
The main moment of the event was focused on a round table attended by three young representatives from different locations and projects of the institution, who brought their testimonies. Through their stories they shared their journey towards autonomy and job placement. They were accompanied by Rocío Blanco, who stressed that "we, as an Administration, are small compared to the work of the Fundación Don Bosco. And the fact is, as a foundation, you help a lot of young people find their way. Young people are a great resource for Andalusia and for this reason, as councillor, I would like to underline the enormous commitment and collaboration between public and private that makes us all great."
Fr Rafael Bejarano, SDB, Coordinator of Salesian Works and Social Services around the world, also participated in the event. "A fundamental part of our work are educators in all the countries where we work; they are passionate people, because being an educator is a complex task, but being an educator in the social field is even more complicated. Such a beautiful task that offers young people a support to grow and progress" added Fr Bejarano.
Patricia del Pozo, Past Pupil of the Salesians from Santissima Trinità in Seville, was moved by the words of affection towards the institution and by the memories that evoked the moments experiened at the event. She also highlighted the role of the administration, stressing that "every day we are committed to continuing to broaden horizons and reach new goals, confirming, for example, that Second Opportunity Schools are an engine for generating a future full of possibilities."
The mayor of Seville, José Luis Sanz, said that "today we have understood that this is not just a foundation, but a large family, which is located where it is most needed".
Jesús Aguirre, President of the Andalusian Parliament, then closed the event with his words full of closeness to those who currently make up the organisation and to those who promoted it at its inception. He moved the audience when he remembered the recently deceased Fr Paco Ruiz, who was Superior of the Salesians in Seville and founder of the Fundación Don Bosco. "Betting on young people is betting on the future, reorienting their path and seeking the benefit of young people. It is, therefore, the benefit of the whole society", concluded Aguirre.
The commemorative event held at the CaixaForum in Seville was an opportunity for the Foundation to reflect on the results achieved and recognise the work of those who made this path possible, looking to the future with renewed optimism and determination.
During 2023, the Fundación Don Bosco managed 10 centres for the protection of minors, 20 apartments for autonomy, three reception apartments for young applicants for international protection and accompanied the integration into the labour market of over 4,400 people through the 172 projects it develops.
