Fr Farfán participated, in particular, in the opening of the new roof, the synthetic field and the children's playground. Together with the beneficiaries of the Centre, he visited the new spaces and then blessed the facilities. Along with the Provincial, the Governor of Esmeraldas, Javier Buitrón, was also present. He praised the work and service carried out by the Salesians for the children and young people of the community.
After the opening ceremony, the atmosphere turned into a real celebration The joy and emotion were evident on the faces of the beneficiaries, who see this Salesian house as their second home, an opportunity to have a better future, far from the dangers that afflict this part of the city.
It is important to remember that the work was made possible thanks to the funds raised in the 2023 Missionary Campaign, an initiative that takes place every year at the provincial level to carry out projects on behalf of the most vulnerable groups served by the Salesian mission in the different regions of the country.
Fr Farfán attended the opening as part of his visit to the St Philip Neri community which manages the Salesian Chicos de la Calle Costa Norte (North Coast Street Boys) project. The Provincial had the opportunity to meet the management team and the EPC Councils of the North Coast Salesian project which serves children, adolescents and young adults living on the street or in situations of great vulnerability in the cities of San Lorenzo, Santo Domingo and Esmeraldas. During the meetings, Fr Farfán gained greater appreciation of the work carried out in this social service work that offers education, food, accompaniment and overall support to more than 1,100 young people in the three cities.
about"I am very happy for the dedication and commitment of the Salesians and the laity in this social work" the Provincial stressed"They are doing an admirable job in providing an opportunity for change and hope to these boys and girls who live in such difficult environments and situations [...] I know there is still a long way to go, but this project is sowing seeds of hope, we must continue to dream like Don Bosco," he said.
In addition to the opening of the spaces at the "Madre del Salvador" Centre, Fr Farfán was involved in the celebration for the 20 years of Salesian presence in San Lorenzo.
During all the meetings, the Provincial encouraged Salesians and lay people to continue this important social work and to work for the most vulnerable young people.
