Rodolfo Dávila was one of the students of the Salesian Agricultural Technical School and today is a small agricultural entrepreneur. “School was a great opportunity for me. I learned many things to face life, to go into the field and see that it produced. The rest must be experienced,” he explains.
Carlos went to university after school, while Éibar recalls that "all students shared experiences and culture, regardless of race or economic status. When we left school we were technically prepared to work the land better.” Today Éibar is also a teacher and manages his own farm.
This year the school has taken another step forward, thanks to the project funded by Misiones Salesianas, the Salesian Mission Office based in Madrid, Spain, which has allowed the reactivation of the production of milk and other agricultural products. "This project guarantees the sustainability of the Barinas school, reactivates the productive sector and at the same time strengthens the technical capacities of young people in vulnerable situations in rural areas," said Rafael Garrido, head of the organisation's Latin America projects.
In addition, this project has allowed "students, teachers, staff and the community to have healthy and nutritious food," adds Garrido. This is a very important commitment, since in Venezuela, according to several national reports, 60% basic products are missing and more than 50% of the population lives in poverty.
The benefits have also been used to improve infrastructure, purchase seeds, livestock... and strengthen educational and teaching activities.
The Salesians have been in Barinas for over 80 years and thanks to their service thousands of young people have had the opportunity to receive a quality education. Venezuela is also currently suffering from a serious educational crisis. "Education is fundamental. Teachers do not go to the classrooms and many schools are open only two or three days a week,” the Salesians in Barinas explain. While at the Salesian school, teachers, in addition to their remuneration, receive food and transport.
While studying at the technical school in Barinas for three years, the students of the school receive more than just education. At the EAS they find a place to live and receive the support they need. "There is an atmosphere of trust and great respect among the youngsters. They are simple young people who love nature and work," the Salesians say.
Source: Salesian Missions
