More than 500 facilities with over 12,000 employees and 2,500 volunteers, provide care for over 83,000 young people. This is what the ecumenical Alliance Education Jeunesse represents, bringing together four key bodies from the Catholic world - the Apprentis d'Auteuil foundation, the Maisons Don Bosco association through the DBAS network, the Prado de Lyon association and the Salvert network - and two bodies from the Protestant world, the Salvation Army foundation and the Matter houses, all committed to child protection.
The Alliance has a twofold objective: firstly, to improve the quality of care and educational and social support provided to foster children, in line with the values of each association; secondly, to contribute to the development of public policies in France in favour of children, young people and families.
In practical terms a steering committee, bringing together two leaders from each association, meets quarterly to implement shared activities. In 2024, regular meetings began to be organised between the parties of the alliance working on the same territory. At the same time, formation courses were offered to leaders on the subject of taking into account the spiritual needs of children and adolescents, while respecting secularism.
As the links between Alliance members grow stronger, it is expected that these actions will develop and that advocacy will develop to defend the interests of children, young people and families in fragile situations.
Among the Alliance's fundamental principles is the desire to devote special attention to children, young people and families in highly vulnerable situations, based on respect for their dignity and unconditional benevolence towards each one. At the same time, the aim is to offer an openness to the spiritual dimension, while respecting the freedom of each individual. Finally, the aim is to ensure that the Alliance can also spread to other areas.
Source: Don Bosco Aujourd' hui
