The project aims to contain this phenomenon by rebuilding a relationship of trust with these young people, sharing their needs and trying to reintegrate them into society via reception and support. The activities, sustained thanks to the "Intesa San Paolo" charitable fund, are taking place in Turin, Naples and Catania in the neighborhoods adjacent to the cities' train stations. A network composed of street educators, psychologists and volunteers immediately guarantee each child intercepted their support and protection. In a second phase, the children are offered the opportunity to follow an Italian language course, receive legal assistance, acquire professional skills and enter the world of work.
"With the project we will try, in the Salesian educational style, to empower these young people, supporting them, without forcing them to take the decision to leave anonymity, to stay out of the MSNA reception and protection systems," explains Fr Giovanni d'Andrea, President of 'Salesians for Social Work.' "The challenge to win is that the kids decide to return to the reception facilities, increase their confidence and become capable of facing their own story."
"Salesians for the Social - SCS / CNOS Federation" has for years been committed to giving concrete answers to the migration phenomenon, protecting, in particular, unaccompanied foreign minors. There are five offices that operate in the first reception of unaccompanied foreign minors, or MSNA, while 18 those in charge of second reception.
In the face of gestures like yesterday in Pietreperzia, Sicily - where unknown people fired shots at a center used by the Don Bosco 2000 to welcome migrants fleeing poverty and war - the Salesians redouble their efforts to serving their brothers and sisters sisters most in need and sharing an approach to migration that puts people first.
Further information is available on the Salesian for Social website.
