This new work forms part of the Salesian Educational Network. It was built in the Gustavo Lepaige district, one of the most vulnerable of the city. The opening ceremony was attended by various national and regional authorities, including Esteban Velasquez, Mayor of Calama; Fr Enrique Olivé, Vicar General of Calama, and representatives of mining enterprises CODELCO and El Abra and of the Association of Industrialists of Antofagasta.
"It is a sign of social co-responsibility in the field of education, the first and main task of a society that attaches importance to culture, ethics and values," said the Provincial.
He then said that a Salesian school is an educational environment of high academic level and a generator of opportunities for the most disadvantaged, while promoting coexistence and living together in a family atmosphere. "Together we make up this house, this school, this church and this playground," said Fr Lorenzelli.
The new school was built thanks to the alliance between the Industrial Association of Industrialists of Antofagasta and the Salesian Province. It was financed by the CODELCO and El Abra companies.
The school has 490 students. It offers technical and vocational education for the industrial mining sector. Construction began in February 2015. Education is mixed, free and bilingual and provides specific courses in mining, industrial mechanics and industrial electricity.
The school is an essentially Salesian project, offering young people training for life through technical education to professional level.
