The event, the second in the series of meetings on the theme: "Man called in search of his own dignity" saw the participation of the Quaestor of Bari, police superintendant Carmine Esposito, the lawyer Michele Laforgia, who is engaged in the promotion of paths on legality, and Fr Francesco Preite, Director of the house in Bari.
Dr Laforgia listed five challenges to be overcome in order to take minors away from the baby gangs: that of the community, because even "the mafia is a community", which builds an identity for those who are part of it; that of the family, which "can be a resource, but also a huge problem" for those who encounter negative models; prison, which "is not the solution, let alone for minors"; therefore "social services and juvenile justice", which must receive more resources; and the educating community, which "must be open" and where the educator, "must compromise with the world he wants to educate," he concluded.
After recalling the beginnings of Don Bosco in prison, Fr Preite called for everyone to work in unity, because in the divisions "crime inserts itself, which is organized." It is important, however, that there is mutual aid between the generations: "The young animators must perform their task well and the adults must accompany the young animators and youngsters."
Attitudes of "openness and acceptance" and alternative proposals must be promoted. On this front, politics "must be there, present" and "must give answers." The oratory with its sports, cultural and educational activities must face the challenge, even creating businesses. "Creating businesses with young people is not a sin; we must be less bigoted and more concrete."
For his part, the Quaestor of Bari recalled that, faced with the prospects of the easy gains offered by criminal organizations, "we must merge all our energies", to offer an alternative that is primarily "of value, or value-based."
"School and family are the cornerstones on which to concentrate the commitment ... Boys must (be able to) verify that there is a possibility of a different life," he concluded.
