In a press release, the Salesian Province of St. Anthony of Portugal announced that in this international volunteering mission the group intends to "build an opportunity for community life" with very specific characteristics, "centered on service, prayer, sharing, familiarity and spiritual study."
The missionaries' service is addressed "to the children and young people of Cape Verde", in particular to Janela, Municipality of Paúl, on the island of Santo Antão. The main activities and initiatives that are developed in this type of youth volunteering missions are the training of the animators, support to their studies, cultural and sports animation, together with liturgical and pastoral support.
The "Missão Segue-me in Cabo Verde!" project was not just born this early August, but rather it mobilized volunteers and collaborators from various communities much in advance wherever the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians are present: Lisbon, Funchal and Arcozelo. In the past few weeks, there have been many initiatives to collect the resources needed for this expedition; among them, of note, a solidarity concert organized at the Salesian parish of Arcozelo and an articulated crowdfunding campaign.
Motivated by the "promotion of the values and ideals" of Don Bosco, the participating volunteers do not devote themselves only to educational and leisure activities for children and young people, but try to do good wherever possible. Thus, for example, Friday, August 9, missionary volunteers went to bring songs, smiles and a little joy to the elderly and sick people supported by the local "Dragoeiro Association"; and throughout the period of activity training sessions and health promotion and psychological support are provided.
It is from 2007 that the Salesian missionary volunteers, especially through the "Don Bosco Program - Life Project", brings help and support to hundreds of families in Cape Verde. And in doing so, this program has also become one of the most impactful activities of Salesian Youth Ministry.
For further info, please visit its Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/MissaoSegueMeACaboVerde
