(ANS – Roma) –Portugal is the fifth country in Europe for which ANS is presenting information regarding the youth scene: a changing one in which the young still need accompaniment, educational models and credible examples. In these areas the Portuguese Salesians are playing their part.

A relatively young country – at least according to the average age in the “old continent” – with social problems such as drugs, alcohol and delinquency … pretty well under control. These are some of the more encouraging facts which emerge from the enquiry presented today in the Service section of  ANS. Nevertheless, the same enquiry reveals some more worrying items: the lack of self-esteem by the young people in academic matters, unemployment, an extensive religious sense but a falling off among the young.

The Salesian communities in the “Sant’Antonio” Province are in the forefront  in offering the young an education which is truly human and Christian, suited at the same time to recognising the positive values of the culture in which the young people are living, and encouraging their assimilation and proposing a formation which respects the faith situation and the individuality of each young person boy or girl.

Practical examples of this educational plan are the “Oficinas de São José” Youth Centre in Lisbon – one of the SolSal Project centres  where there are specialist tutors in the workshops and volunteers who direct, guide and accompany the young people; and the Social-sports School in Funchal, which cares for the more disadvantaged children and youngsters.

Published 04/06/2012