Basic vocational training is taking root and expanding in Spain not only as a means of recovering students who have dropped out or not completed their compulsory Secondary Education (ESO), but also as a means to achieve social and professional or vocational integration via skills, a trade. For this reason the Salesians are deeply committed to this educational method which responds to their traditional mission, that is, providing formation and accompanying the most needy young people onto the road to a better future.
Why the Salesian center of Carabanchel became the center of this celebration of Salesian basic vocational training, for what was an unprecedented meeting in Spain, an initiative that aims to show the potential of these students despite all the difficulties they face.
The students of the institute hosted the meeting with the organization of various sports activities, and concluded in the auditorium with awards to all the participating centers and to the three projects most appreciated by the juries.
Fernando García, Coordinator of the schools in the "Saint James the Greater" Salesian Province, underlined the familiar and festive nature of the meeting; while José Antonio Poveda, Secretary General of the Catholic schools of Madrid, congratulated the students for their work and encouraged them to continue in their progress.
There were also positive reactions from the political authorities present. "Congratulations to the Salesian teachers, students and centers for this initiative concerning an educational phase that is central", wrote Ismael Sanz, Head of the Scholarships and Training Aid of the Community of Madrid, on his Twitter account; he was echoed, again on Twitter, by the Deputy Director-General of Private and Concerted Education, Ileana Guaita, who wrote, "We were impressed by the fantastic work you do and how your students feel so proud and motivated to 'learn by doing'. Congratulations!"
