Ecuador - Volunteers in History: "More than 2,200 young people sent to Salesian works and centers

25 August 2017

(ANS - Cumbayá) - The Salesian Family Missionary Youth Volunteering Project – Ecuador - was established in 1972 with just two young people at the Mary Help of Christians in Cuenca. It was the starting point for this social care initiative which grew year after year, connecting young people who unselfishly gave a year of their lives to helping society's more vulnerable people.

Since 1982, the year historical documents started being kept, until June 2017, there have been 2206 young people sent to the Salesian houses and works of Costa, Montagna, Amazonia.

After the meeting "The Sending of Sierra - East Volunteers", which began on 24 August, 56 young volunteers will start work in Ecuador, while another 2 volunteers shall bring their experience abroad to Peru and Paraguay.

Also attending the meeting were Ms Marie Jenisova of the Czech Republic, and Mrs. Cristina Sandoval of Mexico, who shall be volunteering in Ecuador.

At the Opening Ceremony, and following word of welcome by Fr Wladimir Acosta, Delegate for Youth Ministry, there were presentations of the Youth Missionary Service of the Salesian Family Team (VJMFS) by Sr. Silvia Segovia, FMA; Sr. Paula Ucho, HSC, and Srt. Katherine Guamán.

Throughout, three objectives and the specific meaning of volunteering were examined and discussed: helping, learning and discerning. On these guidelines, the focus was on techniques of integration and knowledge to be learned and applied within communities.

Furthermore, there was work and teaching done on youth spirituality and catechist methodology since, as volunteers, the participants will also be acting as announcers of the Word of God in the centers and works to which they are destined. Another important aspect of working with all the volunteers was examining one's own personal life project, in order to discover what God wants from their lives.

On Sunday 27 August, 10:30, the meeting ends with the Eucharist presided over by Fr. Francisco Sánchez, Salesian Provincial in Ecuador, at the Lumbis - Cumbayá Parish church.

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