Mr. David Crépy, Director of the Don Bosco Foundation in France, also joined the delegation, underlining the collaborative spirit of the wider Salesian Family across worldwide. Before arriving in Brussels, the Lebanon students took part in the project FRA1020 “Don Bosco crosses the Atlantic”, for which they delivered dried fruit to the skipper and carried out activities together with young people from Salesian Spanish and French VET centres.
In Brussels, the visit began with a meaningful encounter with Monsignor John Baptist Itaruma, Councillor at the Apostolic Nunciature to the EU. The young delegates had the unique opportunity to talk about their education and dreams despite the daily socio-economic challenges in Lebanon. Hope and faith were at the centre of the discussion in which Monsignor Itaruma encouraged the students to pursue their aspirations, being aware that they are not only the future but also the present of their communities and country.
The delegation also met with Ms. Anna Hrubonova, Desk Officer for Lebanon at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (DG MENA), to present the Don Bosco Technique-Fidar centre, share their personal experiences, and highlight the impact of Salesian work in the MOR Province.
The discussion also touched on the Pact for the Mediterranean, a strategic initiative aimed at fostering cooperation, stability, and inclusive development across the Mediterranean region. The delegates underlined the interlinks and possible future ways of contributing to the goals of the Pact in the field of youth, vocational training, youth employment and high education.
In this occasion the students delivered a letter to EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Ms Dubravka Šuica, and to DG MENA Director-General, Mr Stefano Sannino, in which Fr Simon Zakerian, Provincial of the MOR Province, and Fr Rafael Bejarano, DBI President and Youth Ministry General Councillor, described the situation and need of the youth in the region, inviting them to visit the Salesian entities in the Province.
The visit ended with a guided tour of the European Parliament, where the young delegates gained insight into the EU policymaking in shaping democracy.
This visit to Brussels was more than an institutional engagement, it embodied the essence our mission: ensuring that the voices of young people are heard at the heart of European institutions. Their perspectives are vital in building bridges of solidarity and hope across borders. On behalf of DBI, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the three young delegates and Mr Atallah for their authentic testimony not only on their own behalf, but countless others who share their experiences yet lack the opportunity to be heard.
