What have you done to respond to the emergencies caused by Covid-19?
The Catholic Church's first aid project was the “Breathe Peru” fundraising campaign to build several public oxygen plants. Then with the Church, we launched the "Resurrection Peru" campaign to offer a plan of help and integral accompaniment. As Salesians, we got involved with the Don Bosco Foundation of Peru and we did everything possible to ensure that none of our people were left without employment during the pandemic. We succeeded, in a difficult situation. Finally, we carried out direct aid campaigns, collecting food to offer to over 90 “ollas populares”, as the soup kitchens are called here.
In Peru all schools have been closed since March 2020; you have always kept your eight "Don Bosco houses" open. A courageous choice.
A necessary choice. They are centers for children with greater difficulties, who live and study inside. We welcomed the pupils of our 25 school centers, unfortunately closed for almost two years now, and we guaranteed these children without internet access so that they could learn virtually remotely. This greatly helped the communities that had a Don Bosco House to better endure the lockdown. Of our eight Don Bosco Houses, seven are dedicated to children who are being formed in middle and high schools. The eighth welcomes Venezuelan migrants.
How do you integrate Venezuelans fleeing hunger?
They stay with us between three and six months and in the meantime they help us with food campaigns. For example, they decided to forgo a weekly meal to bring it to the homeless people who had nothing to eat. Over 800 Venezuelan adults have passed through us. After six months, they either stop in Peru with a job, or they continue their migratory journey to other countries.
How many children are you helping at this time?
About fifty in each of our Don Bosco houses, so there are about 400 in total. And then there is Monte Salvado, an agricultural institute that offers technical and social training and hosts about 160 minors.
How does your commitment continue today?
We pay attention and continue to help people. In this period the virtual Masses have multiplied and the reality of the funeral was very painful, celebrated by contacting with a video call those who were forced not to participate due to the pandemic rules. This assistance was also significant for family members to receive spiritual assistance.
Covid-19 has increased the sense of the Salesians' mission, which is to be at the service of the people, in the midst of those who suffer most, using our charism with young people.
Can we do more? Certainly, but from my perspective as Provincial, seeing all that has been done, I am very happy with how we reacted in such a difficult circumstance.
