The social and economic crisis caused by the pandemic is leaving behind disturbing figures on poverty. A panorama that directly concerns the infant population. Yet, explains Monti Garrido, Coordinator of the socio-educational area of the "Ángel Tomás-FISAT" Foundation, an organization that is part of the Salesian Social Platforms, “We must learn from children, especially from the most vulnerable. In this pandemic they are surviving in circumstances that have become even more precarious. Yet, they teach us to face them with a positive attitude, they have adapted better than adults and are demonstrating a greater resistance than what the educators themselves expected.”
Salesian social entities want to both inform and denounce the situation of vulnerable children in the midst of an economic, social and health care crisis. And therefore they require greater commitment on the part of social agents, institutions, and society in general, inviting us to reflect and act in various areas:
RIGHT TO QUALITY EDUCATION, guaranteeing access to technological resources, internet connection, and improving the digital skills of families and children.
DECENT LIVING CONDITIONS, ensuring:
- adequate nutrition for the development of minors, as well as for pharmaceutical drugs and hygiene.
– energy resources (electricity, water and gas) which guarantee the well-being of minors in their homes.
– access to safe and adequate housing, the lack of which is now one of the main problems affecting families and therefore the well-being of minors.
– that the Minimum Living Income for families with children is compatible with other supplementary regional subsidies in order to achieve at least the relative poverty threshold. Accompany these resources with the reduction of bureaucracy.
– protection in the family context, with measures to support families and to strengthen prevention and socio-educational programs in families at risk.
PARTICIPATION, LEISURE AND RECREATION
- Although Covid-19 has led to the limitation of free time and sport, and to the reduction of spaces for participation and socialization, it is necessary to maintain an acceptable level of openness, considering that these areas are necessary for the psycho-physical development of minors.
The Salesian Social Platforms, through 142 projects dedicated to childhood and adolescence, offer resources for an integrated and complementary education to school and family education, and allow children in situations of social vulnerability to be accompanied in their growth process and maturation, leading them to develop in a full, harmonious and happy way.
Currently, the entities of the Salesian Social Platforms accompany almost 10,000 minors to Spain, thanks to the commitment of 648 professionals and 412 volunteers.
