The new furniture is mainly intended for the student residences of the Don Bosco University of San Salvador, the student lounge and the outdoor area of the Don Bosco Chapel. The materials were also shared with the Sacred Heart Retreat House, which is used for meetings, reunions and spiritual retreats.
"We are really grateful to Furniture Reuse Solutions for donating this furniture, which will guarantee students a more comfortable environment, which will also favor their learning," said Fr Gus Baek, Director of Salesian Missions. "Having an adequate environment gives our students dignity and allows them to focus better on their lessons," he added.
Don Bosco University is one of the country's most prestigious higher education institutions, especially in the technical and technological sector. The University has nearly 6,000 students enrolled and maintains a strong link with the local employment sector through research, technology transition programs, continuing education courses and consulting services.
The University has several degree courses: engineering, social sciences, humanities, economics, aeronautics, and many more. Furthermore, it is the only teaching center in the country accredited by the International Society of Orthotics and Prosthetics.
El Salvador is one of Central America's the most violent countries. Gang violence is one of the main forms of violence in the country and it is estimated that around 60,000 young people are affiliated with gangs. Involvement in gangs is often associated with a lack of education and job opportunities in the country.
In fact, crime is often linked to poverty, a state where nearly 35% of El Salvador's population lives, according to the World Bank. El Salvador's youth face not only poverty but also instability, high levels of violence and inadequate access to educational opportunities. The need for education in El Salvador is more important than ever, with 12% of young people aged 15 to 24 unemployed and 41% underemployed.