The opening involved several illustrious personalities, including the First Lady of the Dominican Republic and Honorary President of the Cabinet for Childhood and Adolescence (GANA, in Spanish), Raquel Arbaje; the ANT Provincial, Fr José Pastor Ramírez, SDB; the Executive Chairwoman of the National Council for Childhood and Adolescence (CONANI), Ligia Pérez Peña; the Executive Director of the National Centre for the Support and Promotion of Charitable Associations (CASFL), Vielka Polanco; and Fr Ysidro Ramírez, SDB, Provincial Delegate for Salesian Youth Ministry.
On this occasion, the country's First Lady emphasised the importance of ‘Casa Pinardi’, a facility that honours the memory and spiritual legacy handed down by Fr Luís Rosario, SDB, whose dedication, inspired in turn by Don Bosco, has guided the centre to become a point of reference in this transformative mission for the benefit of youth at risk.
Dr Pérez Peña emphasised the fundamental role of Casa Pinardi since its foundation in 1996, as a centre for strengthening the Dominican protection system and the integral rehabilitation of vulnerable children.
Fr Pastor Ramírez emphasised the Salesian commitment to being bridge-builders for dignity and education, and added: ‘Today we are celebrating the result of the decision by two institutions, dedicated to service, who have decided to build bridges for the benefit of children: the Salesians of Don Bosco and CONANI, who working together have resulted in the total renovation of “Casa Pinardi”’.
Vielka Polanco praised the collaboration between CONANI and the Muchachos y Muchachas con Don Bosco project as a model of modernised and balanced public management.
About Casa Pinardi
Founded through the will and vision of Fr Luis Rosario, SDB, Casa Pinardi has been a safe haven for children and adolescents in highly vulnerable situations since 1996. Founded on Salesian pedagogy, the Salesian facility prioritises the social reintegration of minors through education, vocational training and preparation for independent living.
