For almost five years, the Lakou Bosco secular association, based in Les Abymes, has been working on behalf of young people and families in the neighbourhoods of Dugazon, Anquetil, Aloès and the surrounding area. Inspired by the pedagogy of Don Bosco, it focuses on prevention and comprehensive support to strengthen the autonomy of children, adolescents and parents. At the dawn of a turning point with the construction of its future village, a seminar, led by the L'effet papillon association, which works to restore biodiversity in Guadeloupe, brought together volunteers, employees, young people and partners in a hotel in Gosier to reflect on the values of the project and its future.
A community united by strong values
The discussions highlighted kindness and openness to others, which are the pillars of the association. The name ‘Lakou Bosco’, evoking a space for sharing in Creole, reflects this DNA: mutual aid, fraternity and respect. The charter emphasises this: ‘We welcome everyone unconditionally in the spirit of lakou, with solidarity and listening, respecting the dignity of each individual. These values guide every action, uniting a large family where everyone contributes their talents for the common good.’ ‘Our actions revolve around young people in their living spaces: family, neighbourhood, school, and now the digital world,’ explains Arthur Massiet, the director. Lakou Bosco supports young people in their personal and social development, while helping parents to strengthen their role.
The future village, on which work is now beginning, will embody these ambitions. Designed to be eco-friendly it will incorporate solar panels, water collectors and, thanks to a partnership with L'effet Papillon, an aquaponics pond and a green roof. The association dreams of introducing young people to green professions such as solar cooking and low-tech solutions, using recycled materials for simple and sustainable technologies. These projects also aim to reduce precariousness by lowering the cost of living. ‘We want young people to become pioneers in ecology, for a greener planet,’ says Arthur Massiet. At the same time, workshops, academic support, internships and cultural or sporting activities promote the empowerment of young people and the autonomy of families.
Digital technology, a new challenge
Digital technology, which is omnipresent among teenagers, is a priority area. ‘Their virtual world is often foreign to us,’ notes the director. ‘We want to join them to understand, without judging.’ Monitoring is planned, as well as support for families with digital administrative procedures, with the help of social workers. As Don Bosco said, ‘Don't delay in dealing with your young people, otherwise they will deal with you.’
Lakou Bosco does not just provide support: it aspires to transform neighbourhoods into spaces of collective responsibility. Its charter sums up this momentum: ‘The commitment to Lakou Bosco is a shared passion, a space for prevention and mutual progress.’ With its village, the association is building a model where young people, supported by their community, become actors in a more just and sustainable future. A collective dream that is taking root in Les Abymes.
Stéphanie Tollet
Source: Don Bosco Aujourd'hui (France-Antilles)
