Spain - "Fundación Bosco Social", a new Salesian entity for the care of young people at risk

22 December 2017

(ANS - Madrid) - On December 19, the new "Fundación Bosco Social" was established in Madrid, created by the Salesian Province "St James Major" (SSM). Starting 31 January, the foundation shall manage projects for children, young people and families at risk of social exclusion.

Bosco Social was born to bring together the social platforms of the aforesaid Salesian Province where, until now, three different groups operated: "Boscos", "Juan Soñador" and "Pinardi". The new foundation will manage projects in Galicia, Asturias, Castile and León, Cantabria, Basque Country, Navarra, La Rioja, Community of Madrid and Castile La Mancha.

This year the three entities that now adhere to Bosco Social have implemented 71 projects in favor of 8,000 children and young people and 1,400 families thanks to the work of 460 educators and 200 volunteers. These programs range from socio-educational assistance projects for children at risk and young migrants to those involving education, vocational training and job placement; from youth emancipation to work for refugees and ethnic minorities...

"Fundación Bosco Social" was established on August 16th; its patrons, members of the Council of the SSM Province and several members of the Salesian Family: Toñi Ranz, of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA); Fernando Llamazares, Salesian Cooperators; Aurelio López, Past Pupils of Don Bosco; and Beni Testón, of "Damas Salesianas" group.

In addition, the presence of experts in the sector, such as COPE journalist, Ángel Expósito; Director of the Cabinet of the Minister of Justice, Pilar Ponce; and University of Comillas professor, Fernando Vidal, has also been sought and included.

Fr Juan Carlos Pérez Godoy, SSM Provincial and the new foundation's President, underlined the challenges to "respond to so many young people and their families who live in difficult situations and to accompany thousands of people so that they can achieve their dreams."

For his part, Fr José María Blanco, vice-president of Bosco Social, explained that for some time "Boscos", "Juan Soñador" and "Pinardi" will coexist even if they are already working together, in terms of training, communication, project coordination, common projects ...

Some of Bosco Social's objectives shall be: to have greater influence in society, to give a global response to the people who will be served, always in the Salesian style, and to create a community committed and identified with the needs of the recipients.

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