(ANS - Genzano di Roma) - More than one hundred and sixty volunteers in “Civil Service” (the alternative to military service in Italy) in Salesian Houses in Central Italy have been doing formation courses in the Salesian Houses in Florence and Genzano, in late October and early November.

This formation is part of the civil service projects run by the Federation of Civil and Social Services of the National Centre for Salesian Works. It helps volunteers to acquire the knowledge and skills needed for the project and for their personal growth. Several issues were discussed, common to all the projects, such as spirituality, the Salesian volunteer movement, community service values and active citizenship.

As well as direct formation there has been time for informal discussion, reflection and group-sharing aimed at raising awareness on social issues. Missionary pastoral activity was also included. This was intended to raise awareness around the distribution of resources in the world, with particular emphasis on food shortage in particular geographic regions.

Formation has always been an important element of community service and it is not limited to these two programmes. The young people will continue their formation with appropriate programmes in their places of origin.

This enables the volunteers to give of their best in the various areas that require their presence: in community centres, oratories and youth centres, in family homes, and in the formal schools, colleges and training centres for refugees. 

Published 20/11/2015