Spain – Princess Letizia meets the Vocational Training Students in Pamplona |
Brazil – Princess Elena visits the Salesian school in Rio de Janeiro |
Fr García spoke about the activities of the Salesian Foundation explaining that “the words ‘prevention,’ ‘education,’ ‘social inclusion,’ and ‘voluntary service’ are more than theoretical principles, associated with people with impressive histories but are ideas built up by daily efforts for a better future, in a present time marked by doubts, insecurity and fear.”
The Infanta Elena received from the President of the Foundation a book about the 50th anniversary of the Salesian centre as well as a CD and a DVD “Youth Mass” with the voices of the young people.
In his address Fr Juan Bosco Sancho said that “people in need show each day that the life of every human being is a gift and they teach us that only when things are shared are they multiplied, to the benefit of the one who receives and the one who gives” pointing out how the projects of the Foundation would not be possible without the efforts of many volunteers, collaborators and workers at the service of those in need.
“I am sure that this visit will mark a point of departure which with the agreement for collaboration will be strengthened and consolidated year after year,” –Vicente Guarch, on behalf of MAPFRE declared. “I want to thank the Foundation and the whole Salesian centre for the work it does on behalf of those in need, and I assure you that we shall be at your side in the work you are doing here.”
The purpose of the “Fundación Iniciativa Solidaria Ángel Tomás” is the prevention, education and holistic social promotion of boys and girls, teenagers, young people, women, immigrants and families which are living in situations where they are marginalised or at risk of social exclusion and the promotion of social and educational voluntary service.
The Foundation carries out its projects mainly in Valencia, but it also operates in the Region of Murcia, Albacete and Saragozza; it runs two reception centres for minors and for the integration of immigrants, a family centre, a ’“Family Rest Centre” for the daily support of the sick, workshops for the care of women victims of different kinds of violence, programmes for the promotion and the training of volunteers and work preparation centres.
Published 14/01/2010