In recent years the Don Bosco CEDES, a Salesian centre located in the Concepción di Alajuelita district in San José, has become a real focal point for the development of the area - heavily populated but economically depressed. From the very beginning the educational centre has received the support of businesses, the Government and public bodies. In particular, the Government provides 50% of the budget, enabling students from very low income families to attend and opening their way into the work force.
On Tuesday 8 February the 28 young people received their diplomas. During Mass in the church of Mary Help of Christians Fr Ángel Prado encouraged the young people reminding them that this was the first step in a process of self-improvement which in a short time would bring them and their families a certain level of prosperity; the result of the journey begun three years before when they entered the Salesian Institute.
80% of the students have already been taken on by firms with which they did their practical training: the daily paper La Nación, the Romoy printing firm, Eaton, the Artola Workshop and the “Zona Franca Alajuele”...
The young people dedicated their diplomas to Mrs María Isabel Díaz, known as “Mamma Margaret” for her ability to help the training centre and for her devotion to and efforts on behalf of the young people.
To the surprise of the students their parents provided a musical group and presented marks of special recognition to the Salesian Brother Oscar Pereira, to the technical director of the centre, Fabrizio Méndez and to various teachers at the CEDES Don Bosco.
Published 10/02/2011
