(ANS – Montevideo) – A year and a half ago the Socio-Productive Company “Ñandé” began operations in the “Saint Joseph” Province of Uruguay, with the intention of building wooden pre-fabricated houses. During 2011 a factory was built at Casavalle (a district on the outskirts of Montevideo) and on 25 October it was officially opened to begin constructing houses for those most in need.

Among those present were the President of the Republic, the Hon. José Mujica, the archbishop of Montevideo, Archbishop Nicolas Cotugno SDB, the auxiliary of  Montevideo Bishop Milton Troccoli,  the Mayor of the city  Prof Ana Olivera, the Provincial of Uruguay, Fr Daniel Sturla, the Director of the Tacurú Movement, Fr Leonel Burone, 30 Salesians from the Province, a large number of teachers from the  Tacurú Movement, members of various civil and state  organisations and friends of the Salesians.

“Ñandé”, which in the Guaraní language means “us” or “among us” is a  socially engaged company, building in wood making it possible, through a  participative and  inclusive system, for the more traditionally marginalised citizens to have homes. The Company also funds social projects and supports the Tacurú Movement’s Don Bosco School of Arts and Crafts, providing the possibility of training and education for its students. The Company is promoted by the Salesians and received its initial funding support from a Swiss Foundation, through the instrumentality of the Swiss Salesian Mission Office.

Archbishop Cotugno blessed the factory, while President Mujica had the honour of cutting the “ribbon” which in view of the specific nature of the project was made of wood.

On his part the Architect Ugarte addressed all the dignitaries present, and emphasised the significance of “Ñandé” with the exhortation that the term “us” should not remain “a mere slogan”. “Working together means for each one to bring what only he can, so that this whole project can go ahead”, he concluded.

Published 02/11/2011