(ANS - Cuenca) – As part of the preparation for the Bicentenary of the Birth of Don Bosco, the Salesian Province of Ecuador, in cooperation with the Salesian Polytechnic University, organized  a “National Congress on the Educational Style of Don Bosco: reflections, experiences and challenges.” The Congress took place from 29 to 31 May.

Opening the congress, the Provincial, Fr Marcelo Farfán, emphasized that Don Bosco’s educational style still attracts young people throughout the country. Paúl Granda López, Mayor of Cuenca, extended a word of welcome to the participants and expressed gratitude to the Salesian Congregation. Among the authorities in attendance at the opening there was also a former Minister for Education and Culture.

The first talk was given by Rosa Maria Torres, Educationalist and expert in communications and linguistics.  She has worked as counsellor and consultant for education in organizations like UNESCO.  “The aim of the Congress,” she said “is to let people know the rich patrimony of Salesian education, and to involve the participants and the members of the Salesian Family in Ecuador in rediscovering the Salesian educational approach as part of their preferential option for the poor.”

The second talk was given by Fr Miguel Ángel García, SDB, from the Department of Youth Ministry in Rome. He brought the Rector Major’s greetings and his best wishes for the success of the event.               

The second day of the Congress was devoted to reflections, experiences and challenges.  Mrs Alicia Iglesias, University lecturer and Salesians educator from Argentina, spoke on the topic “Salesian Education and the Preventive System”.

The 2013 meeting of webmasters took place at the same time in Computer Laboratory 5 in the Cornelio Merchán Building. The main theme was “Free Software and the policies of Provincial Licences”.

One of the most important moments of the Congress was the homage paid to the Servant of God Fr Charles Crespi, SDB, with the showing of a video on his life.

The congress ended on Friday 31 May with a roundtable discussion on reflections, experiences and challenges in Salesian education. The final event was the Eucharist at which Fr Farfán presided.
 
Published 04/06/2013