(ANS – Roma) – To be a “good Christian and upright citizen” is a right and the plan of life and of holistic education for every young person and every individual independently of where they are starting from when they come into the Salesian orbit. This is the basis for the work of the Salesians with young people at risk.

The return to Don Bosco and to the young called for by the 26th  General Chapter (GC26) requires from all Salesians a fresh conversion to the centrality of the charism, confirming the need for a careful examination of the relationship between the Salesian charism, Salesian mission and concern for young people underprivileged and marginalised.

In Italy the Committee of those responsible at Province level for issues of  underprivileged and marginalised young people have indicated that as the Guidelines in GC26, and in particular the “charismatic dimension” emphasise, concern for the disadvantaged and marginalised should not be considered the exclusive preserve of some religious who may be particularly sensitive and well-prepared, but is an integral part of the Salesian charism and as such should be  incorporated in the Salesian Provincial Educative-Pastoral Plan.

This has led the Salesian Communities and the Educative-Pastoral Communities to accept their responsibilities in two large areas: that of “outstanding disadvantage” as in cases of addiction, violence, marginalisation, exploitation, dropping out of school … which require a particularly special response; and that of “general under-privilege” to which the Salesians respond with all the traditional educational resourses at their disposal: oratories–youth centre, schools, vocational training centres ….

This work is undertaken on two fronts: for the staff appropriate professional formation and training procedures are made available; for the youngsters thanks also to the valuable practical support of the SCS/CNOS Federation – Salesians in Social work, efforts are made to  make use of various types of formation (motivational, educative-professional, planning, management …), at various levels (national, inter-regional, province…) with some focus on  specific issues (“addiction”, “family homes”, “days centres”, “immigrants”).

The presence in the same areas of centres devoted to the two types of under-privilege demonstrates the wealth of the Salesian charism as they can help each other. In this way a Salesian educational network is set up in which before multiplying or duplicating efforts,   attention is given to what is available and a sense of mutual responsibility fostered. These situations also encourage the establishment of even wider networks involving the various associations, educational and other organisations in the area, and the spreading of a culture in which attention is given to youth protagonism and personalised and inclusive education.

The basic stimulus for all this comes as always from the charism of Don Bosco. It is necessary to always start from this: “Even the most callous boys have a soft spot. The first duty of the educator is to locate that sensitive spot, that responsive chord in the boy’s heart, and take advantage of it.”

Published 29/02/2012