(ANS - Rome) – With only a few days to go to the opening of the Congress we publish this third contribution of Fr Vito Orlando, Coordinator of the International Congress on Salesian Pedagogy.

Is the Preventive System still capable of responding to the needs of young people at risk?

Don Bosco conceived, lived and practised, and finally wrote briefly about the Preventive System. He chose this system mainly from his own experience in meeting with young people in the streets and in prison. He practised and lived it in Valdocco and also in the beginning of his work outside Turin.

In his recommendations to the Salesians departing for various destinations, and in his letters, he expressed his desire to be close to them in many difficult situations. He listened as a father to the reports they sent him from all the places where his sons were showing love, care and dedication for the salvation of marginalized children and young people in situations of extreme need.  He used to check on how the spirit of Valdocco was being lived wherever there was an educational work carried out in his name, and he made suggestions where necessary.

It could be said that it was his manner of accompanying and being close to the Salesians he had sent to different parts of the world that ensured the implementation of the preventive system and verified its effectiveness in different contexts. Accompanied by Don Bosco, the Salesians were able to rethink and adapt the spirit and style of Valdocco.

The Congress will hear examples of good practice with disadvantaged children and young people in marginalized areas in different parts of the world (Africa, Latin America, Asia and Europe). The work being done has attracted great admiration for the commitment, intelligent organization, strong sense of sharing and the many different ways of responding to needs, giving protection to young people at risk of exploitation in ways that are humanly inconceivable, and offering them a fresh start in life.

The fact that we are not indifferent to marginalized young people, our decision to look after them, to be close to them, to protect them, to offer them prospects for change in their lives, is so widespread that it makes people recognize the presence and dedication of so many educators who are guided by the spirit of Don Bosco.

This is truly an educational and redemptive mission and not just one of social assistance. Homeless young people are offered a place to stay, a real opportunity to change their lives and a formation that enables them to take their place in the world of work and in society.

Published 16/03/2015