(ANS - Manouba) - "Deeds like those that took place yesterday are just criminal acts and have nothing to do with religion. The entire population is sorry for what has happened today and many say 'Je suis Bardo', because what happened struck at a symbol of Tunisian culture and all feel outraged." This is the statement of the Salesians who reside in a suburb near the capital, Tunis, twenty-four hours after the attack that claimed the lives of twenty-three people.

by Gian Francesco Romano

"We as Salesians express our solidarity with the families of the victims. We do so also on behalf of the entire population, which is not identified in any way with these attacks. Indeed, people fear for tourism, which is a great resource for the country. It was a blow for all," say the Salesians in Manouba, who run a school with 800 students, all Muslims, as well as an Oratory and Youth Centre.

Yesterday would have been a normal day on the Salesian campus were it not for the news transmitted by the media. The school is closed for the spring break, and students were taking part in games and sports organized by the leaders.

The Salesians report that there was no sense of fear in the house in Manouba, either yesterday or today. "Yesterday we had some students visiting us from a school run by nuns and we carried on with our normal activities. On their way home they had some difficulties crossing the city, but there were no other problems. We do not feel threatened and even the police told us not to worry."

Catholic education is very welcome and respected in the country. The Salesian School, and other Church schools, give a service that is recognised for their quality and professionalism. "Not only are all the students Muslim but so also are all the staff.  As Sons of Don Bosco we know that education is a matter of the heart, and in this spirit we engage with young people," say the Salesians. They also add that there is no need to speak explicitly of dialogue and respect for differences "because the message goes without saying, in the everyday life of the school."

Published 19/03/2015