(ANS – Port-au-Prince) – In the physical process of reconstruction of Salesian works a significant stage was reached with the rebuilding of the first structure known as the École Nationale des Arts et Métiers (ENAM) or National School for Arts and Trades, the first community that the Salesians opened in 1935, in La Saline. The re-opening took place in a solemn ceremony held on 21 December last.

Three years ago, in but a few moments, the earthquake had blown away people and buildings, but life and the will to move on were not destroyed. The Salesians in Haiti are spending themselves for the education of the young who are the future of society, the Church and the nation. “For us Salesians, education of the needy is at the core of our activity. The task of educating the young to an all-round maturity responds to the challenges of our charism and is in accord with the needs of the young themselves. I can say that today there is an educational emergency in our country” said Fr Sylvain Ducange, Superior of the Vice Province of Haiti at the opening of the new ENAM buildings.

“Don Bosco, our Founder, used like saying: ‘Education is a thing of the heart’” Father Ducange went on. “It is a primordial process, something like giving birth, because it gives rise to a new man and woman. Education leads especially to self-knowledge (who we are), to an ability to sustain relationships, to culture, freedom and responsibility. Here, at the 'Fr Bonhen Little Schools' (OPEPB), we form people, professionals and citizens”.

The re-opening of the school thus reconfirms the commitment of the Salesians in  Haiti in their investment in the formation of the vulnerable young people of the country. This is why the Superior in Haiti finished his address with a special thanks to the Mission Office in Bonn: “This is why, in the name of the Salesians in Haiti, our young people, I thank  ‘Don Bosco Mondo’ in Bonn which financed, with the support of many benefactors, the reconstruction of this building. Now we have to build hearts. Thanks to educators and staff, every Salesian who has given body and soul to achieving this educational enterprise and mission. Following our pioneers, we continue on sowing hope in our young people's hearts”.

The earthquake on 12 January 2010 destroyed ENAM and the buildings which hosted the Little Schools of Father Bohnen (OPEPB) under whose collapsed ruins lay some 200 students who perished.

Published 11/01/2013