(ANS - Dakar) – On 31 January, Feast of Don Bosco, the "Centre Kër Don Bosco"was officially opened in Dakar, Senegal, thanks to the hard work, commitment and contributions of many people. The inauguration was attended by representatives of the Salesian Family, local authorities, members of theAndalusian Agency of International Cooperation for Development, and children and young people of the district.
The new centre is part of a project called Invierte el mundo by the NGO Solidarid Don Bosco, which is a partner of the Don Bosco Network. It is a project that addresses two major issues: (1) The high rate of unemployment among poorer young people of the district of Yoff on the outskirts of Dakar, mainly because of their low professional qualifications. (2) The exclusion and vulnerability of women of the same area.
The original problem is the lack of training opportunities and of centres that provide the tools and skills needed to develop a trade. Gender disparities also deny women the opportunity to access the labour market, which would enable them to lead a better life. Female employment is only 13% of the total.
Thanks to this project bySolidaridad Don Bosco, disadvantaged young people and women of the district of Yoff now have a place where they can receive basic schooling and learn a trade. They also have a safe and healthy place where they can enjoy their free time.
The "Center Ker Don Bosco" will offer vocational training, education and apprenticeship in three sectors:
Two classrooms will be made available also for literacy classes for women.
Photos and further information are available on the website of Solidaridad Don Bosco as well as a list of supporters of the project and an indication of the funds still needed.
Published 19/02/2015
