The idea for an “Africa Project” arose last year during the festivities for the 20th anniversary of the “Porta Oberta” Salesian Youth Centre in Burriana, which opened in 1988. Originally intended for Burkina Faso, following some problems, the project was re-directed to Togo and developed thanks also to the collaboration of Bro Pepe Guillem, a Salesian Brother who is now working in Kara and for several years also worked in Burriana.

According to  Fr Pablo Gómez, the director of the Oratory in Burriana, who will accompany the young people to Togo, they have already prepared some activities which the normally have in the youth centre such as dancing, acting, work-shops and games to use with the young Africans. The aim above all is “to learn and to get to know their way of life and their situation.” as Fr Gómez said. “This trip is not a one off but the beginning of long term cooperation, the creation of  a net-work, getting to know at first hand what they need so as to be able to collaborate in various  projects.”

The project for which Mr José Poveda, the coordinator of social action in the youth centre is responsible is involving two teachers from the school and the whole Salesian work.

Fr Gómez explained that in the course of preparation they met various difficulties: from the financial point of view – the considerable travel costs – and from that of language, in Togo they speak French and various local dialects.

Published 03/06/2009