(ANS – Santiago) – The Communication Sector of the Salesian Province in Chile, in collaboration with the ‘Caetera Tolle’ Multimedia Centre has launched a new audiovisual product, about young mothers and a programme running for over 10 years in the cities of Santiago and Arica by the Damas Salesianas Association. The project provides assistance for pregnant adolescents during the various stages of pregnancy, giving birth and caring for the infant during its first six months.

As an expression of the Salesians’ work in regard to the Millennium Development Objectives – which among other things propose to reduce infant mortality and improve the mothers’ health – the “Milenio” Team, coordinated by the Communication Sector of the Province, has produced a video showing the work done by the professionals and the volunteers of the Damas Salesianas Association with pregnant adolescents in La Pintana and La Florida, as part of a programme which at present also enjoys the support of the National Service for Women in Chile.

The programme of the Damas Salesianas is called “Emprende Mamá” and complements the public policies for infant protection. It aims to develop the potential of the young women as mothers, in terms of its social benefits. The accompaniment process begins in the fourth month of pregnancy and continues until the birth and the first months afterwards. The work has been undertaken for over a year in the city and involves workshops with mid-wives, social assistants, psychcologists, helpers and volunteers.

The programme has been recognised by various goverment  institutions and most  significantly has become part of “Emprende Mamá” in national public policy and the  programme “Chile grows with you.”

The Missionary Office in Turin is collaborating with the  Communication Sector of the Province by funding audiovisual products illustrating the development programmes undertaken  in the Salesian world connected with the Millennium Objectives The Milenio Team is already working on two other productions, one on preserving the environment and the other on the social, educational  and evangelising work undertaken by the Salesian Community in the  “Porvenir” area of  Punta Arenas.

The members of the  Milenio Team are Felipe Valdés, Pablo Ortega, Cristian Medel, Jaime Campos and Vicente Fritz.

Published 13/06/2012