(ANS – Rome) – The SCS/CNOS Federation (Civil and Social Services – National Centre for Salesian Works) - Salesians in Social Works has published the volume “Residential services for juveniles – an identity card”, the result of the experience of the work of Salesian hostels and family homes for juveniles in Italy.
 
Many people have contributed to its contents using intiative and imagination to find new ways of operating and new educational methods. They are involved in many “unforeseen” activities in this modern world constantly changing and always with new  challenges: the welfare crisis, new forms of poverty, the ever increasing number of immigrants.
 
The document sets out the educational proposals  of the SCS/CNOS Federation so that  it may be possible to operate “with Don Bosco for the poorest and most marginalised juveniles”, with the desire of offering, in addition to a professional edcational approach, a specific identity, proud to be “educators according to Don Bosco’s spirit.”
 
The book is arranged in 7 chapters: the original inspiration and the basic convictions; the pedagogical art and  educational style; the effective educational method in concrete situations; the educator as “father-brother-friend”; training and the cultivation of professional standards in the work of education; the central place of the young person and holistic education: the unique individual. In an appendix there is  a list of the services available divided according to the Regions.

The SCS/CNOS Federation - Salesians in Social Works is an association of non-profit organisations which began in 1993 promoted by the Salesians in Italy, inspired by Don Bosco’s experience and his educational system.

In 26 family homes, 30 day centres, 15 structures for addicts  and thanks to the daily efforts of about 500 workers and another 5000 associates and volunteers, every day thousands of youngsters in need and faced with social marginalisation across the whole country are helped. Educational and training courses are offered to improve their living conditions.

The youth centres and hostels are found in the more  difficult districts in the large cities: offering some light and colour in the metropolitan gloom giving hope, education, and overcoming loneliness through games and a smile.

Published 20/09/2012