(ANS – Sunyani) – Last August a large and important gift reached the Salesian community at Sunyani. It brought great excitement to the community and to the people who benefit from our work. We are talking about a tractor that will be used for haulage, ploughing and other work.

The tractor is the gift of AGCO, an important manufacturer of agricultural machinery, while the trailer and the rest of the equipment were donated by Africatrack, another firm that specializes in this sector.

In order to reach Sunyani, the two parts of this large gift had to travel a long journey that touched three continents. The tractor came from Brazil while the Africatrack products crossed the whole of Germany from south to north before arriving by ship at Accra in Ghana. There, tractor and trailer were put together and they began the last stage of their “pilgrimage” to the Salesian House in Sunyani.

The journey along the dusty roads of Ghana was exciting and colourful. Many people along the way wanted to know more about the destination and purpose of this great convoy. Its arrival at Sunyani was reason for a big feast for all. What might seem a small thing in more developed countries is a cause of great excitement here, especially when you consider the benefits it will bring. For example, Bro. John Patrucco, an 85-year old Salesian Brother, began driving the tractor with the confidence of a teenager. He has spent the whole of his life in giving technical training to young people and he says this new piece of equipment will give him enthusiasm to continue for another few years.

During the handover ceremony, in the presence of various local authorities, including delegates from the Ministry of Agriculture and from the Diocese, Mr Helmuth Gehling, representing AGCO, said that he was impressed by the work of the Salesians for the training of young people and for the development of agricultural production in the area. He encouraged the community to continue along this road, and hoped for further collaboration in the future. The ceremony closed with a Thanksgiving Mass, the blessing of the new equipment and a viewing session for the guests who were present.

Published 06/09/2013