Salesianos, a future for the youth of Tunisia and Morocco

Enrico Casale – Vatican City

Children wake up. The lesson is complicated. They must learn to read, write and understand its Italian, which is a completely different language from you. This effort is great, but it is a mandatory step if they want to change their future: if they want to work in an Italian company working in Tunisia or Morocco, or immigration to Italy legally and safely.

This scene is often repeated in the semesters of missionaries in Tunisia in the sales of Tunisia and in Kennetra, Morocco. The work of Don Bosco’s children is a broad initiative for human and vocational education for youth, especially those in need, which is located in the heart of Salesian, inspired by the teachings of its founder, San Juan Bosco.

The educational method

This educational method depends on reason and dialogue, which implicitly means young people on a growth path that depends on faith and love. Over the course of decades, this method allowed the recovery of thousands of young people in Italy and in many countries where sales have established their duties.

This wealth of knowledge also shows that it is invaluable today in the context of the “Matti Plan”, which is promoted by the Italian government to enhance economic cooperation between Italy and African countries. Currently, the presence of Salesian in Africa is vast and good roots, thanks to the support of duties Don Bosco: they run more than 100 schools, 80 professional training centers, 29 reception centers of children at risk and 200 speeches and youth centers.

Youth training

Only Don Busco’s concerns would always provide young people to work honestly and dignity. Training young people in the right work is fine, and allows them to build a decent life and to be part of society – explains Don Dominico Bernal, the head of the Spinnesian circle that Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia – always at the heart of what sales do. We do this in Italy, but also in 40 countries in Africa. ”

“We have, therefore, a large presence in the field of education. The current existence of sales wants to make a dream and implementation of our founder, so that wolves become a pregnancy, not only peaceful, but they are the origins of peace and development. Thus, even if we have different religions, Christians and other Muslims, and all the descendants of Abraham – add – we are walking together for the benefit of young people and families throughout Saleian societies and with them. ”

“School, rhetoric, training in work, annihilation, human and religious formation, sharing joys and sorrows, mutual knowledge and dignity that each one knows in others, and the spirit of the family and cooperation: all this helps to walk together and do everything well for everyone.”

Increase unemployment

According to the latest numbers, the unemployment rate in Tunisia reached 16 %, with about 66,200 unemployed. The phenomenon of migrants is still important, driven by the need: in 2023, the number of Tunisian immigrants continued to grow, with a strong occurrence towards European countries.

Youth unemployment is also an important challenge in Morocco, at a rate of more than 32 % in 2023, leading to many young people to search for opportunities to work abroad. The number of Moroccan people who will migrate in 2023 will continue to increase, with an important flow to Europe and other Mediterranean countries.

Local effect

Salesians work with Italian companies, but their commitment also has a local effect. “We offer young people the training they need to work in our country. However, training can be beneficial for those who decide to stay in Tunisia and Morocco.” Our goal – Dominico’s father – is to give young people a better perspective and future, abroad and at home. “

Therefore, Don Busco’s children made all their experiences available to the “Mattei Plan”. In the protocols that were signed by Italy with Tunisia and Morocco, it is stipulated that, to work in Italian companies, African youth must obtain the A1 level of Italian, to know the Italian regulations related to work security and have a basic technical preparation for the trade that will perform it.

Specialized training

In Morocco, the training was specially developed. At the Salisian Center in Kennera, in addition to the Italian classes, electricity, solar facilities and renewable energy sector operators are formed, capable of maintaining facilities. In Tunisia, at the same time, there are five courses of twenty students, mainly focused on the Italian language and professional institutions.

This initiative also has an important participation in terms of interfaith dialogue. “Without a doubt, these courses enhance brotherhood. We move in the line drawn by Pope Francis in the encyclopedia All brothersThat is, building bridges and opportunities for meeting and cooperation between people of different religions. He – Father Dominico concludes – to create a common common commodity. In a world that was characterized by many conflicts, these initiatives are generated by peace and hope. We are in the year Jubileo de la esperanza, and this is one of its most concrete applications. ”