to be Agents of Change
in Eradicating Poverty
By Fr. Tom
Brennan, SDB
As the Salesians of Don Bosco and the
entire Salesian Family throughout the world prepare for the 200th anniversary
of the birth of Don Bosco, they organized an event at United Nations Headquarters
in New York
to highlight the Salesian contribution to the work of the U.N. throughout the
world. The panel discussion, “Empowering Youth to be Agents of Change in
Eradicating Poverty,” took place on September 24. Representatives of the Church,
governments, and the Salesians presented their perspectives on the
effectiveness and importance of the Salesian charism in changing individuals
and societies.
The Permanent Observer Mission of the
Holy See to the U.N. and the Permanent Mission of Honduras to the U.N. were
generous partners in having this event take place during the High Level
Meetings on the Rule of Law, and the Opening of the 67th General Assembly. Fr.
Thomas Brennan, SDB, the representative of the Salesians at the U.N., and Miguel
Rimarachin, a U.N. staff member and Salesian alumnus, facilitated many of the
details of the organization of the event.
In their welcoming remarks,
Ambassador Jorge Valero from Venezuela
and Ambassador Mary Elizabeth Flores from Honduras
told of the positive impact of the Salesian works on behalf of the young in
their countries and in all of Latin America,
especially in education. Ambassador Valero noted that UNESCO has considered the
Salesians as the “largest educational agency that exists today.” Through their
presentations they gave witness to the reality that Don Bosco began a vast
movement of persons to advocate on behalf of the young, especially those who
live in poverty or are marginalized or excluded.
Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See, stressed
the role of the family in assisting young people to become agents of change in
their societies. Additionally, he noted the need to overcome individualism by
striving to achieve the common good. Societies themselves must also help create
opportunities so that young people will be able to rise to their full
potential. This begins when the young are viewed as protagonists rather than as
problems in a community.
In his role as President of Caritas
Internationalis, Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez, SDB, has seen the effective
promotion of youth as transformative throughout the world. Citing examples from
Salesian and Caritas projects, he spoke with enthusiasm about the generosity of
the young. He noted that many young people are volunteering their time and
talent to improve the lives of others. In fact, the
transformation of societies often begins with the zeal, enthusiasm, and
creativity of young people, who often challenge us to see things in new ways
and approach life with great passion and dedication.
Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez, SDB (third from left), addressing the forum. Bro. Jean Paul Muller, SDB (first at left), also addressed the forum. |
Bro. Jean Paul Muller, the treasurer general of the
Salesians, has vast experience with education and development projects. He
highlighted a number of concrete examples of effective practices carried out by
Salesians around the world that are helping young people escape the poverty
trap and allowing them to live free from want and fear. He stressed the
pedagogy of work, and encouraged us to assist the young in earning a salary and
learning how to spend their financial resources with attention, mindfulness,
and justice.
All of the speakers noted that voices
of the young are important. We need to listen to their aspirations and dreams,
their struggles and challenges, if we are to help them create an enabling
environment for more inclusive, just, and equitable societies.
“Nothing for us, without us” has
become a rallying cry for many of those in civil society who seek to effect the
common good in their respective societies and cultures. The young seek this
consideration as well. In many societies, the young do not have access to power
or are excluded from influencing the debates that affect their lives. The
implementation of youth-centered groups that allows them to voice their
concerns can change this.
Youth unemployment must be addressed;
so must child labor and child soldiering.
The social protection floor,
providing for the basic needs of the young, allows them better to achieve their
potential because they are living in an environment conducive to growth and
development. Providing them with access to education, health care, clean water,
and sanitation frees them to grow into productive citizens.
Opportunities for sports and leisure
activities should also be encouraged and provided. Cultural outings and
exposing young people to the wealth of their heritage and to other cultures
gives them more resources to engage in a globalized world.
Spirituality is a core value for us
as Salesians. We hold that awakening an openness to God and his work and
presence in individual lives and societies is key in empowering young people.
We encourage young people to develop their spiritual life without
proselytizing. Our experience working in cultures where Christianity is not the
prime religion has deepened our awareness of spirituality and the need for
interreligious dialog.
At the end of the discussion, the
President of Honduras, Porfirio
Pepe Lobo, gave a heartfelt reaction to the discussion that had taken place. He
noted the need to consider human rights, ecological rights, and a future that feels
the impact of globalization if we are to assist the young to be agents of
change. He called for an interior change for all members of society to help all
prosper.
Don Bosco responded to
the needs of the young in his times, and he challenges us to do the same today.
To accomplish this, we must listen to the young and accompany them on their
journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.
A sizeable representation of Salesians accepted Fr. Brennan's invitation to observe the discussion. Afterward, the cardinal and the treasurer general posed with the those who came from the formation community in Orange, N.J.
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