The 17 SDGs and the SDBs

The 17 SDGs and the SDBs

In a 5-page declaration dated the 27^th September 2016, a Salesian Response

to the 2030 SDGs’ agenda was issued. Here is a 2-page summary of the declaration:

We, the Salesians of Don Bosco, working to create enabling environments to empower young people in over 135 countries, welcome the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Committed to the advancement of “poor and abandoned youth” since our founding in 1859, the Salesians of Don Bosco welcome the pledge of the Member States to leave no one behind as the Governments, Civil Society, Religious Organizations and the Private Sector collaborate to effect the 2030 Agenda.

Believing in the intrinsic worth and dignity of all people, and committed to promoting the common good, we welcome the explicit naming of human rights as a core principle articulated in the Preamble and Declaration of the Outcome Document, as well as the centrality of respect for human rights, as well as for the protection and promotion of them in the framing of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Human rights are protected and guaranteed when there is participation. For us Salesians, this must include the participation of youth, who are not merely the recipients of benefits from membership in societies but also agents in the formation of their societies. As noted by the UN Security Council, “Youth should actively be engaged in shaping lasting peace and contributing to justice and reconciliation”. Their zeal, creativity and passion must be included in the creation of the world we all want.

The Salesians of Don Bosco have ministries and projects that address many of the Sustainable Development Goals. However, we would like to call special attention to Goal 4 on Education.

We believe that high quality education is both a right and a need for young people. It forms the foundation of a society that seeks to enhance the lives and well-being of its members. Quality education is the fundamental element of human development and is the prime stimulus to the creation of a better world.

Education assists young people in realizing their full potential intellectually, socially, and spiritually while developing their character, moral decision making skills and commitment to striving for advancement. We Salesians of Don Bosco, accompany young people in this journey of self-discovery through many educational initiatives, both in the formal and non-formal sectors. Our preferential option for the young, especially for those most in need, leads us to work with them “where they are”, in the conditions in which they are living, listening attentively to their questions and aspirations, and assisting them to see and realize new possibilities for their lives.

Our diverse educational system presently serves over 1.2 million students in nearly 4,000 education centres from pre-school through university level. Additionally, we serve an equal number of children and youths through a diversity of youth clubs, youth centres, voluntary-based youth organizations and leisure time associations. We provide technical and academic training, both in formal and non-formal contexts, that is holistic, dedicated to the integral formation of the young so that they can be upright individuals who contribute their time and talents to the strengthening of families and communities. The essential role of ethical formation and the development of all the artistic and athletic talents of the young in a joyful, welcoming and safe environment is stressed. Additionally, we provide literacy programs, social integration courses, skills training, human rights education and autonomous living training for those living with disabilities.

Salesians emphasize the importance of educating and guiding children, youth and adults in global citizenship. We provide young people with the skills that enable them to actively contribute to a just, inclusive and sustainable world, in accord with Sustainable Development Goal 8. The global citizen we educate is characterized by qualities the educational project of Don Bosco engenders in the young: critical thinking, engaged learning and solidarity with others. This leads to a growth in liberty, responsibility and collaboration.

The Salesians accentuate the importance of providing all young people with high level technical skills, in an inclusive manner, to prepare them for the world of work. The young are accompanied throughout their training and the early phases of their involvement in the field of labour. Our long term relationship with private enterprises and industries in many countries has enabled us to establish apprenticeships and internships under just, non-exploitative conditions. These partnerships often facilitate a transition to full time employment for the young.

As a faith inspired Civil Society Organization, the protection and promotion of human life and dignity from the moment of conception is key to this implementation. Anything that is contrary to this must be averted. As Salesians of Don Bosco we are committed to the implementation of the SDGs and to mobilizing young people in assisting in this process. Our starting point is the young person him/herself. Through education we assist young people in developing an autonomous life in their local communities. Within this context, we strive to provide quality education that includes raising the consciousness of the young, so that they deepen their understanding of their global citizenship and the rights and duties associated with this citizenship. Supporting youth in understanding and claiming their human rights and engaging them in local efforts to mobilize their communities to create a more just, equitable and inclusive society is essential to our educational method: the “preventive system”. (There follows an explanation of what that entails and the list culminates with the following…) - Ensuring the participation of parents in the educational process and forming strong partnerships with families.

Poverty compromises the education and development of young people. It denies them access to the essential skills and knowledge that they need to fully participate in an increasingly globalized world. We believe that education is the key to defeating poverty in all its forms, everywhere. It is essential to promoting and ensuring the common good. As Salesians we are dedicated to the social inclusion of all peoples and consistently work to eliminate any structural barriers that would impede this. It is imperative that we have systematic collaboration among the various stake holders, including educational institutions and programmes, in confronting systemic poverty and exclusion.

As Salesians of Don Bosco, we are committed to partnering with young people to assist them in developing all their talents and competencies. Through collaboration with local businesses, civil society organizations and governments we have prepared many young people to become skilled labourers and professionals, upright citizens and active members of their local societies. Together with the young we will continue to strive for the more just, equitable and inclusive world that the 2030 Agenda proposes, and that the Member States have committed themselves to achieve.

Document elaborated and signed by: Don Bosco Network www.donbosconetwork.org

Approved by: Salesians of Don Bosco – Rector Major and General Council