Cuba: the PortoAlegría project strengthens support for children, young people and families

The Salesian Cooperators of Cuba continue to carry out the PortoAlegría (Rosario Maiorano) project, a solidarity initiative aimed at accompanying children, adolescents, young people and families experiencing situations of vulnerability. The project, which is being implemented in the Salesian works of Camagüey and Santa Clara, has gradually expanded its reach and currently benefits 37 people: 11 children, 6 adolescents, 13 young people and 7 Salesian Cooperators facing particularly difficult economic circumstances.

During July and August, close accompaniment of the beneficiaries was strengthened through regular visits to their homes, as well as through the distribution of food, basic necessities, rechargeable lamps and fans. This assistance is particularly important in light of the energy difficulties currently affecting the country and seeks to provide a concrete response to some of the daily needs of the families being accompanied.

The project also seeks to go beyond material assistance by promoting educational, formative and integration processes. In Santa Clara, several children took part in the parish’s Educational Summer experience, participating in workshops and formative activities. Young people and adolescents involved in the project also served as animators, accompanied by Salesian Cooperators. In addition, one of the adolescents has joined the parish Christian formation group, with the accompaniment of the community and the Salesian Cooperators.

As part of the process, tools have also been developed to gain a deeper understanding of the economic, social and family circumstances of the beneficiaries, so that the accompaniment provided can respond more effectively to their concrete needs. The project plans to continue with family visits, formation workshops, material assistance, and recreational and educational activities.

In this way, PortoAlegría seeks to make visible a close and supportive Salesian presence, in which attention to material needs is combined with human, educational and Christian accompaniment, especially for children and young people and their families.