austraLasia 820
Tuloy sa Don Bosco's lucky
kids!
MANILA: 31st March
'04 -- Recent statistics indicate as many as 200,000
street-children in the Philippines. Metro Manila has some 42 centres
dedicated to reaching out to those who inhabit its streets. Widely
recognised as one of the best of these is the Salesian work begun back in 1993
by Fr. Rocky Evangelista in Makati but now located nearby in Alabang,
Muntinlupa City.
Tuloy sa Don Bosco, something like Don Bosco's
own Oratory and school began humbly with a dozen kids but, thanks to Government
and Charities and the dedication of Salesians and lay-helpers, is now firmly
established on 5.4 hectares with 165 residential youngsters and 560 plus
non-residential students attending the educational programme. The Centre
networks with at least half of the other 41 Manila Centres.
Tuloy is a striking example of what can happen
when there is close integration of Salesians and lay people within a common
mission. The mission has been clear from the start - the mission and
vision spelt out by Fr. Rocky back in 1993 to redeem street-children from
helplessness and empower them to choose right, through a comprehensive programme
of caring, healing and teaching. This is achieved through the fundamental
Salesian strategy of loving-kindness, reason and religion as well as training to
self-direction and responsibility.
Over the ten years of Tuloy sa Don
Bosco's existence, some dozen Salesians have been directly part of its
development, with opportunities for many others, especially younger confreres,
to spend time with the children in holiday periods and at weekends. But a
solid core of dedicated full-time lay volunteers, and many part-timers too, has
been just as much a part of the story. The example they receive of
happy Salesian life dedicated to Manila's poorest is arguably a key element
in their continuing Salesian formation.
The children at this 'Don Bosco' are lucky
kids, and not just while they are there. There is a follow-up programme
too. On 25th April, Tuloy Sa Don Bosco celebrates 'First homecoming' for
Alumni. it will be a happy occasion.
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