The call for applications is promoted by the Department for Youth Policies and Universal Civil Service of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, as part of national policies for youth participation and social cohesion. The title accompanying the call for applications – “FARE STRADA INSIEME. Per crescere, per condividere, per costruire” (LEADING THE WAY TOGETHER. To grow, share, build) – summarises the value of the proposed experience: a structured path of responsibility, guidance and skills acquisition that goes beyond the scope of volunteering and constitutes a meaningful training experience, including in the professional sphere.

A national network in the Salesian Family

Of the 1,150 places available, 1,053 are in Italy and 97 abroad.

In Italy, projects are active in all regions through the Salesian provinces – Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta (ICP), Central Italy (ICC), Lombardy-Emilia (ILE), Southern Italy (IME), North-East Italy (INE) and Sicily (ISI) – together with academic and associative entities of the Salesian Family, including the Salesian Pontifical University, International Volunteering for Development (VIS), Salesian Youth Sports Clubs (PGS) Italy, Movimento per la Vita, Consorzio Zenith, Istituto Filippo Smaldone and Comunità sulla Strada di Emmaus.

This widespread presence guarantees territorial roots and educational proximity throughout the country.

Abroad, projects are carried out in collaboration with Salesian works and missions in Europe (Spain, Albania, Malta, Moldova), the United States, Latin America (Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, Colombia) and Africa (Angola, Ghana and Ethiopia), offering volunteers an experience of service and global citizenship in different cultural and social contexts.

The network ensures young people receive quality training, constant support and a consolidated and internationally recognised pedagogical model: Don Bosco’s Preventive System.

A year alongside the most vulnerable

Volunteers will be involved in educational and social activities aimed in particular at minors and young people in vulnerable situations, including: after-school and study support; prevention of early school leaving; personalised educational pathways; animation in oratories; sports activities as tools for inclusion; interventions in family homes, day centres and local services for minors and families.

The Universal Civil Service is a highly educational training experience that allows participants to acquire interpersonal, organisational and planning skills, to work in teams and to take on concrete responsibilities. A year of commitment that generates value in the local area and contributes to the personal and civic growth of those who choose to serve.

Moving forward together, building the future

‘In a time marked by war and inequality, the Universal Civil Service represents a responsible choice for peace and the common good,’ says Fr Francesco Preite, National President of Salesians for Social. “It is not only a formative experience, but a concrete commitment to the most vulnerable, which educates in solidarity and active participation. As Salesians for Social Issues, we believe that every young person can contribute to transforming society. “Walking together” means walking alongside those who are most vulnerable and building the future with responsibility and courage.”

Salesians for Social projects in Italy and abroad, along with further information, can be found and are continuously updated on the official website www.salesianiperilsociale.it/cosa-facciamo/servizio-civile.