This significant recognition invited the community to look back on the journey undertaken and to value the path travelled with a spirit of gratitude and renewed vigour for the future. “Over these nine decades, we have focused on a holistic education that combines human, academic, technical, scientific and cultural formation, always guided by the principles of the Salesian charism,” the Salesians of the EU at the Técnico Salesiano stated with pride. “For us, educating does not simply mean imparting knowledge, but forming people of integrity, with values, capable of making a positive contribution to society,”

The award was presented in the Nela Martínez Plenary Hall directly by the President of the National Assembly, Hon. Niels Olsen Peet, and was received by Fr Marcelo Farfán, Provincial of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Salesians of Ecuador. This moment symbolised the recognition of a mission shared by the entire educational community: students, teachers, authorities and families who have been part of this history of education, development and community growth.

The event was also attended by authorities and representatives of the Salesian institution, including Fr Ángel Lazo, Rector of the Yanuncay Salesian community, which supports the centre; Santiago Pinos, Rector of the Salesian Technical Centre; Juan Sebastián Vásquez, President of the Student Council; teacher Omar Álvarez; and Tatiana Capelo, Provincial Delegate for Social Communication. Their presence highlighted the teamwork underpinning the Salesian educational project at the UE del Técnico in Cuenca, and beyond.

“This recognition highlights our contribution to the development of technical education and formation in the country, as well as the promotion of values such as ethics, social responsibility and active citizenship. For us, it is an incentive to continue training young people with vision, commitment and a vocation for service,” the Salesians from Cuenca added.

They concluded: “Today more than ever, we receive this achievement as an incentive to continue growing, innovating and renewing ourselves, and to respond to the challenges of education today. We remain steadfast in our mission to educate through love, work and faith, creating opportunities for the children and young people of our community”.

Paula Mejía,
Communications Team of the UE Técnico Salesiano