30 Years of Sweat Since 1995… “Early Achievement of Goals”

The relationship between the Salesian Society and Yanji City, China, dates back to 1995. At that time, the Salesian Society participated in the establishment of the ‘Yanji International Cooperative Technical School’ through Salesian High School to realize Don Bosco’s teaching: ‘Give poor youth bread, skills, and heaven.’ The original contract was to maintain cooperation for 70 years until 2065, but as the school’s rapid development and talent cultivation goals were deemed achieved, both parties agreed to terminate the cooperation early in 2025, after 30 years.

At the termination ceremony held in Yanji on 15 December, Fr Marcello Baek, Provincial of the Salesian Society of Korea, Fr Henry Bonetti, who dedicated himself from the beginning of the project, Br Hilario Seo Jeong-kwan, who led the working-level discussions for the termination agreement, and Frs Ahn and Jeon, who looked after the site until the end, attended representing the Korean side. From the Chinese side, deputy Mayor Zhang Xuebin of Yanji City and other high-ranking officials attended to express their deep gratitude.

Deputy Mayor Zhang Xuebin praised the Salesians, saying, ‘The path of 30 years of cooperation was an extraordinary journey of development based on trust,’ and ‘The Salesian Society’s financial investment, equipment donation, and introduction of Korea’s advanced vocational education philosophy opened a solid path for the school’s development.’

“People are More Precious than Buildings”… Education that Resonated with Souls

On this day, Provincial Fr Marcello Baek re-emphasized the essence of Salesian education through his return address. He recalled, ‘What we invested in over the past 30 years was not merely buildings and equipment’ but ‘education of companionship that resonated with souls, awakening the fact that ‘you are a precious being.’ He continued to receive enthusiastic applause from attendees by emphasizing,  ‘Investments in building construction age over time, but investments that give poor students opportunities to learn will become an eternal light of hope that never fades.’

The Salesian Society donated all physical assets invested in the school to Yanji City upon ending the cooperation. In response, the Yanji City education authorities promised to organize a scholarship of 1 million yuan (approx. 130,000 USD) annually for the next 20 years to support students from difficult financial backgrounds. This will be a practical legacy that allows the founding spirit of ‘education for poor youth’ to continue even after the Salesians have left.

The Future of Chinese Mission Contained in Don Bosco’s Dream

The conclusion of this Yanji presence reminds us once again of the ‘Fifth Missionary Dream: Beijing’ that Don Bosco dreamed in 1886. In the grand vision of a mission stretching from Santiago to Beijing, Don Bosco worried, ‘The distance is immense and the laborers are few’,” but received the answer, ‘This work will be done by your sons and their sons.’

The Korea Province’s educational investment in Yanji is a precious attempt toward this dream. Principal Bok-nam Jo of Yanji International Cooperative Technical School expressed hope to build a new form of cooperation despite the regret of ending the joint venture, saying, ‘The affection crossing mountains and seas is intact in every step of the school’s development.’ This is a remark earnestly hoping that although the Salesian Society’s physical presence stops, it remains within the educational bond of the Salesian family and that new ways of exchange and cooperation continue.

New Horizon: From a ‘Receiving Province’ to a ‘Sharing Province’

The return of Frs Joseph Ahn and Michael Jeon is both the completion of a project and another starting point for the Korea Province moving toward new mission fields. As Fr. Pasqual Chavez, Rector Major Emeritus of the Salesians, mentioned, Korea has already grown from a ‘receiving church’ to a ‘sharing church’ and is shouldering the responsibility to lead the era of ‘interculturalism’ beyond multiculturalism. As stated, ‘The 30 years of experience in Yanji will become a valuable asset and compass for the activities our province will unfold in developing countries within the region such as Mongolia’ the experience of presence in Yanji, China, will undoubtedly serve as a great foundation for the Korea Province’s ‘Ad Gentes’.

Planting skills and love in a barren land to make it fertile, and now returning  seemingly empty-handed after giving the fruits entirely to the locals, is the situation for Frs Ahn and Jeon. We bow our heads in gratitude and respect to these two, as well as to the numerous Salesian confreres who dedicated their sweat and passion over the past 30 years. We look forward to the 30-year history of presence in Yanji, lived with the resolution to ‘help every student realize their shining life,’ melting the frozen earth.