The visit provided an important opportunity to meet and engage with the young people and staff of the Salesian centre, offering a chance to learn first-hand about the project “In V.O.L.O. – Living Beyond Obstacles”, implemented thanks to the Lazio Region’s Operational Programme – European Social Fund, 2014–2020 Programming Period.
During the tour of the Borgo, Dr Nava was able to meet directly with the young people involved in the educational and formation activities, listening to their experiences and testimonies. The dialogue highlighted the value of an integrated and personalised system of educational, guidance and support interventions, capable of having a tangible impact on the personal, relational and social growth of young people.
The delegations were welcomed by Fr Emanuele De Maria, Director of Borgo Ragazzi Don Bosco, and Fr Elio Cesari, Director of the National Centre for Salesian Works (CNOS) and member of Don Bosco International, who conveyed the official greetings of the Salesian Congregation.
The meeting forms part of a broader collaboration process initiated thanks to the dialogue promoted by Don Bosco International on 5 May in Brussels, during the meeting between Dr Mario Nava, his staff and representatives of the Salesian works: Fr Elio Cesari (CNOS), Fr Francesco Preite (Salesians for Social Work), Fr Luca Barone (Don Bosco Central Office and Missions) and Michela Vallarino (VIS).
The visit confirmed how essential it is to forge concrete links between European institutions, local organisations and the world of education, so that social and formation policies can translate into real opportunities for young people, especially those in vulnerable situations.
When institutions engage closely with day-to-day educational work, valuable synergies emerge that can foster pathways to inclusion, formation and a future.
{gallery}ICC – Visita Mario Nava a BRDB 2026{/gallery}
