Salesiana de Aleppo: Refuge of Hope for Youth in Syria

Amid the war conflict that, for more than a decade, has sown death and destruction due to the civil war in Syria, shines a flame of hope that does not go out: the Salesian house of Aleppo, a shelter where young people find a space to live their faith and grow in community.

The civil conflict that Syria hit for more than 13 years intensified at the end of November with a new offensive of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadist, which led to the fall of President Bashar al-Vase after 24 years in the can.

Before the conflict, Aleppo was the third city with the greatest Christian presence in the Arab world. At present, its Christian community has decreased dramatically, from 300,000 to less than 30,000 people.

In the midst of that reality, Salesiana’s house is an oasis of peace and hope for young people. In 2017, the inspector of the Salesiana province of the Middle East, Abuna Munir, shared To the then Greater Rector of the Salesian Congregation, today Cardinal Ángel Fernández, who: “Don Bosco is more alive than ever in Syria, in Aleppo.”

“In the midst of the rubble, the Salesian house opens its doors every day to receive hundreds of children and young people. We want to continue life between so much death, ”he said.

What is the Don Bosco de Aleppo house?

According to Informs the Info Salesian (ANS) agency, Alepo’s Salesian house offers various activities related to education, personal growth and evangelization of young people. Among the main winter activities are:

• Youth groups: They are organized into 10 groups per class, each of about 15 people, and divided by ages. Every Saturday, participants receive training in religious, social, cultural and Salesian issues. In addition, they carry out volunteer activities within the center.

• Deports: Basketball, football and volleyball sessions are organized twice a week for physical and spiritual strengthening.

• Meetings of the educational-pastoral community: Periodic meetings of Christian educators, coaches and Salesian assistants to plan and evaluate activities.

• Encounters for young university students: Every Thursday relevant issues are addressed for personal, social and academic development.

• School support: Accompaniment for students from second grade of primary to high school, with university support.

• Salesians cooperators: Active group with training meetings and apostolate programs inside and outside the center.

• Music and choir: Periodic essays of young musicians for the celebration of the Eucharist and worship.

In summer, the house offers a varied program that includes:

• Training for animators: High school youth receive training to be animators, with training and planning meetings.

• Summer camps: organized by ages, with daily activities that combine game, training, trades, excursions and moments of prayer.

• Closing party: With dances and theatrical performances, in an atmosphere of joy.