By:  Alejandro Martinez and Martin Neira
Salesian Volunteers.

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I am Alejandro Martínez Casanova. I was born in Bogota, Colombia in 1989. I made the decision to become a Salesian Volunteer with the purpose of enriching my personal project of life. Since I was 9 years old, I grew up surrounded by music in a Salesian High School in Bogota. Today, I am a professional choral and orchestral conductor. I have led several artistic projects with children, youth, young adults and professional musicians in my country and participated in other similar endeavors in New York city. 

Also, I founded my own company in Colombia that is dedicated to work with children and youth through various programs of personal and spiritual growth. These two aspects of my life have inspired me to share with others my knowledge, art and life experience. 

With my eyes and heart settled on God, I am ready to live this year with deep joy and openness. 

Hi! My name is Martin Neira, I’m 27 years old and I’m from Ecuador. I was born in the beautiful city of Cuenca at the south of my country. I’m the youngest in my entire family. My dad’s name is Vladimiro and my Mom’s name is Mónica, I have an older sister, named Karla. I finish my studies in social communication at the Salesian College. I met the Salesians when I was 9 years old, because my mom is is part of the ADS, so I’ve always been close to the Salesian community.

In my 27 years of life I’ve realized that there is so much more for me to learn about myself. That’s why I became a volunteer; something inside of me always said I can help in anything I can. Lucky for me, my mom (who is my guardian angel) told me about the program. So, instantly I searched all the information and requirements and here I am. I hope I can make a difference here with anything I can do and be a productive part of this, my family… the Salesian community.