(ANS – Santo Domingo) – With great enthusiasm and a strong sense of mission toward young people, the Salesians of Don Bosco participated in the First International Congress on Technical and Vocational Education, organized by the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Education (MINERD). The event marked a milestone in the country’s educational landscape, bringing together institutions, authorities, and key figures in the sector.

Present at the opening of the congress were Minister of Education Luis Miguel De Camps, Deputy Minister and Head of Technical and Pedagogical Services Ancell Scheker, and Cristhiam José Quélix Rodríguez, Head of the Technical and Vocational Formation Department and a former Salesian Past Pupil.

The Salesian presence at the congress was especially significant. The Superior of the St. John Bosco Province of the Antilles (ANT) was invited as a representative of the Congregation and had the honor of leading the opening prayer, a gesture that set a tone of spirituality and commitment at the start of the event. His participation reaffirmed the role of the Salesians in integral education, combining academic excellence with formation in human and Christian values.

During the opening, the Salesians received special recognition for the work carried out in their Technical and Vocational Formation Centers. This award highlights the ongoing dedication of the Sons of Don Bosco and their collaborators in preparing students not only to acquire technical skills but also to develop social awareness and a commitment to the common good.

Also noteworthy was the participation of students from the ‘Padre Bartolomé Vegh’ Salesian Polytechnic Institute, who presented innovative projects focused on environmental care. Their proposals showcased creativity, ecological responsibility, and the ability to apply technical knowledge for the benefit of society.

These young people demonstrated that Salesian education is not limited to theory but encourages action that transforms society in favor of a sustainable future.

The First International Congress on Technical and Vocational Education in the Dominican Republic has established itself as a space for reflection and planning. The active participation of the ANT Province and the recognition received are an encouragement to continue strengthening technical and vocational education in the country, always in the spirit of Don Bosco.