(ANS – Esmeraldas) – On Wednesday, August 6, the Salesian Project Foundation – North Coast officially inaugurated the “Mamma Margherita” school canteen, a space designed to ensure food self-sufficiency, well-being, and dignity for the children and adolescents of the Mother of the Savior Reference Center in Esmeraldas.
The initiative was created to offer not only food, but also care, hospitality, and hope to those most in need. The inauguration ceremony was a meaningful event for the entire community, marked by emotion, gratitude, and commitment towards the children, adolescents, and young people from the “Santa Martha 2” neighborhood, who actively participate in the Salesian Project’s activities every day.
A Community Celebration
The ceremony was attended by the beneficiaries of the center, their parents, local authorities, and institutional representatives, including Professor Diego Jiménez, Vice Rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Esmeraldas, who expressed his support for this act of solidarity.
The blessing of the new canteen was given by Fr. Marcelo Farfán, Provincial of the Salesians in Ecuador, who shared his joy in seeing a space dedicated to “Mamma Margherita,” the mother of Don Bosco and a symbol of unconditional love, humble service, and preferential care for the poor.
Cutting the Ribbon
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was carried out by Fr. Robert García, Director of the Salesian Project Foundation – North Coast, together with Vice Rector Jiménez. Though simple, the event carried great meaning, marking the start of a new chapter in the holistic care of vulnerable youth.
Collaborative Effort and Support
This project was made possible thanks to the coordinated efforts of Fr. García, project technician Samuel Lozada, and various benefactors, including “Cross Catholic,” the Salesian parish dedicated to St. Dominic Savio, and the Italian benefactor family De Paoli. Each contributor helped turn this vision into a reality that is now changing lives.
A Space That Nourishes Body and Spirit
The school canteen will provide a nutritious and balanced lunch every day to 60 children, adolescents, and young people, ensuring dignified conditions that promote integral development, academic performance, and active participation in educational activities.
More than just meeting a basic need, this canteen reflects solidarity, brotherly love, and faith in action. Beneficiaries expressed their joy and gratitude, seeing the space as a place where they feel valued, welcomed, and cared for.
For the Salesians, “Mamma Margherita” is intended as a living testimony that when heart, faith, and action unite, reality can be transformed, and new paths of hope can be built for those who need them most.