Don Bosco Philippines South Province

21 August 2017/ Phonm Penh, Cambodia – A meeting was held in Don Bosco Technical School (DBTS)-Phonm Penh, Cambodia to finalize the first volunteer service program of FIS in Cambodia through its Salesian Lay Volunteer Organization (SALVO). Present in the meeting were Fr. Roel Soto, SDB, the Salesian Delegate of Don Bosco Cambodia Foundation, Fr. Arvin Abatayo, SDB, the SALVO Coordinator, and Ms. Zenaida Ann Miranda, representing the FIS-SALVO group.

Part of the service program is an English Class to help enhance the communication skills of teachers and students. It also aims to provide opportunities for the volunteers to share their culture and experiences thereby fostering a Salesian Missionary-Volunteer  spirit for sending and receiving communities and provinces.

Part of the meeting was to get to know more the Salesian works at the volunteer site and to have a better grasp of the culture of Cambodia.

The program will be implemented for six (6) months and is expected to start on January 2018. Qualified volunteers will be sent by pairs and should undergo the required orientation, training and preparation sessions to be facilitated by FIS SALVO office.

Applicants can choose for a minimum of one (1) month, three (3) months or the whole duration of the volunteer period. Acceptance of applications will start on October 2017.

Fr. Roel suggested that “It is also better to send one (1) Salesian together with the lay volunteer/s so that the Salesian can accompany and guide the lay partner-volunteer. The Salesian can likewise enrich himself with an actual missionary experience in Cambodia.”

by: Zenaida Ann Miranda