ARGENTINA, Florencia Aliaga. “Before this, I thought I was the only disturbed person who attempted to do only what was minimal and indispensable at home, at school, in order to contribute in something…..I thought I was the only person who was anxious to progress and dream about something better…..but thanks to “Foundation 180,” I learned this was not so, and that at least 599 other youths are in the same situation as I am…..” This commentary by Fiore Carignano is one of hundreds of messages on the Facebook page of Foundation 180 which shows the strong repercussion of the congress “180 schools for the Homeland” which took place on May 31st as a contribution to the bicentennial of the first native government of Argentina.
“180 schools for the Homeland.” Thus was convoked an educative-motivating congress for 6th grade students (secondary level). These were representatives from the 180 schools in the city of Córdoba. It took place on Monday, May 31st, in the conference rooms of the “Dinosaurio Mall.” The credit for the day was: 600 youths with almost one hundred schools represented. The congress was organized by Foundation 180, created by young professionals and the objective is to offer support and create programs, projects and activities which promote and facilitate formal education and/or informal for the change and progress in all sectors of society.
The Foundation came forth with the desire to continue giving answers by the Apostolic Schoenstatt Movement to the needs of society as a form of placing at the service of others the immense richness acquired by the Movement throughout so many years and as a need to be able to – in Covenant with God and Blessed Mother – to change and make progress in the present situation in Argentina, generating tools to further along the promotion and betterment of the quality of life for all, through the education and the formation of leaders in the different societal circles. Nevertheless, and especially if the Foundation is thought of as “the social arm of Schoenstatt,” it is important to highlight that it is a lay organization based on lay work. Foundation 180 wants to contribute to the culture of the Covenant, the great aim to which Schoenstatt aspires to give as a gift in the renewal of the Covenant of Love on Schoenstatt’s centennial in 2014.
Proposals for the betterment of different aspects of the place where they live
After the presentations of the very renowned Dr. Abel Albino of Foundation CONIN – which strives to eliminate malnutrition in the first infancy – of the planning manager of Foundation Pro Vivienda Social, architect Gabriel Lanfranchi, of professor Guillermo Perkins, of Manuel Contepomi, ex member of Los Pumas (national rugby team), among other presenters, the 6th grade students of almost one hundred schools in the city of Córdoba and its surroundings were invited to work on proposals for the betterment of the different aspects of the place where they live.
Concrete projects
The students will now have several months to work on and put into practice some project. Between October and November, the projects will be evaluated. They can be cultural, sports related, solidarity or any other genre. The best project as far as social impact, participation of the youths and potential to extend the initiative in time will be awarded a trip of study for the entire course.
Before this I thought I was the only disturbed person who attempted…
On the congress page in Facebook, there are hundreds of commentaries by the youths! Before this, I thought I was the only disturbed person who attempted to do only what was minimal and indispensable at home, at school, in order to contribute in something…..I thought I was the only person who was anxious to progress and dream about something better. But thanks to Foundation 180, I learned this was not so, and that at least 599 other youths are in the same situation as I am,” writes Fiore Carignano in Facebook. “I think there are many things to glean from the different talks. They were all spectacular. Each one from a different point of view and with the focus from a different profession…..the one I liked the most was the one from Dr. Abel Albino. That man is an example to follow. He knows a lot and he transmits it. That is very important. There were many beautiful phrases which were stated throughout the talk. But I believe that the ones which touched me most and the most significant were: “TRY TO HATE EACH OTHER LESS” from the ex-president of Uruguay “DO NOT COMPLAIN IF YOU DO NOT GET INVOLVED”…..a lot to reflect on.”
Cami Rivero comments: “The congress was incredible. We were really touched by all of the talks. In my group, the one we highlighted most was in particular the one from Dr. Albino…..he makes us open our eyes a bit more and also see our reality, our daily experience, there is a different way…..we are very enthused to do something good…..and hopefully that from our place we may be able to change something…..no matter how small it may be! CONGRATULATIONS AND MANY THANKS FOR GIVING US THIS POSSIBILITY!”
It was good enough to remove our hats
“The truth is that today was good enough to remove our hats. I want to change Argentina, my Argentina. And I was there today,” writes Camila María Esquinas. “I wanted to give my personal point of view and according to my criteria, everything was excellent because the talks given by the different persons, at least to me, enlist everything and are conclusive.” Gastón Filiberti: “I really have to congratulate everyone who made this possible. I loved it and I am going to think about a project for the homeland. I was one of the youths who stepped forward to respond for everyone along with a girl and another boy. Thank you and congratulations once again…..”
A commentary by Meli Delgado perhaps best summarizes the impact of this congress: “thank you for showing us that there are young persons who are truly interested in the future of the homeland and that they are capable of achieving what they propose.”
They ask the youths from Foundation 180…..why do they do it? Their answer: Because we dream of a better country. Because we believe in the good faith and in the work of our youth. Because we need brave leaders with great horizons and in one piece. Because we are convinced that only joined together as brothers and sisters will our country find peace and justice.
Facebook: 180 colegios por la patria
Internet: http://www.fundacion180.org.ar
