Guaratinguetá (Brazil) The FMA and the Educating Community of the Institute of Our Lady of Carmine (Colégio do Carmo) of Guaratinguetá, of the Province of St. Catherine of Siena in San Paolo (BSP), use creativity to meet and become close to families in this time of lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the first week of October 2020, moved by Pope Francis’ phrase “Do not let your hope be stolen”, they organized the “Drive THRU da Esperança”, a special moment of encounter characterized by animation and solidarity.
Teachers, educators, FMA, and collaborators of the work, with colored t-shirts or disguised as superheroes, welcomed the pupils in the courtyard of the Institute in the different time slots established for the classes, distributing a ‘kit’ with gifts, personalized masks, and alcoholic gel, demonstrating closeness and care for families.
While remaining in their cars in compliance with health regulations, for the students it was a meaningful encounter of glances and words with their teachers and educators, accompanied by the joy of Salesian animation. As a sign of affection and gratitude, the children and young people left their drawings and messages.
Many pupils also contributed to the campaign for the collection of personal hygiene and cleaning products for a social work in the city, promoted by the School’s Pastoral and carried out by the group of students “Pastoral in action”.
