Nurturing hearts through loving-kindness and reason lies at the core of the Salesian educational approach. This philosophy was the driving force behind “Nurturing Hearts,” an Erasmus+ training course designed to inspire youth workers to apply methods grounded in the principles of Salesian education in a non-formal environment. Hosted by Friends of Don Bosco Malta, the course welcomed participants from Hungary, Ukraine, Georgia, Spain, Denmark, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands, uniting them in a shared mission to create safe and transformative spaces for young people.
Throughout the course, participants explored five spaces to nurture in a young person’s life: home, school, playground, church, and theatre. Together, these spaces lay the foundation for a supportive and empowering learning environment. The training also took the participants on a journey of self-discovery through the Enneagram personality types, guiding participants toward a greater understanding of both themselves and others. Through interactive workshops the participants learnt how the Salesian approach emphasises the importance of relationships, values, and presence in education.
By the end of this course, one message was clear: through happiness and understanding, education can be uniquely tailored to each individual. The enthusiasm and active engagement of everyone involved made this experience truly unforgettable.
