Educate, support and welcome

A tangible gesture in support of Casa della Gioventù’s mission in Peru

Our commitment to social responsibility continues in 2025 with a donation to Casa della Gioventù in Peru: a missionary initiative linked to the Suore di Santa Dorotea di Cemmo. The contribution, provided through the Itap Fund, will support educational and training programs for children, teens and families living in vulnerable social and economic conditions.

A Mission-Born Project

Casa della Gioventù was founded in 1986 in Argentina by Sister Saveria Menni, inspired by the spiritual and educational legacy of the Dorotean Sisters. Over the years, this mission has expanded across Latin America, becoming a beacon of educational, spiritual and social engagement.

In 2001, Sister Saveria brought the mission to Peru, leaving Italy to work directly with local communities. She started with small initiatives (like sewing and mechanics courses for families) and by 2003, these efforts had grown into the Institución Educativa de Acción Conjunta “Jesús de Nazareth”.

Today, the school welcomes around 640 students from kindergarten to secondary level, led by a team of 29 teachers. The goal goes beyond academic instruction: it’s about 360° education—helping young people grow culturally, personally and spiritually, grounded in the values of fraternity, dignity and respect.

The Mission’s Four Pillars

Thanks to the work of both sisters and lay missionaries, Casa della Gioventù is built on four key pillars:

• Well-rounded education, through schools and cultural/professional training centers
• Spiritual guidance, including pastoral care and catechism
• Practical solidarity, offering direct support to meet families’ basic needs
• Civic and social engagement, promoting active citizenship and the common good

In Peru, the school opens its doors not only during class hours but also in the afternoons with a range of activities for children and teens: reading groups, creative workshops, music lessons and social spaces. The aim is to give young people what they often lack at home: affection, care and positive encouragement.

A Living Network of Solidarity

The Suore di Santa Dorotea di Cemmo have founded missions in Cameroon, Congo, Burundi, Brazil and Argentina—carrying out initiatives ranging from literacy and women’s empowerment to healthcare and job training. They wrote to us:

“For us, educating doesn’t just mean teaching school subjects—it means giving extra time to children and young people, especially those who have the least. It means offering affection, dignity and hope where it’s often missing.”

Looking Ahead

Thanks to the support from the Itap Fund, Casa della Gioventù in Peru will soon launch a new initiative: a school music band. This creative space will not only provide joy and recreation but will help young people build focus, coordination and a shared passion.

“Your support is a precious gift that allows us to continue our work and truly make a difference in the lives of those in need. Thank you for your generosity and your heartfelt care for our mission in Peru.”

A Mission That Moves Forward

With this donation, we at Itap aim to give back and create a lasting impact—not only locally, but globally. Supporting the Dorotean Sisters’ mission means believing in a future that is more fair, more aware and more united in solidarity.