(Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Ecuador) – On Wednesday, 11 February, in the Don Rua hall of the Provincial House, collaboration agreements were signed between the Salesian Polytechnic University (UPS) and the four foundations of the Salesian Project Ecuador (PSE): Salesian Project North Zone, Salesian Project Guayaquil, Salesian Project North Coast, and Salesian ‘PACES’ Foundation, Cuenca. Through these agreements, the UPS will allocate significant financial resources to provide quality assistance to thousands of children, adolescents, and young people in the seven cities where the PSE is present
Fr Juan Cárdenas, Rector of UPS, indicated that the contribution planned for 2026 is approximately $1,200,000, which reflects UPS’ commitment to the priorities of the Salesian Province of Ecuador (ECU).
‘For us, as a university, this is a moment of joy because science and research are also taking shape in concrete projects,’ said Fr Cárdenas, who emphasised that UPS’ contribution is not limited to the economic aspect, but is integrated and enriched by the contingent of teachers and students who support the PSE foundations through pedagogical tutoring, psychological support, work with families, research projects and links with society.
During his speech, Fr Marcelo Farfán, Provincial of the Salesians in Ecuador, expressed his gratitude for the fruitful relationship between UPS and the PSE foundations. ‘It is a quality relationship that is reflected in the projects, in the relationships, in the reporting; all this shows that we want to do good by developing actions in the right way. May the Lord bless this relationship and allow us to continue serving the poorest.’
Before signing the agreements, Fr Mario Ramos, National Coordinator of the Salesian Project Ecuador and Director of the Salesian Project Guayaquil Foundation, thanked UPS and the Salesian works for their contribution, which makes it possible to assist the beneficiaries of the Project and their families. He emphasised that the signing of the agreement in 2025 has made it possible to provide assistance to 889 vulnerable people in Guayaquil, another 1,210 in Esmeraldas, Santo Domingo and San Lorenzo; 1,050 in Quito and Ambato; and 634 in the city of Cuenca.
‘During these almost 50 years of activity of the Salesian Project Ecuador, our work with our beneficiaries has evolved, and the signing of this agreement allows us to continue dreaming about what more we can do to better assist our beneficiaries and accompany them in restoring their rights. A heartfelt thank you for this support,’ concluded Fr Ramos.
In addition to the aforementioned Fr Farfán, Fr Cárdenas, and Fr Ramos, the signing of the agreement was also attended by Fr Luis Mosquera, Provincial Economer; Fr Robert García, Director of the Costa Norte Salesian Project Foundation; Fr Esteban Ortiz, Director of the Costa Norte Salesian Project Foundation; the members of the Provincial Council; Germán Arévalo, Vice-Rector of UPS, Quito campus; Susana Lam, Vice-Rector of UPS, Guayaquil campus; and lay collaborators of UPS and PSE foundations.
Source: Salesianos.org.ec