Don Bosco Chose to give the name ‘The Preventive System’ to this approach and for him it is to be built on three principles:
- An educative relationship built on REASON
- An encounter with the young that invites them to RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE
- A relational approach that tackles issues with LOVING KINDNESS.
In Don Bosco‘s own words, these have been handed down to the Salesians as the three pillars of Reason, Religion and Loving Kindness. In the Christian and Salesian tradition, every person is seen as a child of God and is to be treated with respect and dignity.
Don Bosco was convinced that there is a depth in every person that deserves exploration, education and celebration. This could only happen when there is a proper and caring relationship between the young person and the adult accompanying him or her.
He always tried to live by his faith, and for him this meant that no one in need should ever be turned away from his Centre’s.