Who We are

VIDES is about helping the young.

Thousands of young adults worldwide are opting to make a difference.

VIDES Ireland is part of an International Voluntary Organisation, which promotes voluntary service – the focus being on protection of human rights, specially women and young people world wide. VIDES is an important element of our work as Salesian Sisters. It asks us to be God-bearers by promoting social justice, solidarity, generosity in sharing and giving of themselves.

What does VIDES Mean?

V Voluntary
I International
D Development
E Education
S Service

VIDES volunteers serve together with members of the worldwide Salesian family, making efforts to be transformational leaders in society by living simply and by serving the poor, especially young people and women. It is experiencing and sharing the Life in Christ.

VIDES began its work in Europe in 1987

• Constituted in 1990
• On April 23, 1991, it became an “International Non-Profit Association ” (NGO).

VIDES is present in:

• 13 countries in Europe
• 5 countries in Asia
• 13 countries in North America and in Latin America
• And operates through local groups and the international head office.

 Why

• For the defence of human rights, particularly of children, women, and youth
• For the promotion of voluntary service at local and international levels
• For the support at a distance of children and their families – For the promotion of youth as active and responsible citizens

What does Salesian mean?

To be ‘Salesian’ means to follow Don Bosco and Mary Mazzarello’s way of ‘being’ and ‘working with’ young people – (Salesian Methodology). Salesians recognise the importance of ‘journeying’ with, encouraging and supporting young people. We believe and see the potential in each individual and through formal and informal education we set out to empower young people to be true to themselves, reach their full potential and to be the protagonists in building a better world.

What is at the ‘heart’ of VIDES as an organisation?

Central to every VIDES Camp/Project is the training and formation of the volunteers. This takes place at a variety of levels: management training and training before, during and after. The training has two main objectives:

1. Personal growth and development of the individual.
2. To create and help build communities in the world that support and ‘invest’ in young people.