When Sophie Q. hears about the research by the’Don Bosco Houses Association of a coordinator for the branch of the social action houses, she imagines herself coming to help... Practically speaking, with 18 months left until her professional retirement, after many years as a manager in a large French company, Sophie talks to her HR director: why not end her professional life by helping a social cause?
That's when the Don Bosco Foundation lends itself to this project. She welcomes Sophie's proposal and concludes an agreement of «« Skills-based volunteering«Sophie remains an employee of her group, but these working hours are counted as a donation and allow their employer to receive a tax receipt at the given hours.
For the Maisons Don Bosco association, this sponsorship made the creation of this position possible and strengthened the educational and social work of the Réseau Don Bosco. Thank you to their employer, thank you to Sophie Q.
Interview: When a bank executive joins Don Bosco Social Action!
Hello Sophie. You joined Don Bosco Action Sociale after a career in a large French bank. Can you explain this unusual path to us?
Indeed, it may seem unconventional that after many years in banking, with exciting responsibilities, I am now with Don Bosco Action Sociale. I am currently 64 years old, a mother of two grown children, and a grandmother as well. I worked in banking for 40 years. My last position was within a Regional Branch Directorate in leasing. The large banking group that employed me has real values and encourages associations or foundations by supporting skills-based patronage. This is how I have had the pleasure of working with the Don Bosco Foundation for Don Bosco Action Sociale since June 1, 2024.
When you arrive at Don Bosco Action Sociale, what strikes you first?
I'll perhaps focus on three main points:
- The richness of the actions carried out by the different stakeholders: this ranges from reception centers for unaccompanied minors (MNA), to an association that works with incarcerated minors, to an ESAT (Establishment and Service to Aid Through Work) near Gradignan (33) that produces jams, to the association Lakou Bosco, which in Guadeloupe cares for highly vulnerable young people, or even the association Le Valdocco, which is present in many locations in France.
- The quality of the men and women I work with: a great motivation, very adapted training (we have our own internal training center), commitment from the entire management chain exclusively serving the young people entrusted to us.
- A genuine desire to place young people and their families at the heart of educational concerns. The educational method founded by John Bosco in Turin in the 1850s, which is now implemented in over 136 countries worldwide, is a very current and recognized approach. It allows young people to grow by knowing they are respected, loved, and encouraged to surpass themselves. Too many young people lack self-confidence and therefore cannot grow and flourish.
My dream, while working alongside all these young people, is that each of them can find a «helping hand» in their education.
A dream?
A dream? Just one? It's difficult to express! My dream, working alongside all these young people, is that each one of them can find a «helping hand» in their education, that of an adult who deeply respects them and helps them to grow, with kindness and gentle firmness. A «helping hand» that is the rock on which they can lean at Don Bosco.
A regret?
One regret? Oh yes! A huge regret! It's that time passes at a dizzying speed! And that I am not progressing as much as I wish! But this regret is lessened by the fact that another person will take my place to continue serving the youth.
A thank you?
A sincere thank you to my company for allowing me to have this incredible experience. And a huge thank you to all these young people who make the mission exciting on a daily basis.
Do you also become Patron of education of youth...
