Official News & Information Service of SALESIAN MISSIONS
INDIA: Assam Don Bosco University research integral in discovery of new snake species
A new species of fossorial reed snake has been discovered in the Garo Hills in the state of Meghalaya, India. The species, named Calamaria garoensis (Garo Hills Reed Snake), has been formally described in the internationally reputed peer-reviewed journal Taprobanica. The discovery is the result of a collaborative research effort involving several institutions, including Assam Don Bosco University, whose contribution proved significant in advancing the study. The post INDIA: Assam Don Bosco University research integral in discovery of new snake species first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Researchers play role in integrative taxonomic analysis INDIA (MissionNewswire) A new species of fossorial reed snake has been discovered in the Garo Hills in the state of Meghalaya, India. The species, named Calamaria garoensis (Garo Hills Reed Snake), has been formally described in the internationally reputed peer-reviewed journal Taprobanica. The discovery is the result of a collaborative research effort involving several institutions, including Assam Don Bosco University, whose contribution proved significant in advancing the study. Other participating institutions include Help Earth, Cotton University, Mizoram University, the Zoological Survey of India and Indonesia’s National Research & Innovation Agency. A Salesian explained, “The discovery was made during intensive field surveys conducted in the West Garo Hills district, with the holotype specimen collected from Oragitok in the Rongram Block, an ecologically rich and forested region. The species is currently known only from this locality, pointing to its restricted distribution and emphasizing the urgent need for conservation attention.” Researchers from Assam Don Bosco University played a crucial role in the integrative taxonomic analysis, particularly in supporting the molecular and phylogenetic components of the study. By combining classical morphological examination with mitochondrial DNA-based phylogenetic analysis, the team confirmed that the population represents a distinct evolutionary lineage. The findings revealed that Calamaria garoensis is closely related to Calamaria mizoramensis, yet genetically distinct, with a divergence of approximately 6.3%. Reed snakes of the genus Calamaria are small, secretive and predominantly burrowing, making them notoriously difficult to detect. Their subtle morphological differences have historically led to misidentifications, with many species previously grouped under broadly defined taxa. The present study not only identifies a new species but also addresses longstanding taxonomic ambiguities in the region. Morphologically, Calamaria garoensis is distinguished by a unique combination of features, including smooth dorsal scales arranged in 13 rows, a short, non-tapering tail with an obtuse tip and a prominent broad median black stripe on the underside of the tail. The body exhibits longitudinal striping along with a faint nuchal ring, traits that set it apart from related species. Importantly, the study challenges earlier assumptions that reed snakes across Northeast India belonged to a single widespread species, Calamaria pavimentata. Instead, the findings suggest that what was once considered a single species is, in fact, a complex of multiple distinct lineages. This revelation calls for a re-examination of historical records and further systematic research. The Salesian noted, “The contribution of Assam Don Bosco University to this pioneering work highlights its growing prominence in biodiversity research and its commitment to scientific inquiry that serves both academic advancement and ecological conservation.” ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – India – New Reed Snake Species Discovered in Garo Hills: Assam Don Bosco University Assam Don Bosco University Salesian Missions – India World Bank – India The post INDIA: Assam Don Bosco University research integral in discovery of new snake species first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ITALY: Don Bosco Center in Naples undergoes extensive renovation
Don Bosco Center in Naples, Italy, has been renovated with new spaces for the chapel, the teaching kitchen, the oratory and the courtyard. An event was held to showcase the changes. It brought together Salesians from Southern Italy and missionary territories in the Balkans, as well as people from the community and youth who currently utilize or have previously utilized the Don Bosco Center. The post ITALY: Don Bosco Center in Naples undergoes extensive renovation first appeared on MissionNewswire.
New spaces include chapel, teaching kitchen ITALY (MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Center in Naples, Italy, has been renovated with new spaces for the chapel, the teaching kitchen, the oratory and the courtyard. An event was held to showcase the changes. It brought together Salesians from Southern Italy and missionary territories in the Balkans, as well as people from the community and youth who currently utilize or have previously utilized the Don Bosco Center. During the event, the courtyard became a theater. “A Dream in the Courtyard” was a show staged by youth with music produced by youth from Cisternino. Through their creativity, the youth showed that the center is not just building new spaces but offering possibilities for the future. At the end of the performance, a symbolic ribbon-cutting took place carried out by a representative of the construction management, a Salesian, an educator and one of the youth currently attending the oratory. “The Eucharistic celebration then brought everything together in a single offering,” said Father Fabio Bellino, rector of Don Bosco Naples. “We have entrusted these spaces, but above all the people who will live in them. Because, ultimately, what makes a place even more beautiful is how much it manages to generate life, relationships and hope.” “Looking back on that morning,” continued Fr. Bellino, “I carry one image in my heart — the courtyard full of people, the laughter, the hugs between those who hadn’t seen each other for years and the eyes of the young people turned toward the future. At that moment, I was certain that we were not simply inaugurating renovated spaces but a new season. Don Bosco Naples continues. It will continue as long as there are young people to welcome, dreams to cherish and a community capable of walking together.” Salesian programs across Italy help youth who are unable to attend school and others who drop out to work at the few jobs available to them. A growing number of children work as laborers on farms and others have turned to the sex trade to help support their families. Those in poverty often live without adequate shelter, hot water, regular meals and health care. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Italy – Revitalising spaces, inspiring lives: the new face of the Don Bosco centre in Naples Salesian Missions – Italy World Bank – Italy The post ITALY: Don Bosco Center in Naples undergoes extensive renovation first appeared on MissionNewswire.
NAMIBIA: Salesians add windows and glass for new church thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
Emergencies & Salesian Missions specific news
Salesian missionaries in Rundu, Namibia, completed the windows and glass for the new St. John Bosco Church thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The project will benefit more than 7,000 Catholics in the community. Currently, close to 1,000 are church members of this parish. The post NAMIBIA: Salesians add windows and glass for new church thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
New church provides more comfort, better accessibility NAMIBIA (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Rundu, Namibia, completed the windows and glass for the new St. John Bosco Church thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project will benefit more than 7,000 Catholics in the community. Currently, close to 1,000 are church members of this parish. The St. John Bosco community is one of 15 Salesian communities in Rundu. Within three years of its development, Salesians were able to build two community houses, a school, parish offices and a parish hall, which had been used as the church prior to the new one being built. The new space provides more comfort and better accessibility to all who worship there. The construction project has been rolled out in phases as funding becomes available. In 2018, the Catholic bishop took over the Cathedral Parish and asked Salesians to develop a parish on the outskirts of Rundu. In 2019, on the feast of St. John Bosco, a new parish was opened by the bishop and entrusted to the Salesians of Don Bosco to run it in perpetuity. The parish was dedicated to St. John Bosco. Since then, Salesians have been working to develop the parish and make it a home for the youth and the parish community. Pauline Kanyetu, a parishioner, said, “Before the project, we didn’t have a church or even any hope that we may have one. We had no place to use for prayers and for Mass. During the rainy season, we were always soaked. With the construction and installation of windows and glass, we can now pray and praise God in a conducive environment. The windows have also brought beauty to the church and created the atmosphere for prayer.” Salesian programs across Namibia are primarily focused on education. Salesian primary and secondary education in the country helps youth prepare for later technical, vocational or university study. Other programs help to support poor youth and their families by meeting the basic needs of shelter, proper nutrition and medical care. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – Namibia World Bank – Namibia The post NAMIBIA: Salesians add windows and glass for new church thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
LEBANON: Salesian missionaries continue to shelter and support displaced families
Salesian missionaries are continuing to respond to the deepening crisis in the Middle East despite the ceasefire declared in Lebanon*. Bombings in southern Lebanon, rising prices and a lack of jobs are putting thousands of families in difficulty. Salesians are assisting more than 100 displaced people at the Don Bosco Center in El Hossoun and are stepping up their commitment to education, providing scholarships and aid so that youth can continue their education and have hope for the future. The post LEBANON: Salesian missionaries continue to shelter and support displaced families first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Salesian response includes immediate aid with sustainable initiatives (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are continuing to respond to the deepening crisis in the Middle East despite the ceasefire declared in Lebanon*. Bombings in southern Lebanon, rising prices and a lack of jobs are putting thousands of families in difficulty. Salesians are assisting more than 100 displaced people at the Don Bosco Center in El Hossoun and are stepping up their commitment to education, providing scholarships and aid so that youth can continue their education and have hope for the future. A Salesian explained, “Bombings continue to be reported in the south of the country and more than 50 localities have received evacuation orders, causing further displacement. In the early stages of the recent escalation, at least 30,000 people sought refuge in centers, like the Don Bosco Center, while many others were forced to flee without resources, settling with family or friends or in uninhabited buildings. This situation compounds years of accumulated crises that have deeply weakened the country.” The humanitarian emergency is closely linked to a structural economic crisis. Since 2019, the Lebanese economy has contracted by more than 38%, one of the most severe declines globally. Inflation and currency devaluation have sent commodity prices soaring, leaving a large part of the population without access to food, healthcare or education. Currently, around 44% of the population lives in poverty, and many families are forced to make extreme decisions such as cutting back on food, taking on debt or withdrawing their children from school. The Don Bosco Center is welcoming displaced families into spaces set up as shelters. Many of these families have been displaced repeatedly, have lost their homes and arrive with only the bare essentials. The Salesian noted, “These are people who have nowhere to return to. Some displaced people have tried to return to their homes, but most have been destroyed. They will likely be with us for a long time.” Beyond basic needs, the war leaves a deep emotional mark. Salesian teams are working with children and adults experiencing high levels of fear, anxiety and stress. The Salesian said, “Many children struggle to express their emotions, experiencing crying fits and constant fear after having lived through situations of violence. Through activities such as play, drawing or individual support, the teams try to help them regain their emotional stability.” Salesians are also organizing group sessions and safe spaces for women and youth, addressing situations of anxiety, trauma or postnatal depression in contexts of extreme vulnerability. The crisis is also having a direct impact on education. Schools have been closed for many weeks and many educational facilities have been bombed or are now housing displaced people. In the current economic situation, many families cannot afford to educate their children, which is leading to an increase in school dropout rates. The Salesian Mission Office in Madrid, joined by Salesian organizations around the globe, continue to adapt its response to a prolonged crisis, combining immediate humanitarian aid with sustainable initiatives. Food, shelter, education and emotional support form part of a comprehensive approach that seeks not only to respond to the emergency, but to provide opportunities for the future. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Misiones Salesianas ANS – Lebanon – Amid the emergency, the Salesians step up support for displaced families and focus on education Salesian Missions World Bank – Lebanon *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post LEBANON: Salesian missionaries continue to shelter and support displaced families first appeared on MissionNewswire.
MEXICO: Youth at Casa Hogar receive comprehensive care thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
Salesians were able to support 62 youth in vulnerable situations at Casa Hogar, located in Colima, Mexico, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. All of the youth living at the facility received comprehensive care during the second half of 2025. The post MEXICO: Youth at Casa Hogar receive comprehensive care thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Youth have all faced situations of vulnerability MEXICO (MissionNewswire) Salesians were able to support 62 youth in vulnerable situations at Casa Hogar, located in Colima, Mexico, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. All of the youth living at the facility received comprehensive care during the second half of 2025. The youth at the facility have faced situations of vulnerability due to abandonment, physical and psychological violence, or an unsafe family environment. A few entered the program after living on the streets. A Salesian explained, “One of the most significant achievements during this time was that we were able to maintain our entire interdisciplinary team, which means that youth had the same providers, aiding their emotional stability, bonds of trust, and the effectiveness of therapeutic and educational processes.” Because youth received 24-hour care, seven days a week that was uninterrupted, Salesians noted the reduction of severe behavioral crises, improvement in emotional regulation and the strengthening of ties with the educational team. Regarding their education, 85% of the youth maintained or improved their school performance. Mexico has seen remarkable improvements in its poverty rate. More than 8.3 million people were pulled out of poverty between 2022 and 2024, according to the World Bank. That marks a nearly 18% drop in people living in poverty in a country that has long struggled with high levels of economic precarity and unemployment. The number of people living in extreme poverty dropped 23% while those in moderate poverty dropped more than 16%, according to the report by Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography. Today, one in three Mexicans still lives in poverty. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – Mexico UNICEF – Mexico The post MEXICO: Youth at Casa Hogar receive comprehensive care thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: Salesian Missions highlights projects that address climate action in local communities
Salesian Missions joins humanitarian organizations and the international community in celebrating World Environment Day held annually on June 5. The day will focus on ending plastic pollution and reinforce the global commitment made in 2022 to end plastic pollution through a global plastic pollution treaty. The post WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: Salesian Missions highlights projects that address climate action in local communities first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Salesian organizations around globe focus on environmentally friendly activities, education (MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and the international community in celebrating World Environment Day held annually on June 5. The theme for the day is “A Global Call for Climate Action” and calls for the world to rally around the urgency of climate action. The World Environment Day website noted, “With rising temperatures, collapsing ecosystems and disruptive weather extremes, humanity stands at a tipping point. But we are not powerless. The 2026 theme underscores that climate action is not just about reducing carbon emissions — it is about rethinking the systems that power our economies and repairing our relationship with the climate. By doing so, we can secure a safer, healthier and more just future for all.” Salesian organizations around the globe are focused on environmentally friendly activities and education. Part of this was driven by Pope Francis’ 2020 Laudato Si’, which underlined the importance of education and training that will help youth foster environmental responsibility. Salesians also launched the Don Bosco Green Alliance, an international collective of youth from Salesian institutions and organizations. Membership is open to all Salesian institutions and organizations worldwide. “Salesian missionaries are focused on environmental education and activities in schools and oratories to educate youth and protect the environment,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “From clean-up days to tree planting to using solar power for buildings and clean water projects, Salesians are ensuring the next generation is empowered to help care for the planet.” In honor of World Environment Day, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight environmentally friendly initiatives in countries around the globe. GUATEMALA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48351" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48351" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/guatemala-students-organic-fertilizer-DBGA7-21-25-1-e1753119290977.png" alt="" width="500" height="324" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/guatemala-students-organic-fertilizer-DBGA7-21-25-1-e1753119290977.png 700w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/guatemala-students-organic-fertilizer-DBGA7-21-25-1-e1753119290977-300x195.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Students at Talita Kumi in Guatemala are increasing environmental efforts at their schools and in their communities with a new fertilizer. At Talita Kumi, located in San Pedro Carchá, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, boarding students continue to implement environmental protection initiatives. One of their most recent efforts is the production of a new type of organic fertilizer through vermiculture, complementing the Bokashi compost they had already been producing. The new fertilizer is created using the Californian red worm, a hybrid of species that live in soil and those that thrive in manure and organic matter. Its primary food source includes coffee pulp — an abundant byproduct of the coffee industry in northern Guatemala, where Talita Kumi’s student centers are located. A Salesian explained, “These worms transform organic waste into humus, a nutrient-rich compost that naturally and sustainably improves soil quality. The process is carried out in wooden boxes covered with black nylon to protect the worms from direct sunlight. Beyond reducing the amount of organic waste sent to landfills, this initiative produces a high-quality fertilizer used for growing vegetables and short-cycle crops on campus, promoting sustainability and efficient use of natural resources.” These techniques are replicable by students in their communities, most of which are rural and Indigenous Q’eqchi. In doing so, the students help spread ecological farming practices rooted in respect for nature. PERU <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48352" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48352" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/peru-infrastructure-2025-09-12-at-093454-SM210PER092025FID.jpeg" alt="" width="500" height="375" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/peru-infrastructure-2025-09-12-at-093454-SM210PER092025FID.jpeg 1600w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/peru-infrastructure-2025-09-12-at-093454-SM210PER092025FID-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/peru-infrastructure-2025-09-12-at-093454-SM210PER092025FID-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/peru-infrastructure-2025-09-12-at-093454-SM210PER092025FID-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/peru-infrastructure-2025-09-12-at-093454-SM210PER092025FID-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/peru-infrastructure-2025-09-12-at-093454-SM210PER092025FID-1300x975.jpeg 1300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Salesians improved the learning environment for students at the Bosconia center in Piura, Peru, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Salesian missionaries have been able to improve the learning environment for youth who are vulnerable and are studying at the Bosconia center in Piura, Peru. The project was made possible thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Students and staff previously found it difficult to focus in class due to the heat at the school. With the project, two air conditioning units have been added. Salesians also added a covering around the pool to limit the sun exposure for students. Luis Angel Bregante Andrade, a 22-year-old student, was impacted by the donation. He lives in a challenging economic situation, and the area where he lives has a high poverty rate as well as high rates of crime and drug addiction. He studies at Cetpro Bosconia in the storage operations course and hopes to find a good job after graduation to help support his family. UGANDA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48353" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48353" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/uganda-solar-power-Individual-Donor-251AGL022026FID-photo12.png" alt="" width="500" height="489" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/uganda-solar-power-Individual-Donor-251AGL022026FID-photo12.png 1044w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/uganda-solar-power-Individual-Donor-251AGL022026FID-photo12-300x293.png 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/uganda-solar-power-Individual-Donor-251AGL022026FID-photo12-1024x1000.png 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/uganda-solar-power-Individual-Donor-251AGL022026FID-photo12-768x750.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> The Salesian community in Palabek Refugee Settlement in Uganda has a new solar power system thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The Salesian community in Palabek Refugee Settlement, located in Uganda, has a new solar power system thanks to donor funding by Salesian Missions. The funding enabled the successful installation of 60 high-quality solar panels, harnessing renewable energy to meet the community’s electricity needs. This significantly enhances energy access for the community, including religious missionaries and residents. The upgraded system has contributed to reducing dependence on fuel-based generators, leading to noticeable savings in operational costs. The new system also advances environmental conservation efforts by utilizing renewable solar energy and decreasing the community’s carbon footprint. More than 600 people from the youth center and chapel have been impacted by this donation. Before the project, chapels, youth centers, nursery schools and the community needed more electricity than the existing system could provide. The old system’s capacity was insufficient to supply continuous electricity where needed. The 12 batteries could only power the area for a few hours after sunset, with some lighting lasting just three hours. To address this, the new system increased the number of batteries to 16, including high-quality lithium batteries known for their long-lasting life and resistance. The installed system now supports lighting, communication, and basic electrical needs within the residence, enhancing daily living and community activities. The improved energy infrastructure has increased the community’s ability to support various programs and activities, fostering development and well-being. ZAMBIA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48355" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48355" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Zambia-New-solar-system-1536x1024-1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Zambia-New-solar-system-1536x1024-1.jpg 1536w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Zambia-New-solar-system-1536x1024-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Zambia-New-solar-system-1536x1024-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Zambia-New-solar-system-1536x1024-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Zambia-New-solar-system-1536x1024-1-1300x867.jpg 1300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Zambia-New-solar-system-1536x1024-1-128x86.jpg 128w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> A new solar power system is benefiting the Don Bosco Community in Mansa, Zambia, through donor funding from Salesian Missions. Salesian missionaries at the Don Bosco Community in Mansa, Zambia, recently installed a solar power system thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Salesians were able to install 12 solar panels, lithium batteries, and inverters, allowing the system to provide stable and consistent electricity to the main priest’s house and adjacent volunteer house. Additionally, the new system ensures that nearby water pumps are powered. Zambia is currently grappling with a serious energy crisis caused primarily by its overdependence on hydropower. This energy source constitutes over 85% of the country’s electricity generation capacity, but generation has dropped significantly thanks to persistent and extreme dry seasons. A Salesian explained, “We had been using diesel generators to help when the main power supply was out, but that was both costly and unsustainable in the long term given rising fuel prices and environmental concerns. Having an alternative, reliable and clean energy source that supports the essential services carried out by the priests has been a pressing need. The installation of the solar power addresses this while also contributing to Zambia’s national vision of integrating renewable energy into its development agenda.” ### Sources: GUATEMALA: Students increase environmental efforts with new fertilizer/Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance PERU: Salesians improve learning environment for students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions UGANDA: Salesian community in Palabek has new solar power system thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) World Environment Day ZAMBIA: Salesians in Mansa have new solar power thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) The post WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: Salesian Missions highlights projects that address climate action in local communities first appeared on MissionNewswire.
SPAIN: Salesians celebrate 75th anniversary of Salesian Los Boscos Center in Logroño
The Salesian Los Boscos Center in Logroño, in the autonomous community of La Rioja, Spain, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this academic year. The celebrations began in April with a visit from local, regional and ecclesiastical authorities. The post SPAIN: Salesians celebrate 75th anniversary of Salesian Los Boscos Center in Logroño first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Center highlights Salesian impact on education SPAIN (MissionNewswire) The Salesian Los Boscos Center in Logroño, in the autonomous community of La Rioja, Spain, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this academic year. The celebrations began in April with a visit from local, regional and ecclesiastical authorities. The center organized a commemorative ceremony recalling the history and role of the Salesian center and its impact on education in Logroño. The students welcomed the guests in the courtyard and sang a hymn composed for the occasion. They also unveiled the 75th anniversary banner in the courtyard gallery. Following the brief ceremony, guests visited an exhibition of vintage photographs set up in the school chapel, before concluding the event with a short talk on the role of the Salesian house. Speakers included Father Iñaki Fernández Lerena, the center’s director; Father Fernando García, the superior of the Salesians of the Spain’s St. James the Greater province; Mayor Conrado Escobar; and Dr. Gonzalo Capellán, president of the Autonomous Community of La Rioja; among others. The speeches highlighted the important work carried out by María Teresa Gil de Gárate who, following the example of Don Bosco, assisted youth who are poor and at risk in Logroño. Those present were given a small souvenir commemorating the day, and an evening celebration was held for alumni. The center also organized a roundtable discussion attended by representatives from key organizations and institutions in La Rioja. The celebrations concluded over the weekend with a theatrical performance by “Sapo Producciones”, followed by a community lunch for gathering and shared celebration among students, families, alumni, and friends. A Salesian noted, “Salesian missionaries in Spain provide primary and secondary education as well as vocational and technical school to ensure youth acquire employment skills for their futures. Salesians also work to meet the basic needs of youth living in poverty and offer workforce development opportunities to ensure an easier school to work transition.” ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Spain – The Salesians in Logroño open celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the “Los Boscos” centre Salesian Missions – Spain The post SPAIN: Salesians celebrate 75th anniversary of Salesian Los Boscos Center in Logroño first appeared on MissionNewswire.
SUDAN: Salesians aim to restore education for more than 1,500 youth amid ongoing conflict
Salesian missionaries are resuming their educational work in Kalakla, one of the hardest-hit areas by war in Sudan*. Three years after the start of the conflict, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen and millions of children still have no access to education. With international attention focused on other parts of the world, Salesians, who had been forced to leave the country at the height of the fighting, are reopening schools and offering protection, food and hope to youth who are vulnerable. The post SUDAN: Salesians aim to restore education for more than 1,500 youth amid ongoing conflict first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Schools to reopen to provide education, protection for youth SUDAN (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are resuming their educational work in Kalakla, one of the hardest-hit areas by war in Sudan*. Three years after the start of the conflict, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen and millions of children still have no access to education. With international attention focused on other parts of the world, Salesians, who had been forced to leave the country at the height of the fighting, are reopening schools and offering protection, food and hope to youth who are vulnerable. A Salesian said, “The country is facing one of the world’s most serious yet overlooked humanitarian crises. Violence, mass displacement and the collapse of basic services have left millions of people in a situation of extreme hardship, especially children.” According to United Nations data, more than 8 million Sudanese have been forced to flee their homes — the world’s largest internal displacement crisis — and around 25 million, more than half the population, are in need of urgent humanitarian aid. Tens of thousands of people have lost their lives since the conflict began. The country is facing an emergency characterized by hunger, poverty and international neglect. The Salesian added, “In this fragile context, education has become one of the main casualties. Thousands of schools have been destroyed or closed, and millions of boys and girls have seen their education interrupted. Without access to a safe environment, many children spend their days on the streets, exposed to risks such as child labor, forced recruitment, violence or exploitation.” The initiative involves repairing damaged infrastructure, supplying school materials and launching food programs to ensure students attend school regularly. The goal is to assist 1,500 youth impacted by the war by offering them not only access to education but also an environment protected from the risks arising from the conflict. The Salesian explained, “Prolonged closure of schools has significantly increased the risk of children being permanently excluded from the education system. Furthermore, the lack of resources among families, exacerbated by inflation and the loss of livelihoods, prevents many children from returning to the classroom. Salesian schools fulfill not only an educational role, but also a social and preventative one. Through school feeding programs, educational activities and support services, efforts are made to improve children’s well-being and foster their holistic development.” Salesians draw on a strong community network. The involvement of educators, volunteers and local groups makes it possible to gradually rebuild the social fabric and strengthen the response to the emergency. This joint effort is essential to ensure the sustainability of the initiative and the long-term impact. The Salesian concluded, “The country’s future will depend largely on its ability to protect its children and guarantee them access to education. The reopening of schools in Kalakla is not merely an immediate response to the emergency, but a strategic investment in the future. Every child who returns to the classroom is another step toward rebuilding a country that needs, more than ever, opportunities, stability and hope.” ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Misiones Salesians ANS – Sudan – After years of war, Salesian education reopens its doors to thousands of children Salesian Missions – Sudan UNICEF – Sudan *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post SUDAN: Salesians aim to restore education for more than 1,500 youth amid ongoing conflict first appeared on MissionNewswire.
INT’L DAY OF INNOCENT CHILDREN VICTIMS OF AGGRESSION: Salesian Missions highlights programs that provide support and education for youth at risk
Salesian Missions joins humanitarian organizations and the international community in honoring International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. Recognized on June 4 each year since its United Nations designation in 1982, the day acknowledges the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse. The post INT’L DAY OF INNOCENT CHILDREN VICTIMS OF AGGRESSION: Salesian Missions highlights programs that provide support and education for youth at risk first appeared on MissionNewswire.
June 4 affirms commitment to protect the rights of children (MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and the international community in honoring International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. Recognized on June 4 each year since its United Nations designation in 1982, the day acknowledges the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse. The day also affirms the commitment by the U.N. and the international community to protect the rights of children. This work is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most rapidly and widely ratified international human rights treaty in history. The U.N. has noted, “Every day, children living in wars across the globe are facing unspeakable horrors. They are not safe sleeping in their homes or playing outside, learning in school or seeking medical care at hospitals. From killing and maiming, abduction and sexual violence, to attacks on education and health facilities, and the denial of the humanitarian assistance that they desperately need, children are being caught in the crosshairs of warring parties at a staggering scale.” Salesian missionaries in more than 130 countries around the globe are working to ensure youth are safe, have their basic needs met and can access the education they need to succeed. Whether it’s providing social support, combating child labor or assisting youth without a place to live, Salesian missionaries are on the front lines ensuring access to programs and services. “Salesians focus on more than education,” explained Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “They live and work in some of the most dangerous and underserviced communities around the globe. They help support child abuse victims, help rehabilitate child soldiers, and provide education on child rights to ensure that youth have a sense of self-worth and hope for a better future.” In honor of International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, Salesian Missions highlights programs helping children access the social support and education they need to thrive. BETHLEHEM <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48273" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48273" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bethlehem-bakeryANS_04-04-23-1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bethlehem-bakeryANS_04-04-23-1.jpg 655w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bethlehem-bakeryANS_04-04-23-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bethlehem-bakeryANS_04-04-23-1-128x86.jpg 128w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Salesian Missions supports the Salesian Bakery, a historic institution in Bethlehem. in providing free bread to people who are vulnerable. Salesian Missions helped support the Salesian Bakery, a historical institution in Bethlehem. With the support provided in part by Salesian Missions, the bakery was able to provide free bread to 111 vulnerable families and eight institutions. A Salesian explained, “The Salesian Bakery is serving people in situations of vulnerability either directly or through other institutions who serve orphans, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Many in the region are facing economic hardship during this time of conflict. This project also enabled the Salesians to pay the salaries of the bakery staff and cover part of the bakery’s running costs, such as the baking materials, water, and electricity.” The families are selected by the Salesians with the support of the Arab Orthodox Benevolent Society, Women Arab Union in Beit Sahour and Jemima Institution in Beit Jala. The eight institutions supported include the Franciscan Boys House, L’Arche Daycare Center for children and youth with disabilities, Home of Peace, Ahdaf for elderly daycare, Antonian Society Elderly House, St. Nicholas Elderly House, Al-Basma Center for people with disabilities, and Jemima, which cares for children with disabilities. Since 1891, Salesian missionaries have been living and working in Bethlehem, initially establishing an orphanage for boys and later expanding programs to meet growing local needs. Today, Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social activities to support the local community. Salesians offer a technical and vocational training center, the bakery, a youth center and a scout group. MYANMAR <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48274" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48274" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/myanma-school-SMIndividual-Donor-246MYM022026FID-IMG-02f14373285b2a80f415f2af7b9d0e3b-V.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="226" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/myanma-school-SMIndividual-Donor-246MYM022026FID-IMG-02f14373285b2a80f415f2af7b9d0e3b-V.jpg 1600w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/myanma-school-SMIndividual-Donor-246MYM022026FID-IMG-02f14373285b2a80f415f2af7b9d0e3b-V-300x136.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/myanma-school-SMIndividual-Donor-246MYM022026FID-IMG-02f14373285b2a80f415f2af7b9d0e3b-V-1024x463.jpg 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/myanma-school-SMIndividual-Donor-246MYM022026FID-IMG-02f14373285b2a80f415f2af7b9d0e3b-V-768x347.jpg 768w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/myanma-school-SMIndividual-Donor-246MYM022026FID-IMG-02f14373285b2a80f415f2af7b9d0e3b-V-1536x694.jpg 1536w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/myanma-school-SMIndividual-Donor-246MYM022026FID-IMG-02f14373285b2a80f415f2af7b9d0e3b-V-1300x587.jpg 1300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> The Don Bosco Youth Center in Myanmar* added five classrooms to serve more students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Don Bosco Youth Center in Kalay, Myanmar*, was able to update and expand classrooms to create more spaces for education. With donor funding from Salesian Missions, Salesians were able to add five classrooms, which will enable them to admit more students. Kalay is located at the gate to the northern Chin State and is one of the business border towns adjacent to India. In 2021, the military took over the town, destroying everything. Salesians report that fighting happens on the outskirts of town, houses are burned down, roads are blocked and youth run away from the town for their safety. Life has become more difficult with people living well below the poverty line. With the economy down, many people are engaged in smuggling goods or enter early marriages without hope for the future. A Salesian reported, “Don Bosco Youth Center is the only boarding school for youth. Many come seek our care for education and spiritual growth. The expansion of these classrooms allows us to serve many more vulnerable and at-risk youth who have little opportunity for education.” A resident in the community, Ko Khai No, explained, “I know many youth who are taking classes at the center. Don Bosco, with its preventive system, brings positive changes for youth and their families. I am quite impressed and grateful for the Salesians for all they are doing in our community.” SOUTH SUDAN <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48275" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48275" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/south-sudan-Equality-Headgirl-addressing-SMDirector-Funded-240AES012026DIR-scaled-e1770662593149.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="281" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/south-sudan-Equality-Headgirl-addressing-SMDirector-Funded-240AES012026DIR-scaled-e1770662593149.jpg 1500w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/south-sudan-Equality-Headgirl-addressing-SMDirector-Funded-240AES012026DIR-scaled-e1770662593149-300x169.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/south-sudan-Equality-Headgirl-addressing-SMDirector-Funded-240AES012026DIR-scaled-e1770662593149-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/south-sudan-Equality-Headgirl-addressing-SMDirector-Funded-240AES012026DIR-scaled-e1770662593149-768x432.jpg 768w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/south-sudan-Equality-Headgirl-addressing-SMDirector-Funded-240AES012026DIR-scaled-e1770662593149-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/south-sudan-Equality-Headgirl-addressing-SMDirector-Funded-240AES012026DIR-scaled-e1770662593149-1300x731.jpg 1300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> St. Vincent De Paul School in South Sudan* launched gender equality initiatives thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Youth attending the St. Vincent De Paul School, run by the Salesian sisters in Gumbo, South Sudan*, have improved sanitation and access to workshops, along with a new equality club, thanks to donor funding. The funding was provided by Salesian Missions. Donor funding helped with the construction of new bathroom facilities for girls, strengthening gender equality in the school community. Dehay Company LTD, a local firm employing local workers, built the structure. The roof was then finished and a rainwater disposal system was installed, along with doors, windows, walls, flooring, ceiling, plumbing and fittings. While construction was happening, teachers implemented regular hygiene and gender equality awareness sessions. From March to September 2025, the sessions were delivered during daily school assemblies. In total, 24 awareness sessions were conducted, covering topics such as personal hygiene, hand-washing practices, oral hygiene, safe use and maintenance of toilets, menstrual health, body changes, and maintaining a clean environment at school and at home. More than 1,100 students participated in these sessions. In addition, an equality club was established and became active during the academic year. The club reached 53 students from grade 3 until grade 7. The club promoted equal participation among boys and girls in the school and strengthened gender-sensitive practices. A total of 14 leaders were appointed to motivate their peers and support the implementation of the planned program. Under the guidance of teachers, the club organized mixed sports tournaments, gender-themed debates and shared responsibilities for school duties. These activities fostered collaboration, encouraged balanced participation and promoted positive gender roles across the school community. WEST AFRICA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48276" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48276" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/west-africa-scholarships-SMIndividual-Donor-243AON012026FIDPhoto-des-boursiers-Cotonou-2024-2025.jpeg" alt="" width="500" height="377" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/west-africa-scholarships-SMIndividual-Donor-243AON012026FIDPhoto-des-boursiers-Cotonou-2024-2025.jpeg 1003w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/west-africa-scholarships-SMIndividual-Donor-243AON012026FIDPhoto-des-boursiers-Cotonou-2024-2025-300x226.jpeg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/west-africa-scholarships-SMIndividual-Donor-243AON012026FIDPhoto-des-boursiers-Cotonou-2024-2025-768x579.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Youth from 18 communities in five countries in West Africa received scholarships through donor funding from Salesian Missions. Salesians were able to provide scholarships to 325 youth thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The youth came from 18 communities in five countries in West Africa, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea Conakry, Mali* and The Gambia. The Antonio César scholarships covered schooling, supplies and support for transportation. Salesians also held awareness days to promote the importance of education for these youth, to encourage them in their studies and to prepare them for the future. These activities supported parents and Salesian confreres as well as helped schools address challenges in getting these youth to remain in school. One of the youth supported through the program was 16-year-old Nathan. He is a student at St. Jean Bosco in Cotonou, Benin. Nathan lost his father when he was young and lives with his mother who has few resources. Nathan said, “For a long time, I thought that my school journey would stop due to a lack of resources. I didn’t believe I’d be able to continue my studies, let alone be able to attend professional training. But everything changed thanks to the scholarship that I received. I was able to complete my secondary education and obtain my baccalaureate. I am now pursuing professional training with the firm desire to succeed and learn a profession and one day be able to support my family like they have supported me.” He added, “This scholarship transformed my life. It gave me hope, confidence and a real direction to follow. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the school and to all partners and benefactors who make this project possible. Thanks to you, young people like me can dream again and especially believe in a better future.” ### Sources: Photos courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) BETHLEHEM: Salesian Missions supports Salesian Bakery in providing free bread to vulnerable people MYANMAR: Don Bosco Youth Center expands classrooms thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions Salesian Missions SOUTH SUDAN: St. Vincent De Paul School launches gender equality initiatives thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions UN International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression WEST AFRICA: Donor funding from Salesian Missions provides scholarships for 325 students *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post INT’L DAY OF INNOCENT CHILDREN VICTIMS OF AGGRESSION: Salesian Missions highlights programs that provide support and education for youth at risk first appeared on MissionNewswire.
PALESTINE: Salesians launch new school in Khallet Taha for 40 students
The Salesian School in Khallet Taha, a Palestinian* community in the South Hebron Hills in the West Bank, now has 40 students attending. This is a significant milestone in a challenging environment where until recently students were forced to walk miles a day to access education. The school was built as part of the “Juzoor – A School for Freedom” project, promoted by the Salesian International Volunteering for Development (VIS). The post PALESTINE: Salesians launch new school in Khallet Taha for 40 students first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Children have safe place to study, grow (MissionNewswire) The Salesian School in Khallet Taha, a Palestinian* community in the South Hebron Hills in the West Bank, now has 40 students attending this new school. This is a significant milestone in a challenging environment where until recently students were forced to walk miles a day to access education. The school was built as part of the “Juzoor – A School for Freedom” project, promoted by the Salesian International Volunteering for Development (VIS). The project is made by possible with the help of several organizations from the Piedmont region of Italy including the Toni Lucci School of Peace in Bra, the Bra Youth Council, and the Cuneo Network for Palestine, and with the patronage from the Municipality of Bra, as well as a network of Italian and Palestinian partners. The initiative mobilized more than 500 donors, 80% of whom were families, students and small groups. The bridge between Italy and Palestine has been built on trust, responsibility and participation. A Salesian explained, “Construction began in November 2025 and took shape rapidly, becoming a powerful symbol. Salesians were building while destruction raged all around. The building comprises four classrooms, a nursery area, facilities and an internal courtyard. It’s a simple yet essential environment that provides children with a safe place to study and grow.” The Salesian continued, “Today, those classrooms are filled with voices, books and smiles. Girls and boys are sitting at their desks, lined up in the courtyard and together with their teachers. The school is an investment not only in education but in dignity, protection and hope for the future.” The project is already looking ahead, with new initiatives planned, including psychological support, pediatric care and the construction of a second school in the Yatta area. Another school, Aisha Khalil School, is already established in the Yatta district near the hills of Masafer Yatta to provide opportunity to youth who might otherwise not have access to education. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Palestine – A new school for 40 children in Khallet Taha: education and a future in the southern West Bank Salesian Missions *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post PALESTINE: Salesians launch new school in Khallet Taha for 40 students first appeared on MissionNewswire.
SIERRA LEONE: Salesian missionaries support people in prison with essential services thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
Salesian missionaries were able to support the Pademba Prison Project in 2025, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The project has successfully maintained life-saving interventions despite a critical funding shortfall and an infrastructural collapse following a 2024 prison break. The prison is located in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The post SIERRA LEONE: Salesian missionaries support people in prison with essential services thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Project includes nutrition, primary healthcare and legal protection SIERRA LEONE (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to support the Pademba Prison Project in 2025, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project has successfully maintained life-saving interventions despite a critical funding shortfall and an infrastructural collapse following a 2024 prison break. The prison is located in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The project reached 225 vulnerable inmates with integrated support services like nutrition, primary healthcare and legal protection. In addition, 1,245 inmates benefited indirectly from access to general medical and dental services. The primary group supported as part of this project included youth and adult male inmates, particularly those who were malnourished, chronically ill, psychologically distressed, or in prolonged pre-trial detention. The project focused on survival and basic dignity in an overcrowded environment. Inmates received nutritionally balanced meals, resulting in visible improvements in physical strength and weight gain. Bi-monthly assessments were conducted. Notably, 11 cases of acute malnutrition were detected and treated, preventing potential fatalities. Monthly distribution of soap, toothpaste and sanitary products, combined with six educational sessions, led to a marked reduction in skin infections. With the prison hospital non-functional since 2024, the project became a primary healthcare provider including medical and dental clinics, essential medications, and first aid access. Three bulk deliveries of essential drugs reduced treatment delays by 70%. The first aid allowed for the immediate management of minor injuries in 80% of cases. Salesians also provided psychosocial well-being interventions focused on reducing the trauma and aggression inherent in high-security environments. This support led to a 40-45% reduction in self-harm and aggressive behavior among participants. Six workshops on stress and anger management increased the willingness of inmates to seek mental health support by 50%. In addition, Salesians held five on-site legal clinics. Of the 90 cases that received intensified follow-up, 80% saw improved legal outcomes, including dismissed charges or expedited hearings. Targeted intervention for five youth ensured they were treated under child-sensitive legal procedures. Recognizing that social ties prevent recidivism, social workers successfully reconnected 125 inmates with their families through home visits and community outreach. Before benefiting from the Pademba Prison Project, Ibrahim Kanu faced severe challenges. He describes his situation as extremely difficult, marked by a lack of access to basic necessities such as food and clothing, as well as limited emotional and social support. When he first learned about the Pademba Prison Project, he saw it as an opportunity to rebuild his life. He believed the initiative was designed to help individuals like him transition out of prison and receive the support needed to reintegrate into society. He noted, “My immediate needs were addressed, and I received guidance and encouragement that helped restore my sense of dignity and direction. Many of my earlier challenges have been significantly eased. The support I received not only improved my living conditions but also gave me renewed hope for the future.” ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – Sierra Leone The post SIERRA LEONE: Salesian missionaries support people in prison with essential services thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
KENYA: Don Bosco Tech Africa hosts bootcamp for electricians
Don Bosco Tech Africa organized a 10-day bootcamp for electricians at its center in Karen, Kenya. The education was for youth who fall under the category of NEET (not involved in any education or employment training). This course is part of a program designed for domestic electricians and developed jointly by Don Bosco Tech Africa and Festo Didactic. The post KENYA: Don Bosco Tech Africa hosts bootcamp for electricians first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Course addresses need for technical skills relevant to labor market KENYA (MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Tech Africa organized a 10-day bootcamp for electricians at its center in Karen, Kenya. The education was for youth who fall under the category of NEET (not involved in any education or employment training). This course is part of a program designed for domestic electricians and developed jointly by Don Bosco Tech Africa and Festo Didactic. The program aims to address the growing need for technical skills relevant to the labor market, while also expanding opportunities for youth, who often face significant barriers to accessing education and employment. The course consisted of seven online learning modules and a final module focused on practical education. Ten trainees took part in the intensive course, acquiring the basic skills needed to start working in the electrical sector under the supervision of an experienced electrician. The sessions covered safety in electrical workshops, the identification and use of tools and accessories, cable stripping and making connections, the assembly of distribution boards, circuit wiring, connecting sockets, preparing electrical and wiring diagrams, the operation of home automation systems, and the installation of basic solar power systems. A Salesian explained, “To reinforce their practical experience, participants also visited a construction site where they observed real-world electrical installation procedures. This experience enabled them to link classroom learning with what’s happening in the field while deepening their understanding of workplace standards and professional expectations.” This program is one of many initiatives, both online and in-person, which will continue to be developed to broaden access to skills development and provide a growing number of youth with practical, work-relevant skills. The Salesian added, “The successful completion of the bootcamp reflects Don Bosco Tech Africa’s ongoing investment in innovative and inclusive technical and vocational education that meets the needs of the labor market. By equipping youth with practical skills and self-confidence, the initiative also helps to improve employability, self-sufficiency and long-term socio-economic inclusion.” According to the World Bank, more than 7.8 million people in Kenya are living in extreme poverty, with the majority in rural areas. There are approximately 6.6 million people living on less than $1.90 a day in rural regions, while 1.1 million extremely poor people live in urban areas. Overall, the poverty incidence declined in recent years, but at a lower rate in urban areas than rural ones. Youth living in Kenya’s larger cities like Nairobi are at risk for exploitation, forced labor and other abuses. Few attend the later stages of school as compared to those living in Kenya’s more rural areas. The few schools serving this community are beyond the financial means of most families. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Kenya – An intensive course for electricians: creating new pathways for vulnerable young people Salesian Missions – Kenya World Bank – Kenya The post KENYA: Don Bosco Tech Africa hosts bootcamp for electricians first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ZAMBIA: 3 Salesian communities receive donor funding for solar backup thanks to Salesian Missions
Salesian missionaries received donor funding for solar backup for three communities thanks to Salesian Missions. The Salesian communities are in Kabwe, Zambia; Nkhotakota, Malawi; and Hwange, Zimbabwe*. The post ZAMBIA: 3 Salesian communities receive donor funding for solar backup thanks to Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Project improves energy reliability ZAMBIA (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries received donor funding for solar backup for three communities thanks to Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The Salesian communities are in Kabwe, Zambia; Nkhotakota, Malawi; and Hwange, Zimbabwe*. The new solar power has improved energy reliability and reduced reliance on grid power and generators. Each community has five Salesians and the novitiate community in Zambia has around 30 novices. Lay staff and youth who access the Salesian communities also benefited. The solar backup systems installed consist of an inverter, three batteries and eight solar panels. Socket outlets and key electrical points were connected, enabling immediate use. Local operation and maintenance training was provided, and maintenance partnerships were established to support long-term functionality. In addition, a scalable model with clear governance, financing and replication pathways was developed for neighboring communities. Brother Kenny, in Nkhotakota, was responsible for implementing the solar project. The community environment is strongly influenced by fishing, small-scale farming and trade along local routes. People rely on crops such as maize and groundnuts, as well as fishing, fish processing, and informal markets. Terrain can be uneven with flood-prone areas near the lake, making transport and services difficult during rainy seasons. Those living in the region have limited access to reliable electricity, high energy costs, frequent power shortages, and dependence on firewood and charcoal. Poor infrastructure and scattered settlements increase energy insecurity. Brother Kenny explained, “The solar system helps power essential facilities and activities, ensuring that daily operations continue even during power interruptions. By adopting solar power, the center is not only improving its operational efficiency but also demonstrating environmental responsibility and sustainability. Overall, the project plays an important role in supporting the mission of the institution by creating a more stable and sustainable environment for staff, students, and the wider community.” ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – Zambia UNICEF – Zambia *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post ZAMBIA: 3 Salesian communities receive donor funding for solar backup thanks to Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
GLOBAL DAY OF PARENTS: Salesian Missions highlights education and support for parents who are vulnerable
Salesian Missions joins humanitarian organizations and the international community in celebrating June 1 as the Global Day of Parents. Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, the day honors parents throughout the world and provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents for their commitment to children. The post GLOBAL DAY OF PARENTS: Salesian Missions highlights education and support for parents who are vulnerable first appeared on MissionNewswire.
June 1 honors parents and caregivers (MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and the international community in celebrating June 1 as the Global Day of Parents. Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, the day honors parents throughout the world and provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents for their commitment to children. The United Nations has noted, “Like no one else, parents and caregivers shape the experiences that build their children’s brains and set them on a path toward healthy development. Parenting is too big a job for parents and caregivers to do alone. They need support to give their children the best possible start in life.” In their work in more than 130 countries around the globe, Salesian missionaries provide support to the parents of the children in their programs. Salesians want to ensure that youth have a stable environment and that their needs are met. They do this in their schools and centers by helping parents succeed. Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, said, “Salesians don’t just provide education for youth. They aim to take care of the whole family. Whether it’s providing education so young single mothers can learn a skill for employment, providing feeding programs to ensure children have at least one meal a day at school or providing health clinics, Salesians keep a focus on parents and caregivers, ensuring their needs are met too.” In honor of the Global Day of Parents, Salesian Missions is proud to share Salesian programs around the globe that provide support for parents. BETHLEHEM <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48215" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48215" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bethlehem-bakeryANS_04-04-23.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bethlehem-bakeryANS_04-04-23.jpg 655w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bethlehem-bakeryANS_04-04-23-300x200.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Bethlehem-bakeryANS_04-04-23-128x86.jpg 128w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> In Bethlehem, Salesian Missions supported the Salesian Bakery in providing free bread to vulnerable people. Salesian Missions has helped support the Salesian Bakery, a historical institution in Bethlehem. With the support provided in part by Salesian Missions, the bakery was able to provide free bread to 111 vulnerable families and eight institutions. A Salesian explained, “The Salesian Bakery is serving people in situations of vulnerability either directly or through other institutions who serve orphans, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Many in the region are facing economic hardship during this time of conflict. This project also enabled the Salesians to pay the salaries of the bakery staff and cover part of the bakery’s running costs, such as the baking materials, water, and electricity.” The families are selected by the Salesians with the support of the Arab Orthodox Benevolent Society, Women Arab Union in Beit Sahour and Jemima Institution in Beit Jala. The eight institutions supported include the Franciscan Boys House, L’Arche Daycare Center for children and youth with disabilities, Home of Peace, Ahdaf for elderly daycare, Antonian Society Elderly House, St. Nicholas Elderly House, Al-Basma Center for people with disabilities, and Jemima, which cares for children with disabilities. ETHIOPIA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48216" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48216" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ethiopia-food-SM-SMOIP-105GIKETH2025jpg-1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="282" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ethiopia-food-SM-SMOIP-105GIKETH2025jpg-1.jpg 1000w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ethiopia-food-SM-SMOIP-105GIKETH2025jpg-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ethiopia-food-SM-SMOIP-105GIKETH2025jpg-1-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> More than 2,500 families in Ethiopia received nutritional support thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions and Feed My Starving Children. More than 2,500 families across eight communities in Ethiopia* had access to better nutrition thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions and Feed My Starving Children. The families have been impacted by the ongoing strife in the Tigray region of the country. Salesian missionaries have been a crucial lifeline for war-affected people in Tigray, operating primarily through established communities in Mekelle, Adigrat, Adwa and Shire. Salesians address immediate humanitarian needs while also focusing on long-term recovery and resilience. Salesians have also organized and distributed food baskets containing essentials like wheat, rice and oil to tens of thousands of internally displaced persons and families facing food shortage-like conditions. They are running programs for the most vulnerable, especially malnourished children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, providing high-nutrient food like fortified flour to combat acute malnutrition. They are also providing non-food items like blankets, mattresses and other items. With infrastructure broken, Salesians have taken on projects to restore clean water access. They are currently working to repair damaged wells and boreholes in order to provide a more sustainable water source for local communities. In addition, Salesians are providing education to children and skills training for older youth and adults. A Salesian explained, “Education is at the heart of what we do in these communities. Salesians have been instrumental in getting schools functional again by providing books and pens, repairing damaged classrooms, and paying incentive salaries for teachers who otherwise wouldn’t work. For children who have missed years of schooling, we also provide informal classes for internally displaced people, setting up temporary learning spaces to help them catch up. For older youth and adults, we provide access to skills training with short technical and vocational courses and startup kits to help them generate a small income.” RWANDA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48217" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48217" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/rwanda-graduates-agriculture-ANS7-1-25.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="354" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/rwanda-graduates-agriculture-ANS7-1-25.jpg 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/rwanda-graduates-agriculture-ANS7-1-25-300x212.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/rwanda-graduates-agriculture-ANS7-1-25-768x544.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Young mothers and youth who are vulnerable graduated from an agriculture program at Don Bosco Muhazi Vocational Training School in Rwanda. Young women have graduated from Don Bosco Muhazi Vocational Training School in Rwanda after a six-month course in agriculture supported by the Gender Matters for Green TVET project. The project focused on education for young mothers and other youth who are vulnerable. The graduation ceremony brought together students and teaching staff united in the power of second chances and empowerment through education. A Salesian noted, “The graduation represented a historic milestone for many young mothers and youth graduates, particularly those who overcame enormous personal and social challenges to pursue a formation in sustainable agriculture.” Don Bosco Muhazi Vocational Training School educates 261 youth aged 16-23. In the district 22.0% of people these ages previously attended school and have left for some reason, 75.2% are currently attending school and 2.8% have never attended secondary school. TIMOR-LESTE <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48218" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48218" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/timor-leste-food-security-SM-SMOIP-–-110GIKTIM2025-1.png" alt="" width="500" height="333" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/timor-leste-food-security-SM-SMOIP-–-110GIKTIM2025-1.png 1008w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/timor-leste-food-security-SM-SMOIP-–-110GIKTIM2025-1-300x200.png 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/timor-leste-food-security-SM-SMOIP-–-110GIKTIM2025-1-768x512.png 768w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/timor-leste-food-security-SM-SMOIP-–-110GIKTIM2025-1-128x86.png 128w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Schools, centers and orphanages in Timor-Leste received nutritious food through a Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger partnership. Youth attending Salesian schools, orphanages and youth centers in Timor-Leste had access to better nutrition through a partnership between Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger. In the first half of 2025, Rise Against Hunger meals fed 1,766 youth across 24 centers around the country. Dircia, a 17-year-old young woman, lives at the Franciscan Sister’s Youth Center and Boarding House in Tibar in the Liquica District. Liquica is a coastal and mountainous municipality in the northern part of Timor-Leste, with a population of 75,000. The local economy is based on agriculture with coffee, red bananas, cassava and livestock as key products. Farmers face challenges in accessing markets due to poor infrastructure and terrible roads. Dircia had nine siblings, with two passing away when they were children due to malnutrition. Her mother passed away after delivering Dircia’s youngest brother. The siblings were sent to different youth centers and orphanages. She and her siblings all have experienced better nutrition through Rise Against Hunger meals. Dircia is thankful for the Rise Against Hunger meals and said that they have taught her about taking care of others’ well-being first. She promises to study hard because she wants a good job in the future to improve her life and be of service to others. ### Sources: BETHLEHEM: Salesian Missions supports Salesian Bakery in providing free bread to vulnerable people/ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ETHIOPIA: More than 2,500 families receive nutritional support thanks to partnership between Salesian Missions and Feed My Starving Children/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) RWANDA: Young mothers, vulnerable youth graduate from agriculture program/ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) Salesian Missions TIMOR-LESTE: 24 schools, centers and orphanages receive food through Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger partnership/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) UN Global Parents Day *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post GLOBAL DAY OF PARENTS: Salesian Missions highlights education and support for parents who are vulnerable first appeared on MissionNewswire.
PORTUGAL: Students participate in music project with local prison
Salesian students from the Salesian School in Évora, Portugal, collaborated with inmates at Évora Prison to launch the "Beyond the Mistake" project, a unique educational initiative that finds its common ground in music. The project, developed as part of the Catholic Moral and Religious Education curriculum, is now in its second year. The post PORTUGAL: Students participate in music project with local prison first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Project combines Christian values with social inclusion (MissionNewswire) Salesian students from the Salesian School in Évora, Portugal, collaborated with inmates at Évora Prison to launch the “Beyond the Mistake” project, a unique educational initiative that finds its common ground in music. The project, developed as part of the Catholic Moral and Religious Education curriculum, is now in its second year. During the project, participants met in online sessions and face-to-face rehearsals, working together to create lyrics and songs which were then performed in the school auditorium. The event was attended by students from other classes and representatives of the two institutions, Father David Teixeira, director of the Salesians of Évora, and Paula Ramos, director of the Évora Prison. The project also had the collaboration of Artur Emídio, a teacher and music producer and brother of one of the inmates, who contributed to the adaptation and creation of the musical arrangements. A Salesian said, “The Évora Prison welcomed this collaboration, as it represents an opportunity to reach out to the local community and works with the prison population. For the Salesian educational community, the initiative represents a journey of encounter, learning and responsibility, in which music becomes a language of relationship, sharing and reconstruction.” As highlighted by Carlos Capelas, a teacher of Catholic Moral and Religious Education, this is a unique project, combining Christian values with social inclusion. Fr. Teixeira recalled that in Turin, Italy, Don Bosco promoted meetings with youth who were deprived of their liberty, always believing in their worth and their future. Salesian schools and centers educate youth who are poor and disadvantaged across Portugal. According to the World Bank there are close to 2.6 million people living below the poverty line in Portugal, 487,000 of whom are under the age of 18. The country is one of the most unequal countries in Europe as far as wealth distribution. Wealthy citizens earn five times the rate of income than those living in poverty. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Portugal – Students from the Salesian school in Évora and inmates at the prison brought together by music and education Salesian Missions World Bank – Portugal The post PORTUGAL: Students participate in music project with local prison first appeared on MissionNewswire.
INDIA: Salesian missionaries have new chapel in Palashguri thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
Salesian missionaries have a new chapel in Palashguri, a small village in the Baksa district within the state of Assam, India. The chapel was made possible thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. More than 2,550 people attended the chapel blessing and inauguration, followed by a fellowship meal together. The post INDIA: Salesian missionaries have new chapel in Palashguri thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
More than 2,550 people attend chapel blessing INDIA (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have a new chapel in Palashguri, a small village in the Baksa district within the state of Assam, India. The chapel was made possible thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. More than 2,550 people attended the chapel blessing and inauguration, followed by a fellowship meal together. The work included building the foundation, walls, and plastering, as well as roofing and windows. The ceiling, doors and tiling work followed. Later, the altar was designed, and electrical work for lights and fans was completed. A Salesian said, “The people are happy that they have a place to pray together. The community becomes stronger day by day and will have their own prayer services in the chapel, especially on Friday adoration, Saturday rosary and Sunday community service.” One of the parishioners is Innocent Basumatary. She noted, “The village is located in the foothills of Bhutan. We can see the Bhutan mountains from the village. The people of the village are poor. They are daily laborers working in the fields and tea gardens. Everyone is happy with the new chapel. They feel strong as a community coming together to pray and spend their time together as a family. They want to grow stronger in their faith.” Much of the village lacks clean water access and electricity. The goal for the community is to be able to develop both in the future to make life easier and more sustainable for the people. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – India World Bank – India The post INDIA: Salesian missionaries have new chapel in Palashguri thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ECUADOR: Salesians offer support to 260 local pastoral workers in Achuar communities thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
Salesian missionaries had the funding for support for Indigenous ministers, who are among the Achuar Indigenous population of Ecuador and Peru. The donor funding came from Salesian Missions. There were 260 local pastoral workers who took part in the training, 182 of whom are already active as ministers in their communities. The post ECUADOR: Salesians offer support to 260 local pastoral workers in Achuar communities thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Ministers from 50 communities in Amazon rainforest ECUADOR (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries had the funding to support Indigenous ministers, who are among the Achuar Indigenous population of Ecuador and Peru. The donor funding came from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. There were 260 local pastoral workers who took part in the training, 182 of whom are already active as ministers in their communities. The project was developed at the Achuar Intervicarial Ministerial Training Center, an initiative that started in 2018. The training was held in a border area between Ecuador and Peru. As a result, Salesians were able to strengthen religious support in the Amazon, allowing communities to live their faith without moving away from their socio-cultural reality and worldview. The training was carried out through intensive face-to-face workshops along with individual and distance study while the ministers carried out work in their communities. Periodic support was provided by assigned advisory ministers, who visited the communities. The participating ministers were from 50 communities located in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador and Peru. Their livelihoods depend on hunting, fishing and agriculture. Mobility is one of the biggest challenges in the area, as access to the communities is only possible by plane, by river or by walking through the dense jungle. Father Agustinus Domingos Togo, an Indonesian Salesian missionary, has been serving the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest for almost 11 years alongside the Achuar people. He said, “It has been a blessing for me to be sent to this land that I consider sacred. Here, I have discovered that the Gospel is already rooted in culture, in its values, in its way of living and understanding life. The mission we carry out follows the spirit of the Second Vatican Council to evangelize without imposing, walking alongside people, learning from them and sharing life.” Fr. Togo added, “Currently, we have more Achuar ministers, including 11 married permanent deacons, who are the heart of the church in the jungle. We priests are few, so the mission depends deeply on the committed laity, catechists and ministers who support the faith in their communities. I am deeply grateful for the support of donors, who not only finance activities, but make it possible for the Achuar people to continue growing in faith, organization and hope, building a better future from their own identity.” ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – Ecuador UNICEF – Ecuador The post ECUADOR: Salesians offer support to 260 local pastoral workers in Achuar communities thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Salesian Communication School PLUS graduates 73 youth
Salesian Communication School PLUS, located in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, held its fourth graduation ceremony for 73 youth. The event reaffirmed the Salesian commitment to providing a holistic education for future leaders in the communication field. The post DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Salesian Communication School PLUS graduates 73 youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Young leaders to be communicators in schools, parishes and youth centers DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (MissionNewswire) Salesian Communication School PLUS, located in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, held its fourth graduation ceremony for 73 youth. The event reaffirmed the Salesian commitment to providing a holistic education for future leaders in the communication field. With this fourth graduation, the Salesian Communication School PLUS has trained a total of 299 youth, establishing itself as a key training initiative for young leaders serving as communicators in schools, parishes and youth centers. Youth study subjects like storytelling, strategic communication, branding, ethics, audiovisual narrative and digital ecosystems. They also strengthen their skills to communicate with depth, responsibility and creativity. In his address, Father Juan Pablo Abreu, provincial delegate for social communication, highlighted the mission now undertaken by the graduates. He told them, “You have what our communities need.” Rosaura Daniela Guzmán, representing the 73 graduates, called for communication to be lived as a service. She said, “Let us continue to communicate with purpose, ethics and passion. Let us continue to be voices that build, unite and transform.” The graduation ceremony included a Mass presided over by Father José Pastor Ramírez, provincial, who urged youth to deepen their vocation to communication. He said, “Have the courage to move from the superficial to the essential.” Salesian Communication School PLUS has been established as a space that promotes communication with a clear identity, capable of educating, evangelizing and transforming in harmony with Don Bosco’s charism. The graduates represent a generation of communicators called not only to inform, but to build meaning, community and hope. Through this program, the Salesian Province of the Antilles reaffirms its commitment to training communicators who, through their talent, respond to the current needs of the church and society, interpreting communication as a true vocation of service. Nearly half of youth under the age of 18 live in poverty in the Dominican Republic, according to UNICEF. Although the country’s economy has been steadily improving, people who are poor still struggle to get enough food to eat and to access safe drinking water and adequate housing. Only 30% of youth finish primary school and only 18% finish secondary school on time. Schools are in poor shape with nearly half having no access to safe drinking water and more than 60% lacking adequate bathroom facilities. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Dominican Republic – Salesians award diplomas to 73 new communicators at the end of the fourth cycle of the “Salesian Communication School PLUS” Salesian Missions UNICEF – Dominican Republic The post DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Salesian Communication School PLUS graduates 73 youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.
INDIA: Mawiong Chapel in Rangblang Parish made possible thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
Salesian missionaries constructed the Mawiong Chapel in the Rangblang Parish, located in the West Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya, India, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The post INDIA: Mawiong Chapel in Rangblang Parish made possible thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Chapel strengthens sense of unity among villagers INDIA (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries constructed the Mawiong Chapel in the Rangblang Parish, located in the West Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya, India, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Mawiong Rangblang is a rural village where most families depend on farming and daily wage labor for their livelihood. The community faces several challenges due to its remote location and limited resources. For many years, the Catholic faithful did not have a proper place where they could gather regularly for prayer and religious celebrations. The completion of the Mawiong Chapel was made possible by the dedication of skilled workers and the continuous support of the local Catholic community. Through this project, the chapel was constructed and furnished with the essentials needed for liturgical celebrations. These include the altar, seating pews, basic liturgical items for the celebration of Holy Mass, a crucifix behind the altar, two life size statues on either side of the crucifix and other items. The furnishings beautified the chapel and prepared it for regular liturgical celebrations. A Salesian said, “The new chapel serves as a spiritual center where families can come together to deepen their faith. The chapel has strengthened the sense of unity among the villagers and has become a place where important moments of faith such as baptisms, prayer services and community gatherings are celebrated. For the people, the chapel is not only a physical structure but also a symbol of hope, faith and the presence of the church in their village.” Sister Joyceline Lyngkhoi expressed her joy on seeing people coming together and actively participating in the construction of the chapel. She recalled, “Before this chapel it was difficult for the community to gather in such a small place for prayer, which made it difficult for everyone to participate fully in religious celebrations. There is great joy in seeing the chapel completed. We all sincerely appreciate the donors whose support made the project possible, and we will continue to keep them in our prayers.” ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – India World Bank – India The post INDIA: Mawiong Chapel in Rangblang Parish made possible thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ITALY: Salesian project supports more than 400 youth in sports programming, life skills
Salesian Youth Sports Clubs in Rome, Italy, have been operating the “GOAL. Scoring in Sport and in Life” project at Salesian oratories and educational centers. The 24-month project works to engage youth in sports and teach them valuable skills. The post ITALY: Salesian project supports more than 400 youth in sports programming, life skills first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Educational network helps identify, respond to local needs ITALY (MissionNewswire) Salesian Youth Sports Clubs in Rome, Italy, have been operating the “GOAL. Scoring in Sport and in Life” project at Salesian oratories and educational centers. The 24-month project works to engage youth in sports and teach them valuable skills. The project is funded by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies and is implemented thanks to Salesians for Social Work and other associations. GOAL involves more than 400 youth, aged 12-19, as well as 50 coaches and educators, and 19 sports and educational organizations. It reaches around 3,000 people through events, promotional activities, and community engagement initiatives with the aim of opening up new paths for youth. A Salesian noted, “Sports activities, after-school clubs, film forums, coaching workshops, educational support, and adult education intertwine in a single pathway, capable of combating educational poverty, reducing inequalities, and fostering well-being.” A central element is the building of a solid educational network capable of identifying local needs and responding in a coordinated and sustained manner, thanks in part to the presence of the Salesian network across the whole country. The Salesian explained, “Thanks to the shared commitment of all the partner organizations, GOAL continues to generate skills, relationships and replicable educational models within local communities, strengthening the places involved as true hubs of community and inclusion. The project becomes an avenue where youth learn to look within themselves and share with those around them, finding their own direction in life.” Salesian programs across Italy help youth who are unable to attend school and others who drop out to work at the few jobs available to them. A growing number of children work as laborers on farms and others have turned to the sex trade to help support their families. Those in poverty often live without adequate shelter, hot water, regular meals and health care. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Italy – “GOAL. Scoring in sport and in life”: when sport educates and builds community Salesian Missions – Italy World Bank – Italy The post ITALY: Salesian project supports more than 400 youth in sports programming, life skills first appeared on MissionNewswire.
BRAZIL: Salesian-run health center provides flu vaccines for people who are homeless
The Salesian-run Zatti Saúde Health Center, through its Street Clinic Program, has administered the flu vaccine to 38 people who are homeless in the municipality of Araçatuba, Brazil. With the aim of expanding access to vaccination, the center’s staff, in collaboration with the Municipal Health Department, carried out checks in the neighborhoods of Santana, Paraíso, Centro, Iporã, Jussara, São Paulo, Saudade and Nova York to identify people eligible for the vaccination campaign. The post BRAZIL: Salesian-run health center provides flu vaccines for people who are homeless first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Street Clinic Program brings care directly to people in need BRAZIL (MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run Zatti Saúde Health Center, through its Street Clinic Program, has administered the flu vaccine to 38 people who are homeless in the municipality of Araçatuba, Brazil. With the aim of expanding access to vaccination, the center’s staff, in collaboration with the Municipal Health Department, carried out checks in the neighborhoods of Santana, Paraíso, Centro, Iporã, Jussara, São Paulo, Saudade and Nova York to identify people eligible for the vaccination campaign. A Salesian explained, “The main objective of the initiative was to eliminate the geographical and social barriers that often hinder this section of the population’s access to traditional health care services. The Street Clinic is a strategy aimed at expanding access to health care services for the homeless. The teams are multidisciplinary and operate on a mobile basis, bringing care directly to where those in need are.” Salesian missionaries offer more than 150 medical clinics and hospitals in mostly rural areas around the globe that serve a wide range of medical care needs. In many countries with Salesian programs, dental care and other necessary health services are provided to youth and their families who might otherwise have no access to health care. Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, said, “Salesians care about the health of those we serve. Salesian medical clinics meet a range of health needs from providing preventive health screening to addressing ongoing health issues and ensuring people have the medication they need. This work is especially important in communities where there are few resources and people are at risk.” Just over 15% of Brazilians live in poverty, with the majority living in the rural northeast of the country, according to the World Bank. While Brazil is making positive changes, there are still large gaps between the poor and the rich, and issues of income inequality and social exclusion remain at the root of poverty. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Brazil – “Zatti Saúde” launches a vaccination campaign for the homeless Salesian Missions – Brazil World Bank – Brazil The post BRAZIL: Salesian-run health center provides flu vaccines for people who are homeless first appeared on MissionNewswire.
INDIA: Nongkaniang village has new chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
The Don Bosco Chapel, located in Nongkaniang, a village in Meghalaya, India, has been completed thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. An older chapel was used as the foundation to expand and build a larger, newer chapel. The post INDIA: Nongkaniang village has new chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Entire village contributes labor, support INDIA (MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Chapel, located in Nongkaniang, a village in Meghalaya, India, has been completed thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. An older chapel was used as the foundation to expand and build a larger, newer chapel. A Salesian explained, “This delicate work required patience and coordination, as the old structure held years of memories and prayer for the community. This process required careful dismantling and alignment so that the old structure could be safely joined with the new construction. The work was carried out by skilled laborers, including masons, welders and carpenters. Their efforts were consistently supported by six to eight volunteers from the village who assisted on a regular basis.” The entire village community came together to contribute their labor and support. This collective involvement reflected a deep sense of ownership, cooperation and shared commitment toward the successful completion of the chapel. The Salesian added, “The completion of the chapel brought deep satisfaction and pride to the community. The chapel now serves as a central place where the community gathers as one family to worship and celebrate their faith. It has strengthened their sense of unity, belonging and connection with the wider church. As a visible sign of faith, the chapel stands as a lasting spiritual anchor for the people of Nongkaniang and will continue to inspire and guide future generations. In gratitude for the support received, the faithful have committed themselves to remember their benefactors in prayer whenever they gather in the chapel.” Trephina Nonglang and Patricia Wanniang, two members of the community, shared that the chapel has always been a dream for the people of Nongkaniang. They recalled how the community prayed for many years, hoping for a place where they could gather without fear of weather or a shortage of space. During the construction, they witnessed the unity of the village, as men, women, and youth came forward to contribute in whatever way they could, whether through labor, materials, or preparing meals for workers. They both expressed deep gratitude to Salesian Missions and its donors as well as Father Genesius Wanniang for making this dream a reality. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – India World Bank – India The post INDIA: Nongkaniang village has new chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
EL SALVADOR: Donor funding from Salesian Missions helps improve employment training for women at 6 Salesian institutions
Salesian missionaries in El Salvador had the donor funding to improve technical and vocational education for young women, aged 16-35, thanks in part to Salesian Missions. The project, “Education as an Engine for the Integration of Young People in Vulnerable Situations”, is part of the Skilling El Salvador 2022–2026 Program and was carried out at six Salesian institutions. The project also received technical support and funding from VIA Don Bosco Belgium and the Directorate-General for Development of the Belgian Government. The post EL SALVADOR: Donor funding from Salesian Missions helps improve employment training for women at 6 Salesian institutions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
974 women graduate, exceeding goal of all institutions EL SALVADOR (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in El Salvador had the donor funding to improve technical and vocational education for young women, aged 16-35, thanks in part to Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project, “Education as an Engine for the Integration of Young People in Vulnerable Situations”, is part of the Skilling El Salvador 2022–2026 Program and was carried out at six Salesian institutions. The project also received technical support and funding from VIA Don Bosco Belgium and the Directorate-General for Development of the Belgian Government. The goal for the four-year project aimed to improve training through expanding and diversifying the courses offered. Twelve new short courses and four longer courses were offered. These new courses taught nontraditional technical skills for women. The Salesian institutions also reviewed policies on gender, the environment, human resources and risk management. Progress was made in reducing the environmental footprint of the workshops, including reforestation campaigns and optimization of waste management. Finally, Salesians aimed to ensure a smooth transition from coursework to the labor market. The Labor Intermediation Offices supported graduates in their transition, consolidating 166 agreements with companies. A key milestone in 2025 was the first Salesian Employability Congress, which brought together representatives from the business, education and social sectors to address the challenges of today’s labor market. The young women who enrolled in the coursework were from situations of socioeconomic vulnerability from areas with limited access to quality technical training and high unemployment rates. They came from families with incomes below the poverty line, and many were at risk of irregular migration or recruitment by criminal groups. These women face additional barriers to employment with added responsibilities at home, gaps in access to technical training and lower participation in the formal labor market. As a result of the project, Salesians were able to increase the number of women graduates. During the four years, 1,169 women were enrolled and 974 graduated, exceeding the goal of all six institutions. One of the women who benefited was Josseline Beatriz García de Aguilar, who is from Chalchuapa, El Salvador. García de Aguilar described a life defined by the tension between deep family love and the harsh reality of economic scarcity. In a town where traditional roles often limit women’s options, she lived in a state of extreme vulnerability. She said, “I remember a day that marked a turning point in my life. It was a day that I couldn’t even afford to buy milk for my son. That feeling of helplessness is a burden that only those who have experienced it can understand.” Her primary motivation to gain employment skills was the survival and dignity of her children. Initially, her goal was simply to change her immediate reality, but it evolved into a desire for professional independence and mastery of a craft. García de Aguilar noted, “I decided to enroll with a heart full of doubts but hands ready to work. Knowing that I had that support made me value every minute of training. It was the perfect boost.” The project directly eased her financial burden by providing free training and materials. It also provided the soft skills that allowed her to move from home-based selling to formal entrepreneurship. She added, “The workshops not only taught me a trade. They gave me back my dignity. Today, we have two stalls in the Chalchuapa Municipal Market, a home delivery service and three people who help us.” Looking ahead, García de Aguilar aims to scale her micro-business further, using social media for wholesale advertising. Close to 22% of El Salvador’s population lives in poverty, according to the World Bank. Youth in El Salvador are confronted not only with poverty but with instability, high levels of violence and inadequate access to educational opportunities. Despite ranking high for economic indicators, the need for practical education in El Salvador is more important than ever with 12% of youth aged 15-24 unemployed and 41% underemployed. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – El Salvador World Bank – El Salvador The post EL SALVADOR: Donor funding from Salesian Missions helps improve employment training for women at 6 Salesian institutions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
DR CONGO: Salesians collaborate on project to bring humanitarian relief to displaced people in North Kivu
The “Kesho Bora (Rebuilding Hope): Opportunities and Dignity for the People of North Kivu” project is aiding families that have been displaced due to the conflicts in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo*. Hunger, insecurity and extreme vulnerability characterize daily life not only for thousands of displaced and returning families, but also for the host communities that are often without sufficient resources to meet their own basic needs. The post DR CONGO: Salesians collaborate on project to bring humanitarian relief to displaced people in North Kivu first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Response combines humanitarian assistance, protection and support for recovery DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (MissionNewswire) The “Kesho Bora (Rebuilding Hope): Opportunities and Dignity for the People of North Kivu” project is aiding families that have been displaced due to the conflicts in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo*. Hunger, insecurity and extreme vulnerability characterize daily life not only for thousands of displaced and returning families, but also for the host communities that are often without sufficient resources to meet their own basic needs. The new initiative is funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and implemented in collaboration with local Salesians, the Salesian-run International Volunteering for Development (VIS), Friends of Children, the local organization Kimbilio and the Jesuit Refugee Service. This collaboration enhances effectiveness, expands geographical coverage and ensures coordinated implementation on the ground. The project, which will run for 18 months, aims to sustainably improve living conditions and promote the socio-economic reintegration of internally displaced persons and host communities in the city of Goma and in the territories of Nyiragongo and Masisi. It provides an integrated response combining humanitarian assistance, protection and support for recovery. The project is supporting vulnerable families by providing essential goods and starter kits for income-generating activities. This will enable people who are displaced to meet their basic needs and work toward greater stability. Vocational training programs in tailoring, hairdressing, cooking, and baking equip youth and adults with practical skills, helping them to generate income and strengthen their self-reliance. A Salesian noted, “Given that youth are particularly affected by the crisis, the project is organizing educational, recreational, and psychosocial activities in residential and community centers in Goma, Nyiragongo, and Masisi. These safe spaces offer opportunities for learning, play, and emotional recovery, while fostering a renewed sense of security and belonging.” The project places emphasis on the protection of women and girls, who are often exposed to violence. Through confidential counseling, the distribution of hygiene kits and awareness-raising campaigns, it helps to prevent gender-based violence and support survivors. At the same time, community initiatives promote positive male role models who respect gender equality, encouraging lasting social change. The project is also promoting community dialogue by creating spaces where people can meet, exchange ideas and resolve disputes peacefully. This approach helps to rebuild trust between communities, an essential foundation for long-term stability and collective resilience. The Salesian concluded, “By supporting displaced families, returnees and host communities, ‘Kesho Bora’ goes beyond simply responding to immediate needs. It offers dignity, security and opportunity to the most vulnerable populations in North Kivu. In a place where new challenges arise every day, the project demonstrates how well-coordinated humanitarian action can transform lives and strengthen a community’s capacity to rebuild.” Salesian missionaries have been working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for more than 100 years, ensuring that the most vulnerable children are not forgotten. Salesian primary and secondary schools and programs lay the foundation for early learning, while Salesian trade, vocational and agricultural programs offer many youth the opportunity for a stable and productive future. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) via VIS ANS – Democratic Republic of the Congo – The “Kesho Bora” project restores hope to families affected by the conflict Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in these countries were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post DR CONGO: Salesians collaborate on project to bring humanitarian relief to displaced people in North Kivu first appeared on MissionNewswire.
PAKISTAN: Salesian missionaries had donor funding to support boarding students thanks to Salesian Missions
Salesian missionaries operating a hostel for youth, located in Lahore, Pakistan, had donor funding to help support boarding students. The funding is from Salesian Missions. The funds covered food costs for 160 youth, 10 more than originally planned in the project. There was also a small surplus, which was used to buy sports equipment for the students. The post PAKISTAN: Salesian missionaries had donor funding to support boarding students thanks to Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
160 students from disadvantaged families receive nutritious meals (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries operating a hostel for youth, located in Lahore, Pakistan, had donor funding to help support boarding students. The funding is from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funds covered food costs for 160 youth, 10 more than originally planned in the project. There was also a small surplus, which was used to buy sports equipment for the students. The youth, aged 14-21, come from disadvantaged families. Sixty percent of them attend the Don Bosco Technical Center while others are in formal education at another Salesian school. Almost all come from large, single-income families. Some have lost one or both parents while others come from single-parent families. A Salesian explained, “The main goal was to cover their nutrition, which is the biggest expense at the hostel. We worked closely with our cooks and kitchen staff and planned the meals based on their experience and the typical dishes the boys eat at home with their families. We bought groceries every week, making sure to choose suppliers with the best quality and prices. We also update the menu regularly to include fresh, seasonal products.” While living at the hotel, the youth gain a sense of responsibility for their living environment. They clean rooms, care for the greenery, perform small maintenance tasks and help in the preparation of events. One of those who benefited from the project is Hasroon Rustam, aged 17. He, along with his younger brother, have been with the Salesians for two years. After their mother died three years ago, their father abandoned the family. Their maternal aunt tries to look after her nephews, but she also has to care for her own children. By staying with the Salesians, Rustam has been able to develop his athletic skills, and he particularly enjoys volleyball. He has also learned to play the guitar. Salesian institutions are open to youth of all faiths. The schools provide economic benefits, scholarships and accommodations for students from the families most in need so that education is not only accessible but also an incentive for parents to send their children to school. Pakistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in South Asia at less than 50%. Although the country’s constitution acknowledges free and compulsory education between the ages of 5-16, the rule is often not followed in rural areas for those over age 13. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Don Bosco Lahore Salesian Missions World Bank – Pakistan The post PAKISTAN: Salesian missionaries had donor funding to support boarding students thanks to Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
INT’L DAY OF FAMILIES: Salesian Missions highlights programs that support families
Salesian Missions joins humanitarian and other international organizations in honoring the International Day of Families celebrated each year on May 15. The day is organized by the International Federation for Family Development in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages International and in collaboration with UNICEF and the Division for Social Policy and Development of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs. This year is the 30th anniversary of the day. The post INT’L DAY OF FAMILIES: Salesian Missions highlights programs that support families first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Many Salesian programs encompass whole family unit (MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian and other international organizations in honoring the International Day of Families celebrated each year on May 15. The day is organized by the International Federation for Family Development in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages International and in collaboration with UNICEF and the Division for Social Policy and Development of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs. This year is the 30th anniversary of the day. Salesian missionaries around the globe provide for youth and their families who are facing challenges related to poverty, lack of education, hunger, and homelessness. Many Salesian programs encompass the whole family unit. Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, said, “Salesians understand that youth cannot thrive in an unstable family environment. Children facing abuse, lack of food or no parental support struggle in their studies. This is why Salesians work with families to provide education, meet basic needs, and offer wrap-around support services to ensure that the family has what they need to meet the physical and emotional needs of youth.” In honor of the International Day of Families, Salesian Missions is proud to share Salesian initiatives that provide education and services to support poor youth and their families. ETHIOPIA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48111" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48111" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ethiopia-food-SM-SMOIP-105GIKETH2025jpg.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="282" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ethiopia-food-SM-SMOIP-105GIKETH2025jpg.jpg 1000w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ethiopia-food-SM-SMOIP-105GIKETH2025jpg-300x169.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ethiopia-food-SM-SMOIP-105GIKETH2025jpg-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> More than 2,500 families in Ethiopia* received nutritional support thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions and Feed My Starving Children. More than 2,500 families across eight communities in Ethiopia* had access to better nutrition thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions and Feed My Starving Children. The families have been impacted by the ongoing strife in the Tigray region of the country. A Salesian explained, “The war started in November 2020. Until the peace agreement was reached in November 2022, there were active clashes between the federal military and the regional force, and hundreds of thousands of people died on both sides. The food shortage began around November 2020, coinciding with the start of the conflict in Tigray. As the war unfolded, it worsened food access and contributed to the broader humanitarian crisis.” Salesians have also organized and distributed food baskets containing essentials like wheat, rice and oil to tens of thousands of internally displaced persons and families facing food shortage-like conditions. They are running programs for the most vulnerable, especially malnourished children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, providing high-nutrient food like fortified flour to combat acute malnutrition. They are also providing non-food items like blankets, mattresses and other items. INDIA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48112" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48112" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/india-solar-lighting-SM213INB102025FID_Raju-Dhumal-2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/india-solar-lighting-SM213INB102025FID_Raju-Dhumal-2.jpg 886w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/india-solar-lighting-SM213INB102025FID_Raju-Dhumal-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/india-solar-lighting-SM213INB102025FID_Raju-Dhumal-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/india-solar-lighting-SM213INB102025FID_Raju-Dhumal-2-128x86.jpg 128w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> In India, 55 migrant families have solar lighting in their homes through donor funding from Salesian Missions. Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra, located in Maharashtra, India, implemented the “Solar Home Lighting” initiative to address energy deprivation among migrant households. To facilitate the initiative, Salesians received donor funding from Salesian Missions. Through the project, 55 migrant families were provided with solar home lighting systems. These families now have safe, reliable and affordable access to electricity and are no longer dependent on unsafe and illegal power connections. Before the use of solar lights, the migrant community living along Arangaon Road resided in temporary, modest shelters in a semi-rural environment with limited infrastructure. They faced a lack of reliable lighting, which made it difficult to continue work or household activities after dark and affected children’s ability to study. A Salesian noted, “Since the implementation of the solar lighting, there has been a significant reduction in energy costs, enabling increased household savings. Families are experiencing improved night-time quality of life, with better lighting for children to study and women have greater convenience for household chores and small income-generating activities. They also now have enhanced safety and security of households by reducing the use of kerosene lamps and unsafe power tapping.” NIGERIA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48113" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48113" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/nigeria-stitches5SM225ANN112025FID.png" alt="" width="500" height="281" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/nigeria-stitches5SM225ANN112025FID.png 1708w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/nigeria-stitches5SM225ANN112025FID-300x169.png 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/nigeria-stitches5SM225ANN112025FID-1024x576.png 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/nigeria-stitches5SM225ANN112025FID-768x432.png 768w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/nigeria-stitches5SM225ANN112025FID-1536x863.png 1536w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/nigeria-stitches5SM225ANN112025FID-1200x675.png 1200w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/nigeria-stitches5SM225ANN112025FID-1300x731.png 1300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Young women in Nigeria are able to learn skills to find jobs and start their own businesses through the Don Bosco Stitches project, with funding from Salesian Missions. Salesian missionaries with the Mary Help of Christians community have received the funding to support the Don Bosco Stitches project in Lagos, Nigeria. The donor funding is from Salesian Missions. The project is teaching young women an employable skill that they can utilize in seeking a job or starting their own business. Donor funding was utilized to buy the necessary equipment for the classroom, which allows for hands-on experience to teach the students the sewing skills they need. Once they are ready to graduate, each student has a portfolio of samples to showcase their work. Each year, up to 45 young women will be prepared for the workforce. One of the students said, “I’ve been here for four weeks and my experience so far with Don Bosco Stitches has been supportive and educational. Our teachers teach us with love. They are professional with everything they do, and they are calm when they instruct us. What some people learn in one year with other programs, we have learned in a month. We have achieved a lot, and the fear I once had about the future is gone. This is a great opportunity for all of us.” VENEZUELA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48114" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48114" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/venezuela-tech-school-SMIndividual-Donor-231VEN122025FID.png" alt="" width="500" height="381" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/venezuela-tech-school-SMIndividual-Donor-231VEN122025FID.png 1400w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/venezuela-tech-school-SMIndividual-Donor-231VEN122025FID-300x228.png 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/venezuela-tech-school-SMIndividual-Donor-231VEN122025FID-1024x780.png 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/venezuela-tech-school-SMIndividual-Donor-231VEN122025FID-768x585.png 768w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/venezuela-tech-school-SMIndividual-Donor-231VEN122025FID-1300x990.png 1300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Donor funding from Salesian Missions provided a new multipurpose space for students at the Madre Mazzarello Industrial Technical School in Venezuela*. The Madre Mazzarello Industrial Technical School, located in Coro, Venezuela*, has a new meeting space thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The space, designed for more than 100 people, includes a multipurpose room and an open, shaded area with natural vegetation. Funding was also utilized for training materials. A Salesian explained, “The hall will be used as a training and community space for a wide range of activities, including pastoral and educational uses. This new space will bolster the pride our students have and increase the emotional well-being of the young people in the school and in the nearby communities.” Activities that will be held in the new space include pastoral education; gatherings for students and parents; student organization meetings; inter-congregational meetings of the parish, archdiocese and community; youth ministry and volunteer activities; vocational orientation; and spiritual formation and catechesis of first communion and confirmation. The entire educational community, made up of 342 youth as well as their families, will benefit from the space. It will also be available on Saturdays and Sundays, allowing continuous use for training and recreational activities. ### Sources: Photos courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) ETHIOPIA: More than 2,500 families receive nutritional support thanks to partnership between Salesian Missions and Feed My Starving Children INDIA: 55 migrant families have solar lighting thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions International Day of Families NIGERIA: Donor funding from Salesian Missions supports Don Bosco Stitches project Salesian Missions VENEZUELA: Donor funding provides new multipurpose space at Madre Mazzarello Industrial Technical School *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in these countries were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post INT’L DAY OF FAMILIES: Salesian Missions highlights programs that support families first appeared on MissionNewswire.
MYANMAR: Salesians assist people more than year after devastating earthquake
The situation in Min Gun, in the Sagaing region of Myanmar*, remains critical more than a year after the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the area. The initial emergency response for Salesian missionaries has continued as they support thousands of people who are still trying to rebuild their lives in great instability in the country. The post MYANMAR: Salesians assist people more than year after devastating earthquake first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Families in camp receiving food, health care and education MYANAMR (MissionNewswire) The situation in Min Gun, in the Sagaing region of Myanmar*, remains critical more than a year after the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the area. The initial emergency response for Salesian missionaries has continued as they support thousands of people who are still trying to rebuild their lives in great instability in the country. Currently, between 4,000 and 5,000 people — around 1,600 families — are living in a makeshift camp near a Buddhist monastery. Their homes were destroyed by the earthquake and they have been surviving in small huts without adequate access to basic services. The political climate in the country hinders access to resources and limits the arrival of humanitarian aid. “Every day is a struggle for survival,” explained a Salesian in Myanmar, who works closely with the community. “Jobs are scarce, and although youth try to go out to work to support their families, the prevailing political instability makes this difficult and dangerous.” The support of the global Salesian Family, coordinated by the Don Bosco Network and with the participation of Bosco Global, remains crucial. Thanks also to the emergency and fundraising campaign launched by Bosco Global last year, Salesians are providing care for families living in the camps. As time has passed, the flow of aid has diminished and access to the camp is now more difficult, and fewer and fewer organizations are able to intervene due to restrictions and risks in the area. Salesians are distributing basic foodstuffs such as rice, pulses, oil and noodles. Health care, particularly for children and the elderly, is being provided with support of health care staff within the camp. Salesians are also offering educational spaces for more than 500 children and distributing toys and emotional support to more than 400 children under the age of 7, aiding their recovery from trauma. A Salesian said, “Despite the difficulties, the Salesian presence continues to closely support the camp’s population, in coordination with local leaders and following the necessary protocols to access the area. At Bosco Global, we continue to support this process alongside the Don Bosco Network, making this support possible thanks to the commitment of so many people who mobilized during the emergency, convinced that in humanitarian emergencies it is essential to sustain life and support those who need it most.” ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Myanmar – Supporting people in the aftermath of the earthquake Salesian Missions – Myanmar *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post MYANMAR: Salesians assist people more than year after devastating earthquake first appeared on MissionNewswire.
SIERRA LEONE: Salesians provide support and education to youth at risk
Salesian missionaries are working in Sierra Leone to ensure that youth who are at risk and vulnerable have the supportive services and education they need to thrive. Recently, Father Luca Barone, president of the Salesian Mission Office in Turin, Italy, visited the country to see the Salesian programs there. The post SIERRA LEONE: Salesians provide support and education to youth at risk first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Don Bosco Fambul is a national leader in child protection SIERRA LEONE (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are working in Sierra Leone to ensure that youth who are at risk and vulnerable have the supportive services and education they need to thrive. Recently, Father Luca Barone, president of the Salesian Mission Office in Turin, Italy, visited the country to see the Salesian programs there. In Freetown, the capital, Fr. Barone noted the staggering number of youth living on the streets. He said, “Four Salesian communities are working to help these young people who were once working on the streets and in prisons. They operate schools, parishes, oratories and youth centers. I was able to see concretely the work that is happening there. The funds allocated to the missions are supporting medical care, education and the dreams of street children who want to make it.” One of the youth Fr. Barone met was Idrissa, aged 17, who spent three years on the streets. Today, he is learning car mechanics, dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer and plays soccer. Father Piotr Wojnarowski, the director of Don Bosco Fambul Center in Freetown, has become a role model for the young man. During his trip, Fr. Barone also saw the reassembled statue of the Holy Family standing in the Fambul Therapeutic Center. It had arrived thanks to Polish volunteers in October 2025, but it had been shattered in the journey. “There was widespread sadness, but then one of the boys at the center had an idea,” Fr. Barone said. “He believed that it could be put back together much like the boys are the center were being put back together after facing abuse and neglect. Volunteers and the young boys were able to piece it all back together.” At the conclusion of his trip, Fr. Barone said, “In the end, the journey sends you back, but you are no longer the same. The journey teaches you not to stop, because what you must change, improve, and decide that the world is a vast place and every life saved is a victory of good over evil.” Don Bosco Fambul is a national leader in child protection, operating the largest interim care and therapeutic centers for abused children in the country. Since it was established in 1998 to rehabilitate and reintegrate child soldiers, it has grown to support the country’s most vulnerable children and youth through two main campuses in Freetown. Young people in the country face significant challenges in accessing education. With too few teachers and many school buildings destroyed in the war, resources are thin. Persistently high illiteracy rates mean that an estimated 70% of Sierra Leone’s youth are unemployed or underemployed. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Missioni Don Bosco ANS – Sierra Leone – The country where Don Bosco is synonymous with young lives saved Don Bosco Fambul Don Bosco Fambul Facebook Salesian Missions – Sierra Leone UNICEF – Sierra Leone The post SIERRA LEONE: Salesians provide support and education to youth at risk first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ECUADOR: Salesians distribute funding to 9 families to aid in employment
Salesian missionaries in Ecuador have made a commitment to sustainable development and the improvement of the quality of life of local communities as part of the “Protection of Rights, Food Sovereignty and Economic Empowerment for Women and Families in Vulnerable Situations” project. The post ECUADOR: Salesians distribute funding to 9 families to aid in employment first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Project promotes sustainable opportunities that strengthen family economy ECUADOR (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Ecuador have made a commitment to sustainable development and the improvement of the quality of life of local communities as part of the “Protection of Rights, Food Sovereignty and Economic Empowerment for Women and Families in Vulnerable Situations” project. An event was held with this focus and included a visit by Lina Varón, representative of the organization Jóvenes y Desarrollo (Youth & Development). During the event at the Don Bosco Farm in Ambato, a revolving fund was distributed to nine families to strengthen their employment activities. The families include people working in agriculture, tailoring, the production of sports and school shoes, handicrafts, and other family businesses. This support aims to consolidate sustainable economic initiatives that enable families to generate income and improve their living conditions. A Salesian explained, “This project is funded by the Community of Madrid in collaboration with Jóvenes y Desarrollo. Its main objective is to promote sustainable opportunities that strengthen the family economy, reinforce food sovereignty and contribute to the empowerment of women in vulnerable situations.” Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth who are poor gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities. Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Programme, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% in Indigenous communities. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Ecuador – Salesian project in the Northern Zone promotes sustainable development for vulnerable families thanks to international support Salesian Missions – Ecuador UNICEF – Ecuador The post ECUADOR: Salesians distribute funding to 9 families to aid in employment first appeared on MissionNewswire.
NIGERIA: St. Jude Science & Technical College renovates hostel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
Salesian missionaries at St. Jude Science & Technical College, located in Vandeikya, in the Benue State of Nigeria, were able to renovate a hostel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The work included structural repairs of the walls, flooring, tiling, and ceiling, refurbishment of windows and doors, painting, and final touches such as adding bunk beds. Close to 800 youth benefited from these improvements. The post NIGERIA: St. Jude Science & Technical College renovates hostel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Close to 800 youth benefited from improvements NIGERIA (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries at St. Jude Science & Technical College, located in Vandeikya, in the Benue State of Nigeria, were able to renovate a hostel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The work included structural repairs of the walls, flooring, tiling, and ceiling, refurbishment of windows and doors, painting, and final touches such as adding bunk beds. Close to 800 youth benefited from these improvements. A Salesian noted, “The improved living conditions have supported our students. They have new lighting to improve visibility, better ventilation and more space. The bunk beds are providing adequate sleeping arrangements, reducing overcrowding and stress associated with poor living conditions.” Eze Favour is one of the students, and she is studying to be a medical doctor. Before the renovation, the students were in a building with a leaking roof and lack of space, with some students sleeping on the floor. Favour is filled with joy for the transformation that has taken place. She noted, “The hostel is now presentable, allowing the students to sleep well. The building is very welcoming and presentable. All the students are enjoying the new hostel. We wish it had been done sooner because the living conditions are so much better. I’m able to focus and study better now.” About 64% of households in Nigeria consider themselves to be poor while 32% of households say their economic situation had worsened over a period of one year, according to UNICEF. Poverty still remains one of the most critical challenges facing the country and population growth rates have meant a steady increase in the number of people living in conditions of poverty. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – Nigeria UNICEF – Nigeria The post NIGERIA: St. Jude Science & Technical College renovates hostel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ITALY: Educational artisan workshop teaches youth tailoring, costume design
The Artisan Workshop – Tailoring and Costume Design educational program operating at the Don Bosco Institute in Naples, Italy, is helping students gain theoretic and practical skills in tailoring and costume design. The course comprises 300 hours of education, 90 of which are dedicated to historical, cultural and theoretical study, with the remainder focused on practical workshops in cutting, sewing and garment construction. This has enabled students to gradually learn the craft while discovering not only tailoring techniques but also the complex workings of a film set. The post ITALY: Educational artisan workshop teaches youth tailoring, costume design first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Project passes on historical knowledge ITALY (MissionNewswire) The Artisan Workshop – Tailoring and Costume Design educational program operating at the Don Bosco Institute in Naples, Italy, is helping students gain theoretic and practical skills in tailoring and costume design. The course comprises 300 hours of education, 90 of which are dedicated to historical, cultural and theoretical study, with the remainder focused on practical workshops in cutting, sewing and garment construction. This has enabled students to gradually learn the craft while discovering not only tailoring techniques but also the complex workings of a film set. The program is funded by the European Union Ministry of Culture with funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. It runs in collaboration with the Cinecittà Film Studios in Rome and the San Gennaro Community Foundation, and implemented by CNOS-FAP (National Center for Salesian Works-Formation and Professional Updating). In January 2026, the course started educational sessions at the Isaia Foundation, dedicated to men’s tailoring. Students learned the structure of the male pattern, the study of measurements, the interpretation of the design, the transformation of the basic pattern, the analysis of fabrics, and the entire process leading from cutting to assembly and the finishing of the garment. The experience instilled precision, patience, attention to detail and an awareness of the value of time in craftsmanship. In February, the course opened a new chapter at La Santissima – Community HUB, where the students are currently engaged in pattern-making, design, cutting and women’s tailoring, within a creative and collaborative environment that fosters exchange, cooperation and experimentation. The trainer is Andrea Iacomino, who helps students have an understanding of the dynamics, roles and responsibilities on a film set in an environment that doesn’t have the pressure of the film industry’s tight deadlines. Father Fabio Bellino, rector of the Don Bosco Institute, said, “Andrea also reminds us how urgent it is to pass on artisanal knowledge in an era marked by massive and unsustainable production, emphasizing how teaching sewing means preserving a historical memory of craftsmanship and restoring dignity and visibility to trades that risk disappearing, especially in a city like Naples, recognized worldwide for its sartorial tradition.” He concluded, “Looking at this journey as a whole, this education is not just a training program, but a genuine educational experience that restores dignity to craftsmanship, forges links between institutions and the local community, and offers youth a tangible space in which to nurture talents, skills and dreams.” ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Italy – Sewing stories by hand: the “Bottega Artigiana – Tailoring and Costume Design” project Salesian Missions – Italy World Bank – Italy The post ITALY: Educational artisan workshop teaches youth tailoring, costume design first appeared on MissionNewswire.
INDIA: Don Bosco Kuthenkuly establishes eco-infrastructure thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
Salesian missionaries established eco‑infrastructure at Pastor Lenssen Polytechnic College, located in Kuthenkuly, Tamil Nadu, India. Don Bosco Kuthenkuly, as the school is known, received the donor funding for the project from Salesian Missions. The post INDIA: Don Bosco Kuthenkuly establishes eco-infrastructure thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Students benefit from scholarship-through-work program INDIA (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries established eco‑infrastructure at Pastor Lenssen Polytechnic College, located in Kuthenkuly, Tamil Nadu, India. Don Bosco Kuthenkuly, as the school is known, received the donor funding for the project from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. As a result of the project, the campus was transformed into an eco‑friendly environment with extended green cover and improved waste management. The rainwater harvesting capacity was expanded from 500,000 liters (about 132,00 gallons) to 1.1 million liters (about 290,500 gallons), ensuring long‑term water security in a rain‑shadow region. An organic manure manufacturing unit was established, capable of processing 45,000 kilograms (more than 99,000 pounds) of organic waste every two months, thereby reducing environmental impact and enriching soil fertility. During the project, a large rainwater reservoir was excavated and deepened from three to eight feet, reinforced with concrete side walls, and fenced for safety. A solar pump was installed to ensure reliable water access, while flow pipes and trenches were constructed across multiple blocks to improve water distribution. Six compost pits and a shredder were set up to process organic waste, supported by the purchase of an e‑vehicle for waste collection. In addition, a dedicated website (www.dbgreencare.com) was launched to attract volunteers and scholarship applicants. The college offers education for students who are poor, with many of them first‑generation learners from vulnerable rural backgrounds, who face financial strain and limited access to higher education. Ninety students are expected to benefit annually through a scholarship‑through‑work program, which reduces dropout risks by allowing them to earn financial aid while gaining practical skills in ecological restoration and entrepreneurship. In addition, local farmers and families are benefiting from organic manure production, improved water security, and eco‑friendly practices. One student, Ruban Andros, said, “I was involved in real practical work like installing pipes, preparing trenches and assisting with the solar pump installation. This experience helped me gain practical skills and understand how eco-friendly infrastructure works. I also learned about waste management, compost preparation and the importance of conserving water. The project gave me confidence and showed me that young people like us can contribute to protecting our environment and building a better future.” He added, “Apart from the practical knowledge, my involvement in the composite manure production gave me incentives and a stipend that assisted with my studies. I feel proud that I was able to work in a meaningful project as well support my family by reducing their burdens for my study expenses.” Looking ahead, Salesians want to plant dense forests, build another reservoir, and make the entire campus fully solar and wind powered. They also want to encourage student-led innovations such as wind-operated water pumps. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – India World Bank – India The post INDIA: Don Bosco Kuthenkuly establishes eco-infrastructure thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
THE GAMBIA: Poultry shop opens to offer new avenues of revenue for community
The Beteyà Guinar Shop has opened in Kanuma, The Gambia, to provide a retail outlet for the purchase of chickens of poultry products produced locally. Launched by the Don Bosco 2000 Association, the opening of the shop completes the poultry supply chain that was launched in recent years to directly link local production to the market, strengthening the community’s economic autonomy. The post THE GAMBIA: Poultry shop opens to offer new avenues of revenue for community first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Local production and market directly linked as part of initiative (MissionNewswire) The Beteyà Guinar Shop has opened in Kanuma, The Gambia, to provide a retail outlet for the purchase of chickens of poultry products produced locally. Launched by the Don Bosco 2000 Association, the opening of the shop completes the poultry supply chain that was created in recent years to directly link local production to the market, strengthening the community’s economic autonomy. The shop is the conclusion of a collaborative project among Salesian organizations in Italy, The Gambia and Senegal. It was funded by Don Bosco in the World Foundation. It started with the formation of local operators and production in the poultry houses and has now led to the direct sale of products. The renovation of the poultry house and the launch of poultry production with regular breeding cycles have created an integrated supply chain capable of generating employment and skills in the region. The initiative also has a tangible impact on the local community of Kanuma, where until now anyone wishing to buy chickens or poultry products had to travel several kilometers to reach the nearest markets. The new shop creates a stable local market, facilitating access to products, reducing travel costs and stimulating new economic dynamics in the area. “This project demonstrates that cooperation can generate real development,” said Agostino Sella, president of Don Bosco 2000 Association. “A local economic supply chain was built capable of creating jobs, skills and autonomy. With the shop, we are completing a journey that brings together formation, production and the market.” Abie Jawarà, a representative of the community benefiting from the project, also spoke at the opening, expressing gratitude to the organizations involved and emphasizing how their support made it possible to create a tangible opportunity for the area and for the families in the community. Gerome Djiba, a Don Bosco 2000 Association aid worker based in The Gambia, played a key role in the operational implementation of the initiative. He noted that the project is the result of a collaborative effort between local communities, operators and international partners. The cooperation model promoted by the Don Bosco 2000 Association aims to link regions and skills between Europe and West Africa, fostering the exchange of know-how and the creation of local economic opportunities. The initiative launched in The Gambia is part of a broader approach already successfully tested in Senegal. The World Bank has noted that with increasing labor incomes and decreasing inflationary pressure the extreme poverty rate dropped to 15.5% in 2024 in The Gambia. There remain struggles in the labor market leading to accelerating migration, including low labor-force participation, especially among young adults and women, few high-productivity job opportunities, and a widespread informal labor market. The World Bank has further noted that while The Gambia made progress toward better living standards, large disparities remain. Access to water, electricity and other services rose for those of a middle income bracket while the poorest saw no improvements. Access to electricity and water remained below 20%. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – The Gambia – Kanuma opens Beteyà Guinar, the boutique that completes the poultry supply chain and drives local development World Bank – The Gambia Salesian Missions The post THE GAMBIA: Poultry shop opens to offer new avenues of revenue for community first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ITALY: Salesians for Social launches hands-on education project to decrease school drop-out rates
Salesians for Social in Italy is operating “School’s Out for Everyone!”, a national project supported by the CDP Foundation, a nonprofit organization that is part of the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Group. The project is part of the foundation’s “At School for the Future – United to combat early school leaving” initiative and is being operated in Venaria Reale, on the outskirts of Turin, Italy. The post ITALY: Salesians for Social launches hands-on education project to decrease school drop-out rates first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Project includes after-school programs, personalized support ITALY (MissionNewswire) Salesians for Social in Italy is operating “School’s Out for Everyone!”, a national project supported by the CDP Foundation, a nonprofit organization that is part of the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Group. The project is part of the foundation’s “At School for the Future – United to combat early school leaving” initiative and is being operated in Venaria Reale, on the outskirts of Turin, Italy. The project was created to tackle the issue of school dropout and early school leaving by integrating schools and the local community into an educational partnership capable of offering free and inclusive services. It involves 550 students between the ages of 12-18 from 14 schools in five Italian cities. The project promotes educational success through after-school programs, educational activities, skills development, guidance and personalized support. A representative from Salesians for Social said, “The heart of the project is to combat early school leaving. That is first and foremost to build and foster healthy relationships, where every young person, supported by adults, can be at the center of an educational community, free to be themselves, discovering their talents with creativity and joy.” In Venaria, the program is being implemented through maker labs and the family laboratory. The cooking and robotics maker labs are run in collaboration with the Don Milani comprehensive schools and are inspired by the science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) disciplines. The labs are based on the learning by doing methodology and create spaces for practical experimentation where youth can gain firsthand experience. In the cooking maker lab, students prepare recipes, manage organizing the work, divide up tasks and collaborate within the group. Through a practical and engaging activity, they develop responsibility, independence and transferable skills, applying the knowledge learn at school in a practical way. In the robotics maker lab, youth explore the basics of educational robotics using Lego Spike kits. They build and program small devices, experimenting with coding, practicing problem solving and stimulating creativity and critical thinking. “The workshops are becoming a space where young people feel capable and valued,” said a project coordinator. In addition, a family laboratory has been launched at the Salesian St. Francis of Assisi Oratory. The first meeting, entitled “The Educational Relationship: Being Present, Listening and Accompanying”, brought together families, youth, educators and local workers for an afternoon of inter-generational dialogue. Following an initial presentation of the program, youth and their families worked in parallel groups on the key themes of the session. The adults, through a symbolic activity that visualized the network of relationships to be built, reflected on the meaning of being present and the importance of an educational presence that supports without taking over. Youth watched the short film “The Child, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”, which provided the starting point for discussing themes such as feeling loved, kindness, the courage to ask for help and the need to be accepted by being themselves. A Salesian noted, “The feedback session brought adults and youth together in a genuine exchange of listening, giving voice to the experiences, expectations and needs of the younger generation. The meeting concluded with a snack prepared by the youth from the cooking maker lab, a tangible sign of a project that weaves together learning, relationships and community.” ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Italy – “Maker Lab” and “LabOratorio in Famiglia” to tackle early school leaving and promote intergenerational dialogue Salesian Missions – Italy World Bank – Italy The post ITALY: Salesians for Social launches hands-on education project to decrease school drop-out rates first appeared on MissionNewswire.
GLOBAL: Salesian Missions launched annual ‘Loaves & Fishes’ fundraiser to support global aid shipments
Salesian Missions has launched its annual “Loaves and Fishes” fundraiser to raise critical funding to ship life-saving aid to more than 130 countries around the globe. Because the cost of shipping critical aid is far less than its value, donations are multiplied many times over. For every dollar donated, Salesian Missions is able to ship $14 worth of critical goods to its programs. The fundraising appeal runs through the end of June 2026. The post GLOBAL: Salesian Missions launched annual ‘Loaves & Fishes’ fundraiser to support global aid shipments first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Aim is to maximize impact of donor-assisted programs (MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has launched its annual “Loaves and Fishes” fundraiser to raise critical funding to ship life-saving aid to more than 130 countries around the globe. Because the cost of shipping critical aid is far less than its value, donations are multiplied many times over. For every dollar donated, Salesian Missions is able to ship $14 worth of critical goods to its programs. The fundraising appeal runs through the end of June 2026. Aimed at maximizing the impact of donor-assisted programs and answering the call for emergency aid deliveries, the Salesian Missions Property and Logistics Program is made possible by generous assistance from private sector partners. “Salesian Missions ships critical in-kind donations from our strategic partners to Salesian centers worldwide,” explained Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “Aid, like food, water, medicine and housing supplies, is provided to Salesian students so they can focus on their education and thrive in their communities. Our strategic partnerships allow us to help at the local level in these communities. It makes a big impact and our donors ensure these shipments continue.” In 2025, in partnership with Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit that helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience, Salesian Missions shipped critical food aid to several countries including Uganda, Timor-Leste, South Sudan*, Haiti and more. One of the shipments impacted more than 5,000 people, most of whom are internally displaced in Gumbo, on the outskirts of the city of Juba, South Sudan. At the Don Bosco Gumbo Camp, Rise Against Hunger meals, which consist of rice, soy, vegetables and a vitamin packet, were distributed to 2,958 people, ensuring that all the families received essential food supplies. Meals were also served at the Don Bosco School, benefiting more than 1,500 students in the regular morning classes and more than 500 in the accelerated learning program in the afternoon. The meals served during their break provided much-needed nourishment to support their learning and well-being. At the Don Bosco Gumbo Primary School, James is one of the students who received nutritious meals. Before the Rise Against Hunger meals were introduced, his family often managed only one meal per day. He now has breakfast at school and a second meal when he returns home. This improvement in nutrition has helped him and his classmates focus better in class and improve their grades. James dreams of becoming a doctor if he continues to do well in school. During one school lunch, James said, “Since we’ve been having these meals, I feel stronger and don’t get tired very fast. These meals are my favorite part of my day. I get to eat with my friends and then play afterwards.” James is deeply grateful for the support and says that one day he hopes to help others just as he has been helped through the meal program. He has observed that the entire school community is happier and more engaged with the consistent meals. Attendance has improved, and more students come to school regularly. More than 30,000 Salesian missionaries are dedicated to caring for poor and at-risk youth in programs around the globe. Salesian programs assist youth through education (academic, trade, agriculture) and workforce development initiatives, emergency relief and humanitarian aid, infrastructure support, clean water initiatives, and nutritional and health services. To learn more and make a donation, visit SalesianMissions.org/content/multiply. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions SOUTH SUDAN: More than 5,000 internally displaced people receive better nutrition through partnership between Rise Against Hunger and Salesian Missions *Any goods, services or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post GLOBAL: Salesian Missions launched annual ‘Loaves & Fishes’ fundraiser to support global aid shipments first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ZAMBIA: Provincial house in Chawama begins expansion project with donor funding from Salesian Missions
Donor funding allowed Salesians to expand the provincial house to benefit youth and Salesians in Chawama, within Lusaka, Zambia. The funding, provided by Salesian Missions, allowed Salesians to start construction and procure materials such as blocks, cement, steel, sand, and aluminum windows. This provides a solid base for phase two of the project which will include plastering, electricity, plumbing, painting, ceiling installation, tiling and furnishing. The post ZAMBIA: Provincial house in Chawama begins expansion project with donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Space to increase activities for growing youth community ZAMBIA (MissionNewswire) Donor funding allowed Salesians to expand the provincial house to benefit youth and Salesians in Chawama, within Lusaka, Zambia. The funding, provided by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, allowed Salesians to start construction and procure materials such as blocks, cement, steel, sand, and aluminum windows. This provides a solid base for phase two of the project which will include plastering, electricity, plumbing, painting, ceiling installation, tiling and furnishing. The construction, once completed, will impact 192 Salesians and more than 1,000 youth and lay mission partners in the province. Chawama is a busy and growing urban area with an expanding Salesian presence and youth community. Youth from the surrounding community regularly attend the Don Bosco Youth Reach Out when not in school. However, heavy rainfall between December and March, combined with limited indoor facilities, restricts the range of activities that can be offered during parts of the year. The provincial house currently only accommodates 30 guests lodging within its premises. During peak periods such as holidays, the provincial house faces challenges accommodating over 100 Salesians due to limited space. Brother Nyondo Joseph, provincial economer and planning and development office director, explained, “We have more than 100 Salesians. During holidays and when the brothers and seminarians are back from school, we have a challenge to accommodate them. This causes a financial burden by not having adequate meeting and boardroom space. We have to rent space at hotels and lodges in order to accommodate meetings. This construction project will give us space and save us money we can utilize in programming.” Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy, productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – Zambia UNICEF – Zambia The post ZAMBIA: Provincial house in Chawama begins expansion project with donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
INDIA: Salesian College Siliguri launches new digital platform to help youth find self-confidence
Students from the Salesian College in Siliguri, India, recently launched “LuvlyU — Love, Understand and Value Yourself as You Are”, a digital platform designed to promote self-confidence and mental well-being for youth. The initiative was developed by Anand Kumar, a M.Sc. psychology student, in collaboration with members of the Radio Club. The post INDIA: Salesian College Siliguri launches new digital platform to help youth find self-confidence first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Focus on mental health timely in India INDIA (MissionNewswire) Students from the Salesian College in Siliguri, India, recently launched “LuvlyU — Love, Understand and Value Yourself as You Are”, a digital platform designed to promote self-confidence and mental well-being for youth. The initiative was developed by Anand Kumar, a M.Sc. psychology student, in collaboration with members of the Radio Club. A Salesian noted, “The initiative comes in response to growing concerns about self-judgment, comparison and performance pressure among youth. The platform aims to help users reconnect with their inner spark and embrace their authentic selves.” LuvlyU currently offers over 50 guided video sessions organized into eight modules covering self-worth, mindset, emotional resilience, communication and positive self-image. The platform features interactive reflection games and guided activities that encourage active personal growth. The focus on mental health is important in India, which has high rates of suicide. In 2022, 171,000 people died by suicide and rates have been increasing among adolescents in recent years. The most reported risk factors were mental health problems, negative or traumatic familiar issues, academic stress, social/lifestyle factors, violence, economic distresses and relationship factors. Faculty members have welcomed the initiative as timely and relevant in today’s competitive environment. The creators hope LuvlyU will grow into a wider movement inspiring youth to value themselves and confidently share their unique gifts with the world. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – India – Salesian Students Launch ‘LuvlyU’ to Promote Self Confidence and Mental Well Being Salesian Missions – India World Bank – India The post INDIA: Salesian College Siliguri launches new digital platform to help youth find self-confidence first appeared on MissionNewswire.
TANZANIA: Salesians complete renovation project at Chemchem Parish thanks to Salesian Missions
Salesian missionaries were able to complete a renovation project for the priests' residence and parish office of the Salesian Chemchem Parish, located in Lindi, Tanzania, thanks to donor funding. Salesian Missions provided the funding for plastering, flooring, painting, ceilings, doors and windows. The construction also included the installation of plumbing systems, wiring and lighting. Salesians were also able to build a functional kitchen and laundry area. The post TANZANIA: Salesians complete renovation project at Chemchem Parish thanks to Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
New chapel also built to benefit parish community TANZANIA (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to complete a renovation project for the priests’ residence and parish office of the Salesian Chemchem Parish, located in Lindi, Tanzania, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, provided the funding for plastering, flooring, painting, ceilings, doors and windows. The construction also included the installation of plumbing systems, wiring and lighting. Salesians were also able to build a functional kitchen and laundry area. The funding further paid for furnishings for the bedrooms, living spaces and guest accommodations, along with equipping the parish office with desks, chairs, cabinets, a computer and a printer. A small chapel was also created. Approximately 1,200 parishioners directly benefit from the improved parish facilities. The region is predominantly Muslim, and the Catholic community represents a small but vibrant minority. The area also has a large youth population in need of pastoral support, education and moral guidance. When the Salesians first arrived at Chemchem Parish, the priests’ residence building was largely unfinished. Out of 12 planned rooms, only two were usable. The rest of the building lacked plastered walls, flooring, ceilings, proper electrical installation, plumbing facilities, kitchen space and a parish administrative office. A Salesian noted, “Because of these conditions, the missionaries found it difficult to live comfortably and to coordinate pastoral activities effectively. With the generous support of Salesian Missions, the project began renovations and completed the residence building. One wing of the priests’ residence has been completed and is now functional. This allows the Salesian missionaries to live within the parish community and continue their pastoral presence among the young people. The renovated facilities have strengthened pastoral coordination and created a welcoming space for youth gatherings, catechesis classes, and community meetings.” One of the parishioners, Jonas Mkapa, said, “The presence of the Salesians in Chemchem is very important for our young people. Even though the conditions here are difficult, their presence brings hope to the youth and strengthens our parish community.” In Tanzania, 67.9% of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – Tanzania UNICEF – Tanzania The post TANZANIA: Salesians complete renovation project at Chemchem Parish thanks to Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
CAMBODIA: Don Bosco Kep holds train-the-trainer workshop on environmental awareness
Students from Don Bosco Technical School, located in Kep, Cambodia, participated in an annual training-of-trainers workshop focusing on ancestral wisdom, environmental issues, community building and the Don Bosco Preventive System. Organized under the Young Leadership Project, the five-day program was held at the Don Bosco Kep Jungle-Garden and brought together students from the departments of electricity, secretarial studies, information technology, and media communication. Participants were from communities across Cambodia including Indigenous youth from the Jarai and Tampung communities of Ratanakiri. The post CAMBODIA: Don Bosco Kep holds train-the-trainer workshop on environmental awareness first appeared on MissionNewswire.
250 technical students from communities across Cambodia take part CAMBODIA (MissionNewswire) Students from Don Bosco Technical School, located in Kep, Cambodia, participated in an annual training-of-trainers workshop focusing on ancestral wisdom, environmental issues, community building and the Don Bosco Preventive System. Organized under the Young Leadership Project, the five-day program was held at the Don Bosco Kep Jungle-Garden and brought together students from the departments of electricity, secretarial studies, information technology, and media communication. Participants were from communities across Cambodia including Indigenous youth from the Jarai and Tampung communities of Ratanakiri. The workshop combined reflection, environmental awareness and cultural immersion. Students visited the Kampong Samaki Community Fishery and the Mangrove Biological Learning Center, where local communities have worked to protect mangrove ecosystems and promote sustainable livelihoods. These visits offered practical insight into community-led environmental conservation and resilience. A central theme of the workshop was the preservation of Cambodia’s ancestral traditions amid rapid urbanization. Students reflected on the cultural richness of Indigenous groups, the empowerment of women and the value of strong community life. One of the key concerns mentioned was focused on youth who migrate permanently to cities for study and employment and how that might weaken or cause them to lose their ancestral heritage and village identity. Through group dialogue, participants emphasized that modern development must not erase cultural roots. One group noted, “If we are the result of centuries of ancestral journeys, then our descendants also have the right to a cultural identity.” Rather than rejecting modernity, students proposed a balanced approach. Access to electricity, internet and education is essential for rural development. However, it must serve human dignity and social cohesion. Environmental stewardship emerged as another issue for the group. Students stressed that care for forests, seas, rivers, and mangroves is not optional but vital for survival and well-being. They challenged passive attitudes toward environmental destruction. A participant said, “If we see the forest being destroyed and do nothing, we are part of the destruction. If they cut one tree, we must plant seven.” Don Bosco Kep stands as a model of sustainability, surrounded by trees and with staff and students engaged in ongoing ecological initiatives. For the past two years, students have committed to planting 5,000 trees annually. With 500 students planting at least 10 trees each in their villages, they aim to make a tangible contribution to Cambodia’s environmental future. The school is also an active member of the Don Bosco Green Alliance Cambodia, collaborating with the Kep Provincial Department of Forestry and Environment to protect mangrove areas and Kep National Park. The workshop also highlighted the traditional Cambodian village model, where strong kinship bonds foster unity and shared responsibility. Participants reflected on the importance of dialogue, conflict resolution, and mutual respect in a culturally diverse society that includes Indigenous minorities and various religious communities. “We are an oasis of peace,” one participant said, calling for dignified dialogue and protection of the most vulnerable. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Cambodia – Youth ToT on Ancestral Wisdom and Ecology at Don Bosco Kep Don Bosco Kep Salesian Missions – Cambodia World Bank – Cambodia The post CAMBODIA: Don Bosco Kep holds train-the-trainer workshop on environmental awareness first appeared on MissionNewswire.
RWANDA: Don Bosco Gatenga offers train-the-teacher model of education in renewable energies
Don Bosco Gatenga Vocational Training Center, located in Gatenga, in the Kicukiro District of Kigali, Rwanda, is working to multiply the impact of renewable energy in educational centers. It regularly hosts education programs in photovoltaic solar energy for vocational training educators and teachers. Initiatives combine technological innovation, sustainability and educational commitment to respond to the region’s energy challenges. The post RWANDA: Don Bosco Gatenga offers train-the-teacher model of education in renewable energies first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Center responding to region’s energy challenges RWANDA (MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Gatenga Vocational Training Center, located in Gatenga, in the Kicukiro District of Kigali, Rwanda, is working to multiply the impact of renewable energy in educational centers. It regularly hosts education programs in photovoltaic solar energy for vocational training educators and teachers. Initiatives combine technological innovation, sustainability and educational commitment to respond to the region’s energy challenges. Don Bosco Gatenga has established itself as a benchmark in technical education, particularly in the field of renewable energy, for the entire East African region. Through programs based on the train-the-teacher model, the center creates a network of educators who can replicate what they have learned in their respective countries and educational settings. Courses are developed in collaboration with other Salesian vocational training centers in the region and German Engineers Without Borders with the support of international organizations. Teachers learn the fundamentals of direct and alternating current systems, the sizing of structures for residential and institutional environments, cabling techniques, safety regulations, hybrid and isolated configurations, and mounting structures adapted to different environments and remote monitoring systems. A Salesian explained, “The aim of these courses is not only to install solar panels, but to train those who can teach and support other young people on this path toward sustainable energy. We want every qualified teacher to become an agent of change in their own community.” There is both classroom and hands-on learning. Participants install solar systems that power spaces such as dormitories, laboratories or classrooms, improving the energy autonomy of the centers. In addition, solar street lights are being implemented in access areas to enhance security, especially in residential areas, and conventional lighting is being replaced with LED technology, significantly reducing the energy consumption of those communities. One of the teachers said, “Now we not only know how a solar system works, but we also know how to size it correctly, install it and troubleshoot it. This transforms the way we teach and offers new opportunities for our students.” The commitment to solar energy at the Don Bosco Gatenga is part of an educational vision that responds to current environmental, social and economic challenges. Education in renewable energy not only improves the employability of youth, but also promotes a more equitable and sustainable model of development. Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Youth who are poor are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives. Salesians first arrived in the country in 1953. Today, there are six Salesian centers in Rwanda. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Misiones Salesianas ANS – Rwanda – The Salesian Don Bosco Gatenga centre promotes formation in the field of solar energy with programmes that reinforce sustainable development Salesian Missions – Rwanda UNICEF – Rwanda The post RWANDA: Don Bosco Gatenga offers train-the-teacher model of education in renewable energies first appeared on MissionNewswire.
MADAGASCAR: Salesians launch Don Bosco University in Moramanga
Salesian missionaries are in the process of establishing Don Bosco University Moramanga, in eastern Madagascar. As the area is marked by poverty, a lack of health care and non-existent roads, education is a priority. The post MADAGASCAR: Salesians launch Don Bosco University in Moramanga first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Main building to be inaugurated in May MADAGASCAR (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are in the process of establishing Don Bosco University Moramanga, in eastern Madagascar. As the area is marked by poverty, a lack of health care and non-existent roads, education is a priority. The university will accommodate at least a thousand students and will feature lecture halls, a library, dormitories and staff accommodation, which are all currently under construction. The main university building will be inaugurated in May. The project was launched by Salesian Bishop Rosario Saro Vella, who has been at the helm of the Salesian Diocese of Moramanga since 2019. The Italian Episcopal Conference, through the “Service for Charitable Interventions for the Development of Peoples”, will fund the project. Salesians, private donors and associations will also contribute. A shelter for single mothers and vulnerable women, run by Salesian sisters, will also be established in the same area. Currently 10,000 students attend the Catholic schools in the diocese, and over 900 young people receive scholarships and comprehensive support. Since last year, courses in economics and law have been taking place, with 300 students enrolled. Subsequently, courses in education, tourism and communication will begin. At the helm of the academic project is Prisca Marav, aged 35, one of Madagascar’s youngest rectors. With a degree in political science, she specialized in international law in Loppiano, Italy. She explained, “Here, the priority is to eat every day. Going to university is a huge challenge. Many students have to work to help their families, even though fees are very low — less than 50 euro a year — and we offer scholarships. Some arrive without having eaten.” The diocese also supports youth with living arrangements, housing them in religious communities and contributing to food, rent, and medical expenses. Persuading youth to continue their studies often means taking workers away from the fields. Many students come from villages in the savannah, where people live off rice paddies and zebu herding. Few want to study agriculture or tourism, sectors that are strategic for development. “Everyone dreams of an office job. We need to raise awareness to help people understand the country’s real needs,” explained Marav. “We don’t just focus on their studies, but on the whole person, on holistic education.” In Moramanga, there are around 600,000 Catholics, served by 35 priests and 22 congregations. The focus is primarily on education, charity, social work and health care, in a country where 75% of the population lives below the poverty line and public health care is virtually non-existent. Bishop Vella said, “We rode motorbikes to a gold-mining area and met some young people carrying a girl on a makeshift stretcher made of bamboo poles and blankets. They had walked for 18 hours and still had another 10 or so to go to reach a clinic. These are extremely serious and absurd injustices. We are also thinking of trying to build a new clinic in those areas.” ### Sources: ANS – Madagascar – Amidst the poverty of Moramanga, Bishop Vella, SDB’s dream takes shape: the “Don Bosco University” Salesian Missions – Madagascar UNICEF – Madagascar The post MADAGASCAR: Salesians launch Don Bosco University in Moramanga first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ETHIOPIA: Don Bosco Center in Adwa bakes 3,000 loaves of bread to feed displaced children
At the Don Bosco Center in Adwa, Ethiopia*, 3,000 loaves of bread are baked every day and distributed mainly to children affected by hunger. This is one of the many ways that Salesians continue to support people still facing challenges in the Tigray region of the country. The post ETHIOPIA: Don Bosco Center in Adwa bakes 3,000 loaves of bread to feed displaced children first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Salesians support people facing uncertainty in Tigray region ETHIOPIA (MissionNewswire) At the Don Bosco Center in Adwa, Ethiopia*, 3,000 loaves of bread are baked every day and distributed mainly to children affected by hunger. This is one of the many ways that Salesians continue to support people still facing challenges in the Tigray region of the country. More than three and a half years after the official end of the civil war in Tigray, the political and economic situation in the region remains extremely fragile. Tensions between regional and federal actors, ongoing insecurity, and weakened economic structures continue. The local community, together with around 1 million internally displaced persons, still depends heavily on external assistance. Many families continue to face an uncertain future. The situation is particularly dramatic in the camps for those who have been internally displaced. Many people are still living in provisional shelters. Schools that should normally serve as places of learning are being used as emergency accommodation. Families live in extremely cramped conditions, often separated only by hanging blankets or sheets. Many people are gradually losing hope for a better future. “Without external support, it would be very difficult to guarantee regular assistance,” explained Father Trinh Kinh Luan, a Salesian in the region. “This support allows us to immediately purchase the flour we urgently need to continue baking and distributing bread. In this way, hungry children and mothers in the refugee camps can receive food every day. This help is not only financial. It is also a profound sign of hope and solidarity.” Recently, a new humanitarian aid delivery from the Austrian aid organization One World Youth (Jugend Eine Welt), arrived in Adwa. Thanks to 4,700 kilograms (more than 10,000 pounds) of flour, the Salesians will be able to continue baking thousands of loaves of bread in the coming weeks, helping to ensure the survival of many people in need. Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world with more than 38% of its population living in poverty, according to Feed the Future. Close to 85% of the country’s workforce is employed in agriculture, but frequent droughts severely affect the agricultural economy leaving more than 12 million people chronically, or at least periodically, food insecure. In addition, more than two-thirds of the population is illiterate. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Ethiopia – Adwa: Bread for the Hungry – Salesians Continue Emergency Support for People in Tigray Salesian Missions – Ethiopia UNICEF – Ethiopia *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post ETHIOPIA: Don Bosco Center in Adwa bakes 3,000 loaves of bread to feed displaced children first appeared on MissionNewswire.
BRAZIL: Salesians carry out water system maintenance in Indigenous communities
Salesian missionaries have carried out maintenance work on deep wells, replacing submersible pumps in various villages within the Parabubure Indigenous territory, in the Campinápolis area of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The goal is to ensure a strong water supply for the Santa Luzia, Santarém and Aopa communities. The post BRAZIL: Salesians carry out water system maintenance in Indigenous communities first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Salesians oversee wells in around 80 villages in regions of Sangradouro, São Marcos and Parabubure BRAZIL (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have carried out maintenance work on deep wells, replacing submersible pumps in various villages within the Parabubure Indigenous territory, in the Campinápolis area of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The goal is to ensure a strong water supply for the Santa Luzia, Santarém and Aopa communities. The initiative was launched by Salesians in Sangradouro and involved missionaries and lay collaborators engaged in activities related to water access in the villages. Work began after the Salesians received reports of disruptions to the water distribution system. In the village of Santa Luzia, the community leader, João Tsidzapi, reported that residents had been forced to return to collecting water from rivers following the breakdown of the local system. In Aopa, a broken pump had forced residents to resort to using streams or walking to other villages to obtain drinking water. Salesian teams carried out maintenance on the water collection systems and restored the wells to working order. In the village of Santarém, Father Silvio Roberto, Father Joseph Tran Van Lich and Deacon José Alves de Oliveira replaced a solar-powered pumping system with an electric pump. The replacement became necessary following several faults in the photovoltaic system previously installed by Brazil’s Special Secretariat for Indigenous Health. The new system aims to make water distribution more regular and increase the amount of water available to the village. The project was carried out in collaboration with the Special Indigenous Health District of Barra do Garças, which requested an exemption from electricity charges for the communal water points in the villages. Salesians oversee the maintenance of wells in around 80 villages in the regions of Sangradouro, São Marcos and Parabubure. The work involves diagnosing faults, replacing submersible pumps and upgrading water collection systems. According to Deacon Oliveira, demand for new wells remains high in the region’s villages. Around 140 communities are still awaiting the drilling of new wells to gain access to water. A Salesian explained, “The expansion of water infrastructure faces challenges linked both to demand and to the operational capacity of the institutions. The Special Indigenous Health District cannot, on its own, meet the needs of the number of communities requesting new systems. The operation of the systems also depends on external factors. The instability in the electricity supply from the Mato Grosso state power company can prevent testing and delay the commissioning of installed systems.” Salesian missionaries and collaborators continue the work carried out for years in the villages of the region. The initiative builds on earlier commitments to drilling wells and maintaining water systems in Indigenous communities. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Brazil – Salesian missionaries maintain water systems and expand services in villages within the Parabubure Indigenous Territory Salesian Missions – Brazil World Bank – Brazil The post BRAZIL: Salesians carry out water system maintenance in Indigenous communities first appeared on MissionNewswire.
KENYA: Don Bosco Utume undergoes renovation thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
Don Bosco Utume in Nairobi, Kenya, has been able to renovate the building housing students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The funding transformed the living conditions of 215 people, mostly seminarians, by renovating and upgrading 23 student rooms and attached bathrooms and rehabilitating the communal student restroom. The post KENYA: Don Bosco Utume undergoes renovation thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Seminarians from several African countries preparing for ministry at school KENYA (MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Utume in Nairobi, Kenya, has been able to renovate the building housing students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding transformed the living conditions of 215 people, mostly seminarians, by renovating and upgrading 23 student rooms and attached bathrooms and rehabilitating the communal student restroom. Don Bosco Utume prepares more than 190 seminarians from several African countries for priestly and religious ministry. Over the years, the residential facilities had gradually deteriorated due to constant use and aging infrastructure, creating urgent maintenance challenges. With the funding, the old plumbing system was replaced and upgraded with modern piping for both hot and cold water systems. This improvement significantly enhanced water pressure, eliminated leaks and restored reliability to the water supply system. Each bathroom was fully rebuilt and modernized with new ceramic tiles, sinks, toilets, faucets, shower systems and sanitary fittings. These improvements strengthened hygiene, functionality and durability. In addition, a solar water heating system was installed and integrated into the residence infrastructure to replace the old heating system. This system guarantees reliable hot water while reducing electricity costs and promoting sustainable energy use. The communal restroom was also completely refurbished and upgraded with modern urinals, improved drainage systems and new fittings. Since this communal bathroom is used by all the students, Salesians installed a pressure pump to speed up water flow to the toilets and maintain hygiene. Lastly, repairs were carried out to restore and improve the condition of the students’ rooms including replastering and repainting, while damaged doors and frames were replaced with more durable materials. Father Emilius Salema explained, “When I served as administrator here, these bathrooms were among our biggest challenges. Pipes broke frequently, and the students often had to endure cold showers very early in the morning. It was not the dignified environment that young men preparing for the priesthood deserve.” Fr. Salema expressed deep appreciation for the improvements. “The transformation is remarkable. The rooms are bright, clean and fully functional. The hot water system alone makes a tremendous difference. These improvements create a healthy environment where seminarians can concentrate on prayer, study and formation. Projects like this are not luxuries. They are essential investments in the education of future Salesian priests who will serve thousands of young people across Africa.” ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – Kenya World Bank – Kenya The post KENYA: Don Bosco Utume undergoes renovation thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
INDIA: 34 girls attending Don Bosco Muniguda receive scholarships thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
Salesian missionaries had the funding for scholarships for 34 economically disadvantaged girls studying at Don Bosco School, located in Muniguda in the Rayagada District, Odisha, India. The scholarship funds were received from Salesian Missions and were used for school fees, hostel fees, and educational materials. Although the funding was initially intended for 26 girls, the project team extended the support to 34 students who were unable to continue their studies due to financial difficulties. The post INDIA: 34 girls attending Don Bosco Muniguda receive scholarships thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Girls continue their studies in supportive learning environment INDIA (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries had the funding for scholarships for 34 economically disadvantaged girls studying at Don Bosco School, located in Muniguda in the Rayagada District, Odisha, India. The scholarship funds were received from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and were used for school fees, hostel fees, and educational materials. Although the funding was initially intended for 26 girls, the project team extended the support to 34 students who were unable to continue their studies due to financial difficulties. A Salesian explained, “Through this support, the girls were able to attend school regularly, stay in a safe hostel environment and focus on their studies without the burden of financial constraints. The initiative ensured that the most vulnerable girls from tribal communities received access to quality education and a supportive learning environment.” Education for girls in this region of Odisha remains a major challenge, as many families do not consider schooling for girls a priority due to poverty and social conditions. Through this scholarship support, girls were given the opportunity to study and pursue their dreams. As a result, they showed improved school attendance, increased confidence and a greater interest in continuing their studies. Pinki Kundika, aged 13, was one of the scholarship recipients. She is from a village where most of the families belong to tribal communities and depend on small-scale agriculture, daily wage labor or forest-based livelihoods for their income. Poverty levels are high and many parents have limited education. Because of economic hardship and social factors, education for girls is not seen as a priority, and many are at risk of dropping out of school at an early age. Kundika’s father passed away and her mother is a housewife who struggles to support the family. Before receiving the scholarship support, Kundika studied in a village school where the quality of education was very poor. Teachers rarely attended classes and she had very limited learning opportunities. Because of the financial difficulties faced by her family, continuing her education was uncertain. The scholarship provided through Don Bosco Muniguda enabled her to enroll in school and stay in the hostel, where she now has access to learning facilities and regular academic guidance. Kundika shared that receiving the scholarship brought great relief and happiness to her and her family. She said that without this support she would not have been able to continue her education. Kundika said, “I was a frightened before, but today I am becoming more confident. Because of this help, I am able to study and dream about my future.” Kundika hopes to become a teacher in the future so that she can help other children from poor villages receive a good education. She is determined to study hard and make the most of the opportunity given to her. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – India World Bank – India The post INDIA: 34 girls attending Don Bosco Muniguda receive scholarships thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
BRAZIL: Students gain hands-on experience in architecture and urban planning
The Casa Real Project, located in Lorena, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, encourages architecture and urban planning students attending Teresa D'Ávila University Center to develop their professional skills through social action aimed at providing decent housing for those in need. The post BRAZIL: Students gain hands-on experience in architecture and urban planning first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Casa Real Project encourages social action through housing BRAZIL (MissionNewswire) The Casa Real Project, located in Lorena, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, encourages architecture and urban planning students attending Teresa D’Ávila University Center to develop their professional skills through social action aimed at providing decent housing for those in need. Professor José Ricardo Flores Faria explained, “In 2011, we held the first edition of the course, still as an architecture and urbanism exhibition, which was set up and then dismantled. In 2013, it became a real project, with a social aspect. We looked for an institution that needed renovations, and the first was the Maria de Nazareth Elderly Shelter. We renovated all areas of the shelter, except for the elderly residents’ rooms.” The successful project was driven by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, who support the university. The Casa Real Project continued to be carried out every two years, with renovations in 2015 at the Lorena Center for the Visually Impaired and two years later at the Vila Vicentina da Sagrada Família Long-Term Care Home. In 2019, the Casa Real Project began to serve families in poverty in the outlying neighborhoods of Lorena. Faria said, “We adopted the theme of decent housing and began renovating the homes of people in socially vulnerable situations. Currently, these families are referred by Lorena’s Diocesan Caritas, which has become a partner in the project. Families need to have a very specific profile, owning the property and at the same time being vulnerable in terms of housing.” Each year, fourth-year students are responsible for the Casa Real Project. They choose the family that will benefit from the project from among those referred by Caritas. They conduct interviews to determine the family’s housing needs and photograph and measure the house. They survey the costs and materials needed, develop the entire renovation project, which is discussed and adjusted with the family, and launch a campaign to raise funds and materials. Lastly, they monitor the execution of the work, solving any problems and unforeseen events that may arise. Faria added, “The cool thing is that when we meet graduates of the course, their fond memories are tied to this project. Because it does so much good for others and because it’s something really practical, the students get a real sense how the work is done. When they advance in their studies, they find it easier to obtain and adapt to internships in architecture and engineering firms, as they already have concrete work experience in the field.” Faria believes that the project’s significant social impact is another distinguishing feature in the students’ education, explaining that the intervention goes far beyond aesthetics and improving the physical space. It involves drainage and sewage systems, renovations to prevent leaks and mold, and sanitation issues. He recalls the case of a house that had a toilet but not a complete bathroom. The only tap was outside and was used by the family for everything including water for bathing, washing dishes and doing laundry. Faria noted, “When the renovation is done, the impact on these people’s quality of life was noticeable, opening up new horizons for that family, and that is very rewarding.” ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Brazil – “Casa Real”: a project combines professional training with social action Salesian Missions – Brazil World Bank – Brazil The post BRAZIL: Students gain hands-on experience in architecture and urban planning first appeared on MissionNewswire.
INDIA: Don Bosco Center in Nerul celebrates women who complete skills training
The Don Bosco Social Development Services Center for Social Development Services, located in Nerul, Mumbai, India, celebrated International Women's Day on March 8, by paying tribute to women who have successfully completed various skills development courses. Salesians reaffirmed their commitment to supporting women from vulnerable communities through vocational education. The post INDIA: Don Bosco Center in Nerul celebrates women who complete skills training first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Courses designed for women from migrant and economically disadvantaged communities INDIA (MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Social Development Services Center for Social Development Services, located in Nerul, Mumbai, India, celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, by paying tribute to women who have successfully completed various skills development courses. Salesians reaffirmed their commitment to supporting women from vulnerable communities through vocational education. The event included the presentation of certificates to women who completed courses in tailoring, aesthetics, nail art, hairdressing and make-up. A Salesian noted, “The initiative aims to provide women with practical skills to pursue sustainable livelihoods with confidence and dignity. The courses are primarily designed for women from migrant and economically disadvantaged communities.” Salesian missionaries living and working in India, and in more than 130 countries around the globe, are also focused on achieving gender equality through rights training, education and workforce development programs targeted specifically for women and girls. These programs strive to empower women and girls by providing opportunities for education and training that lead to livable wage employment and their independence from violence and exploitation. India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative. India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – India – Don Bosco Nerul supports women through skills development Salesian Missions – India World Bank – India The post INDIA: Don Bosco Center in Nerul celebrates women who complete skills training first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ETHIOPIA: Don Bosco Center in Zway opens nursery school
The Don Bosco Center, located in Zway (Batu), a town in Oromia, Ethiopia*, has opened a nursery school in its missionary station in Hobe. The station has a chapel dedicated to the Most Holy Saviour and an oratory where members of the community, lay collaborators and animators organize various activities with youth from Hobe and the surrounding communities. The nursery is funded with the support of Together for Africa. The post ETHIOPIA: Don Bosco Center in Zway opens nursery school first appeared on MissionNewswire.
School located in missionary station in Hobe ETHIOPIA (MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Center, located in Zway (Batu), a town in Oromia, Ethiopia*, has opened a nursery school in its missionary station in Hobe. The station has a chapel dedicated to the Most Holy Saviour and an oratory where members of the community, lay collaborators and animators organize various activities with youth from Hobe and the surrounding communities. The nursery is funded with the support of Together for Africa. “Salesians understand the importance of early education for youth,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Around the globe, Salesians have a focus on education as a path out of poverty. Early education lays the foundation for secondary school and later employable skills training.” Education is at the heart of what Salesians do in communities like Zway. They have been instrumental in improving quality education, while also providing books and pens, repairing damaged classrooms, and paying incentive salaries for teachers who otherwise wouldn’t work. For children who have missed years of schooling, Salesians also provide informal classes and meet students where they are in their educational journey. Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world with more than 38% of its population living in poverty, according to Feed the Future. Close to 85% of the country’s workforce is employed in agriculture, but frequent droughts severely affect the agricultural economy leaving more than 12 million people chronically, or at least periodically, food insecure. In addition, more than two-thirds of the population is illiterate. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Ethiopia – Don Bosco Zway opens a new nursery school in the Hobe missionary station Salesian Missions – Ethiopia UNICEF – Ethiopia *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post ETHIOPIA: Don Bosco Center in Zway opens nursery school first appeared on MissionNewswire.
SOUTH SUDAN: St. Vincent de Paul Parish offers trauma healing sessions for more than 300 people
Salesians of Don Bosco’s St. Vincent de Paul Parish, located in Gumbo, South Sudan*, launched a six-month cycle of trauma healing sessions, bringing together more than 300 participants from both Don Bosco’s internally displaced community and the host parish community. The participants’ involvement demonstrates their desire for healing, reconciliation and unity. The post SOUTH SUDAN: St. Vincent de Paul Parish offers trauma healing sessions for more than 300 people first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Sessions create safe, welcoming atmosphere for participants SOUTH SUDAN (MissionNewswire) Salesians of Don Bosco’s St. Vincent de Paul Parish, located in Gumbo, South Sudan*, launched a six-month cycle of trauma healing sessions, bringing together more than 300 participants from both Don Bosco’s internally displaced community and the host parish community. The participants’ involvement demonstrates their desire for healing, reconciliation and unity. Father David Tuli, rector and parish priest, initiated these sessions for people who have seen the horror of ongoing strife in the country. The sessions create a safe and welcoming atmosphere in which participants can share their experiences, express their pain, and listen to each other with respect and understanding. A Salesian noted, “This process helps to reduce fear and mistrust and foster empathy and mutual respect between the different ethnic communities displaced by the ongoing conflicts. Through trauma healing, participants are encouraged to forgive, grow in emotional strength and promote peaceful coexistence. The sessions help to rebuild trust, strengthen relationships and cultivate a spirit of unity.” Salesian missionaries in South Sudan are dedicated to providing programs and services across the country. Salesian missionaries provide education, social development services, nutrition programs, and health clinics for poor youth and their families. For some, the education offered at Salesian schools is the only opportunity to gain an education and the skills necessary for future employment. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – South Sudan – Trauma healing sessions for internally displaced persons and the Gumbo parish community Salesian Missions – South Sudan *Any goods, services or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post SOUTH SUDAN: St. Vincent de Paul Parish offers trauma healing sessions for more than 300 people first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ECUADOR: Salesian Missions provides funding to enhance quality education at San Patricio Basic Education School
The San Patricio Basic Education School, located in Quito, Ecuador, had the funding to help improve quality education for 190 youth in poverty. The donor funding came from Salesian Missions. The post ECUADOR: Salesian Missions provides funding to enhance quality education at San Patricio Basic Education School first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Funding also supports psychological care for 87 students ECUADOR (MissionNewswire) The San Patricio Basic Education School, located in Quito, Ecuador, had the funding to help improve quality education for 190 youth in poverty. The donor funding came from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Salesian missionaries completed teacher training and provided school kits and school uniforms to the students. The funding also provided comprehensive psychological care for 87 students identified with emotional or behavioral needs with personalized follow-up and emotional regulation activities. In addition, the funding supported 30 students with help with reading and writing and 28 students with mathematics. Ten students were identified with specific educational needs not previously diagnosed. One of the students supported was Jorge Mathias Galeas Culqui, aged 13, who once worked on the streets selling empanadas. When his mother went to prison, he was left alone in Ambato, until his grandmother managed to raise money to bring him to Quito. Today, they live together in a small warehouse in a park. A Salesian explained, “In previous schools, he had been teased for wearing the same clothes and shoes and not being able to pay fees or participate in activities. But at San Patricio Basic Education School, Culqui found something different. He enjoys a real understanding and support of teachers who not only teach, but who believe in him. Now, after two years of studying, Culqui is enjoying his school accomplishments. He discovered that he likes to speak in public and wants to be part of the student council. He attends events at the Salesian University and hopes that one day he will be a student there.” Another student, Mónica Alexandra Chimbolema Chillagana, aged 17, has grown up at the school. Her siblings also studied there. When Chillagana was 10, she was diagnosed with an intellectual disability. While she and her mother worried what that would mean, the school’s response was that she would be supported and educated without exclusion. Today, Chillagana is the best math student in her course. She solves exercises on the blackboard with confidence and helps her classmates. This is her last year at the school, and she is ready to continue her education so that one day she can work at the United Nations or an international foundation, helping others. Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth who are poor gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – Ecuador UNICEF – Ecuador The post ECUADOR: Salesian Missions provides funding to enhance quality education at San Patricio Basic Education School first appeared on MissionNewswire.
RWANDA: Don Bosco Gatenga Center has new sanitation facilities thanks to Salesian Missions
Don Bosco Gatenga Vocational Training Center, located in Gatenga, in the Kicukiro District of Kigali, Rwanda, has improved sanitation for students thanks to donor funding. The funding came from the Salesian Missions "Clean Water Initiative." The post RWANDA: Don Bosco Gatenga Center has new sanitation facilities thanks to Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Project part of ‘Clean Water Initiative’ RWANDA (MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Gatenga Vocational Training Center, located in Gatenga, in the Kicukiro District of Kigali, Rwanda, has improved sanitation for students thanks to donor funding. The funding came from the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.” Salesian Missions is the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The new facilities provide running water and adherence to proper cleaning standards. They feature separate sections for girls and boys, ensuring privacy and preventing students from feeling uncomfortable or disturbed in their personal space. The facilities are also now closer to the students. More than 560 students were impacted by this donation. A Salesian explained, “The previous inadequate infrastructure affected hygiene, health, privacy and overall dignity. The improved sanitation has helped to reduce health issues and helped students fight against the infections that previously caused many problems.” The students are happy with the new facilities. Gikundiro Christa Bella expressed gratitude for Salesian Missions and its support of the center. She said, “The previous facilities were unhealthy, caused infections and produced a strong bad smell. The new facilities are more modern and ensure privacy and dignity, especially for the female students.” “The toilets are now close to the students and meet all necessary standards,” said Uzamureba Clementine, a staff member at the school. She emphasized that the improved sanitation has helped reduce health issues and created a safer space for everyone. Don Bosco Gatenga has been at the forefront of gender issues in the region. Since its beginning in 1976, the school has welcomed youth in need. The school helps to prepare youth for the future and teaches them employable skills so that they will be self-sufficient and help support their families and the community. Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Youth who are poor are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives. Salesians first arrived in the country in 1953. Today, there are six Salesian centers in Rwanda. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – Rwanda UNICEF – Rwanda The post RWANDA: Don Bosco Gatenga Center has new sanitation facilities thanks to Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
LEBANON: Salesians respond with food, shelter and education for displaced families
Salesian missionaries are responding with aid and shelter for families that have been impacted by the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Lebanon* is facing a severe humanitarian crisis. Over 1 million people have been displaced, thousands have been killed, and the population is becoming increasingly vulnerable. Salesian houses are supporting education, shelter, and psychological care for children and families. The post LEBANON: Salesians respond with food, shelter and education for displaced families first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Salesian centers adapt to maintain educational routines for youth (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are responding with aid and shelter for families that have been impacted by the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Lebanon* is facing a severe humanitarian crisis. Over 1 million people have been displaced, thousands have been killed and the population is becoming increasingly vulnerable. Salesian houses are supporting education, shelter, and psychological care for children and families. Lucian, a 15-year-old Iraqi refugee who has been welcomed by Salesian missionaries, said, “The explosions are very intense. I can barely sleep at night, especially when the sirens go off.” Another youth, Florina said, “We live each day in fear, wondering what will happen next.” The war has interrupted education, limiting access to the internet, eliminating safe spaces for study and creating deep demotivation. One Salesian student said, “Sometimes I feel that all my efforts may be lost.” Many of these youth are already refugees who had fled previous conflicts. This current situation is reactivating or worsening past traumas. Faced with widespread insecurity, Salesian centers have had to adapt. Centers such as Angels of Peace in Beirut suspended in-person classes and implemented daily online education systems, combined with psychosocial support. They are maintaining an educational routine as an essential tool to protect youth from the psychological impact of war. “This digital classroom is the only refuge they have left,” explained a teacher. Centers have also strengthened emergency measures, including evacuation plans, crisis teams, daily security monitoring and communication systems with families. However, some centers have had to suspend educational activities entirely to provide shelter, leaving youth without schooling for weeks. Salesians are also welcoming people who are displaced. In El Houssoun, dozens of internally displaced people are being sheltered at the Salesian center, including families with newborns and the elderly whose homes have been damaged by bombings. The number of hosted families has remained stable since the beginning of the conflict, as the center cannot accept new arrivals despite receiving requests almost daily. The massive influx has placed significant pressure on already impoverished communities, with many families opening their homes and sharing scarce resources. Every day, at least one hot meal is provided, along with basic food supplies, hygiene products, health care, heating, and support for the hosted families. Most of the hosted families belong to the Shiite community, adding complexity in a deeply fragmented social and political context. The Salesian community insists that their response must not be shaped by divisions, but by the urgent need to protect people. “We are living a constant struggle between our humanity and fear,” explains a worker who has welcomed another family into her home. The situation in Lebanon, and across the Middle East, continues to deteriorate. Increasing displacement, destruction of homes and the inability of many families to return highlight a prolonged crisis. Salesians continue to provide food, shelter, education, and psychological support to thousands of people, especially for youth. Salesians in the Middle East continue to welcome all in need. They said, “We do not act based on political divisions, but on a deeper conviction: that love must prevail over fear, unity over division and peace over violence.” ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) via Misiones Salesianas ANS – Middle East – The Salesian Network: A Refuge for Displaced People One Month After the Start of War Salesian Missions World Bank – Lebanon *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post LEBANON: Salesians respond with food, shelter and education for displaced families first appeared on MissionNewswire.
BRAZIL: Salesians celebrate 80-year anniversary of youth center in Pará de Minas
Salesian missionaries in Pará de Minas, in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Saint Dominic Savio Salesian Youth Center, which began as the Colonel Benjamin Ferreira Guimarães Institute. The institute, serving youth who are at risk and vulnerable, was named after the industrialist Benjamim Ferreira Guimarães, who wanted to convert his professional success into support for youth. The post BRAZIL: Salesians celebrate 80-year anniversary of youth center in Pará de Minas first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Youth in vulnerable situations gain employment skills BRAZIL (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Pará de Minas, in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Saint Dominic Savio Salesian Youth Center, which began as the Colonel Benjamin Ferreira Guimarães Institute. The institute, serving youth who are at risk and vulnerable, was named after the industrialist Benjamim Ferreira Guimarães, who wanted to convert his professional success into support for youth. On March 3, 1946, in makeshift camps among the construction sites, an oratory opened its doors to 32 boys. By the end of the year, the attendance had risen to 140 boys, demonstrating the need for local youth to find a place of safety, education and social support. Over the next eight decades, the institute functioned as a school, where academic learning went hand in hand with technical and moral education. In the workshops youth learn skills to become shoemakers, tailors, carpenters and bakers. They not only learned useful skills for their future, but also began to contribute to the upkeep of their own homes. At the same time, agricultural production and animal husbandry taught the value of working the land. Two distinctive figures were educators at the time. Father André Roque conducted important botanical experiments with sorghum, and Father João Bertoldi provided technical expertise in the orchard. Today, the Saint Dominic Savio Salesian Youth Center operates as a philanthropic organization dedicated to strengthening family and community ties. The center offers computer, music, sports, art, judo, academic support and entrepreneurship workshops for youth in vulnerable situations. A Salesian noted, “With the support of the St John Bosco Province and a vibrant network of past pupils and collaborators, the center is celebrating its 80th anniversary, reaffirming itself as a beacon of hope for youth and families in vulnerable situations.” ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Brazil – 80 years of the Patronato of Pará de Minas: an unshakeable legacy of education, faith and social transformation Salesian Missions – Brazil World Bank – Brazil The post BRAZIL: Salesians celebrate 80-year anniversary of youth center in Pará de Minas first appeared on MissionNewswire.
MIDDLE EAST: Salesian organizations respond to crisis in the Middle East
Mission Don Bosco, the Salesian Mission office located in Turin, Italy, and Salesian organizations around the globe have been responding to the needs of families impacted by the conflict in the Middle East. Thousands of families are fleeing the bombings, leaving everything behind. Salesians living and working in these countries have once again opened their doors to those in need, while Salesian organizations from around the world are mobilizing to gather relief aid. The post MIDDLE EAST: Salesian organizations respond to crisis in the Middle East first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Mission Don Bosco in Italy launches campaign for resources (MissionNewswire) Mission Don Bosco, the Salesian Mission office located in Turin, Italy, and Salesian organizations around the globe have been responding to the needs of families impacted by the conflict in the Middle East. Thousands of families are fleeing the bombings, leaving everything behind. Salesians living and working in these countries have once again opened their doors to those in need, while Salesian organizations from around the world are mobilizing to gather relief aid. “Concern, suffering and disorientation are the emotions I perceived while listening to the voices of my confreres, Father Simon from Beirut, Father Emanuele from Jerusalem and Father Pier from Aleppo, who are currently in this terrible theater of war,” explained Father Luca Barone, president of Mission Don Bosco. “They are the voices of those who deeply love their people, who have become one with those lands where Salesian houses are now becoming refuges for those fleeing, shelters where people can receive food and medicine, homes where they can be welcomed, and places of prayer where they can find faith and consolation.” In Nazareth and Bethlehem, schools have been closed and the population has been forced to seek refuge. In Damascus, Syria*, fragments of rockets falling in the area of Jaramana caused explosions, leading to the precautionary closure of the Salesian center. In Lebanon*, raids struck Beirut, the Bekaa Valley and several areas in the north and south. Tens of thousands of newly displaced persons are adding to an already precarious humanitarian situation. Don Bosco Technique and the Angels of Peace Salesian schools have been suspended. In Lebanon, Salesians provided initial shelter in the houses that remained open, offering help to the displaced, to those who lost their homes and to those searching for a safe place. The Salesian house of El Houssoun has welcomed about 116 people, including two newborns, a mother who has just given birth and 12 elderly people. Many of these families arrived after a 16-hour journey covering 110 kilometers (about 68 miles) because of the enormous traffic congestion caused by the mass exodus of people fleeing the bombings. There are also 45 children who fled during the night from the southern regions who are at this Salesian house. Almost all the people who are displaced have arrived without clothes or personal belongings as winter temperatures drop to near freezing. “We must guarantee the basic conditions for all these people, including warm clothing, food and water. This is what we are focusing on,” explained Joe Attalla, director of a Don Bosco Center in Lebanon. “The families reached the Salesian center exhausted and with very few personal items, therefore the priority was to ensure dignified conditions from the very beginning.” A Salesian coordinator in charge of the response added, “The classrooms of the center were quickly transformed into welcoming spaces with mattresses, blankets and basic humanitarian aid kits, but we need help. The displaced need food, blankets, warm clothes and essential goods, especially for children and the elderly.” Mission Don Bosco immediately launched a campaign to gather resources in order to provide immediate assistance to those displaced, offer psychological support to the most fragile and sustain the Salesians working on the ground so that they can face this new emergency in the best possible way. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Middle East – Salesian Commitment in the New Phase of Emergency: Open Doors and International Support for the Most Vulnerable Salesian Missions Salesian Province of the Middle East Salesian Province of the Middle East Facebook *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post MIDDLE EAST: Salesian organizations respond to crisis in the Middle East first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ECUADOR: Donor funding from Salesian Missions supports education, health of students living in poverty
Salesian missionaries in Quito, Ecuador, had the funding to help support education and health for students living in poverty thanks to donor funding. The funding came from Salesian Missions. The post ECUADOR: Donor funding from Salesian Missions supports education, health of students living in poverty first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Students at risk of dropping out, face academic challenges ECUADOR (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Quito, Ecuador, had the funding to help support education and health for students living in poverty thanks to donor funding. The funding came from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The families of the students mainly work in informal, low-paid jobs and in precarious conditions. Students are at risk of dropping out of school or face academic challenges. Many require educational reinforcement and psychosocial support to ensure they remain in and do well in school. With the funds received, Salesians were able to continue and strengthen the comprehensive care program. From January to June 2025, academic and psychosocial support was provided to 191 youth. In the second half of the year, 181 students received support. In addition, Salesians provided school kits with supplies students needed. Salesians also held four specialized health campaigns including dentistry, optometry, general medicine and nutrition. These activities were carried out in coordination with the Prefecture of Pichincha and the Vista para Todos Foundation. These interventions not only covered basic health needs, but also guaranteed the delivery of corrective lenses and health-related procedures for 183 students. Further, 76 parents and caregivers attended workshops on parental responsibility and emotional management. Youth went to workshops on rights, inclusive communication and safe environments. At the same time, Salesians helped youth maximize free time with sports and cultural activities, which improved the perception of well-being and quality of life. Casandra Rey Sancho, aged 13, has been attending the Salesian Mi Patio Reference Center since she was 8 years old. She is one of the beneficiaries of the project. She said, “Before entering the program, I was a very withdrawn child. I had a hard time trusting others, and I didn’t have a safe space where I could play, learn or just feel supported. I felt small in front of the world. Today I can say that I am different.” She added, “Thanks to Salesian support, I have strengthened my security and confidence. Not only do I get support with my homework and school supplies, like backpacks and notebooks, but I also have people who believe in me. Teacher Susana visits my house, talks with me and my mother, and also comes to my school to follow up on my progress. That close support has motivated me to try harder. My grades have improved and I now have good grades.” Sancho also receives psychological support and participates in health campaigns. She loves to play soccer and dance. She noted, “Not only have I improved in school, I believe in myself, have been opened up to the world and now imagine a different future. I am deeply grateful, because thanks to this project, today I am more confident, happy and hopeful.” Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth who are poor gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – Ecuador UNICEF – Ecuador The post ECUADOR: Donor funding from Salesian Missions supports education, health of students living in poverty first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ETHIOPIA: Don Bosco Center provides food aid to 200 people at risk of malnutrition
The Don Bosco Center, located in Shire, in the Tigray region of Ethiopia*, provides education and support to youth who are vulnerable, orphaned, or poor through school and computer courses. In early March, Don Bosco Shire, in collaboration with the Sisters of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret and the Daughters of Charity, organized a humanitarian food distribution for internally displaced people. The post ETHIOPIA: Don Bosco Center provides food aid to 200 people at risk of malnutrition first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Initiative supports most at-risk people, including pregnant women ETHIOPIA (MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Center, located in Shire, in the Tigray region of Ethiopia*, provides education and support to youth who are vulnerable, orphaned, or poor through school and computer courses. In early March, Don Bosco Shire, in collaboration with the Sisters of St. Jeanne Antide Thouret and the Daughters of Charity, organized a humanitarian food distribution for internally displaced people. The Tigray area has been plagued by war, and many areas are still occupied by the military. Even the areas currently free of conflict have been left with serious damage. Since the signing of a peace agreement in November 2022, the situation is slowly returning to normal, but it has left around a million people displaced and thousands of refugees in Sudan. “In most cases, the territories are still not free,” explained a Salesian working in the area. “But wherever possible, we want people to return to a normal life in their villages. The challenge is that many people who want to return to their homes are now faced with them destroyed, their agricultural land abandoned and all their assets lost. We are working to help people return to a normal life in their villages as soon as possible when it’s safe to do so.” The food initiative supported the most at-risk groups, particularly pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers, whose nutritional needs are urgent. More than 200 people from different internally displaced communities in Shire received food assistance. Each beneficiary was provided with Famix (a food supplement to combat malnutrition in children), salt, sugar and edible oil. Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world with more than 38% of its population living in poverty, according to Feed the Future. Close to 85% of the country’s workforce is employed in agriculture, but frequent droughts severely affect the agricultural economy leaving more than 12 million people chronically, or at least periodically, food insecure. In addition, more than two-thirds of the population is illiterate. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Ethiopia – Don Bosco, Shire, distributes food to vulnerable internally displaced persons Salesian Missions – Ethiopia UNICEF – Ethiopia UNHCR – Ethiopia *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post ETHIOPIA: Don Bosco Center provides food aid to 200 people at risk of malnutrition first appeared on MissionNewswire.
BRAZIL: Salesian School of Work has new photovoltaic system thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
Salesian Missions provided donor funding for a new photovoltaic system at the Salesian Missionary Inspectorate of the Amazon Salesian School of Work, located in Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil. The institution now generates clean and renewable energy, reducing electricity costs and strengthening its environmental sustainability actions. The system includes 197 photovoltaic modules, a 75-kw inverter, a metal mounting structure installed on a zinc roof and copper cabling. The post BRAZIL: Salesian School of Work has new photovoltaic system thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Institution generates renewable energy to benefit school, students BRAZIL (MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, provided donor funding for a new photovoltaic system at the Salesian Missionary Inspectorate of the Amazon Salesian School of Work, located in Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil. The institution now generates clean and renewable energy, reducing electricity costs and strengthening its environmental sustainability actions. The system includes 197 photovoltaic modules, a 75-kw inverter, a metal mounting structure installed on a zinc roof and copper cabling. Approximately 1,000 students and 22 collaborators are direct beneficiaries of the project. This includes youth aged 14-24 as well as adult collaborators. Many students come from situations of social and economic vulnerability in the metropolitan region of Belém, Pará. Jorge William de Sousa Santos, from the school, said, “At the Salesian School of Work, we believe that education must walk side by side with example. By implementing renewable energy on our roof, we are helping the financial health of the institution. We have already saved 32% in costs in the first month, which is key to enabling further improvements for the school.” He added, “This change is also allowing us to train professionals. We have the course available for photovoltaic roof assembler, making our roof a living laboratory. The student learns theory in class and sees the school itself being driven by this technology. Green energy and economic sustainability are no longer just the future. They are the now. With this economy, we are gaining momentum to strengthen our sustainability policies and invest in what matters most — the quality of education for youth.” Salesian missionaries in Brazil provide education, workforce development and social services throughout the country and specifically focus on children with disabilities within several programs. Missionaries help to meet the basic needs of poor youth, including street children, and provide them with an education and life skills to gain employment, break the cycle of poverty and lead productive lives. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – Brazil World Bank – Brazil The post BRAZIL: Salesian School of Work has new photovoltaic system thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
INDIA: Catholic community in Monjurgaon has new chapel thanks to Salesian Missions
Salesian Missions has funded the construction of the new St. Thérèse of Lisieux Chapel, located in Monjurgaon, part of the Kumarikata Parish in Assam, India. The chapel has also been furnished with liturgical and devotional items. The new chapel has strengthened the faith, unity, leadership, and hope among the marginalized Santali Catholic community, laying a solid foundation for the chapel to become a lasting center of worship, formation, and community life. The post INDIA: Catholic community in Monjurgaon has new chapel thanks to Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Many young people now participating in activities INDIA (MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has funded the construction of the new St. Thérèse of Lisieux Chapel, located in Monjurgaon, part of the Kumarikata Parish in Assam, India. The chapel has also been furnished with liturgical and devotional items. The new chapel has strengthened the faith, unity, leadership, and hope among the marginalized Santali Catholic community, laying a solid foundation for the chapel to become a lasting center of worship, formation, and community life. Monjurgaon is situated in the remote and forested foothills along the Assam–Bhutan border, an area that is difficult to access, which limits government services and development initiatives. The local economy is fragile and largely dependent on subsistence agriculture and casual daily labor, with very limited employment opportunities. Most families struggle with chronic poverty, unemployment and seasonal migration. The community also faces serious challenges such as frequent flooding during monsoons, harsh winter conditions, destruction of homes and crops by wild elephants, illiteracy, alcohol addiction, and social marginalization due to their migrant Santali identity and Christian faith. With the chapel, people now have a dignified and permanent place for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, sacraments, and communal prayer. Regular Sunday Mass, feast-day celebrations, and devotional practices such as the Way of the Cross and Divine Mercy prayers have strengthened personal faith and renewed commitment to Christian life. The visible presence of the chapel has deepened the people’s sense of belonging to the church and has instilled pride and confidence in their Christian identity. In addition, the chapel now serves as a safe and nurturing space for catechism classes, youth meetings, and faith formation activities. This has encouraged regular participation, discipline, and leadership among the youth, helping to reduce the risks of school dropout, substance abuse, and unsafe migration. Many young people have begun to take active roles in liturgy, choir and community service. Women, who form a majority in the community, also now have a secure place to gather for prayer, reflection, and community activities. The chapel has strengthened family life by encouraging shared participation in worship and Christian values, promoting harmony, moral formation, and mutual respect within households. Simon Tudu, village catechist, said, “Before the chapel was built, we did not have a proper place for Mass or prayer. During the rains or winter, it was almost impossible to gather. Many people slowly stopped coming for prayer. Children had no fixed place for catechism. Spiritually, people were losing enthusiasm and hope. Now, everyone talks about the new chapel with joy. Most people feel proud that we built this chapel together. Even some non-Christian neighbors appreciate the beauty and discipline of our community. There is more respect for us.” ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – India World Bank – India The post INDIA: Catholic community in Monjurgaon has new chapel thanks to Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
BURUNDI: VIS launching humanitarian aid for people living in Makombe Transit Camp
Salesian International Volunteering for Development (VIS), in collaboration with the Museke Foundation in Brescia, Italy, is taking action to aid people living at the Makombe Transit Camp in Burundi*. The camp is currently home to more than 1,700 people who fled the clashes in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo in December 2025. The post BURUNDI: VIS launching humanitarian aid for people living in Makombe Transit Camp first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Aim to strengthen protection of women, children BURUNDI (MissionNewswire) Salesian International Volunteering for Development (VIS), in collaboration with the Museke Foundation in Brescia, Italy, is taking action to aid people living at the Makombe Transit Camp in Burundi*. The camp is currently home to more than 1,700 people who fled the clashes in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo in December 2025. Approximately 1,050 children up to age 11, 300 boys and girls between the ages of 12-17, and 350 adults, mostly women, have been registered. The camp was set up in 2021 as a temporary reception facility, but it remains overcrowded due to the arrival of new refugees. The country’s permanent camps are currently full, and many refugees remain in the transit center. Several humanitarian organizations have intervened in the camp to provide essential services, including health care, access to water and food distribution. However, in recent months, some key activities have been suspended, leaving important needs unmet for children, young people and women. A Salesian noted, “Families now receive only one meal a day, many do not have their own tent, and there are insufficient toilets and showers. There is also a lack of educational activities and safe spaces for young children, while women and girls no longer receive menstrual kits and counseling services.” VIS is putting a plan into place to address several issues. The activities include a daily hot meal for young children, menstrual kits for women and girls, the creation of safe spaces with recreational and educational activities for children, and education for community leaders who can raise awareness about children’s rights and the sexual and reproductive health of youth. The Salesian said, “The aim is to strengthen the protection of children and women and to offer support to a community that, despite the difficulties, continues to demonstrate resilience and the ability to live together.” Burundi has seen more than a decade of violence and conflict, contributing to widespread poverty according to UNICEF. Children are some of the most severely affected by the country’s rampant poverty. Fifty-three percent of children under the age of 5 suffer from growth stunting caused by inadequate food, low-quality diet, poor infant feeding practices, poor household management of childhood diseases and the general decline of the country’s health system. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Burundi – Emergency in Makombe camp: VIS and Museke Foundation intervene and launch an appeal Salesian Missions – Burundi UNICEF – Burundi *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post BURUNDI: VIS launching humanitarian aid for people living in Makombe Transit Camp first appeared on MissionNewswire.
INT’L DAY FOR STREET CHILDREN: Salesian Missions highlights programs that educate and empower youth
Salesian Missions joins humanitarian and international organizations around the globe in highlighting the plight of children and youth who are homeless on the International Day for Street Children. The day provides organizations and the millions of street children worldwide with an opportunity to have their voices heard while ensuring that their rights are not ignored. The post INT’L DAY FOR STREET CHILDREN: Salesian Missions highlights programs that educate and empower youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Day celebrated each year on April 12 (MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian and international organizations around the globe in highlighting the plight of children and youth who are homeless on the International Day for Street Children. The day provides organizations and the millions of street children worldwide with an opportunity to have their voices heard while ensuring that their rights are not ignored. Celebrated each year on April 12, the day was established by the United Nations to raise awareness of issues affecting youth forced to live on the streets. The Consortium for Street Children founded the International Day for Street Children in 2011 and is the leading international network dedicated to realizing the rights of street children worldwide. Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, explained, “Salesians know that children living on the street need more than just their basic needs met. They need to be able to live safely while having the emotional support and education that will help them live independently later in life.” In honor of the International Day for Street Children, Salesian Missions is proud to share Salesian programs around the globe that provide youth hope for a better life. BENIN <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47922" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47922" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/benin-food-security-IMG-20250820-WA0004.jpg-IMG-20250820-WA0004.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="225" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/benin-food-security-IMG-20250820-WA0004.jpg-IMG-20250820-WA0004.jpg 1080w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/benin-food-security-IMG-20250820-WA0004.jpg-IMG-20250820-WA0004-300x135.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/benin-food-security-IMG-20250820-WA0004.jpg-IMG-20250820-WA0004-1024x461.jpg 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/benin-food-security-IMG-20250820-WA0004.jpg-IMG-20250820-WA0004-768x346.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> More than 500 children and youth in Porto-Novo. Benin, received healthy meals through Rise Against Hunger’s partnership with Salesian Missions. Youth attending Foyer Don Bosco, located in Porto-Novo, Benin, received a shipment of nutritious meals through a partnership between Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger. The meals fed 550 youth in the first half of 2025. A Salesian noted, “One of the main successes of the project has been its strong emotional impact and positive reaction of the children. The project also contributed to improving the community’s nutrition with fewer cases of malnutrition-related illness reported. The feeding program also allowed children to remain focused on their education without interruptions from hunger.” One of the recipients is Franck, aged 10, who lives at Foyer Don Bosco. He said, “Beforehand, many of us did not always have enough to eat. Sometimes, we were hungry, and it was difficult to follow the lessons being taught. Today, we’re able to have meals and eat properly. When I eat, I am happy, I feel strong and I can learn well at school. For us, a meal is not just about eating. It is about finding joy, no longer thinking about the streets, and no longer being afraid to resort to stealing or begging. It is also knowing that someone, somewhere, is thinking of us and loves us.” KENYA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47923" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47923" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/kenya-youth-bosco-boys-ANS8021025.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/kenya-youth-bosco-boys-ANS8021025.jpg 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/kenya-youth-bosco-boys-ANS8021025-300x225.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/kenya-youth-bosco-boys-ANS8021025-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> At Don Bosco Boys Town Langata in Kenya, youth who had been living on the streets receive education and services. Don Bosco Boys Town (Bosco Boys) Langata is providing services to 32 boys who had been living on the streets of Nairobi, Kenya. The Salesian organization is the first reception place for youth to take part in a program of rehabilitation, literacy, and gradual inclusion into school or learning a trade. A Salesian explained, “The boys stay at Langata for a period of three to six months, during which they receive assistance to stabilize them. Once they have made satisfactory progress, both personally and educationally, they are transferred to Bosco Boys Kuwinda to continue their education. At Kuwinda, the boys follow a standard education program, from primary to high school.” Students who complete their primary education are then assisted with secondary education or are advised to choose technical training in sister institutions. The secondary education is most often provided at Don Bosco Technical Secondary School in the town of Embu, northeast of Nairobi. With the two-year technical training, youth have a wide variety of skills to choose from, including tailoring, car engineering/mechanics, carpentry, electrical work, and welding, as well as secretarial skills and a full spectrum of computer-related job skills. After graduation, more than 80% of graduates are employed in their fields of study. Many students go on to attend university or establish their own businesses and become entrepreneurs in Nairobi. SIERRA LEONE <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47924" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47924" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DBFambul_SierraLeone_10-20-23.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="322" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DBFambul_SierraLeone_10-20-23.jpg 781w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DBFambul_SierraLeone_10-20-23-300x193.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DBFambul_SierraLeone_10-20-23-768x495.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Don Bosco Fambul, one of Sierra Leone’s leading child welfare organizations, focuses on serving youth who have been living on the streets. Salesian missionaries have been serving in Sierra Leone since 2001, when they began working to rehabilitate former child soldiers. In the years since, Don Bosco Fambul, located in the capital city of Freetown, has become one of the country’s leading child welfare organizations. It offers food, clothing, crisis intervention services, shelter, educational opportunities, long-term counseling and family reunification. At the core of Don Bosco Fambul’s work is a program for street children. The organization has a staff of 120, including Salesian social workers who go out to the streets, poor areas and marketplaces. They engage with vulnerable youth and encourage them to join Don Bosco Fambul’s programs. The success of the street children rehabilitation program is credited to its holistic approach which focuses on meeting basic needs like food and shelter in addition to personalized medical, psychological, pedagogical, social and spiritual care. Salesians reach out to an estimated 2,500 street children in the region each year. Rehabilitation is a gradual process that includes formal classes, daily games, sports, music, drama, dancing, counseling and prayer. The parents and extended families of participants are contacted several times by social workers before final reunification. TIMOR-LESTE <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47925" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47925" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/timor-leste-food-security-SM-SMOIP-–-110GIKTIM2025-1.png" alt="" width="500" height="333" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/timor-leste-food-security-SM-SMOIP-–-110GIKTIM2025-1.png 1008w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/timor-leste-food-security-SM-SMOIP-–-110GIKTIM2025-1-300x200.png 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/timor-leste-food-security-SM-SMOIP-–-110GIKTIM2025-1-768x512.png 768w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/timor-leste-food-security-SM-SMOIP-–-110GIKTIM2025-1-128x86.png 128w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Schools, centers and orphanages in Timor-Leste received food through a Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger partnership. Youth attending Salesian schools, orphanages and youth centers in Timor-Leste had access to better nutrition through a partnership between Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger. In the first half of 2025, Rise Against Hunger meals fed 1,766 youth across 24 centers around the country. Dircia, a 17-year-old woman, lives at the Franciscan Sister’s Youth Center and Boarding House in Tibar in the Liquica District. Liquica is a coastal and mountainous municipality in the northern part of Timor-Leste, with a population of 75,000. The local economy is based on agriculture with coffee, red bananas, cassava and livestock as key products. Farmers face challenges in accessing markets due to poor infrastructure and terrible roads. Dircia had nine siblings, with two passing away when they were children due to malnutrition. Her mother passed away after delivering Dircia’s youngest brother. The siblings were sent to different youth centers and orphanages. She and her siblings all have experienced better nutrition through Rise Against Hunger meals. Dircia is thankful for the Rise Against Hunger meals and said that they have taught her about taking care of others’ well-being first. She promises to study hard because she wants a good job in the future to improve her life and be of service to others. ### Sources: BENIN: 550 youth receive healthy meals through Rise Against Hunger’s partnership with Salesian Missions/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) KENYA: Youth prepare for new life after living on the streets/ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) Consortium for Street Children SIERRA LEONE: Youth rescued from streets/ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) Salesian Missions TIMOR-LESTE: 24 schools, centers and orphanages receive food through Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger partnership/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) The post INT’L DAY FOR STREET CHILDREN: Salesian Missions highlights programs that educate and empower youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ITALY: Salesian volunteer organization celebrates 40 years of service for youth at risk
The Salesian International Volunteering for Development (VIS) celebrated its 40-year anniversary of service on March 3. The organization was founded in Turin, Italy, with the aim of implementing international cooperation projects to support youth at risk. VIS has launched a new video that tells its story. The post ITALY: Salesian volunteer organization celebrates 40 years of service for youth at risk first appeared on MissionNewswire.
VIS reaches youth through educational, socio-professional programs ITALY (MissionNewswire) The Salesian International Volunteering for Development (VIS) celebrated its 40-year anniversary of service on March 3. The organization was founded in Turin, Italy, with the aim of implementing international cooperation projects to support youth at risk. VIS has launched a new video that tells its story. Over the past four decades, VIS has carried out more than a thousand development and emergency projects and has supported the work of the Salesians across five continents, reaching millions of youth through educational and socio-professional programs. It has also formed generations of individuals committed to international cooperation, the promotion of human rights, and peace. The new institutional video, produced with IME Communications, recounts this journey through the women and men who work in the field, dedicating themselves to the people and communities served by VIS. For its anniversary, VIS looks to share meetings, dialogue, experiences, deeper reflection and a renewed vision for the future with those who have participated. This will take place through different languages and in various locations that represent the identity of VIS including in Turin, Rome, the territories where volunteers and supporters are active, and the partner countries where projects are implemented and staff members serve in the field. This anniversary comes at a moment of significant change for VIS, which has recently become a participatory foundation, with Mission Don Bosco in Turin as its founding body. Together, they are undertaking a path of collaboration to increase the impact and effectiveness of their interventions. Michela Vallarino, president of VIS, said, “This 40th anniversary year is a time of great change for our organization, and we could not have celebrated it in a better way. With hearts full of esteem and gratitude for those who have helped write this story, we are ready to transform and relaunch it with renewed enthusiasm and motivation at a time when it seems more urgent than ever to speak about and work for integral human development, social justice, respect for the rule of law and human rights and peace.” Father Luca Barone, president of Mission Don Bosco and vice president of VIS, also noted, “Having just concluded the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the First Salesian Missionary Expedition, I hope that, as VIS, we may know how to celebrate the past in order to live the present and dream of the future with the fidelity and creativity that Don Bosco teaches us.” ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Italy – VIS: 40 Years beside the Youth Around the World with Don Bosco Salesian Missions – Italy The post ITALY: Salesian volunteer organization celebrates 40 years of service for youth at risk first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ECUADOR: School canteen provides daily meals for 60 youth
The Mamma Margarita School canteen, run by the Salesian Project North Coast Foundation in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, provides daily balanced meals to 60 youth who are at risk of social exclusion. The meals contribute to their well-being, school performance, and social support in a safe environment where they can also strengthen their personal skills and social relationships. The post ECUADOR: School canteen provides daily meals for 60 youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Meals help ensure youth continue to attend school ECUADOR (MissionNewswire) The Mamma Margarita School canteen, run by the Salesian Project North Coast Foundation in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, provides daily balanced meals to 60 youth who are at risk of social exclusion. The meals contribute to their well-being, school performance, and social support in a safe environment where they can also strengthen their personal skills and social relationships. Since its launch in August 2025, the canteen has been offering a nutritious and balanced lunch that promotes physical and cognitive development. Youth who are part of the feeding program are connected to the Mother of the Savior Reference Center and live in conditions of poverty. A Salesian explained, “The center’s educational team identifies the needs of youth, supports their growth, and offers concrete responses to families to ensure youth continue to attend school, improve their academic performance, and participate in the project’s educational spaces.” The canteen relies on the support of local and international institutions for operation. With their intervention, the necessary resources for infrastructure, equipment and food supplies have been made available. The Salesian foundation provides coordination, fundraising, and monitoring and evaluation in order to ensure sustainability over time. Salesians also offer food education that promotes healthy habits and hygiene with the aim of enabling youth to share these good practices in their homes. The participation of families, through awareness-raising and support activities, reinforces the community impact. The Salesian added, “With this canteen, Salesians reaffirm their commitment to the protection of children and adolescents, especially in the poorest areas. The decent nutrition, educational support and comprehensive assistance that children receive help to build an environment of hope that transforms their reality and opens up opportunities for the future.” Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth who are poor gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities. Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Programme, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% in Indigenous communities. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Misiones Salesianas ANS – Ecuador – Daily balanced meals for 60 children at the Mamma Margarita school canteen in Esmeraldas Salesian Missions – Ecuador UNICEF – Ecuador The post ECUADOR: School canteen provides daily meals for 60 youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.
INDIA: Training institute to prepare youth for green, digital sectors
Don Bosco Industrial Training Institute, located in Kurla, a suburb of East Mumbai, India, signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding to strengthen the Indo-German vocational collaboration. With the goal of preparing youth for green and digital sectors such as solar energy and e-mobility, the agreement brings together the Don Bosco Institute, Germany’s HWK Region Stuttgart and German Society for International Cooperation under the Indo-German Green Skills Program. The post INDIA: Training institute to prepare youth for green, digital sectors first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Don Bosco Industrial Training Institute signs agreement for German collaboration INDIA (MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Industrial Training Institute, located in Kurla, a suburb of East Mumbai, India, signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding to strengthen the Indo-German vocational collaboration. With the goal of preparing youth for green and digital sectors such as solar energy and e-mobility, the agreement brings together the Don Bosco Institute, Germany’s HWK Region Stuttgart and German Society for International Cooperation under the Indo-German Green Skills Program. A 16-member German delegation received a traditional welcome and engaged with the institute’s leadership on industry-linked training. The visitors also interacted with students pursuing German language preparation, emphasizing technical excellence alongside intercultural readiness. A Salesian explained, “The agreement prioritizes curriculum adaptation to German standards, structured migration pathways and greater participation of women in technical trades. Bridge courses and B1/B2-level language training form part of the preparation framework. Effective until December 2027, the partnership establishes sustained institutional cooperation. The initiative strengthens global opportunities for the institute’s trainees and reinforces its mission. True to its motto, the institute continues to help youth ‘Learn a Trade, Earn a Living.’” Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India. India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market. India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – India – DBITI Kurla Partners with German Institutions to Boost Green Skills Training Salesian Missions – India World Bank – India The post INDIA: Training institute to prepare youth for green, digital sectors first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ZAMBIA: Don Bosco Makululu provides support for youth living on streets
Don Bosco Makululu, located in the city of Kabwe, Zambia, is rescuing boys, aged 7-18 years old, from a life on the streets. Some of the children and youth are orphans while others come from families marked by violence, addiction and extreme poverty. The post ZAMBIA: Don Bosco Makululu provides support for youth living on streets first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Boys aged 7-18 gain education, social support ZAMBIA (MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Makululu, located in the city of Kabwe, Zambia, is rescuing boys, aged 7-18 years old, from a life on the streets. Some of the children and youth are orphans while others come from families marked by violence, addiction and extreme poverty. A Salesian said, “A telephone booth is not a home. Yet for many street children, it becomes one, even if only for a night. When darkness falls, the narrow space, exposed to cold and shadow, becomes the only refuge that allows them to survive until dawn. It offers neither warmth nor safety, only the illusion of shelter from noise, fear, and loneliness. Here, children learn vigilance instead of trust and silence instead of cries for help.” Ciloto, part of Don Bosco Makululu, is the first step, which offers youth a process of formation and education that gradually prepares them for return to their families or reintegration into the community. Salesians, together with lay collaborators, provide a safe place to live, regular meals, access to clean water, and basic medical care. Once boys are able to access this stability, they study, have shared responsibilities, work, play sports and rest. The Salesian noted, “The most powerful educational tool is the steady and coherent presence of a caring adult. Many boys struggle with addiction, often to glue. Here, addiction is not an identity but a wound to be healed. Recovery includes medical care, constant guidance and a structured routine that helps restore self-control. There are relapses and returns to the street, yet experience shows that once a child has known the safety of a true home and the faithfulness of adults, the memory of that goodness remains within him.” In addition, Ciloto 2 was created to serve as a rehabilitation and support facility for those requiring specialized care. Educators, along with professional psychological support, serve youth with more complex needs. The Salesian added, “Closely connected to this newer home is a farm that has become not only a workplace but also a place of inner renewal. Its aim is self-sufficiency and care for creation, using solar energy and biogas while teaching responsible stewardship. The farm includes pig breeding, food production, and fishponds serving both the house and the local community. The farm also has fields of corn, soybeans and sunflowers, as well as an orchard and an area for laying hens. Even small participation in farm work is part of the rehabilitation process.” Whenever possible, Salesians search for families, often in remote areas of Zambia, to help youth safely return home. Reintegration into the family or local community is among the most meaningful outcomes of this mission. More than 240 boys have received support, and 142 have returned to their families or communities. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Zambia – A Telephone Booth Is Not a Home: From the Street to Hope in Makululu Ciloto-Saved from the Streets Don Bosco Makululu Salesian Missions – Zambia UNICEF – Zambia The post ZAMBIA: Don Bosco Makululu provides support for youth living on streets first appeared on MissionNewswire.
UKRAINE: Salesians launch appeal to provide fuel for center serving people who are displaced
Lack of power becomes humanitarian emergency in winter (MissionNewswire) The Salesian Missionary Center in Warsaw, Poland, has been serving Ukrainian refugees and supporting people still in the country since the beginning of the Russian invasion four years ago. With winter, power cuts become a humanitarian emergency. […] The post UKRAINE: Salesians launch appeal to provide fuel for center serving people who are displaced first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Lack of power becomes humanitarian emergency in winter (MissionNewswire) The Salesian Missionary Center in Warsaw, Poland, has been serving Ukrainian refugees and supporting people still in the country since the beginning of the Russian invasion four years ago. With winter, power cuts become a humanitarian emergency. The most vulnerable people, including children, the elderly and the chronically ill, are most affected without electricity, heating, hot water and light. The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the Salesians of Don Bosco in Ukraine* have transformed houses, oratories and youth centers into shelters for displaced families. There, they can receive hot meals and access psychological support and prayer, while youth can attend school. In many cities, Salesian facilities have become the only place where stability and support can be found. A Salesian explained, “The only source of energy at these facilities is often a single generator, which can only operate if there is fuel. Relying on a generator is essential for activities such as cooking and distributing meals, charging phones and medical devices, providing evening lighting, and storing medicines at a controlled temperature. When the tank is empty, everything stops.” The Salesian Missionary Center launched an online campaign to raise funds to purchase fuel, cover transport costs to the most affected areas and build up emergency reserves. The distribution of aid will be adapted to the current situation in different regions of the country, based on the intensity of power outages. Contributing to the purchase of fuel means assuring those in need have the electricity they need for cooking, heating and lights. The Salesian noted, “We continue to support the Salesians in Ukraine, so that they can provide electricity, heat and safety where they are most needed today.” Since the beginning of the war, Salesian Missions and Salesian missionaries in Ukraine and around the globe have supported thousands of people with projects and activities aimed at alleviating the situation of people affected by the war. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Ukraine – The role of Salesian works, true points of reference for the local population Salesian Missions UNHCR – Ukraine *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post UKRAINE: Salesians launch appeal to provide fuel for center serving people who are displaced first appeared on MissionNewswire.
WORLD HEALTH DAY: Salesian Missions highlights health and social programs for people living in poverty
Salesian Missions joins humanitarian and other international organizations in honoring World Health Day on April 7. In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) held the First World Health Assembly and designated the day to mark the founding of WHO. The first World Health Day was held in 1950. Every year it serves as an opportunity to draw worldwide attention to a particular theme of importance related to global health. The post WORLD HEALTH DAY: Salesian Missions highlights health and social programs for people living in poverty first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Salesian missionaries offer more than 150 medical clinics and hospitals in mostly rural areas (MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian and other international organizations in honoring World Health Day on April 7. In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) held the First World Health Assembly and designated the day to mark the founding of WHO. The first World Health Day was held in 1950. Every year it serves as an opportunity to draw worldwide attention to a particular theme of importance related to global health. Salesian missionaries offer more than 150 medical clinics and hospitals in mostly rural areas around the globe that serve a wide range of medical care needs. In many countries with Salesian programs, dental care and other necessary health services are provided to youth and their families who might otherwise have no access to health care. Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, said, “Salesians care about the health of those we serve. Salesian medical clinics meet a range of health needs from providing preventive health screening to addressing ongoing health issues and ensuring people have the medication they need. This work is especially important in communities where there are few resources and people are at risk. It’s not just clinics though. Nutritional support and water projects also go a long way in helping to prevent disease and health-related issues.” On World Health Day, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight health and social programs that help to provide healthy outcomes for people living in poverty. BANGLADESH The Salesian Sisters of Mary Immaculate operate six clinics in the remote areas of the dioceses of Mymensingh, Sylhet and Chittagong, Bangladesh, to help reduce maternal and infant mortality, according to an article in Global Sisters Report. The sisters have been working to combat these issues for decades in dispensaries, clinics and hospitals. “We perform an average of three healthy deliveries every month, and we also have an average of at least 10 pregnant women come every month for advice and regular checkups,” said Salesian Sister Baptista Rema in the article. She has spent more than 25 years providing health care to Indigenous communities in rural areas. Most of her patients are poor, lack basic education and must travel long distances to seek her care. In the article, Sr. Rema noted, “When I graduated from nursing in 1999 and started working at the Mary Immaculate Dispensary in the Diocese of Sylhet, the infant mortality rate in that area was over 10%, but now it is one or two in 1,000.” Most of the women she provides medical care for are poor and have no choice but to continue working, risking their pregnancies. Others have lost their pregnancies due to abusive husbands. The challenges for these women in rural areas are severe. But still, the Salesian sisters continue to be a source of support. CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47728" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47728" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/central-african-republic-medical-SM_SMOIP-–-101GIKCAR2025_WhatsApp-2025-03-27.jpeg" alt="" width="500" height="225" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/central-african-republic-medical-SM_SMOIP-–-101GIKCAR2025_WhatsApp-2025-03-27.jpeg 1040w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/central-african-republic-medical-SM_SMOIP-–-101GIKCAR2025_WhatsApp-2025-03-27-300x135.jpeg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/central-african-republic-medical-SM_SMOIP-–-101GIKCAR2025_WhatsApp-2025-03-27-1024x461.jpeg 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/central-african-republic-medical-SM_SMOIP-–-101GIKCAR2025_WhatsApp-2025-03-27-768x346.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Funding from Salesian Missions helped ship critical medical supplies for a clinic in the Central African Republic. Salesian missionaries in Bangui, Central African Republic*, had the supplies needed for a medical clinic thanks to a shipment of goods funded in part by Salesian Missions. The shipment was sent by Collaboration Santé Internationale (International Health Collaboration), a Canadian organization focused on responding to the needs of health centers in developing countries. Funding for the shipment was provided by both Salesian Missions and Don Bosco Foundation Paris. The shipment contained electric hospital beds, neonatal incubators, exam tables, filing cabinets, lab coats, amoxicillin, quinine, first aid supplies and vitamins. The medical clinic was completed with funding from the French government through Don Bosco Foundation Paris. Don Bosco Foundation Paris requested assistance from Salesian Missions with funding for the shipment and for its extensive experience in shipping humanitarian aid around the globe. VENEZUELA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47729" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47729" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/venezuela-health-SM185VEN052025FID_IMG_20250513_114150.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="285" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/venezuela-health-SM185VEN052025FID_IMG_20250513_114150.jpg 1219w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/venezuela-health-SM185VEN052025FID_IMG_20250513_114150-300x171.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/venezuela-health-SM185VEN052025FID_IMG_20250513_114150-1024x584.jpg 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/venezuela-health-SM185VEN052025FID_IMG_20250513_114150-768x438.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Salesian missionaries in Venezuela have medical insurance coverage thanks in part to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Salesian missionaries in Venezuela* were able to cover a portion of the Salesian medical insurance thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The insurance coverage includes medical consultations, hospitalizations and necessary procedures for unforeseen health situations for 125 people, including youth in formation, coadjutor Salesians, and Salesian priests. A Salesian noted, “The support provided allowed us to have secure health services for all Salesians of the San Lucas Province. We were able to have good help which in turn strengthens our pastoral work.” Salesian missionaries are working in 22 communities throughout the country. Most of these communities are located in areas which have complex social and economic environments. These Salesian communities cannot sustain themselves solely with their own income or with the income from the pastoral care and support services they provide. Funding from donors makes a critical difference in the lives of Salesians and the communities they serve. ZAMBIA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47730" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47730" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/zambia-meals-SMWhatsApp-Image-2025-09-22-at-8.22.38-AM.jpeg-WhatsApp-Image-2025-09-22-at-8.22.38-AM.png" alt="" width="500" height="370" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/zambia-meals-SMWhatsApp-Image-2025-09-22-at-8.22.38-AM.jpeg-WhatsApp-Image-2025-09-22-at-8.22.38-AM.png 592w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/zambia-meals-SMWhatsApp-Image-2025-09-22-at-8.22.38-AM.jpeg-WhatsApp-Image-2025-09-22-at-8.22.38-AM-300x222.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Salesian Missions partnered with Feed My Starving Children to address the nutritional needs of children in Zambia. Salesian Missions has been able to support nutritional needs of youth in Zambia thanks to an ongoing partnership with Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit Christian organization committed to “feeding God’s children hungry in body and spirit.” In 2025, five shipments were sent to feed children in Salesian programs. Meals have already been distributed at Don Bosco Primary and Secondary School, located in Luwingu. The Salesian sisters, who operate the school, noted that more than 5,000 children benefit from food shipments like this. Salesian sisters with Daughters of Mary Help of Christians have been working in the town of Luwingu since 1984. The town is small and for a long time was isolated from the rest of the country because there were almost no roadways to and from the town. As a result, the population could only rely on subsistence agriculture and hunting as the main sources of food, which was inadequate in terms of both quality and quantity. At first, the Salesian sisters started a youth center and literacy classes. Later, they opened Don Bosco Primary School that today is one of the best schools in the district. The Salesian nuns also provide vocational education to give the local community opportunities to find employment. ### Sources: BANGLADESH: Salesian sisters provide medical support to help reduce maternal and infant mortality CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Funding from Salesian Missions helps ship critical medical supplies for clinic/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions VENEZUELA: Salesian missionaries have medical insurance coverage thanks in part to donor funding from Salesian Missions/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) World Health Day ZAMBIA: Salesian Missions partners with Feed My Starving Children to address nutritional needs of children/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post WORLD HEALTH DAY: Salesian Missions highlights health and social programs for people living in poverty first appeared on MissionNewswire.
INDIA: Catholic community in Kankata village has new chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
Salesian missionaries in Kankata village, located in the Bidar District of Karnataka State, India, have recently opened the St. Thomas Church. The new chapel is thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The post INDIA: Catholic community in Kankata village has new chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
New chapel restores pride, unity within community INDIA (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Kankata village, located in the Bidar District of Karnataka State, India, have recently opened the St. Thomas Church. The new chapel is thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The new chapel was developed to strengthen the faith of the Catholic community by providing a dignified and suitable place of worship and by promoting pastoral and missionary activities among the faithful. Prior to the project, the community lacked an adequate space for Sunday Eucharistic celebrations and feast day gatherings. Through the collective efforts of the villagers, missionaries, and benefactors, a dedicated worship space was developed where the faithful could gather regularly for prayer and liturgical celebrations. This is impacting 97 Catholic families in the village. The village is located at the foothills of the Himalayan range and is predominantly rural. With semi-hilly terrain and limited infrastructure, many villages remain geographically isolated. Most families depend on small-scale farming, tea garden labor and seasonal employment for their livelihood. Income levels are generally low, and economic opportunities for stable employment are limited. Youth often migrate in search of employment. Previously, the lack of a proper worship space created a sense of neglect and discouragement among the villagers. The new chapel has restored pride and unity within the community. Families now gather together regularly, strengthening communal bonds, and fostering mutual support, cooperation, and shared responsibility in maintaining the chapel. Youth have benefited greatly from the project. The chapel now serves as a center for catechism classes, youth meetings, prayer gatherings and oratory activities. This has encouraged active youth participation in church life and has nurtured their moral and spiritual values. Marcel Tigga, a respected elder in the village, said, “Our life here is simple. We work in the fields and depend on daily labor, but our faith keeps us united and hopeful. Earlier we had no proper church. We prayed wherever space was available. Sometimes we felt sad seeing other villages having churches while we had none.” When the church project began, he recalled feeling both excitement and curiosity. The community welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm, though some villagers initially wondered whether such a project could truly be completed due to financial limitations. Tigga noted, “We were happy but also worried whether the church would really be completed. Slowly, when we saw the work progressing, our hope grew. Now we feel respected and blessed. Our children are happy to come to church. This church has brought new life to our village.” ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – India World Bank – India The post INDIA: Catholic community in Kankata village has new chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
INT’L DAY OF SPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE: Salesian Missions highlights sports programs that build bridges among youth
Salesian Missions joins humanitarian organizations and the international community in celebrating the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, which is celebrated each year on April 6. The United Nations General Assembly designated the day in 2013, and it has been celebrated each year since 2014. The adoption of this day signifies the increasing recognition by the U.N. of the positive influence that sports have on the advancement of human rights and on social and economic development. The post INT’L DAY OF SPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE: Salesian Missions highlights sports programs that build bridges among youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.
2026 theme is ‘Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers’ (MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and the international community in celebrating the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, which is celebrated each year on April 6. The United Nations General Assembly designated the day in 2013, and it has been celebrated each year since 2014. The adoption of this day signifies the increasing recognition by the U.N. of the positive influence that sports have on the advancement of human rights and on social and economic development. This year’s theme is “Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers”. In a statement about the day, the U.N. noted, “This year’s theme underscores sport’s unique capacity to foster connection, inclusion and peace in an increasingly fragmented world. As a universal language that transcends cultural, social and boundaries, sport serves as a powerful catalyst for social transformation. Sport connects communities across borders and generations, reducing isolation among marginalized groups, and creating spaces for dialogue, solidarity, and mutual respect.” In countries around the globe, Salesian schools and youth centers offer sports programming as a way to teach life lessons in collaboration, team building and sportsmanship, as well as help increase physical activity. “Sports programs build bridges by educating about tolerance, inclusion and respect,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “Learning and playing team sports teach important social skills while giving youth opportunities for growth and maturity. Salesians offer sports to both boys and girls in youth centers and schools.” In honor of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, Salesian Missions highlights sports programs in countries around the globe. ECUADOR <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47656" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47656" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ecuador-youth-soccer-ANS_MS111424.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="354" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ecuador-youth-soccer-ANS_MS111424.jpg 655w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ecuador-youth-soccer-ANS_MS111424-300x213.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> In Ecuador, Achuar youth in multiple communities benefit from Salesian soccer schools. The Salesian Yankuam Jintia Soccer School benefits youth in the Achuar community of Wichimi, in the Amazon of Ecuador. Currently, there are eight Salesian schools which educate more than 700 youth. Under-12 soccer leagues have been organized to strengthen the bonds of fellowship between the communities. Father Agustín Togo explained, “Through soccer, which is so important in the lives of the Achuar population, children learn values such as respect, discipline, responsibility and teamwork. But it is also an invitation for young people to meet God.” The operation of the Salesian schools is possible thanks to the collaboration of monitors, who are people in the community who volunteer to guide everything related to training. Through the support of the Salesian centers, the monitors have mobile phones or tablets, which help them remain in contact with Fr. Togo to carry out the planning and evaluation of the activities. MOZAMBIQUE <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47657" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47657" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mozambique-social-sports-school-ANS5-2-25_clip.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="366" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mozambique-social-sports-school-ANS5-2-25_clip.jpg 614w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mozambique-social-sports-school-ANS5-2-25_clip-300x220.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Youth from low-income families in Mozambique access education and sports through the Don Bosco Social-Sports School of the Real Madrid Foundation. The Don Bosco Social-Sports School of the Real Madrid Foundation in Maputo, Mozambique, serves as a safe haven for children from the Chamanculo and Luís Cabral neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. Youth at the school come from families with low incomes, many of whom rely on informal, unregulated work and face limited access to basic necessities such as water, food, hygiene, and sanitation. The Don Bosco Social-Sports School is part of the Real Madrid Foundation’s global network of social-sports schools that have the motto “They play, we educate”. These schools promote a model of education that goes beyond the classroom, blending academic learning with athletic training. This holistic approach supports mental and physical development, encouraging youth to have a healthy balance between study and physical activity. Ildo, aged 14, shared how the school has impacted his life. “The Real Madrid Foundation project brought many positive changes to my life — both in school and in sports. It also improved how I relate to my classmates and my family.” Ildo highlighted the values the program teaches — teamwork, perseverance, respect and solidarity — as vital not only for personal growth but also for preparing to face life’s challenges both in and out of school. SIERRA LEONE <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47658" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47658" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sierra-leone-sports-educationANS62724.jpeg" alt="" width="500" height="386" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sierra-leone-sports-educationANS62724.jpeg 677w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sierra-leone-sports-educationANS62724-300x232.jpeg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sierra-leone-sports-educationANS62724-675x523.jpeg 675w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Don Bosco Socio-Sports School in Lungi, Sierra Leone, provides learning and training in soccer, basketball and volleyball to youth through the Real Madrid Foundation. Salesian missionaries operate the Don Bosco Socio-Sports School in Lungi, Sierra Leone, thanks to support from the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid and the Real Madrid Foundation. As part of the Real Madrid Foundation’s “They play, we educate” program, participants receive nutrition, family and psychological support, regular health checkups, the opportunity to participate in social and educational workshops, gymnastics, crafts, reading, and citizenship activities. Training sessions on topics such as health, hygiene, values, and the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse are also provided. The Don Bosco School has four soccer teams, two basketball teams and three volleyball teams, involving 70, 45 and 98 students, respectively. The school has been renovated for this season, and youth have access to all the equipment they need to learn and practice the sports. Students will also engage in competitions. Ansuma, one of the youth involved in the school, said, “The school taught me much more than soccer. I have learned to control my temperament and now I also help at home and in school activities.” UKRAINE <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47659" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47659" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UkrainevolleyballpitchDec1-1536x1152_SM-1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UkrainevolleyballpitchDec1-1536x1152_SM-1.jpg 1536w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UkrainevolleyballpitchDec1-1536x1152_SM-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UkrainevolleyballpitchDec1-1536x1152_SM-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UkrainevolleyballpitchDec1-1536x1152_SM-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UkrainevolleyballpitchDec1-1536x1152_SM-1-1300x975.jpg 1300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Students in Ukraine are playing on a new volleyball pitch thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Salesian missionaries with the Salesian Lyceum in Lviv, Ukraine* were able to use donor funding to install a volleyball pitch thanks to funding from Salesian Missions. The pitch was set up over the summer and ready for the start of the school semester in Sept. 2025. More than 400 students were impacted by the donation and have been able to now play volleyball during their physical education classes and afterschool activities. UNICEF reports that since the start of the conflict with Russia, more than 1,600 schools have been impacted by the bombing. Education has been interrupted for many students and they are no longer able to access coursework or have leisure activities with their friends. The Salesian Lyceum has been meeting these needs for many students, many of whom have been internally displaced in the country. Some of the students are orphaned and in the care of relatives or the Salesians. Father Taras Bayovskiy, headmaster of the Salesian Lyceum, said, “I am grateful that we now have a volleyball pitch. What we have available for students is limited, and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports activities without adequate sports infrastructure has always been a challenge for us. We now have a soccer field, a volleyball court, and modular locker rooms. These facilities enable us to participate in three student sports leagues including soccer, volleyball and rugby.” ### Sources: ECUADOR: Achuar youth benefit from soccer school/Photo courtesy of Misiones Salesianas International Day of Sport for Development and Peace MOZAMBIQUE: School provides education, sports for youth from low-income families/ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) Salesian Missions SIERRA LEONE: Youth receive sports education/ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) UKRAINE: Students access new volleyball pitch thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post INT’L DAY OF SPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE: Salesian Missions highlights sports programs that build bridges among youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.
NIGERIA: Project provides employability training for youth
The Youth Employability Booster Project celebrated its first graduation ceremonies across the three Salesian hubs in Nigeria of Abuja, Lagos and Obosi. The project equips Nigerian youth with market‑relevant skills designed to meet the demands of today’s workforce and is supported by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented in collaboration with Young Africa Nigeria. The post NIGERIA: Project provides employability training for youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.
3 centers celebrate first graduations NIGERIA (MissionNewswire) The Youth Employability Booster Project celebrated its first graduation ceremonies across the three Salesian hubs in Nigeria of Abuja, Lagos and Obosi. The project equips Nigerian youth with market‑relevant skills designed to meet the demands of today’s workforce and is supported by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented in collaboration with Young Africa Nigeria. A Salesian said, “Across the three centers, the graduations represent more than ceremonial achievements. They signify a strategic investment in Nigeria’s youth. Through strong partnerships and a shared vision, the Youth Employability Booster Project continues to foster economic inclusion, resilience and dignity among young Nigerians.” At the Abuja Center in Kubwa, the first students celebrated the completion of the course. The ceremony was described as a moment of reflection and inspiration, as organizers commended the graduates for their consistency, resilience, and determination. A Salesian noted, “Speakers emphasized that graduation marks not an end, but a significant step forward in the professional journeys of the young participants. Representatives of partner organizations reaffirmed their shared commitment to empowering Nigerian youth with employable skills.” The graduation at Lagos Center featured industry engagement. Delivering the keynote address, Mayowa Adanlawo, a business development manager at Wema Bank, encouraged the graduates to embrace financial literacy, entrepreneurship and business growth as critical tools for long-term success. Theresa Amaechi, head of people, culture, and transformation at Workforce Group, shared practical perspectives on workplace culture, adaptability and professional excellence. In Obosi, 114 participants celebrated their graduation. The mobile training model was widely praised for its transformative impact. By bringing high‑quality vocational education directly into local communities, the initiative has made skills training more accessible, practical, and life‑changing for young people.. About 64% of households in Nigeria consider themselves to be poor while 32% of households say their economic situation had worsened over a period of one year, according to UNICEF. Poverty still remains one of the most critical challenges facing the country and population growth rates have meant a steady increase in the number of people living in conditions of poverty. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Nigeria – Youth Employability Booster Project Celebrates Maiden Graduations Salesian Missions – Nigeria UNICEF – Nigeria The post NIGERIA: Project provides employability training for youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ECUADOR: Salesian Project Guayaquil Foundation highlights 2025 impact
Salesian Project Guayaquil Foundation in Ecuador is highlighting its recent impact for youth and families in situations of vulnerability and exclusion in its 2025 report. During 2025, the foundation assisted 950 youth and 580 families through integrated programs focused on technical training and education, psychosocial support, and the promotion of rights. The post ECUADOR: Salesian Project Guayaquil Foundation highlights 2025 impact first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Programs focus on education, psychosocial support and promotion of rights ECUADOR (MissionNewswire) Salesian Project Guayaquil Foundation in Ecuador is highlighting its recent impact for youth and families in situations of vulnerability and exclusion in its 2025 report. During 2025, the foundation assisted 950 youth and 580 families through integrated programs focused on technical training and education, psychosocial support, and the promotion of rights. These programs were developed in priority areas such as Monte Sinaí, Socio Vivienda 2, Isla Trinitaria, Bastión Popular, Vía Daule and neighboring areas, where the Salesian institution maintains an active and constant presence. With these programs, Salesians are responding to complex situations for these families. Data has found that 36.72% of families live in informal settlements, 22.81% are considered vulnerable due to their Afro-descendant status, 12.07% are unemployed or not in the process of professionalization, 8.77% are behind in school, and 8.96% are single mothers and fathers. A Salesian noted, “This data highlights the need to strengthen social supports with the creation of opportunities and comprehensive programs. Youth deserve an opportunity to gain an education and have hope for the future. Meeting basic needs and providing them with social support is vital in helping them to achieve that goal.” Salesians presented the 2025 report at the Salesian Polytechnic University in Guayaquil, which was attended by authorities, cooperators and strategic partners. The foundation expressed its gratitude to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of Ecuador, the university and national and international cooperators, whose commitment makes it possible to support and expand this work. The Salesian added, “The 2025 report presented not only quantitative results but also stories of overcoming adversity and processes of transformation that reflect the human impact of a mission committed to respecting the dignity of all and to the education and integral development of those most in need.” Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Programme, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% in Indigenous communities. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Ecuador – 950 lives supported in 2025: the Proyecto Salesiano Guayaquil Foundation reaffirms its social commitment Salesian Missions – Ecuador UNICEF – Ecuador The post ECUADOR: Salesian Project Guayaquil Foundation highlights 2025 impact first appeared on MissionNewswire.
UGANDA: Salesian community in Palabek has new solar power system thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
The Salesian community in Palabek Refugee Settlement, located in Uganda, has a new solar power system thanks to donor funding by Salesian Missions. The funding enabled the successful installation of 60 high-quality solar panels, harnessing renewable energy to meet the community’s electricity needs. This significantly enhances energy access for the community, including religious missionaries and residents. The post UGANDA: Salesian community in Palabek has new solar power system thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
System enhances daily living and community activities UGANDA (MissionNewswire) The Salesian community in Palabek Refugee Settlement, located in Uganda, has a new solar power system thanks to donor funding by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding enabled the successful installation of 60 high-quality solar panels, harnessing renewable energy to meet the community’s electricity needs. This significantly enhances energy access for the community, including religious missionaries and residents. The upgraded system has contributed to reducing dependence on fuel-based generators, leading to noticeable savings in operational costs. The new system also advances environmental conservation efforts by utilizing renewable solar energy and decreasing the community’s carbon footprint. More than 600 people from the youth center and chapel have been impacted by this donation. Before the project, chapels, youth centers, nursery schools, and the community needed more electricity than the existing system could provide. The old system’s capacity was insufficient to supply continuous electricity where needed. The 12 batteries could only power the area for a few hours after sunset, with some lighting lasting just three hours. To address this, the new system increased the number of batteries to 16, including high-quality lithium batteries known for their long-lasting life and resistance. The installed system now supports lighting, communication, and basic electrical needs within the residence, enhancing daily living and community activities. The improved energy infrastructure has increased the community’s ability to support various programs and activities, fostering development and well-being. Ojok Denis Mlozi, aged 51, is one those benefiting from the project. He cares for his six younger siblings and his four children, and he has also taken in two orphaned children from his sister. Mlozi is a trainee technical teacher, currently working with Don Bosco Vocational Training Center in Palabek. Mlozi was excited about the new solar power system and aware of the challenges faced by the Salesian community. He said, “Before the project, I was worried that power outages might occur earlier in the night, especially since the community hosts important visitors. I felt reassured when the project was completed because the new system was built with high-quality technology. Overall, I, and others, are happy with the changes brought by the project. We are grateful for the support.” Salesian missionaries living and working among the refugees at Palabek Refugee Resettlement Camp provide a range of educational and social development programs for the 93,000 people living in the camp. Most of them are from South Sudan, and 60% are under age 13. Salesians have been supporting refugees since the opening of the camp in 2016. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – Uganda UNHCR – Uganda Refugees The post UGANDA: Salesian community in Palabek has new solar power system thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
INDIA: Salesian Missions provides donor funding for new chapel in Naegaon Garo Village
Salesian missionaries have a new chapel in Naegaon Garo Village of St. John Bosco Parish Kokrajhar, Assam, India, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The chapel was completed in November 2025. The post INDIA: Salesian Missions provides donor funding for new chapel in Naegaon Garo Village first appeared on MissionNewswire.
People from other villages join inauguration celebration INDIA (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have a new chapel in Naegaon Garo Village of St. John Bosco Parish Kokrajhar, Assam, India, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The chapel was completed in November 2025. A Salesian noted, “The faithful of the village were very helpful in the construction. The inauguration was a celebration for all those in the village and the Salesians. After the Catholic Mass, those in the village hosted lunch for all the people who had come from other villages to participate and encourage them. We are grateful to Salesian Missions and the donors for the generous contribution toward the construction of this chapel.” Levi Sangma is the son of Naresh Marak, who brought Christianity to the village in 1997. Sangma was involved in bringing the construction of the chapel to the village and encourages local families to live their faith. He is also motivating the children to study and hopes that one day someone from the village will get a government job in order to help improve local conditions. He added, “We thank Salesian Missions and their donor for providing us such a beautiful church. Now there is a sufficient place for worship and everyone can sit down in the church for prayer.” Salesian programs in India are primarily focused on education. Salesian primary and secondary education helps youth prepare for later technical, vocational or university study. Other programs help to support poor youth and their families by meeting the basic needs of shelter, proper nutrition and medical care. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – India World Bank – India The post INDIA: Salesian Missions provides donor funding for new chapel in Naegaon Garo Village first appeared on MissionNewswire.
UKRAINE: 4 years after start of war, Salesians remain committed to education and aid for people impacted
Salesian missionaries continue to help support the people of Ukraine* four years after the war began. The war has transformed the lives of millions of people and profoundly affected an entire generation of children. They have faced destroyed schools, interrupted lessons, forced displacement, and constant power and heating cuts. The post UKRAINE: 4 years after start of war, Salesians remain committed to education and aid for people impacted first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Salesian schools, youth centers continue to operate (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries continue to help support the people of Ukraine* four years after the war began. The war has transformed the lives of millions of people and affected an entire generation of children. They have faced destroyed schools, interrupted lessons, forced displacement, and constant power and heating cuts. Salesian missionaries have maintained a constant commitment to youth, ensuring access to education as an essential tool for protection and hope. Over the past four years, Salesian schools and youth centers have continued to operate, adapting to security conditions, setting up shelters and ensuring the continuity of educational programs even during the harshest winter months. Father Mykhaylo Chaban, superior of the Salesian Vice-Province of Mary Help of Christians, said, “The aid we have received and continue to receive from all over the world gives us the hope and support needed to face the challenges in times of war, especially during the cold winter. Thanks to the solidarity of thousands of people, we have light and heat to live on, and many children can go to school.” Humanitarian aid remains crucial for thousands of Ukrainian citizens. Salesian missionaries travel to areas near the front lines to distribute food, blankets, generators and fuel, supporting families who remain in particularly vulnerable areas. Salesian support has enabled Ukrainians to feel support even in the most isolated areas. “In these four years of war, it is the youngest who have been most affected. For them, education not only imparts knowledge, but also offers stability, confidence and a future. We remain committed to them and our appeal for peace,” said Father Luis Manuel Moral, director of the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid. Since the beginning of the war, Salesian Missions and Salesian organizations around the globe have supported thousands of people with projects and activities aimed at alleviating the situation for those in Ukraine and those who have fled to neighboring countries. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Misiones Salesianas ANS – Ukraine – Four years of war in Ukraine: hope endures beneath the bombs Salesian Missions UNHCR – Ukraine *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post UKRAINE: 4 years after start of war, Salesians remain committed to education and aid for people impacted first appeared on MissionNewswire.
BRAZIL: Salesians start new vocational education center for youth in need
The Salesian School of Work, located in Ananindeua, Brazil, celebrated the opening of the Padre Lourenço Bertolusso Vocational Formation Center, which expands the Salesian educational and social mission in the region. The new center will offer education courses in automotive skills, motorcycle and refrigeration mechanics, electrical systems for buildings, and the installation of photovoltaic systems. The post BRAZIL: Salesians start new vocational education center for youth in need first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Youth gain skills to become self-sufficient, contribute to community BRAZIL (MissionNewswire) The Salesian School of Work, located in Ananindeua, Brazil, celebrated the opening of the Padre Lourenço Bertolusso Vocational Formation Center, which expands the Salesian educational and social mission in the region. The new center will offer education courses in automotive skills, motorcycle and refrigeration mechanics, electrical systems for buildings, and the installation of photovoltaic systems. A Salesian said, “Our goal is to ensure that youth, living in conditions of poverty, are able to access high-quality education that teaches them skills for employment. Salesians help ensure these youth become self-sufficient and contributing members of their community.” The Salesian School of Work has a 63-year history dedicated to educating youth who are in situations of social vulnerability. The opening program included a Mass of thanksgiving attended by partner companies and Victor Dias, the secretary of the State Secretariat for Science, Technology, Higher, Professional and Technological Education of Pará. These entities contribute significantly to the strengthening of the initiative. Just over 15% of Brazilians live in poverty, with the majority living in the rural northeast of the country, according to the World Bank. While Brazil is making positive changes, there are still large gaps between people who are poor and who are rich, and issues of income inequality and social exclusion remain at the root of poverty. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Brazil – Salesian School of Work opens new Centre for Vocational Formation Salesian Missions – Brazil World Bank – Brazil The post BRAZIL: Salesians start new vocational education center for youth in need first appeared on MissionNewswire.
VENEZUELA: Salesian Missions provides donor support for provincial staff
The Salesian Province of St. Lucas in Venezuela* had the funding to help provincial staff improve their well-being thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Staff received monthly contributions from April to November 2025 to support access to healthy meals, along with an additional amount in December. The project impacted 63 staff members. The post VENEZUELA: Salesian Missions provides donor support for provincial staff first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Project focuses on living expenses, capacity-building efforts VENEZUELA (MissionNewswire) The Salesian Province of St. Lucas in Venezuela* had the funding to help provincial staff improve their well-being thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Staff received monthly contributions from April to November 2025 to support access to healthy meals, along with an additional amount in December. The project impacted 63 staff members. Most of the staff members earn a minimum wage and struggle to meet their essential food and other needs, and the project helped reduce their economic vulnerability and a high level of stress associated with daily subsistence. In addition to the economic support provided, the project reinforced staff identity through the distribution of uniforms, which included two shirts and one pair of pants for women, and three shirts for men. Capacity-building was also prioritized through a structured training plan, designed after assessing staff needs. Five employees pursued individualized studies in administration areas, while 35 workers participated in two group courses, including a 15-hour parafiscal program and a workshop on assertive communication aligned with the 2025-2026 pastoral educational year. Stefani Agreda, aged 29, who works in monitoring and evaluation in the Provincial Office of Planning and Development, was one of the recipients. She said, “I am deeply grateful to Salesians Missions for the project. Sustaining living costs in the capital is very difficult, but thanks to this support I have been able to meet critical expenses of food, rent, transport and health.” Agreda added, “I have also benefited from the Design of Management Indicators course, which has enabled me to reinforce this vital area for the office, knowledge that I owe largely to my experience in youth ministry, achieving a better drafting and evaluation of our projects for the donors. I must also thank you for the uniforms, because they have allowed us to strengthen our institutional identity and sense of belonging, projecting an image of unity and professionalism.” Salesian missionaries have been living and working in Venezuela long before the country’s political and economic crisis began. They operate schools, youth centers, and other programs that support youth in need and their families. An estimated 87% of the population is currently living in poverty, and essential goods such as food and medicine are scarce. ### Sources: Salesian Missions – Venezuela *Any goods, services or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post VENEZUELA: Salesian Missions provides donor support for provincial staff first appeared on MissionNewswire.
INDIA: Don Bosco schools hold AI learning workshop for more than 700 people
Students participate in hands-on sessions (MissionNewswire) Don Bosco English Medium School and Don Bosco Piloo Modi High School in India jointly hosted a three-day AI STEAM (science, technology, engineering, math and arts) learning workshop in February, engaging more than 700 students, parents and teachers. Organized […] The post INDIA: Don Bosco schools hold AI learning workshop for more than 700 people first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Students participate in hands-on sessions INDIA (MissionNewswire) Don Bosco English Medium School and Don Bosco Piloo Modi High School in India jointly hosted a three-day AI STEAM (science, technology, engineering, math and arts) learning workshop in February, engaging more than 700 students, parents and teachers. Organized in collaboration with International S.T.E.A.M Research, the program introduced participants to artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, drones, Internet of Things and extended reality technologies. A Salesian noted, “Learners engaged in hands-on sessions, coding robots, flying drones and working with sensor-based applications. Teachers and parents also participated, many experiencing advanced technologies for the first time. Students described the workshop as transformative and confidence-building.” Father Elson Baretto, rector, called the initiative a step to help make students future-ready through experiential education. Father Daresh, principal, said the institution aims to set a benchmark for holistic, technology-driven learning in Panchmahal district. The schools plan to establish a permanent AI STEAM Lab with International S.T.E.A.M Research’s support, strengthening access to futuristic education in rural Gujarat. Salesian programs across India are primarily focused on education. Salesian primary and secondary education in the country helps youth prepare for later technical, vocational or university study. Other programs help to support poor youth and their families by meeting the basic needs of shelter, proper nutrition and medical care. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – India – Don Bosco Narukot Hosts AI STEAM Workshop for 700 Learners Salesian Missions – India World Bank – India The post INDIA: Don Bosco schools hold AI learning workshop for more than 700 people first appeared on MissionNewswire.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Don Bosco Technical School responds with food aid for evicted families
Don Bosco Technical School Gabutu has responded with support as people living in the 2 Mile community, located in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, face uncertainty following recent evictions. Many families have been left displaced while awaiting a response to their appeal to the Investment Promotion Authority. Most of these affected residents are fourth-generation settlers with no land to return to in their provinces of origin. The post PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Don Bosco Technical School responds with food aid for evicted families first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Destruction of homes, property reported <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-44321" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-44321 size-full" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/papua_new_guinea.png" alt="" width="249" height="166" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/papua_new_guinea.png 249w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/papua_new_guinea-128x86.png 128w" sizes="(max-width: 249px) 100vw, 249px" /> PAPUA NEW GUINEA (MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Technical School Gabutu has responded with support as people living in the 2 Mile community, located in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, face uncertainty following recent evictions. Many families have been left displaced while awaiting a response to their appeal to the Investment Promotion Authority. Most of these affected residents are fourth-generation settlers with no land to return to in their provinces of origin. A Salesian noted, “Despite offers of assistance from donors, progress toward a stable solution remains slow, and delays in official responses have increased the vulnerability of families, particularly women and children. In recent weeks, reports of evictions and the destruction of homes and property have further deepened the hardship. Several students residing in the affected areas have been impacted, with some withdrawing from school for the 2026 academic year.” The Don Bosco Technical School has provided temporary food assistance to support the immediate needs of the displaced families. While the institution has no direct involvement in the land dispute, it has sought to respond to the humanitarian needs arising from the situation. Father Ambrose Pereira, rector of the school, expressed appreciation to the staff, students, past pupils and parishioners of Mary Help of Christians Sabama for their generous outreach. Staff from Don Bosco Technological Institute, along with members of the pastoral team and several benefactors, also contributed to the donation drive. People evicted from the 2 Mile community expressed gratitude for the support. The assistance has brought visible relief and renewed hope, especially among mothers and children affected by the evictions. Papua New Guinea has a population of approximately 7.5 million people. It is a resource-rich country with oil, gas and gold reserves, as well as fertile land capable of producing high crop yields. Despite this, an estimated 40% of Papua New Guineans live below the poverty line of $1.25 per day, according to the World Bank. Close to 50% of adults are illiterate and 25% of children are unable to attend school in Papua New Guinea. Part of the problem with getting to school, work and hospitals has to do with the country’s infrastructure. In rural areas, where nearly 88% of the population resides, there are few roads or means of transportation to get to schools or places of employment. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Papua New Guinea – Don Bosco Supports Displaced Families in Port Moresby Salesian Missions – Papua New Guinea World Bank – Papua New Guinea Poverty The post PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Don Bosco Technical School responds with food aid for evicted families first appeared on MissionNewswire.
MIDDLE EAST: Salesians appeal for peace and solidarity to aid families impacted by war
Amid growing violence in the Middle East, Salesians with the Salesian Jesus the Adolescent of the Middle East Province are working to ensure the safety of children in Palestine*, Israel and Lebanon*. The post MIDDLE EAST: Salesians appeal for peace and solidarity to aid families impacted by war first appeared on MissionNewswire.
People in need of shelter, food and other basic necessities (MissionNewswire) Amid growing violence in the Middle East, Salesians with the Salesian Jesus the Adolescent of the Middle East Province are working to ensure the safety of children in Palestine*, Israel and Lebanon*. In Lebanon, attacks are causing thousands of displacements and worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation. The incursion of Israeli forces into the country has further heightened tensions. The south of the country, particularly the Nabatieh region, has experienced intense bombardments, forcing numerous families to flee their homes in search of safety. “The Middle East is facing a new and dramatic phase of emergency,” explained Father Simon Zakerian, provincial. “The civilian population will be the hardest hit, especially the most vulnerable, such as women and children. Following the attacks, our schools in Palestine, Israel and Lebanon have once again had to close to ensure the safety of our youth.” In response, Salesians have reopened their doors to shelter displaced families. At the Don Bosco El Houssoun Center in Jbeil, about 30 kilometers (about 18 miles) north of Beirut, 120 people from approximately 30 families are being hosted, including about 50 children and 10 elderly individuals in vulnerable conditions. A Salesian from Lebanon said, “We are certain that in the coming hours and days this number will increase. We must guarantee basic necessities for all these people, warm clothing, food and water. This is what we are focusing on.” Many families arrive after 16 hours of travel to cover just 110 kilometers (about 68 miles), due to massive traffic jams caused by the exodus of people fleeing the bombings. Classrooms were quickly transformed into reception spaces with mattresses, blankets, and basic humanitarian aid kits, while Salesians, staff, and volunteers organize assistance for the families. The Salesian added, “We are also worried about the lack of fuel in the West Bank, as many families have no way to heat their homes or cook, including our own communities, such as the one in Cremisan.” Fr. Zakerian concluded, “We find ourselves, again, facing a complicated situation, but our entire network — Salesians, staff members and volunteers — is ready to help communities in Lebanon, Palestine and Israel as quickly as possible.” The Salesian Mission Office in Madrid is already working together with the Salesians in the Middle East and the Salesian solidarity network to organize the necessary aid. Father Luis Manuel Moral, director of the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid, said, “We are appealing to all citizens to channel their solidarity toward those in need. It is not only about giving a blanket or bread, but about bringing hope to those who are now living in such a difficult situation.” He added, “Furthermore, we join the words of Pope Leo XIV, who calls on us to ‘seek a way to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss,’ and we urge all parties to lay down their weapons and threats and to seek lasting peace through dialogue.” ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Middle East – “We Are Working to Ensure Aid Arrives as Soon as Possible” Salesian Missions Salesian Province of the Middle East Salesian Province of the Middle East Facebook *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post MIDDLE EAST: Salesians appeal for peace and solidarity to aid families impacted by war first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ZAMBIA: Village constructs new chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
Salesian missionaries have constructed a new chapel in the village of Kapesa, Kazembe, Zambia, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The funding supported clearing the land, digging the foundation, creating the entire structure, painting inside and fixing the drainage system. The post ZAMBIA: Village constructs new chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Church brings deep sense of pride to community ZAMBIA (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have constructed a new chapel in the village of Kapesa, Kazembe, Zambia, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding supported clearing the land, digging the foundation, creating the entire structure, painting inside and fixing the drainage system. People in Kapesa depend on crop farming and fishing to make their living. During the rainy season they farm and wait for the dry season to sell their dried maize and cassava. Fishing provides for daily meals, but is not enough for sale at the markets. A Salesian noted, “The Catholic community in Kapesa is happy with the new chapel and has remained grateful to the donors for being there for them when they had no place of worship. For years, they prayed from a neighboring school classroom. Having a church of their own has brought a deep sense of Catholic pride in their freedom of worship.” The newly appointed parish priest, Father Tresphord Chisanga, opened the chapel in December 2025. He thanked Salesian Missions for the support and encouraged the congregants to take good care of the church to work toward the growth of faith in the community. Benedict Chitundu, aged 76, was one of the first pioneers of the Kapesa Catholic community. He said, “In the beginning, we had no properly established church. The late Father Gotter, a Polish missionary, had established a center in 2005 without a proper structure. For a long time, we wished to have a place of worship of our own. We faced challenges praying in other places. The classroom we used on Sundays was not always accessible. Now, we are proud and grateful for this beautiful house of God, a place of worship and a place of refuge in times of distress.” Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – Zambia UNICEF – Zambia The post ZAMBIA: Village constructs new chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ARGENTINA: Salesians hold 10th edition of missionary experience
Salesians held the 10th edition of Patio Bosco in Corrientes, Argentina, with more than 110 youth and adults taking part in this missionary summer experience. About 70 local volunteers from Salesian centers collaborated on the event. The theme for the event was “A decade on the streets”, recalling the journey Salesians have taken in the region. The post ARGENTINA: Salesians hold 10th edition of missionary experience first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Patio Bosco supported by local volunteers ARGENTINA (MissionNewswire) Salesians held the 10th edition of Patio Bosco in Corrientes, Argentina, with more than 110 youth and adults taking part in this missionary summer experience. About 70 local volunteers from Salesian centers collaborated on the event. The theme for the event was “A decade on the streets”, recalling the journey Salesians have taken in the region. Paz Meana, who was part of the team that carried out Patio Bosco 2026, shared her joy after the event. She said, “I experienced it with a lot of love, supporting where necessary. This service allowed me to visit local Salesians oratories. I am very grateful to be part of this story and of my beloved Domingo y Laura community.” The first few days allowed the leaders to get to know each other and form groups for each oratory. Moments of education and reflection were shared, as well as Masses in honor of Laura Vicuña and St. Francis de Sales. Activities were also held that included games, educational workshops, catechesis and shared snacks. Francisco Balmaceda summarized what he experienced during these days. He said, “Patio Bosco was a very enriching experience for my education, not only as a volunteer but also as a person. I thank God for allowing me to live this experience that nourishes me and makes me more human.” The Salesian Province of Argentina North expressed its gratitude for the commitment of every leader and volunteer who made the 10th edition possible. Salesian missionaries in Argentina and around the globe provide education and social development programs to help poor youth and their families achieve self-sufficiency and have hope for a better life. Through schools, vocational and technical training programs, youth centers, medical clinics, and more, Salesians are ensuring youth have the services and programs they need to thrive. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Argentina – ‘Patio Bosco’: a decade on the streets of Corrientes Salesian Missions – Argentina World Bank – Argentina The post ARGENTINA: Salesians hold 10th edition of missionary experience first appeared on MissionNewswire.
CHILE: The Don Bosco Foundation provides humanitarian aid for people following fire
The Don Bosco Foundation, in a joint effort with various institutions and communities, delivered humanitarian aid to families who lost their homes after fires in Greater Concepción, Chile. Hundreds of people took part in the campaign to collect food, water, blankets, mattresses, toys and basic necessities, including diapers. In addition, money was raised and allocated for the creation of aid kits for families whose homes suffered serious damage. The post CHILE: The Don Bosco Foundation provides humanitarian aid for people following fire first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Hundreds of people take part in initiative CHILE (MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Foundation, in a joint effort with various institutions and communities, delivered humanitarian aid to families who lost their homes after fires in Greater Concepción, Chile. Hundreds of people took part in the campaign to collect food, water, blankets, mattresses, toys and basic necessities, including diapers. In addition, money was raised and allocated for the creation of aid kits for families whose homes suffered serious damage. A Salesian noted, “All of this was very organized. The collection was held at the Don Bosco Foundation in Santiago and the Teresian Institution School in Las Condes. From these collection centers, the aid was transported to the south thanks to the solidarity and support of trucks provided by families from the circus world, the Municipality of La Florida and the Compañía de Teatro del Biobío.” Father Víctor Mora, president of the Don Bosco Foundation, coordinated the distribution in conjunction with the rector of the Salesian School in Concepción, the Municipality of Penco and community organization in Lirquén. He said, “This campaign is a concrete example of how solidarity, when organized, can be transformed into real hope.” Don Bosco Foundation also expressed gratitude to the employees of the company Emaresa, who organized an internal collection, and to Commercial M&M Limitada, which collaborated for the donation of Tevere mattresses, a priority item. In addition to providing humanitarian aid, Salesian missionaries provide education and social development programs for poor youth in Chile. Once finished with primary and secondary school, students can advance for higher education. Salesian technical schools cater to students who have dropped out of school and are seeking a second chance. In many programs, students complete their education while engaging in internships with local employers. This increases the students’ hands-on work experience and ability to gain livable wage employment after their studies are completed. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Chile – Don Bosco Foundation campaign delivers aid to families in Concepción Salesian Missions – Chile World Bank – Chile The post CHILE: The Don Bosco Foundation provides humanitarian aid for people following fire first appeared on MissionNewswire.
BETHLEHEM: Salesian Missions supports Salesian Bakery in providing free bread to vulnerable people
Salesian Missions helped support the Salesian Bakery, a historical institution in Bethlehem. With the support provided in part by Salesian Missions, the bakery was able to provide free bread to 111 vulnerable families and eight institutions. The post BETHLEHEM: Salesian Missions supports Salesian Bakery in providing free bread to vulnerable people first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Bakery is historical institution in Bethlehem (MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, helped support the Salesian Bakery, a historical institution in Bethlehem. With the support provided in part by Salesian Missions, the bakery was able to provide free bread to 111 vulnerable families and eight institutions. A Salesian explained, “The Salesian Bakery is serving people in situations of vulnerability either directly or through other institutions who serve orphans, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Many in the region are facing economic hardship during this time of conflict. This project also enabled the Salesians to pay the salaries of the bakery staff and cover part of the bakery’s running costs, such as the baking materials, water, and electricity.” The families are selected by the Salesians with the support of the Arab Orthodox Benevolent Society, Women Arab Union in Beit Sahour and Jemima Institution in Beit Jala. The eight institutions supported include the Franciscan Boys House, L’Arche Daycare Center for children and youth with disabilities, Home of Peace, Ahdaf for elderly daycare, Antonian Society Elderly House, St. Nicholas Elderly House, Al-Basma Center for people with disabilities, and Jemima, which cares for children with disabilities. Since 1891, Salesian missionaries have been living and working in Bethlehem, initially establishing an orphanage for boys and later expanding programs to meet growing local needs. Today, Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social activities to support the local community. Salesians offer a technical and vocational training center, the bakery, a youth center and a scout group. Bethlehem has a population close to 25,000 people and an economy that is primarily tourist driven. According to UNICEF, poverty in Palestinian territories including the West Bank, Gaza and Bethlehem varies district to district. Along the Gaza strip, poverty rates have risen as high as 60% with residents relying on food assistance from the United Nations. Over half of the population is under the age of 18, and children in the region grow up amid frequent outbreaks of street violence sparked by ongoing political turmoil. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) Salesians in Bethlehem UNICEF – Bethlehem Poverty The post BETHLEHEM: Salesian Missions supports Salesian Bakery in providing free bread to vulnerable people first appeared on MissionNewswire.
WORLD WATER DAY: Salesian Missions highlights water projects that make clean, fresh water available in communities
Salesian Missions joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in celebrating World Water Day. Led by U.N.-Water, the organization that coordinates the United Nations’ work on water and sanitation, the day has been honored on March 22 every year since 1993. The post WORLD WATER DAY: Salesian Missions highlights water projects that make clean, fresh water available in communities first appeared on MissionNewswire.
‘Clean Water Initiative’ makes building wells, supplying clean water a priority (MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in celebrating World Water Day. Led by U.N.-Water, the organization that coordinates the United Nations’ work on water and sanitation, the day has been honored on March 22 every year since 1993. The day focuses attention on the importance of safe, clean water while advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. While serving as a reminder of the global population who suffers from water-related issues, the day also provides calls to action to prepare for the management of water in the future. Each year, U.N.-Water sets a theme for World Water Day corresponding to a current or future challenge. This year’s theme, “Water and Gender Equality”, calls for a “transformative, rights-based approach where women have equal voice, leadership, and opportunities in water decision-making — making water a force for a healthier, more prosperous, gender-equal future that will benefit us all.” The U.N. has noted that, “Women and girls are disproportionately affected by water-related challenges due to entrenched gender roles, inadequate infrastructure, underrepresentation, limited funding, restrictive social norms and systemic inequalities.” According to U.N.-Water, 2.1 billion people still live without safely managed drinking water, including 115 million people who drink surface water. In addition, roughly half of the world’s population is experiencing severe water scarcity for at least part of the year. “Salesian missionaries understand how the lack of water can impact women and girls disproportionately, taking away their time from meaningful work and education. It also risks their safety,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “It’s why Salesian Missions has made clean water projects a priority in countries around the globe to address the need for fresh, clean water for drinking, cooking and other daily uses.” The Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative” makes building wells and supplying fresh, clean water a top priority for every community in every country in which Salesian missionaries work. In honor of World Water Day, Salesian Missions is highlighting water projects that are impacting youth and entire communities. INDIA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47585" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47585" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/india-borewell-SM_203ING082025DIR_IMG20250804104724-scaled-e1756320373632.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="281" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/india-borewell-SM_203ING082025DIR_IMG20250804104724-scaled-e1756320373632.jpg 1500w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/india-borewell-SM_203ING082025DIR_IMG20250804104724-scaled-e1756320373632-300x169.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/india-borewell-SM_203ING082025DIR_IMG20250804104724-scaled-e1756320373632-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/india-borewell-SM_203ING082025DIR_IMG20250804104724-scaled-e1756320373632-768x432.jpg 768w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/india-borewell-SM_203ING082025DIR_IMG20250804104724-scaled-e1756320373632-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/india-borewell-SM_203ING082025DIR_IMG20250804104724-scaled-e1756320373632-1300x731.jpg 1300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Students at Don Bosco College Chapaguri India are benefiting from a new water supply thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Salesian missionaries installed a functional borewell at Don Bosco College Chapaguri, located in Assam, India, to address the growing need for a reliable water source on campus. The project was funded by the “Clean Water Initiative” of Salesian Missions. As a result of the project, the college and the 100 hostel students now have a consistent, on-site water supply, significantly reducing dependence on external sources and improving overall campus hygiene and sustainability. To ensure optimal groundwater availability, a survey was conducted to identify the most suitable location for drilling. A borewell was drilled to access a sustainable aquifer and then a high-capacity submersible pump was installed, along with durable piping and electrical connections to ensure efficient water extraction. Jimi Basumatary, a resident of Chapaguri and a student at Don Bosco College, described life in the community as peaceful and community-oriented, but marked by limits to basic infrastructure. “Most of us depend on farming and small jobs nearby,” he said. “We live close to nature, but sometimes that means we have to deal with things like water shortages and poor connectivity.” KENYA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47586" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47586" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/kenya-water-project-ANS8124.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="321" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/kenya-water-project-ANS8124.jpg 655w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/kenya-water-project-ANS8124-300x192.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Water wells are improving the quality of life for over 800 families in Korr, Kenya. Salesians in Korr, a city in the Chalbi desert in Kenya, are building two wells thanks to donor funding from the Salesian Mission Office in Turin, Italy. The project involves the installation of solar pumps, pipes and a 20,000-liter (more than 5,200 gallon) tank. The water wells will improve the quality of life and health of over 800 families. One of the wells has been completed. A Salesian said, “Imagine a girl who can finally attend school regularly because she no longer has to spend hours looking for water. Together we can make a difference, transforming their daily struggle for water into a story of change and hope. Let’s build together a future in which water access is no longer a privilege, but a right guaranteed for everyone.” The ongoing drought and poverty, along with and the lack of running water, makes life difficult for the Samburu and Rendille tribes who live in this region. Every day is a quest to find water. People travel up to 15 km (more than 9 miles) to reach the nearest water point, which takes time away from education, work and family life. Women and children bear the greatest burden of this effort. The surface and underground wells, often distant and not always safe, are also used for subsistence farming activities. NIGERIA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47587" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47587" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/nigeria_sanitation_SM_220ANN112025FIDW_-2025-11-05-at-85355-PM.jpeg" alt="" width="500" height="375" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/nigeria_sanitation_SM_220ANN112025FIDW_-2025-11-05-at-85355-PM.jpeg 1080w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/nigeria_sanitation_SM_220ANN112025FIDW_-2025-11-05-at-85355-PM-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/nigeria_sanitation_SM_220ANN112025FIDW_-2025-11-05-at-85355-PM-1024x767.jpeg 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/nigeria_sanitation_SM_220ANN112025FIDW_-2025-11-05-at-85355-PM-768x575.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> More than 1,700 people were impacted by a water project at the St. Jude Science and Technical College in Nigeria which was funded by Salesian Missions. St. Jude Science and Technical College in Nigeria has been able to upgrade its water system thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The funding came from the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative” and impacted 1,300 students, 70 staff and 350 youth from the community. Salesians conducted a survey to understand the gaps in water supply, sanitation facilities and hygiene practices in order to determine the best course of action for the project. This was followed by the construction and rehabilitation of the boreholes, wells and water storage. Salesians then launched school-based WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) clubs and outreach campaigns. Students and staff were trained on the operation and maintenance of the facilities. Through the project, hand-washing points have been constructed at different places in the school compound. Existing toilets were renovated, and the project added more toilets in both the bathrooms for men and women and two for people with disabilities. Students and staff have easy access to the use of toilet facilities without any issue of overcrowding. A Salesian noted, “The community played an active and enthusiastic role throughout the implementation of the WASH project. For many residents, both adults and children, the initiative introduced facilities and practices they had never encountered before. Their willingness to embrace the new systems and participate in training and maintenance activities reflects a promising foundation for long-term sustainability.” UGANDA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47588" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47588" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/uganda-palabek_water_Tank-3_SM199AGL072025DIR-1536x686-2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="223" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/uganda-palabek_water_Tank-3_SM199AGL072025DIR-1536x686-2.jpg 1536w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/uganda-palabek_water_Tank-3_SM199AGL072025DIR-1536x686-2-300x134.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/uganda-palabek_water_Tank-3_SM199AGL072025DIR-1536x686-2-1024x457.jpg 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/uganda-palabek_water_Tank-3_SM199AGL072025DIR-1536x686-2-768x343.jpg 768w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/uganda-palabek_water_Tank-3_SM199AGL072025DIR-1536x686-2-1300x581.jpg 1300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> The Palabek Refugee Resettlement Camp in Uganda has a new water tank thanks to funding from Salesian Missions. The Salesian Vocational Training School, located inside of the Palabek Refugee Resettlement Camp in Uganda, has a new high-capacity water tank thanks to funding from Salesian Missions. The funding is part of the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.” Salesian missionaries living and working among the refugees at Palabek Refugee Resettlement Camp provide a range of educational and social development programs for the 93,000 people living in the camp. Most of them are from South Sudan, and 60% are under age 13. Salesians have been supporting refugees since the opening of the camp in 2016. The new tank will help to provide water for the students at the vocational school and to the broader refugee population once the project is completed. A Salesian noted, “The project aims to directly benefit more than 750 students and workers at Don Bosco Vocational Training School inside the camp. These populations, already living in extremely precarious conditions, depend on constant access to safe drinking water to meet their basic needs. The lack of sufficient storage capacity weakens the water supply, significantly increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and cholera. The tank, once operational, will address this critical need by improving the availability, consistency, and quality of water distributed in the camp. The project will also have a structural impact on the daily lives of refugees.” ### Sources: INDIA: Students at Don Bosco College Chapaguri have new water supply thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) KENYA: Water wells to improve quality of life for over 800 families/ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) NIGERIA: More than 1,700 people impacted by water project funded by Salesian Missions/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions UGANDA: Palabek Refugee Resettlement Camp has new water tank thanks to funding from Salesian Missions/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) World Water Day The post WORLD WATER DAY: Salesian Missions highlights water projects that make clean, fresh water available in communities first appeared on MissionNewswire.
INT’L DAY OF HAPPINESS: Salesian Missions highlights programs that educate and empower youth
Salesian Missions joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in celebrating International Day of Happiness, which falls each year on March 20. In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution that recognized happiness as a “fundamental human goal” and called for “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all people.” The post INT’L DAY OF HAPPINESS: Salesian Missions highlights programs that educate and empower youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Goal is for youth to live healthier, happier lives (MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in celebrating International Day of Happiness, which falls each year on March 20. In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution that recognized happiness as a “fundamental human goal” and called for “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all people.” The day is coordinated by Action for Happiness, a nonprofit movement of members from 160 countries, and is supported by a partnership of like-minded organizations. It was founded as a way to inspire, mobilize and advance the global happiness movement. In 2015, the U.N. launched the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that seek to end poverty, reduce inequality and protect the planet — three key aspects that lead to well-being and happiness. “While education may be the Salesians’ primary focus, the goal is for youth to live healthy and happier lives,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “Salesians know that when youth can access education, they are able to live out their dreams, build a safe net of peers and trusting adults, and plan for their futures.” In celebration of International Day of Happiness, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight Salesian programs that educate, empower and support youth. MALAWI <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47531" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47531" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/malawi-school-Grad2-2-SM_205ZMB082025FID-scaled-e1757351278910.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="377" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/malawi-school-Grad2-2-SM_205ZMB082025FID-scaled-e1757351278910.jpg 1500w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/malawi-school-Grad2-2-SM_205ZMB082025FID-scaled-e1757351278910-300x226.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/malawi-school-Grad2-2-SM_205ZMB082025FID-scaled-e1757351278910-1024x771.jpg 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/malawi-school-Grad2-2-SM_205ZMB082025FID-scaled-e1757351278910-768x579.jpg 768w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/malawi-school-Grad2-2-SM_205ZMB082025FID-scaled-e1757351278910-1300x979.jpg 1300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Students at Don Bosco Secondary School in Malawi gained access to a new hall and library thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Salesian missionaries completed construction of a new multipurpose hall at the Don Bosco Secondary School in Nkhotakota, Malawi, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The project is enhancing the educational environment and activities at the school. The new hall will impact 420 students and all those who use the St. Paul’s parish, as well as youth from the local oratory. In addition, Salesians created a school library for the students. A Salesian noted, “Thanks to this project, the school will benefit from the library and now have a place for assemblies, eating meals, playing games, sharing talents, socializing, studying and more. We are grateful for the support that was provided to us.” With the funds, construction included leveling the ground around the hall structure to put in a slab. The building was constructed with room for 300 plastic chairs and 200 stools. One of the beneficiaries is Kruza, who became the prefect of the library. With access to books and hours spent in the library, she has improved her grades, especially in science where she struggled the most. Her teacher was surprised that she improved from being a C to B student. SYRIA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47532" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47532" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/syria-orphan-project-SM-201MOR072025FID-52-1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="363" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/syria-orphan-project-SM-201MOR072025FID-52-1.jpg 758w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/syria-orphan-project-SM-201MOR072025FID-52-1-300x218.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> The Orphan Project in Syria helped to bring support and joy to children thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Salesians were able to help support children at two orphanages in Aleppo, Syria*, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Both an Armenian orphanage housing 30 children and a Muslim orphanage hosting 50 children, aged 6-18, were supported through the ongoing project. Volunteers engaged the children in activities such as sports and games, cultural and educational sessions, psychological workshops, interactive theater performances, and a carnival day. Children also had access to individual counseling sessions to begin or continue therapeutic support in a safe, confidential setting. Each child was also taken to choose a new pair of shoes. Orphanages in Aleppo are critically under-resourced and face overwhelming challenges including overcapacity, staffing shortages, and limited funding to meet even the most basic needs of the children. A Salesian noted, “The Orphan Project represented a powerful humanitarian initiative that delivered essential care and emotional support to orphaned children in Aleppo — regardless of their religion, background or community. Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis and socioeconomic instability in the region, this project has served as a beacon of hope, offering these children not only essential resources but also dignity, love and belonging.” UKRAINE <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47533" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47533" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UkrainevolleyballpitchDec1-1536x1152-1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UkrainevolleyballpitchDec1-1536x1152-1.jpg 1536w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UkrainevolleyballpitchDec1-1536x1152-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UkrainevolleyballpitchDec1-1536x1152-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UkrainevolleyballpitchDec1-1536x1152-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UkrainevolleyballpitchDec1-1536x1152-1-1300x975.jpg 1300w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Students in Lviv, Ukraine are now playing volleyball on a new pitch thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Salesian missionaries with the Salesian Lyceum in Lviv, Ukraine*, were able to use donor funding to install a volleyball pitch thanks to funding from Salesian Missions. The pitch was set up over the summer and ready for the start of the school semester in September 2025. More than 400 students were impacted by the donation and have been able to now play volleyball during their physical education classes and afterschool activities. UNICEF reports that since the start of the conflict with Russia, more than 1,600 schools have been impacted by the bombing. Education has been interrupted for many students and they are no longer able to access coursework or have leisure activities with their friends. The Salesian Lyceum has been meeting these needs for many students, many of whom have been internally displaced in the country. Some of the students are orphaned and in the care of relatives or the Salesians. Father Taras Bayovskiy, headmaster of the Salesian Lyceum, said, “I am grateful that we now have a volleyball pitch. What we have available for students is limited, and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports activities without adequate sports infrastructure has always been a challenge for us. We now have a soccer field, a volleyball court and modular locker rooms. These facilities enable us to participate in three student sports leagues including soccer, volleyball, and rugby.” WEST AFRICA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47534" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47534" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/benin-SM2-18-25_Africa_158AON022025VISIT-IN-BENIN-SOUTH-PORTO-NOVO-1536x1024-1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/benin-SM2-18-25_Africa_158AON022025VISIT-IN-BENIN-SOUTH-PORTO-NOVO-1536x1024-1.jpg 1536w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/benin-SM2-18-25_Africa_158AON022025VISIT-IN-BENIN-SOUTH-PORTO-NOVO-1536x1024-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/benin-SM2-18-25_Africa_158AON022025VISIT-IN-BENIN-SOUTH-PORTO-NOVO-1536x1024-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/benin-SM2-18-25_Africa_158AON022025VISIT-IN-BENIN-SOUTH-PORTO-NOVO-1536x1024-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/benin-SM2-18-25_Africa_158AON022025VISIT-IN-BENIN-SOUTH-PORTO-NOVO-1536x1024-1-1300x867.jpg 1300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/benin-SM2-18-25_Africa_158AON022025VISIT-IN-BENIN-SOUTH-PORTO-NOVO-1536x1024-1-128x86.jpg 128w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Donor funding from Salesian Missions provided scholarships for 209 students in West Africa. Salesian missionaries in the Our Lady of Peace provincial community were able to provide 209 scholarships to youth who are disadvantaged thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The Antonio César scholarship program took place in Benin, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Guinea, Mali* and Senegal. According to the UNESCO Statistical Institute, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of exclusion from education. More than a fifth of children aged about 6-11 are out of school, a third of children aged about 12-14 and nearly 60% of young people aged about 15-17. The region faces a growing demand for education due to its steadily increasing school-age population. Girls face greater exclusion from school than boys of the same age. Youth receiving the scholarships were aged 8-25, and they were either orphaned or from families that could not afford their schooling. A Salesian explained, “We want to ensure that all youth have a chance to gain an education, particularly girls who face greater disadvantages in accessing education. Salesians provide education and social development programs to support poor youth and their families. It is our goal to connect all youth, despite their disadvantages, to education where they can gain skills for later employment and to succeed in life.” ### Sources: Photos courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) International Day of Happiness MALAWI: Don Bosco Secondary School has new hall thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions Salesian Missions SYRIA: Orphan Project brings support, joy to children thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions UKRAINE: Students access new volleyball pitch thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions WEST AFRICA: Donor funding from Salesian Missions provides scholarships for 209 students *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post INT’L DAY OF HAPPINESS: Salesian Missions highlights programs that educate and empower youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ZAMBIA: Salesian Sacred Heart community opens new Don Bosco Higher Institute
The Salesian Sacred Heart community, located in Makeni, Lusaka, Zambia, celebrated the opening ceremony and blessing of the Don Bosco Higher Institute. This new educational center is dedicated to the education and support of local youth who are marginalized. The post ZAMBIA: Salesian Sacred Heart community opens new Don Bosco Higher Institute first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Center educates youth who are marginalized ZAMBIA (MissionNewswire) The Salesian Sacred Heart community, located in Makeni, Lusaka, Zambia, celebrated the opening ceremony and blessing of the Don Bosco Higher Institute. This new educational center is dedicated to the education and support of local youth who are marginalized. Presiding over the event were Father Innocent Bizimanathe, councilor for the East and Southern Africa Region, and Father Michael Mbandama, superior of the ZMB Province. Both expressed their deep gratitude to all those who made this dream possible, especially the donors whose generosity continues to support the Salesians. In his speech, Fr. Mbandama thanked Fr. Bizimana for his dedication and guidance. Fr. Mbandama said, “Let us pray that this may truly be a center of education and hope for young people.” Fr. Mbandama further noted the Salesian commitment to helping youth cultivate not only skills and knowledge, but also faith, values, and dignity. The meeting was also an invitation to pray for donors, past and present, who often support the mission behind the scenes. Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy, productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Zambia – A new education centre for young people in the ZMB Province Salesian Missions – Zambia UNICEF – Zambia The post ZAMBIA: Salesian Sacred Heart community opens new Don Bosco Higher Institute first appeared on MissionNewswire.
THAILAND: Students attend camp to take part in ecological activities
Students in grades 7-9, together with teachers from the primary and secondary education departments of Sarasit Phithayalai School, in the Ban Pong district in the Ratchaburi Province of Thailand, participated in a summer camp where they learned about environmental responsibility. This included an excursion to Ban Mai Chai Len, Khlong Khon in the Samut Songkhram Province. The post THAILAND: Students attend camp to take part in ecological activities first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Camp focuses on theme of ‘Green Minds, Bright Futures’ THAILAND (MissionNewswire) Students in grades 7-9, together with teachers from the primary and secondary education departments of Sarasit Phithayalai School, in the Ban Pong district in the Ratchaburi Province of Thailand, participated in a summer camp where they learned about environmental responsibility. This included an excursion to Ban Mai Chai Len, Khlong Khon in the Samut Songkhram Province. A Salesian explained, “During the camp, themed ‘Green Minds, Bright Futures’, the students took part in numerous activities. The highlight of the event had students planting mangrove trees. The area is located at the confluence of the Mae Klong River and the Gulf of Siam, making it rich in aquatic life and an important nursery for wildlife. Planting mangroves helps to expand habitats and food sources, contributing to a more abundant and sustainable ecosystem.” The Salesian added, “Mangroves are of great importance to the ecology, environment, society and economy of many countries. Involving the students in this activity is making them aware of their duty to take care of the earth and the environment.” Salesian organizations in Thailand and around the globe are focused on environmentally friendly activities and education. Part of this was driven by Pope Francis’ 2020 Laudato Si’, which underlined the importance of education and training that will help youth foster environmental responsibility. Salesian missionaries provide education and social programs in Thailand to give youth who are poor and disadvantaged an opportunity for a brighter future. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp rise in the country’s “targeted poor” (those who hold state-issued welfare cards) as noted by the Thai People Map and Analytics Platform. Although the country had made strides in reducing poverty before the pandemic, improving nutrition and meeting the basic needs of its residents, inequality is still pervasive. More children are also dropping out of school, especially those who are not living with their parents. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Thailand – ‘Green minds, bright futures’: Sarasit Phithayalai School students take care of our common home Salesian Missions – Thailand World Bank – Thailand The post THAILAND: Students attend camp to take part in ecological activities first appeared on MissionNewswire.
SPAIN: Salesian University of Sarrià launches new teaching internship
The Salesian University of Sarrià, located in Barcelona, Spain, has introduced a new optional teaching module in its engineering degree courses. This national-level initiative aims to broaden the professional skills of future engineers and strengthen the center’s education. The post SPAIN: Salesian University of Sarrià launches new teaching internship first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Demand for course exceeds expectations SPAIN (MissionNewswire) The Salesian University of Sarrià, located in Barcelona, Spain, has introduced a new optional teaching module in its engineering degree courses. This national-level initiative aims to broaden the professional skills of future engineers and strengthen the center’s education. The course was launched following the observation that a growing number of graduates take on teaching-related tasks at some point in their professional careers. As explained by Noemí Ruíz, head of the research department and promoter of the project, the university has an excellent team of researchers that have made teaching this course possible. The module has a highly practical approach. Students take internships in various educational centers, mainly Salesian-run, that help them have hands-on practical knowledge. The internships were structured in two phases, with students first observing the teaching process and then holding theoretical and practical sessions and workshops. According to the Salesian university, the demand for the course exceeded expectations. Students enrolled for different reasons including a curiosity about teaching, the desire to open up new career paths and the recommendation of their academic tutors. Alex Rojas, a mechanical engineering student who participated, highlighted the learning acquired during internships at educational centers. He said, “The skills acquired have a direct application in the world of work, beyond the educational sphere.” The teaching staff has noted the impact students have had on vocational students, providing a direct insight into employment and becoming true academic role models. In some cases, university students have returned to the centers where they trained, now as trainee teachers. Ruíz explained, “The time spent in the centers helped to motivate the students and show them that continuing their studies at university is a real possibility.” The feedback from the tutors has been very positive and one of the participants will soon be taking on teaching assignments, confirming the impact of the initiative. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Spain – A new and pioneering teaching module at the Salesian University of Sarrià Salesian Missions – Spain The post SPAIN: Salesian University of Sarrià launches new teaching internship first appeared on MissionNewswire.
TANZANIA: Water project funded by Salesian Missions ensures clean water access to 10,000 people in Don Bosco Igawa Parish
Salesian missionaries with the Don Bosco Igawa Parish in Tanzania have fresh, clean water for their community thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The funding was part of the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative" and was implemented to respond to chronic water scarcity affecting Igawa village and surrounding rural communities in the Mbeya region. The post TANZANIA: Water project funded by Salesian Missions ensures clean water access to 10,000 people in Don Bosco Igawa Parish first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Project part of the ‘Clean Water Initiative” TANZANIA (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the Don Bosco Igawa Parish in Tanzania have fresh, clean water for their community thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding was part of the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative” and was implemented to respond to chronic water scarcity affecting Igawa village and surrounding rural communities in the Mbeya region. With the new water access, more than 10,000 people have clean water, reducing time spent fetching water, particularly for women and children. Hygiene and school attendance improved, and waterborne illness decreased in the village. People in the area rely on subsistence farming and small livestock. Before the intervention, residents depended on distant, seasonal and often unsafe water sources such as shallow wells and seasonal streams, exposing families to waterborne diseases and long daily travel times for water collection. With the funding, Salesians were able to conduct professional hydrogeological and geophysical surveys to identify a viable and sustainable aquifer. Once it and all permits were established, the drilling for a deep borehole was completed, including casing, gravel packing and sanitary sealing. The funding also provided for the installation of an electric-powered submersible pump and a 5,000-liter (approximately 1,320 gallon) water storage tank and distribution points for community access. Mariana Mtawa, a resident, said, “Before the borehole was drilled, my children and I used to wake up very early to look for water. Sometimes we walked more than two hours, and even then, the water we found was not clean. During the dry season, it was very difficult, and my children would miss school because they were tired or sick. When drilling started, we were worried because we had heard the rocks were very hard, and the first machine failed. We prayed that the work would not stop. When water was finally reached, the whole village celebrated.” Mtawa added, “Now we have water every day near the parish. My children are healthier, they go to school on time and I can use the extra time to work on my farm. Even though the tank is still small, we are very grateful, and we hope the bigger tank will come soon. This water has changed our lives.” In Tanzania, 67.9% of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – Tanzania UNICEF – Tanzania The post TANZANIA: Water project funded by Salesian Missions ensures clean water access to 10,000 people in Don Bosco Igawa Parish first appeared on MissionNewswire.
MADAGASCAR: Salesian missionaries respond with aid after devastating cyclone
Salesian missionaries are responding after Tropical Cyclone Gezani struck the city of Toamasina (Tamatave), on the east coast of Madagascar. With gusts reaching more than 180 miles an hour and torrential rains, the storm hit one of the most vulnerable areas of the country. Reports indicate that there are many dead, dozens injured and thousands left homeless, with large areas flooded. The post MADAGASCAR: Salesian missionaries respond with aid after devastating cyclone first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Project to also focus on reconstruction, strengthening resilience MADAGASCAR (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are responding after Tropical Cyclone Gezani struck the city of Toamasina (Tamatave), on the east coast of Madagascar. With gusts reaching more than 180 miles an hour and torrential rains, the storm hit one of the most vulnerable areas of the country. Reports indicate that there are many dead, dozens injured and thousands left homeless, with large areas flooded. The Salesian community, which has been in the city since 2018, suffered serious damage to the oratory, which welcomes about 550 youth every weekend. Also damaged were the Domenico Savio School, the Salesian parish and the infrastructure under construction for the future vocational training center. “We have lost food and materials. The school canteen warehouse no longer exists,” explained Father Raharinjatovo Soloniaina Louis Patrick, parish priest in Tamatave, after assessing the damage on the ground. Faced with this emergency, Salesians have launched an urgent project to meet immediate basic needs and to repair damaged infrastructure. The goal is to support 500 people and 50 families who have lost their homes through food distribution, essential medicines, free medical consultations and the construction of temporary shelters. In addition, Salesians will repair their buildings’ roofs and educational and pastoral buildings that had damage, which is a priority to be able to resume activities with highly vulnerable youth. In the Atsinanana region, where Tamatave is located, annual rainfall exceeds 3,000 mm (approximately 118 inches) and the area is frequently hit by tropical cyclones. Reconstruction will not only involve building walls, but also strengthening the resilience of communities who face this risk. The Salesian Mission Office in Madrid is launching an appeal for solidarity in order to respond quickly to this disaster. This aid will make it possible to restore safe spaces for children’s education, ensure food security for affected families and support their recovery. Amidst the destruction, Salesians will continue to provide support. A Salesian said, “We cannot leave our young people and their families alone at this time. They need food, shelter and hope.” ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Misiones Salesianas (via ANS article) ANS – Madagascar – Cyclone Gezani devastates Tamatave, a city in eastern Madagascar, leaving thousands homeless Salesian Missions – Madagascar UNICEF – Madagascar The post MADAGASCAR: Salesian missionaries respond with aid after devastating cyclone first appeared on MissionNewswire.
MYANMAR: Don Bosco Youth Center expands classrooms thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
Don Bosco Youth Center in Kalay, Myanmar*, was able to update and expand classrooms to create more spaces for education. The funding came from Salesian Missions. Salesians were able to add five classrooms, which will enable them to admit more students. The post MYANMAR: Don Bosco Youth Center expands classrooms thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
More youth who are vulnerable access education MYANMAR (MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Youth Center in Kalay, Myanmar*, was able to update and expand classrooms to create more spaces for education. The funding came from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Salesians were able to add five classrooms, which will enable them to admit more students. Kalay is located at the gate to the northern Chin State and is one of the business border towns adjacent to India. In 2021, the military took over the town, destroying everything. Salesians report that fighting happens on the outskirts of town, houses are burned down, roads are blocked and youth run away from the town for their safety. Life has become more difficult with people living well below the poverty line. With the economy down, many people are engaged in smuggling goods or enter early marriages without hope for the future. A Salesian reported, “Don Bosco Youth Center is the only boarding school for youth. Many come seek our care for education and spiritual growth. The expansion of these classrooms allows us to serve many more vulnerable and at-risk youth who have little opportunity for education.” A resident in the community, Ko Khai No, explained, “I know many youth who are taking classes at the center. Don Bosco, with its preventive system, brings positive changes for youth and their families. I am quite impressed and grateful for the Salesians for all they are doing in our community.” Despite the challenges in the country, Salesian missionaries continue supporting people who are the most vulnerable, and efforts have expanded to the creation of a long-term global aid plan to help people rebuild their lives after the earthquake. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – Myanmar *Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post MYANMAR: Don Bosco Youth Center expands classrooms thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
EL SALVADOR: FUSALMO achieves platinum-level STEAM certification
The Salvador del Mundo Foundation (FUSALMO) in El Salvador has officially received platinum-level STEAM certification, the highest recognition awarded by the Latin American Society for Science and Technology through its Alfa-STEAM program. The post EL SALVADOR: FUSALMO achieves platinum-level STEAM certification first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Organization offers educational opportunities for youth who are at risk EL SALVADOR (MissionNewswire) The Salvador del Mundo Foundation (FUSALMO) in El Salvador has officially received platinum-level STEAM certification, the highest recognition awarded by the Latin American Society for Science and Technology through its Alfa-STEAM program. STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics), is similar to STEM but adds the arts to integrate creativity, design and critical thinking. This fosters more holistic, innovative and multidisciplinary problem-solving for future careers. An award ceremony took place in January at FUSALMO’s headquarters in Soyapango, El Salvador, in the presence of María Lourdes Vela, from Educare El Salvador, who presented the official plaque to Father Pierre M. Vitelli. A Salesian explained, “Since 2019, FUSALMO has undertaken significant challenges as a pioneer in STEAM education, building specialized educational spaces and implementing innovative methodologies. These efforts are evident in several achievements: organizing the country’s largest robotics competition, the STEAM Maker Challenge; participating in and gaining international recognition at the First Global Robotics World Championship; and recently obtaining certification.” FUSALMO offers traditional and non-traditional educational opportunities for youth who are at risk. Through recreational programs, enrichment opportunities in the arts and music, vocational training, and more, youth are encouraged to stay off the streets, learn to cooperate and co-exist, and gain the skills they need to become productive, contributing members of a more peaceful society. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – El Salvador – FUSALMO receives Platinum certification as a STEAM institution FUSALMO Salesian Missions (USA) – FUSALMO Salesian Missions – El Salvador World Bank – El Salvador The post EL SALVADOR: FUSALMO achieves platinum-level STEAM certification first appeared on MissionNewswire.
SPAIN: Salesian teachers learn about educating students on autism spectrum
The Salesian Center in Deusto, a district in Bilbao, Spain, held an educational meeting focused on autism for teachers from various Salesian centers in the northern part of Spain’s St. James the Greater Province. The meeting took place over two days and combined reflection, knowledge and practical tools for educational action. The post SPAIN: Salesian teachers learn about educating students on autism spectrum first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Schools work to ensure inclusion of students SPAIN (MissionNewswire) The Salesian Center in Deusto, a district in Bilbao, Spain, held an educational meeting focused on autism for teachers from various Salesian centers in the northern part of Spain’s St. James the Greater Province. The meeting took place over two days and combined reflection, knowledge and practical tools for educational action. The workshop held for the teachers was devoted to a basic level of understanding of the autism spectrum, with the aim of helping participants to better understand people with autism, their way of perceiving the world, and communicating and relating to others. The second session offered practical strategies and tools for educational support, particularly in academic and school settings, for more accessible, understanding and inclusive environments. The workshop was facilitated by Marlene Horna, a specialist in autism and inclusive education. One of the most important challenges for schools is ensuring the inclusion of students with special educational needs or disabilities or those who are in vulnerable situations. Without specific support, there is a risk of increasing exclusion rather than reducing it. Elisa Gutiérrez Hernández, a teacher at CES Don Bosco and an expert in inclusion, noted, “An inclusive school must understand that each student is the sum of their interests, abilities and needs. Therefore, recognizing diversity means recognizing the very essence of each class and ensuring the full participation of all pupils. It is necessary to analyze in order to transform and to adapt so that everyone has a place, regardless of labels.” Hernández added, “Building an inclusive school is not just a question of methodology, but also of perspective and culture. It involves a commitment to preparing a personalized learning experience, designed from the outset to take into account the unique characteristics of each individual in our classrooms. It means ensuring that everyone can learn and participate, because what really matters is sharing the learning experience and growing together.” In another learning sessions, Salesians in Lugo took part in a course focused on the dynamic boxes teaching module held by teacher Montse Poyatos Dorado. During the day, participants discovered that dynamic boxes are part of an educational strategy that stands out for its flexible and versatile approach. Montse also introduced the STEPS methodology, which consists of breaking down complex learning into small steps, which must be structured so that students can progress at their own pace. The approaches on autism and dynamic boxes will soon be available in other educational centers in the Salesian province. Salesian missionaries in Spain provide primary and secondary educational as well as vocational and technical school to ensure youth acquire employment skills for the futures. Salesians also work to meet the basic needs of those in poverty and offer workforce development opportunities to ensure an easier school to work transition. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Spain – Salesian school teachers receive training in inclusive education Salesian Missions – Spain The post SPAIN: Salesian teachers learn about educating students on autism spectrum first appeared on MissionNewswire.
BRAZIL: Team of 40 students and doctors provide health support for Indigenous communities
Forty medical students from the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Santos recently concluded the 17th Academic Project for Assistance to Indigenous Populations, which took place in the Indigenous communities supported by the Salesians of the St. Alphonsus Liguori Province of Campo Grande, Brazil. The project provided health support for the Xavante and Boe Bororo communities. The post BRAZIL: Team of 40 students and doctors provide health support for Indigenous communities first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Collaboration built over 17 years BRAZIL (MissionNewswire) Forty medical students from the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Santos recently concluded the 17th Academic Project for Assistance to Indigenous Populations, which took place in the Indigenous communities supported by the Salesians of the St. Alphonsus Liguori Province of Campo Grande, Brazil. The project provided health support for the Xavante and Boe Bororo communities. Twenty students and two doctors were sent to Sangradouro while another 20 students and two doctors were in Meruri and São Marcos. These volunteers carried out various health screenings including blood pressure checks and blood sugar measurements, distributed medicines, and provided basic health care. Home visits were conducted to collect data and provide information on disease prevention. The team in Sangradouro was welcomed by Father Joseph Tran Van Lich, a Salesian missionary in the community. Ricardo Paiva, the project’s social coordinator, said, “As has been the case for 17 years, our welcome at the mission in Sangradouro was simply wonderful.” Activities also included distribution of sanitary pads, organization of hygiene kits and educational workshops. Lectures were given on oral hygiene, proper hand-washing and waste collection in the village. The children received toothbrushes, toothpaste and popcorn. “We were able to combine health education with moments of care and joy, offering a playful and meaningful experience for the children and young people of the village,” explained Paiva. In Meruri, the events began with the organization of medicines and hygiene products in the local dispensary. The students made home visits, organized waste collection in the village and participated in the oratory with the children. The team also promoted a workshop on animal abuse, distributed hygiene kits, and held workshops on alcohol, drug and sexual abuse. The team provided similar services in São Marcos. Volunteers were introduced to the village chief Felix Tsiwê and carried out home visits and assistance in the dispensary. The team of students said, “We are deeply grateful to the doctors for their dedication to the project. We have learned a lot and the doctors were excellent.” Paiva emphasized the importance of the experience. He explained, “We had the opportunity to experience a reality very different from our own and, despite this, we felt at home. We would like to express our deepest thanks to the entire Salesian mission of Sangradouro for welcoming us so warmly and supporting us. May this collaboration, built over 17 years, continue to be strong and last for many years to come.” ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Brazil – University students conclude 17th expedition after 11 days of healthcare assistance to indigenous populations in the Salesian Mission Salesian Missions – Brazil World Bank – Brazil The post BRAZIL: Team of 40 students and doctors provide health support for Indigenous communities first appeared on MissionNewswire.
RWANDA: Don Bosco Reception Center adds new solar power system
The Don Bosco Reception Center, located in Kigali, Rwanda, has installed a new high-efficiency solar power system, responding to critical energy needs while promoting environmental responsibility within the complex. The project was supported by the Salesian Missions Office in Turin, Italy. The post RWANDA: Don Bosco Reception Center adds new solar power system first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Solar energy now accounts for 30% of the electricity used RWANDA (MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Reception Center, located in Kigali, Rwanda, has installed a new high-efficiency solar power system, responding to critical energy needs while promoting environmental responsibility within the complex. The project was supported by the Salesian Missions Office in Turin, Italy. Father Servilien Ufitamahoro, director, emphasized the need for this modernization, pointing out that previously the center had struggled to maintain a constant power supply with limited resources. To resolve these issues, the center collaborated with a company to implement modern technologies, which led to the installation of 24 solar panels and two advanced batteries. The project has already produced measurable results. Solar energy now accounts for 30% of the electricity used by the center, leading to what Fr. Ufitamahoro describes as a significant improvement in daily operations. In addition to the immediate logistical benefits, the initiative represents a commitment to environmental protection. Fr. Ufitamahoro noted that in the light of climate change, the adoption of renewable energy is essential to better care for the environment. Looking to the future, he hoped that the center will be able to switch to 100% solar energy. Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Youth who are poor are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives. Salesians first arrived in the country in 1953. Today, there are six Salesian centers in Rwanda. ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Rwanda – The Don Bosco Reception Centre in Kigali adopts renewable energy by installing a new solar power system Salesian Missions – Rwanda UNICEF – Rwanda The post RWANDA: Don Bosco Reception Center adds new solar power system first appeared on MissionNewswire.
POLAND: Salesians make repairs to chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
Salesians in Marianówka, a village in Poland, have been able to make repairs to a chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. As part of the project, the structure of the chapel roof, the central section and the floor were reinforced. The reinforcement increases the level of safety and will make it possible to apply for the necessary certificates from the fire brigade for the use of this part of the facility. The post POLAND: Salesians make repairs to chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Project improves safety for people participating in activities (MissionNewswire) Salesians in Marianówka, a village in Poland, have been able to make repairs to a chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. As part of the project, the structure of the chapel roof, the central section and the floor were reinforced. The reinforcement increases the level of safety and will make it possible to apply for the necessary certificates from the fire brigade for the use of this part of the facility. A Salesian explained, “This construction project made it possible to achieve the safety standards required by law. This will, in turn, allow us to apply for the necessary state permits to use the building. Obtaining these permits will make it possible to safely host groups of children and youth from our schools and parishes, interested families, and visitors.” The Salesian added, “The Salesian house and the chapel are used by school-aged youth who come to our house, as well as to nearby recreational centers. Throughout the year, students and young families, various formation groups, as well as emigrants, mostly from Ukraine, also visit us. In the last year, the house was used by approximately 1,200 people, and more than 4,000 people participated in services in the chapel over the course of the year.” Salesians in this community provide support to those who need extra assistance, like those who cannot afford coal in the winter. Youth utilize the Salesian house to connect with their peers, engage with adult role models and have time for respite through recreational activities. Salesian missionaries in Poland and bordering countries have been providing shelter and support to refugees from Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion in March 2022. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions The post POLAND: Salesians make repairs to chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
MADAGASCAR: Salesian technical and vocational center constructs new building thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
Students attending the Salesian technical and vocational center, located in Mahajanga, Madagascar, will benefit from newly constructed facilities. The funding has come from Salesian Missions. The work began in March 2025 and currently continues. The project will benefit 400 students with the Salesian community as well as those living in the broader community who will have access to the education offered. The post MADAGASCAR: Salesian technical and vocational center constructs new building thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Project to benefit 400 students with the Salesian community MADAGASCAR (MissionNewswire) Students attending the Salesian technical and vocational center, located in Mahajanga, Madagascar, will benefit from newly constructed facilities. The funding has come from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The work began in March 2025 and currently continues. The project will benefit 400 students with the Salesian community as well as those living in the broader community who will have access to the education offered. The TAFITA Enterprise is responsible for the construction of the ground and first floors of the building. The Salesian community has made the effort to increase its participation to cover certain expenses such as transport of materials, water and electricity, as well as other accessories for construction. A Salesian noted, “This project is essential for the education of youth in the region. There is little access to high-quality vocational and technical training so youth can learn the skills for employment. We had more students than could fit in the current center and we need to expand to better meet the needs of the community. This construction project, once its finished, will allow us to provide better education to more students.” Salesian missionaries have 11 centers and work in several locations in the country, including the Don Bosco House in Ivato in the outskirts of Antananarivo. Salesians have been in Ankililoaka since 1982. They have constructed schools and churches, as well as a youth center. They are working to ensure quality education and make sure no student is left behind. Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Seventy percent of Madagascar’s almost 19 million people live in poverty with 5.7 million of those youth between the ages of 10-24, according to UNICEF. ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions – Madagascar UNICEF – Madagascar The post MADAGASCAR: Salesian technical and vocational center constructs new building thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.
INT’L WOMEN’S DAY: Salesian Missions highlights programs that educate and empower women and girls
Salesian Missions joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8. The day honors the economic, political and social achievements of women while focusing the world’s attention on areas requiring further action. The post INT’L WOMEN’S DAY: Salesian Missions highlights programs that educate and empower women and girls first appeared on MissionNewswire.
2026 theme #GivetoGain encourages mindset of generosity and collaboration (MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8. The day honors the economic, political and social achievements of women while focusing the world’s attention on areas requiring further action. This year’s theme #GivetoGain encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. According to the International Women’s Day website, the theme “emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it’s intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise. Whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time, contributing to women’s advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world.” Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, explained, “Salesian missionaries living and working in more than 130 countries are focused on empowering young women and girls with targeted programs. These programs provide opportunities for education and training that lead to livable wage employment. The goal is to empower young women so they are able to make good life choices for themselves, have hope for the future and achieve their dreams.” In honor of International Women’s Day, Salesian Missions is proud to share Salesian programs around the globe that educate and empower girls and women. ECUADOR <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47486" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47486" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ecuador-women-vocational-ANS52024.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="311" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ecuador-women-vocational-ANS52024.jpg 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ecuador-women-vocational-ANS52024-300x186.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ecuador-women-vocational-ANS52024-768x477.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Women who face unemployment and gender violence gained self-sufficiency at a Salesian training in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. The María Auxiliadora Formation Center in Ecuador held training initiatives for women in Esmeraldas who face unemployment, lack of resources, gender violence and abandonment, or who are heads of household. The training was taught by three lay professionals and included 12 courses over six employment sectors. A Salesian explained, “Providing this training has allowed women to gain the skills needed for employment. Some are able to find jobs after the training while others start a small business of their own. Most importantly, they are able to earn an income to become self-sufficient.” The center was launched 10 years ago in the San Rafael Valley, in the province of Esmeraldas, with the collaboration of the Salesian Ecuador Project and the Salesian San Juan Bosco Community in Esmeraldas. The mission was to support vulnerable populations in a place marked by violence, drug trafficking, poverty and lack of opportunities. INDIA <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47487" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47487" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/india-scholarship-SM_219INH112025FID_Sumita-Kundika.jpeg" alt="" width="500" height="281" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/india-scholarship-SM_219INH112025FID_Sumita-Kundika.jpeg 1280w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/india-scholarship-SM_219INH112025FID_Sumita-Kundika-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/india-scholarship-SM_219INH112025FID_Sumita-Kundika-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/india-scholarship-SM_219INH112025FID_Sumita-Kundika-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/india-scholarship-SM_219INH112025FID_Sumita-Kundika-1200x675.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Don Bosco Nava Nirman in India provided 32 girls with scholarships thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Don Bosco Nava Nirman, located in Muniguda, India, provided scholarships for 32 girls thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The school was developed in 2010 after the Kandhamal violence in the region in 2008. One of the greatest contributions Salesians make in the region is through their education, especially for youth who are poor and marginalized. A Salesian noted, “We have been concentrating on the education of girls and young women, which is an urgent need in this area. Generally, girls are marginalized by the parents as well as the society at large as they are not seen as potential earners in the workplace. Our entry into the education of the girls is in a way an attempt to transform this general perception. Today, through support provided to us, we are able to educate many girls through our scholarship program.” Donor funding helped to offset the cost for hostel fees, as well as academic fees and book purchases. Although the school received funds for 26 scholarships, it was able to make scholarships available for additional children. In total, 32 children received financial support for their education. MALAWI <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47488" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47488" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/malawi-living-conditions-SM_-221ZMB112025DIR.jpeg" alt="" width="500" height="281" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/malawi-living-conditions-SM_-221ZMB112025DIR.jpeg 1080w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/malawi-living-conditions-SM_-221ZMB112025DIR-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/malawi-living-conditions-SM_-221ZMB112025DIR-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/malawi-living-conditions-SM_-221ZMB112025DIR-768x432.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Eighty girls at Don Bosco High School in Malawi have improved living conditions thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Don Bosco High School, located in Nkhotakota, Malawi, has improved living conditions for 80 young girls thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The project funding was used to purchase five buildings as well as the adjacent land. The new area was also fenced for safety. Three houses were renovated and adequately equipped. One house and another building were taken down because they were not in good condition. Seven toilets and 14 showers were constructed, as well as a stand for two 5,000-liter water tanks. Water and electricity were also connected. A Salesian explained, “The main objective of the project was to create better safety and living conditions for the school girls. This was achieved, and as a result, the girls punctuality improved because of the availability of more showers, toilets and water.” Jenallah Mkandawire is a teacher at the school. Before the project, she noted that the living conditions were not adequate for the girls. She explained, “Now the girls are on time and have adequate water for washing their clothes and sanitary needs. Since they have more places to wash themselves and to wash their clothes, the general hygiene of school has improved.” SIERRA LEONE <img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47489" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-47489" src="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sierra-leone-don-bosco-fambul-ANS1-24-25-article-4-10-25.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" srcset="https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sierra-leone-don-bosco-fambul-ANS1-24-25-article-4-10-25.jpg 655w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sierra-leone-don-bosco-fambul-ANS1-24-25-article-4-10-25-300x200.jpg 300w, https://missionnewswire.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sierra-leone-don-bosco-fambul-ANS1-24-25-article-4-10-25-128x86.jpg 128w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /> Young women who have been exploited receive comprehensive support at Don Bosco Fambul in Sierra Leone. Don Bosco Fambul, located in Freetown, Sierra Leone and one of the country’s leading child-welfare organizations, supports young women who have been victims of the sex trade by providing them with training in hotel, catering, tailoring, or hairdressing disciplines, or formal education. Recently, 35 school pupils and 50 skills training students received financial aid, food and clothing through support from donors including Medicor Foundation, Jugend Eine Welt, and the City of Vienna. Every beneficiary received a bag of rice to help meet their nutritional needs, a cash contribution to support daily expenses, and a packet of assorted clothing items to enhance their comfort and dignity. This support is crucial in improving the overall well-being of the youth and enabling them to thrive in their respective environments. Don Bosco Fambul also facilitates the Mobil Project, designed to identify areas where children living on the streets and girls involved in commercial sex work face significant risks. The project’s primary mission is to recruit youth in need into the program, provide them with rehabilitation and support, and reintegrate them into society as empowered individuals. In the 2024-2025 academic year, the Mobil Project proudly supported 55 students in grades ranging from primary and senior secondary school. The students received school bags, learning materials, and financial aid to cover their school fees and other associated expenses. A Salesian said, “This crucial support ensures that these students can concentrate on their education without the burden of financial challenges. This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the generous contributions of our incredible donors. Their unwavering support is making a lasting impact, transforming lives and paving the way for a brighter future for these children. We thank them for being a part of this journey.” ### Sources: ECUADOR: Women gain self-sufficiency/ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) INDIA: Don Bosco Nava Nirman provides 32 girls with scholarships thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) International Women’s Day MALAWI: 80 girls at Don Bosco High School have improved living conditions thanks to donors from Salesian Missions/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions) Salesian Missions SIERRA LEONE: Young women who have been exploited receive comprehensive support/ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) The post INT’L WOMEN’S DAY: Salesian Missions highlights programs that educate and empower women and girls first appeared on MissionNewswire.
INDIA: Bosco Boys Home offers free health camp for migrants
Bosco Boys Home, located in Mumbai, India, is working to address urgent health needs of migrants and disadvantaged families. The organization’s efforts are part of the broader Suraksha Project - Migrant Desk, in collaboration with the Spark Foundation and the NIIT Foundation. A free health camp was held to provide the community with essential medical care and access to government health programs. The post INDIA: Bosco Boys Home offers free health camp for migrants first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Project part of larger initiative to help migrants INDIA (MissionNewswire) Bosco Boys Home, located in Mumbai, India, is working to address urgent health needs of migrants and disadvantaged families. The organization’s efforts are part of the broader Suraksha Project – Migrant Desk, in collaboration with the Spark Foundation and the NIIT Foundation. A free health camp was held to provide the community with essential medical care and access to government health programs. A Salesian explained, “Ganpat Patil Nagar, where the camp was held, is a congested settlement where residents struggle daily with poor living conditions. The narrow streets remain muddy, especially in wet weather, and the lack of an adequate drainage system has created an unhygienic environment. Many families live in vulnerable conditions, with an increased risk of contracting diseases and limited access to affordable health care facilities.” Suraksha Migrant Desk, an initiative by Don Bosco Snehalaya, supports people who migrate to cities and small towns in search of employment, as well as entire families who move together in search of a better future. Once in their new locations, migrants face injustice, mistreatment, harsh living conditions, poverty, exploitation, bonded labor and other challenging circumstances. The migrant help desk aims to address these challenges head-on by providing resources. A Salesian explained, “It is our collective responsibility to address these challenges and work toward empowering our migrant communities so they too can enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted. We must also assist them in accessing their rightful share of government programs, empowering them to stand on their own feet. Suraksha Migrant Desk remains committed to reaching out to migrant families and individuals, providing support that fosters their upliftment, safety, security and development.” ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – India – Home care: health, dignity and safety for Ganpat Patil Nagar Salesian Missions – India World Bank – India The post INDIA: Bosco Boys Home offers free health camp for migrants first appeared on MissionNewswire.
SOUTH SUDAN: Salesians provide humanitarian relief to people who are displaced
Salesian missionaries with the St. Patrick Province in Ireland have been providing humanitarian aid, including food aid and education, for people who are internally displaced because of violence in South Sudan*. In Morobo, Salesians were able to provide 700 displaced families with basic food supplies that lasted for several weeks, despite the serious difficulties in the region. The post SOUTH SUDAN: Salesians provide humanitarian relief to people who are displaced first appeared on MissionNewswire.
More than 700 families receive food supplies SOUTH SUDAN (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the St. Patrick Province in Ireland have been providing humanitarian aid, including food aid and education, for people who are internally displaced because of violence in South Sudan*. In Morobo, Salesians were able to provide 700 displaced families with basic food supplies that lasted for several weeks, despite the serious difficulties in the region. In Morobo, teachers from St. Charles Lwanga Primary School have been providing support for people who are poor and vulnerable. The distribution of food was carried out in collaboration with local authorities, community leaders and humanitarian staff from the United Nations Regional Collaboration Center. In addition, the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Yei attended the distribution of aid, emphasizing the Church’s continued support and solidarity with those affected in Morobo. The beneficiaries expressed relief and gratitude after receiving the food parcels. “We had nothing left to eat,” said a mother of four children. “This food will help us survive. I pray that there will be more support and that peace will return so that we can go home.” The crisis in Morobo is part of a wider humanitarian emergency in the country where millions of people remain displaced due to conflict and economic instability. South Sudan has faced recurring violence, forcing people to abandon their homes and livelihoods. Many of the displaced are women, children and the elderly, groups particularly at risk of malnutrition and poor health. In addition to the distribution of food items, a key component of the program was the education provided to 21 teachers and 14 student representatives from St. Charles Lwanga School. The education focused on child protection and topics such as water, sanitation and hygiene. These topics are essential for promoting a safe, inclusive and healthy learning environment, especially in Morobo, where access to public services is limited. Father Anthony Doss Leo Arokianathan, economer of the Salesian Delegation of South Sudan, reiterated the importance of partnerships in responding to the needs of the community. He thanked Misean Cara, an international missionary development movement based in Ireland, and the Church for their support of the mission. These activities are part of the ongoing efforts of the Salesians and their partners to provide holistic support to communities affected by conflict and displacement in South Sudan. By combining immediate relief with education and capacity building, the Salesian community aims to empower communities to rebuild and thrive even in difficult circumstances. The Salesians in Ireland said, “As conflict and economic crisis continue to devastate communities across South Sudan, it is our privilege to help provide assistance to the affected populations. We ask for your prayers and support for the displaced, to help bring hope in these difficult times.” ### Sources: Photo courtesy of Salesians of Don Bosco Ireland: https://www.salesiansireland.ie/story/supporting-idps-and-school-leaders-in-south-sudan/ ANS – South Sudan – Salesians Ireland support internally displaced persons and school leaders in South Sudan Salesians of Ireland Salesian Missions – South Sudan *Any goods, services or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. The post SOUTH SUDAN: Salesians provide humanitarian relief to people who are displaced first appeared on MissionNewswire.
ZAMBIA: Girls and young women continue their education with support of new project
Salesian missionaries in Lusaka, Zambia, are helping girls and young women continue their education. A project helps young women who are forced to miss school periodically due to poverty and taboos surrounding menstrual hygiene. Through a series of targeted activities, the project aims to reduce school dropout rates, increase girls' self-esteem, and promote lasting cultural change by supporting the production and distribution of reusable sanitary pads, accompanied by education and awareness courses. The post ZAMBIA: Girls and young women continue their education with support of new project first appeared on MissionNewswire.
Youth-led project produces, distributes sanitary pads ZAMBIA (MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Lusaka, Zambia, are helping girls and young women continue their education. A project helps young women who are forced to miss school periodically due to poverty and taboos surrounding menstrual hygiene. Through a series of targeted activities, the project aims to reduce school dropout rates, increase girls’ self-esteem, and promote lasting cultural change by supporting the production and distribution of reusable sanitary pads, accompanied by education and awareness courses. Through the work of the Her and His Gift Foundation, set up by a group of girls and young women who attend the Don Bosco Youth Center in Lusaka, around 7,200 reusable sanitary pads have been produced and distributed, thereby also strengthening local skills and micro-entrepreneurship opportunities. The young women then attended courses on practical skills and personal hygiene. Twenty workshops were also held in the cities of Lusaka, Kabwe, Chingola and Mansa, involving more than 8,000 students. In addition, awareness and community engagement campaigns were designed through school events, community meetings and social media activities to involve as many girls as possible. A Salesian noted, “Thanks to the support of many benefactors, the project has succeeded in helping to improve school attendance, self-esteem and gender equality, as well as awareness of the impact of disposable products. Parents and teachers openly recognized that menstruation is one of the main causes of absenteeism and welcomed the proposal for reusable sanitary pads.” Community schools proved to be the most effective way to reach the girls who are most vulnerable. Involving parents, educators, and community leaders at an early state is essential to reduce stigma and promote acceptance of the proposed solutions. The project launched with the Her and His Gift Foundation demonstrates that simple, sustainable and youth-led solutions can bring about real and lasting change. It is not just about distributing a product, it is an intervention that restores dignity, protects the right to education and nurtures environmental awareness in the younger generation. The Salesian Mission Office in Turin, Italy, highlighted that this project began in May 2025 and has made significant progress, thanks to the generosity of donors. They report, “With further support and a shared commitment between schools, families and communities, the experience gained in Zambia can become a model that can be replicated in other vulnerable communities. We are grateful for the donors who have supported this initiative.” ### Sources: ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) ANS – Zambia – Restoring dignity and protecting the future of girls Salesian Missions – Zambia UNICEF – Zambia The post ZAMBIA: Girls and young women continue their education with support of new project first appeared on MissionNewswire.