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KENYA: Don Bosco Makuya replaces school roof thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

Salesian missionaries with Don Bosco Makuya in Kenya were able to remove and replace hazardous asbestos roofing thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

Removal of asbestos makes school safer for students, staff

KENYA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with Don Bosco Makuya in Kenya were able to remove and replace hazardous asbestos roofing thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. All of the asbestos has been removed from the technical school and staff housing roofing, and new roofing has been added.

Close to 1,000 individuals, including students, teachers, residents, and parishioners, are benefiting from this project with safer classrooms and workshops. The technical school has close to 150 people, including students and staff, who are taking courses to learn a trade for employment. Courses are offered in masonry, plumbing, electrical installation, arc welding, motor vehicle mechanics, solar photovoltaic skills, carpentry and joinery, printing technology, and cabinet making.

Students come from the surrounding communities and often face significant poverty. The majority of students lack the tuition money to continue with their secondary or college education. Some even find it difficult to get three meals a day from their families due to harsh economic situations.

One of those interviewed about the project expressed joy, relief and gratitude for the project’s completion. They said, “The project has given us peace of mind knowing that all the students and staff are no longer exposed to hazardous asbestos.”

In addition, there is a parish community with more than 700 people, including youth and volunteers, who use the space. Stakeholders in this project cited reduced respiratory risks and increased long-term health benefits, especially for the students, staff, Salesians and all who visit the community, as well as residents previously exposed to asbestos fibers.

Many viewed the transition as a step toward a healthier, more sustainable future for the next generation. The stakeholder added, “The renovation work not only removed asbestos but also improved the overall condition of our buildings.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Kenya

World Bank – Kenya