Nearly 1,000 Salesian vocational, technical, professional and agricultural schools reach students

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in honoring International Day of Education on Jan. 24, recognized since 2018. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed International Day of Education as a celebration of the role of education for peace and development.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) noted that the number of out-of-school children worldwide stands at 272 million, an increase of 21 million compared to the previous estimate published in October 2024. A new report indicated that increase is “mainly due to new demographic estimates provided by the United Nations Population Division, which indicate a rise of nearly 50 million in the total school-age population, as well as an increase in the number of out-of-school children in Afghanistan.”

UNESCO highlighted, “Countries have committed to reducing out-of-school rates to 2% at the primary level, 5% at lower secondary and 16% at upper secondary by 2030. This would reduce the number of out-of-school children to 107 million — a decrease of 165 million — by 2030.”

Salesians provide primary and secondary schools, and they are considered the largest private provider of vocational and technical training in the world. Programs help youth who are vulnerable by giving access to educational opportunities that match the local employment needs. Around the globe, there are nearly 1,000 Salesian vocational, technical, professional and agricultural schools.

“Education provides a path out of poverty,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “Salesian education provides youth a chance to learn fundamental skills that will help them later in life. Many students advance from secondary school into Salesian vocational and technical training, which gives them the skills for long-term stable employment. It’s the way youth become self-sufficient and productive members of their communities.”

In honor of International Day of Education, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight educational programs that benefit youth around the globe.

GEORGIA

Salesian missionaries in Tbilisi, Georgia, are working to establish a vocational educational center and residence for youth who are vulnerable thanks in part to funding from Salesian Missions. The center will offer education for 60-100 students older than age 16 who are working to gain employment skills. Up to 30 youth will live at the residence center while they complete their education.

A Salesian explained, “The vocational courses will be short and oriented to students engaging and completing an internship. They will have the opportunity to live in the residence center for up to five years. Our goal is to ensure that poor and vulnerable youth are able to gain the skills for employment so they can become self-sufficient.”

The construction is still underway. With the funding from Salesian Missions, Salesians have installed an elevator to accommodate individuals with disabilities, made several significant improvements in the yard, installed a fire reservoir with a pumping station and piping, and put in place a sewage system and storm drainage system. Once the construction of the vocational education center is completed, the Salesian community will need to secure funds for furniture and equipment.

PERU

Salesian missionaries have been able 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.

Andrade said, “When we came to the auditorium, it was difficult for us to concentrate because the heat was very strong, and when some teachers also opened the windows, the air that entered was hot. We spoke to the director about this and the pool, as many of the students who used it got burned from the sun because there was no covering.”

RWANDA

Don Bosco Muhazi Technical and Vocational School in Rwanda had the funding to support 260 students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The funding provided food assistance and essential supplies. Fifty of these students, who live off school grounds, received hygiene kits, food supplies and rent support.

A Salesian noted, “This aid was especially crucial for students from remote areas who struggle to meet their basic needs while pursuing technical education. It enabled them to focus more effectively on their studies. School staff and students alike have expressed increased morale and hope with testimonies indicating that the aid has stabilized their living conditions temporarily. In the longer term, this support fosters resilience, reduces dropout rates, and promotes a conducive learning environment, helping students build a better future for themselves and their communities.”

Vumiriya Uwihoreye, a student benefiting from the program, said, “We are very happy. Many of us live in difficult circumstances, but seeing donors like this shows that there are many kind-hearted people interested in helping those with limited resources succeed.”

VENEZUELA

The Maria Auxiliadora Popular Technical School, located in Altamira in the Chacao municipality of Caracas, Venezuela*, has improved the learning environment for students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Funds were used for similar initiatives at the Madre Mazzarello School, located in the state of Amazonas, to strengthen the students’ development of practical skills and competencies necessary for the workforce.

At the Maria Auxiliadora Popular Technical School, upgrades included the purchase of equipment for specific tools for nursing, including anatomical models.

Funding also supported technology equipment for classes in accounting and administration. These acquisitions have had a positive impact on 355 students, expanding their technical and digital skills. Additional funding was allocated for the adaptation of spaces for students to connect with the labor force under the supervision of specialist teachers.

These investments made it possible to implement internship hours in a new curricula, which significantly expanded professional training for youth. Previously, internships began in the 4th year through shadowing activities in companies in the community. With the new approach, training begins from the age of 11, adapting to the maturity of the students and respecting the legal frameworks that regulate their early incorporation into the workplace.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

GEORGIA: Salesian missionaries work to establish vocational education center with residence thanks in part to donor funding from Salesian Missions

International Day of Education

PERU: Salesians improve learning environment for students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

RWANDA: Don Bosco Muhazi provides essential support to 260 students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

Salesian Missions

UNESCO – Countries commit to reducing the number of out-of-school children by 165 million

VENEZUELA: Donor funding from Salesian Missions supports high-quality technical education

*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.