BETHLEHEM: Salesian Missions supports Salesian Bakery in providing free bread to vulnerable people
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.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
UNICEF – Bethlehem Poverty
