INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY: Salesian Missions highlights educational programs
Day celebrated on Sept. 8 to advance literacy agenda
(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 Literacy Day. Celebrated each year on Sept. 8, the day was launched in 1967 to “remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society.”
This year’s theme, “Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity,” provides an opportunity to take stock of progress, deepen understanding of persistent and emerging challenges, and shape future literacy agendas in a rapidly changing world.
UNESCO notes, “Over the past six decades, countries and partners worldwide have advanced literacy as a fundamental human right and a powerful driver of peace and sustainable development. Building on this progress, International Literacy Day will celebrate achievements, especially since 2015, while identifying remaining and emerging challenges. It will also provide a platform to highlight effective policies, practices and partnerships to advance literacy for all in support of peaceful and sustainable societies.”
Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, said, “Literacy is a fundamental part of Salesian education for all ages. Through primary, secondary, and vocational and technical education, Salesian missionaries teach essential literacy and English language skills, as well as skill building to ensure youth can find employment.”
In honor and celebration of International Literacy Day 2026, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight Salesian educational programs.
ECUADOR
Salesian Missions provided funding to enhance quality education for 190 youth at the San Patricio Basic Education School in Quito, Ecuador.
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. Salesian missionaries completed teacher training and provided school kits and school uniforms to the students. 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.”
EL SALVADOR
Donor funding from Salesian Missions helped improve employment training for women at six Salesian institutions in El Salvador.
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 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.
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.”
INDIA
Girls attending Don Bosco Muniguda in India received scholarships to continue their education 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.
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.
PAKISTAN
In Pakistan, Salesian missionaries were able to support boarding school students from disadvantaged families through donor funding from 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 and 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 hostel, 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.
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Photos courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)
