Casa Bosconia repairing extensive damage to return to serving youth and women

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have been responding with aid since a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Aug. 10, killing more than 300 people and directly affecting more than 466,000 people. The focus is shifting from the emergency to a reconstruction effort that will take a long time, especially for communities already living with poverty, violence and displacement.

The Salesians, who have been providing education and social programs in the country for over a century, launched their response immediately after the earthquake. Ten Salesian communities suffered damage, and more than 4,000 people associated with their programs found their activities disrupted. Salesian schools and centers were transformed into collection and distribution points for water, food, and hygiene products.

In Cali, catering students at the Don Bosco Training Center have swapped their lessons to prepare meals for those affected and for the rescue teams still at work. Father Adolfo Romero said, “Just yesterday we prepared more than 200 breakfasts.”

The San Juan Bosco Technical Industrial Institute, also in Cali, suffered damage to around 65% of its facilities. Initial assessments at the center in Dosquebradas estimated the damage at 35%. Damage has also been reported at the Salesian houses in Condoto, Tumaco and Buenaventura.

“As time goes on, the story receives less attention but there is still much to be done,” explained Father Luis Manuel Moral, head of the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid. “We need to rebuild the buildings, but also restore schools, daily routines, and safe spaces for thousands of children and families. We are committed to standing by their side.”

Buenaventura is one of the places where reconstruction is urgent. Casa Bosconia, which has been working for decades to support youth and women who are vulnerable, has suffered extensive damage. The Salesians continue to distribute food and essential supplies. They are also working on a project to restore the facilities and provide direct assistance to 1,200 people.

The work of Casa Bosconia has come to the attention of the country’s leading authorities. President Abelardo de la Espriella visited the center and saw firsthand the damage caused by the earthquake, emphasizing the need to coordinate efforts to restore its operations. First Lady Ana Lucía Pineda also visited the facilities with departmental and local representatives and took part in a day dedicated to children, during which school kits, toys, and refreshments were distributed.

These visits took place at a time when Buenaventura has already begun reconstruction. Authorities estimate that in this district alone, thousands of homes have been damaged and dozens of schools have been affected.

A Salesian noted, “For Casa Bosconia, getting back on its feet means much more than simply rebuilding a building. It means that children can return to their routines and safe spaces, that women can resume their paths toward education and independence, and the community continues to have a place of refuge.”

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Colombia – One month on from the earthquake, the Salesians’ commitment has not wavered one millimetre

Salesian Missions – Colombia

World Bank – Colombia