(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have a new electrical transformer and generator set up on the Salesian grounds in Telunjia, Bangladesh, thanks to funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The transformer and generator were set up to ensure proper power supply for the Salesian aspirantate building, for those studying to become Salesians, as well as other buildings on the compound.

Previous to this project, Salesian buildings did not have a steady supply of power. Sometimes the electric supply would work and other times it was sporadic, which made work and studying difficult. Setting up the transformer on the compound to serve all the facilities was necessary. As the State Electricity Department noted, a powerful transformer had to be established in the compound before power could be distributed to all the different facilities, including the aspirantate building.

Salesian Missions funding was part of the funding utilized for this project. The remainder of the funding came from other sources. Today, the Salesian compound in Telunjia has a steady electricity supply to its aspirantate building and other facilities. Salesian missionaries are grateful for the support provided by Salesian Missions.

“Infrastructure projects like this ensure that Salesian missionaries and those working and studying in our buildings have the electric supply needed to enable them to get their work done efficiently,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions. “Salesians working in the country focus their efforts on education and social development services for poor youth and their families. Salesian schools, services and programs throughout Bangladesh are helping to break the cycle of poverty while giving many hope for a more positive and productive future.”

Bangladesh is one of the world’s most densely populated countries with a population of 156 million people, close to 30 percent of whom live below the national poverty line of U.S. $2 per day. Despite a growing population, Bangladesh experienced a steady decline in poverty between 2000 and 2010 with a 1.8 percent decline annually between 2000 and 2005, and 1.7 percent decline annually between 2005 and 2010, according to the World Bank.

Bangladesh suffers from poor infrastructure, political instability, corruption and insufficient power supplies. Close to 80 percent of the country’s population lives in rural areas. Many people who live in remote and rural areas lack access to education, health care and adequate roads. An estimated 36 percent of the rural population lives below the poverty line and owns no land or assets, experiences persistent food insecurity and often has very little education.

Malnutrition levels in Bangladesh are among the highest in the world with close to 48 percent of children, adolescents and women facing food insecurity, according to UNICEF. In addition to contributing to maternal and child mortality, malnutrition exacts heavy costs from the health care system through excess morbidity, increased premature delivery and elevated risks of heart disease and diabetes. The economic consequences of Bangladesh’s malnutrition problem are profound, resulting in lost productivity and reduced intellectual and learning capacity.

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Sources:

World Bank – Bangladesh Poverty