Don Bosco House in Americana provides 2,000 toys to children in need

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco House, located in Americana in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, recently provided more than 2,000 toys to children in need. The donation event was created to provide children a chance for play and happiness during this difficult time.

Don Bosco House has been in operation for more than 70 years and provides a range of services and programs to the community. The grounds include a library, science and computer labs, auditorium and mini-theater, playroom, music room, and arts room. Sports are also prominent at Don Bosco House, and it offers a swimming pool, multi-sports courts, soccer field, schoolyard and play space.

The school at Don Bosco House uses technology to aid education through digital didactic material with access to broadband for elementary and high school students. The goal is to provide advanced education to youth so they can continue to study in university or technical education programs to later gain employment and become self-sufficient.

“Salesian missionaries in Brazil provide education, workforce development and social services throughout the country and specifically focus on children with disabilities within several programs,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Missionaries help to meet the basic needs of poor youth, including street children, and provide them with an education and life skills to gain employment, break the cycle of poverty and lead productive lives. The toy drive and ongoing work at Don Bosco House help to provide hope and support for the entire community.”

Brazil has one of the strongest economies in Latin America and is an important agricultural and industrial power in the region. Just over 15 percent of Brazilians live in poverty, with the majority living in the rural northeast of the country, according to the World Bank. While Brazil is making positive changes, there are still large gaps between the poor and the rich, and issues of income inequality and social exclusion remain at the root of poverty.

Inequalities also exist in access to education and educational efficiency. These inequalities are greatest for children and youth who are poor, live in rural areas or who have an incomplete compulsory education. Salesian missionaries working with poor youth and their families in Brazil develop programs and provide youth opportunities for furthering their education and skills.

Sources:

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

ANS – Brazil – Over 2,000 toys distributed to children

Don Bosco House Americana Facebook

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil