(MissionNewswire) Students from Salesian Institute Dom Bosco in Salvador, Brazil, won 11 medals, two of which were gold, at the 22nd edition of the Brazilian Astronomy and Astronautics Olympics that was held in May. The competition brought together more than 784,000 participating students from close to 18,000 schools across Brazil. All of the students who won, along with their families and teachers, were honored at an awards ceremony held on Nov. 19.

The Salesian Dom Bosco Institute encouraged students to participate in the national Olympics and offered tutoring by physics Professor Juliana Chung, who helped youth hone the skills necessary for the competition.

“Educational competitions like this allow Salesian students to be able to utilize the skills they have learned in the classroom in a real-world environment,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “We are proud of the students and their teachers who put in so much work to be ready and showcase their skills at this event.”

Salesian Institute of Dom Bosco offers traditional schooling from elementary through high school grades. In addition, older students are able to access technical skills training in a range of subjects to prepare them both for advanced university education and the workforce.

The World Bank estimates that about 28.6 million Brazilians moved out of poverty between 2004 and 2014. But from the start of 2016 to the end of 2017, the World Bank estimates that 2.5 million to 3.6 million have fallen back below the poverty line earning less than 140 Brazilian reais per month. Economists blame high unemployment, near 13 percent, and cuts to key social welfare programs for challenges in the country.

Issues of income inequality and social exclusion remain the root causes for those in 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. Salesians working with poor youth and their families in Brazil develop programs and provide youth with opportunities for furthering their education and skills.

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