Focus on strategies for educating poor and disadvantaged youth

(MissionNewswire) Educators who work with poor and street children in Rukago, Burundi*, took part in a training workshop focused on educational strategies for disadvantaged youth and ongoing teacher training. The educators are part of the Children, Alumni & Friends of Don Bosco, and the workshop was hosted by alumni.

During the workshop, Ms. Honorine, a psychologist and past pupil, highlighted the difficulties many minors face in situations of neglect and abuse. Many, she noted, are faced with no affection or support from adults and it negatively impacts their lives.

Father Jean Paul Ndayikengurutse explained the ways in which Salesian education is focused on prevention with the aim of protecting children from future abuse and neglect. With regards to Salesian educators, he noted they must be characterized by loving kindness, availability and presence.

Fr. Ndayikengurutse said, “A good Salesian educator must therefore maintain Don Bosco’s intentions, in educating good Christians and honest citizens. Salesian pedagogy must be based on aspects such as trust, welcoming and listening.”

Salesian missionaries in Burundi and around the globe provide education and social development programs to help poor youth and their families achieve self-sufficiency and have hope for a better life. Through schools, vocational and technical training programs, youth centers, medical clinics, and more, Salesians are ensuring youth have the services and programs they need to thrive.

Burundi, located in the heart of the African Great Lakes region, has seen more than a decade of violence and conflict which has contributed to widespread poverty, according to UNICEF. Children are some of the most severely affected by the country’s rampant poverty. Fifty-three percent of children under the age of 5 suffer from growth stunting caused by inadequate food, low-quality diet, poor infant feeding practices, poor household management of childhood diseases and the general decline of the country’s health system.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Burundi – A workshop for educators working with street children organized by the Alumni of Don Bosco

Salesian Missions – Burundi

UNICEF – Burundi

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.