RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Gatenga Vocational Training Center, located in Gatenga, in the Kicukiro District of Kigali, Rwanda, is working to multiply the impact of renewable energy in educational centers. It regularly hosts education programs in photovoltaic solar energy for vocational training educators and teachers. Initiatives combine technological innovation, sustainability and educational commitment to respond to the region’s energy challenges.

Don Bosco Gatenga has established itself as a benchmark in technical education, particularly in the field of renewable energy, for the entire East African region. Through programs based on the train-the-teacher model, the center creates a network of educators who can replicate what they have learned in their respective countries and educational settings.

Courses are developed in collaboration with other Salesian vocational training centers in the region and German Engineers Without Borders with the support of international organizations. Teachers learn the fundamentals of direct and alternating current systems, the sizing of structures for residential and institutional environments, cabling techniques, safety regulations, hybrid and isolated configurations, and mounting structures adapted to different environments and remote monitoring systems.

A Salesian explained, “The aim of these courses is not only to install solar panels, but to train those who can teach and support other young people on this path toward sustainable energy. We want every qualified teacher to become an agent of change in their own community.”

There is both classroom and hands-on learning. Participants install solar systems that power spaces such as dormitories, laboratories or classrooms, improving the energy autonomy of the centers. In addition, solar street lights are being implemented in access areas to enhance security, especially in residential areas, and conventional lighting is being replaced with LED technology, significantly reducing the energy consumption of those communities.

One of the teachers said, “Now we not only know how a solar system works, but we also know how to size it correctly, install it and troubleshoot it. This transforms the way we teach and offers new opportunities for our students.”

The commitment to solar energy at the Don Bosco Gatenga is part of an educational vision that responds to current environmental, social and economic challenges. Education in renewable energy not only improves the employability of youth, but also promotes a more equitable and sustainable model of development.

Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Youth who are poor are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives. Salesians first arrived in the country in 1953. Today, there are six Salesian centers in Rwanda.

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ANS – Rwanda – The Salesian Don Bosco Gatenga centre promotes formation in the field of solar energy with programmes that reinforce sustainable development

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Gatenga Vocational Training Center, located in Gatenga, in the Kicukiro District of Kigali, Rwanda, has improved sanitation for students thanks to donor funding. The funding came from the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.” Salesian Missions is the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

The new facilities provide running water and adherence to proper cleaning standards. They feature separate sections for girls and boys, ensuring privacy and preventing students from feeling uncomfortable or disturbed in their personal space. The facilities are also now closer to the students. More than 560 students were impacted by this donation.

A Salesian explained, “The previous inadequate infrastructure affected hygiene, health, privacy and overall dignity. The improved sanitation has helped to reduce health issues and helped students fight against the infections that previously caused many problems.”

The students are happy with the new facilities. Gikundiro Christa Bella expressed gratitude for Salesian Missions and its support of the center. She said, “The previous facilities were unhealthy, caused infections and produced a strong bad smell. The new facilities are more modern and ensure privacy and dignity, especially for the female students.”

“The toilets are now close to the students and meet all necessary standards,” said Uzamureba Clementine, a staff member at the school. She emphasized that the improved sanitation has helped reduce health issues and created a safer space for everyone.

Don Bosco Gatenga has been at the forefront of gender issues in the region. Since its beginning in 1976, the school has welcomed youth in need. The school helps to prepare youth for the future and teaches them employable skills so that they will be self-sufficient and help support their families and the community.

Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Youth who are poor are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives. Salesians first arrived in the country in 1953. Today, there are six Salesian centers in Rwanda.

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(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Reception Center, located in Kigali, Rwanda, has installed a new high-efficiency solar power system, responding to critical energy needs while promoting environmental responsibility within the complex. The project was supported by the Salesian Missions Office in Turin, Italy.

Father Servilien Ufitamahoro, director, emphasized the need for this modernization, pointing out that previously the center had struggled to maintain a constant power supply with limited resources. To resolve these issues, the center collaborated with a company to implement modern technologies, which led to the installation of 24 solar panels and two advanced batteries.

The project has already produced measurable results. Solar energy now accounts for 30% of the electricity used by the center, leading to what Fr. Ufitamahoro describes as a significant improvement in daily operations.

In addition to the immediate logistical benefits, the initiative represents a commitment to environmental protection. Fr. Ufitamahoro noted that in the light of climate change, the adoption of renewable energy is essential to better care for the environment. Looking to the future, he hoped that the center will be able to switch to 100% solar energy.

Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Youth who are poor are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives. Salesians first arrived in the country in 1953. Today, there are six Salesian centers in Rwanda.

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ANS – Rwanda – The Don Bosco Reception Centre in Kigali adopts renewable energy by installing a new solar power system

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are challenging gender stereotypes in education in Rwanda. For years, technical and vocational education in the country has steered young women into subjects that did not require physical strength. However, the four-year project “Gender Matters for Green TVET” at Don Bosco Gatenga and Don Bosco Muhazi is creating a pathway for young women to succeed in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as construction, electricity and plumbing.

Although the initial goal was to ensure that at least 30% of students were young women, the results far exceeded expectations. In the 2022-2023 school year, only 60 young women were enrolled at Don Bosco Gatenga, while in 2024-2025 that number rose to 209 out of a total of 533 students.

This growth was supported by the construction of a dormitory for young women that offered safe spaces for self-care, directly increasing the confidence and academic performance of these students.

Two students who completed their studies in electrical engineering received scholarships for advanced education. One of them traveled to Ghana to specialize in solar energy and will return to Rwanda to teach short courses, while the other is currently pursuing university studies in Sweden.

At Don Bosco Muhazi, the project has helped more than 100 students, including single mothers, to engage in agriculture and livestock farming. Graduates have received financial aid and livestock to overcome personal difficulties, while 15 other graduates have already started their own agricultural initiatives.

A Salesian noted, “Recognizing that education requires more than just books, the project has provided counseling for trauma and distress to more than 50 young women and financial assistance to 30. The program is also helping these students connect with job opportunities to ensure that they are able to find and retain long-term employment.”

Around 80% of those enrolled at Don Bosco Muhazi are now involved in entrepreneurship programs and are equipped with tools such as hoes and livestock and trained by financial institutions to manage their business ventures.

The work is thanks to the collaboration of the Austrian Development Cooperation, Jugend Eine Welt and the Salesians of Don Bosco.

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ANS – Rwanda – Breaking down barriers: transforming gender issues in technical and vocational education and training

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(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run ProFuturo Digital Education Program in Rwanda is empowering teachers with digital skills and providing students with access to quality learning materials. As many teachers were unfamiliar with the technology tools, the program helped them get up to date.

Gisele Umugwaneza, a ProFuturo coach coordinating five private schools in Kigali, explained, “When we started the project, it was not easy. Training teachers was very difficult because they did not understand what the ProFuturo program will bring to them.”

Coaches like Umugwaneza implemented personalized communication strategies, and the program’s impact is now evident. Umugwaneza noted that teachers are now more motivated and capable of independently preparing students to use the digital tools. She explained, “Students are familiar with the tablet, how to navigate from one point to another. They can even work on them if the teacher is not there, ensuring continuity of learning.”

As a result of the program, some schools are increasing their enrollment and seeing students who had dropped out return to class. Other schools are starting to see an increase in test scores and reduced student dropout rates.

Agathe Kandema, a coach for six schools, highlighted the program’s contribution to inclusivity and access to learning resources. “The best of ProFuturo is that those students from the poor families have access to the content as the same level of the students from wealthier families.”

Dominique Uwarugira, ProFuturo project coordinator, emphasized the program’s widespread reach and impact. “So far, we have 42 schools under the supervision of the Salesians of Don Bosco. All the schools are motivated and committed to changing education in Rwanda and incorporating more digital education.”

Uwarugira also highlighted the program’s success in training teachers and students to use digital tools. “We can be happy to see that Rwandan children are now able to use digital tools in their studies. We can say it is a very good step in terms of the use of technology.”

Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Youth who are poor are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives. Salesians first arrived in the country in 1953. Today, there are six Salesian centers in Rwanda.

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(MissionNewswire) Young women have graduated from Don Bosco Muhazi Vocational Training School in Rwanda after a six-month course in agriculture supported by the Gender Matters for Green TVET project. The project focused on education for young mothers and other youth who are vulnerable. The graduation ceremony brought together students and teaching staff united in the power of second chances and empowerment through education.

A Salesian noted, “The graduation represented a historic milestone for many young mothers and youth graduates, particularly those who overcame enormous personal and social challenges to pursue a formation in sustainable agriculture.”

In his keynote address, Ahobantegeye Theodore, director of studies at Don Bosco Muhazi, congratulated the graduates and applauded their resilience and determination. At the end of the ceremony, the new graduates received certificates and an agricultural starter kit, symbolizing not only their success but also a new beginning. Many expressed an interest in setting up cooperatives and even starting small agricultural enterprises.

Don Bosco Muhazi Vocational Training School educates 261 youth aged 16-23. In the district 22.0% of people these ages previously attended school and have left for some reason, 75.2% are currently attending school and 2.8% have never attended secondary school.

Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Youth who are poor are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives. Salesians first arrived in the country in 1953. Today, there are six Salesian centers in Rwanda.

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ANS – Rwanda – Don Bosco Muhazi celebrates graduation ceremony for young mothers and vulnerable young people

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(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Muhazi Technical and Vocational School in Rwanda had the funding to support 260 students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding provided food assistance and essential supplies. Fifty of these students, who live off school grounds, received hygiene kits, food supplies and rent support.

A Salesian noted, “This aid was especially crucial for students from remote areas who struggle to meet their basic needs while pursuing technical education. It enabled them to focus more effectively on their studies. School staff and students alike have expressed increased morale and hope with testimonies indicating that the aid has stabilized their living conditions temporarily. In the longer term, this support fosters resilience, reduces dropout rates, and promotes a conducive learning environment, helping students build a better future for themselves and their communities.”

Don Bosco Muhazi educates 261 youth aged 16-23. In the district 22.0% of people these ages previously attended school and have left for some reason, 75.2% are currently attending school and 2.8% have never attended secondary school.

Vumiriya Uwihoreye, a student benefiting from the program, said, “We are very happy. Many of us live in difficult circumstances, but seeing donors like this shows that there are many kind-hearted people interested in helping those with limited resources succeed.”

Sister Nyanzira Leocadie, a school staff member, explained, “The support we received is so helpful because until now we were wondering how the children would survive, especially since the school’s previous funding has been reduced due to economic problems around the world. The food for the students was running out, and we were wondering how we would feed them. But now, we are spending the whole semester in good health so that the children can study well.”

Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Youth who are poor are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives. Salesians first arrived in the country in 1953. Today, there are six Salesian centers in Rwanda.

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Vocational Training Center, located in Rango, Rwanda, ensures youth who are vulnerable can access the skills training they need to succeed in life. Uwimana Patience is one student who has found hope through tailoring courses. As a single mother of a newborn child, she lives with her mother and faces significant uncertainty about the future.

“Our house is in ruins. When it rains, we have to leave and seek shelter outside to avoid getting wet,” said Patience. She explained that it is hard for them to eat and that every bit of money she has goes toward their survival. After attending her classes, Patience does whatever work she can find — washing dishes, fetching water and cleaning houses — barely earning enough to provide for herself, her baby and her chronically ill mother.

While Patience learns sewing techniques at school, she worries about her family. She said, “These courses are extremely important, but I can’t stop thinking about how to provide for my family.”

Poverty is a critical issue in Rwanda. The World Bank estimated that the poverty rate stood at 48.4% in 2024, a slight improvement from 2023, with projections suggesting a decrease to 47.0% by 2026. These economic hardships are further exacerbated by high unemployment rates and limited access to quality education and job opportunities for young people.

Patience’s story reflects the realities faced by many young people in Salesian vocational training centers, where students strive to gain an education while navigating dire circumstances. The center relies on the generosity of donors to support students like Patience, but the challenges remain overwhelming. Many graduates lack the resources needed to secure a stable livelihood and build a better future for themselves.

A Salesian explained, “Donor contributions remain the most effective way to make a difference and offer tangible support to individuals like Patience. Even a small contribution can lighten heavy burdens and provide the tools for a sustainable future.”

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ANS – Rwanda – Hope Amid Despair: Uwimana Patience’s Fight for a Better Future at the Don Bosco Vocational Training Center in Rango

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian “Empowering Young People through Sports and Spiritual Activities at Don Bosco Muhazi Recreation Center” project in Rwanda has made significant progress in achieving its goals thanks to funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

With the funding, the existing infrastructure at Don Bosco Muhazi Recreation Center is undergoing renovation. The basketball and volleyball courts are near completion. Sporting and musical equipment has also been purchased. Through these efforts, youth will be able to access new initiatives at weekend programs.

In addition, Salesians aim to promote awareness on poverty reduction and sustainable development while supporting youth in preparing for their futures. Salesians will provide training on agriculture and farming activities to equip youth with skills to reduce poverty in their communities. Education on values and youth programs are also being organized in a safe environment to promote personal growth and development.

A Salesian explained, “The impact of the project on the community surrounding Don Bosco Muhazi Recreation Center will be significant. We expect that more youth will engage in agriculture and farming activities. We will also be able to serve more young people during the weekend program, as they participate in various activities such as games and training.”

The project is not yet complete but Salesians are confident they are on track. The Salesian noted, “Moving forward, we plan to continue implementing the project and further expand its reach to empower even more young people in the community. We want them to have a bright future and these new activities are a step in the right direction.”

Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Poor youth are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives. Salesians first arrived in the country in 1953. Today, there are six Salesian centers in Rwanda.

Close to 39% of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35% of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people — 22% of the population — face critical food shortages.

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(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco School of Technical and Vocational Education in Muhazi, Rwanda, has held its first graduation ceremony for an agriculture course focused on women’s education. The graduating class was made up of 21 young mothers, all of whom came from vulnerable situations.

During the six-month course, the young women learned to produce soap and tofu to sell as a source of income. They also had the opportunity to participate in an internship and connect with mentors from various companies and cooperatives. Upon completing the class, each woman received a toolkit to help them begin their employment.

One of the objectives of this course was to promote gender equality and eradicate poverty among the young mothers. Another one of its primary objectives was to enable women to diversify their professional skills, thus ensuring they had more than one activity to depend on for income, if necessary.

“I want to thank all our benefactors because it is thanks to their help that I have been able to acquire skills,” said Rachel, one of the course participants. “Now, I am ready to put into practice what I have learned, wherever it is in Rwanda. Thanks to the pay I will receive, I will be able to support my child and my brothers and sisters who depend on me.”

Another participant, Florence, was likewise grateful for the class. She shared, “Because I’m poor, I used to ask people to rent me their fields, but I always ended up giving up because of the lack of proper skills. Now I am very happy with this experience because for the first time, I feel sure of what I can do thanks to what I have learned.”

The graduation ceremony was attended by Father Raymond Bavumiragiye, who delivered the commencement speech. During his speech, Fr. Bavumiragiye asked the graduates to use the skills they had acquired to protect themselves from those who might want to take advantage of them. He also encouraged them to continue pursuing their education and improving their well-being. Now that the inaugural cohort has graduated, a second class is already underway.

Salesian missionaries offer a range of educational and social development programs to people living in Rwanda. Through these programs, youth experiencing poverty have access to health, nutrition, education and general support services that promote their well-being and help them lead productive lives.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39% of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country, and about 35% of its population is engaged in subsistence agriculture, some of which includes mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people — 22% of the population — face critical food shortages.

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ANS – Rwanda – Successful conclusion of the first agricultural course at the Don Bosco school in Muhazi for young mothers

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(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Muhazi is relaunching its musical training for students as part of its work with vulnerable youth in Rwanda. Salesians began their work in Muhazi starting with teaching reading and writing. Later, they opened short vocational training courses focused on helping poor and disenfranchised youth gain the skills for employment.

A Salesian noted, “The direct result of poverty and other family problems is associated with a range of emotional and behavioral problems in adolescence and adulthood. Salesians have joined other professional training programs to protect against all forms of violence and trauma rehabilitation through meetings on gender issues and modern and traditional music clubs.”

The Salesian added, “Music has a strong power to bring people together and to create good relationships and a positive sense of belonging. It can act very preventively on conflicts and clashes. Don Bosco was already aware of this and in his first oratory in Valdocco he had established a musical band.”

Salesians are working to establish a music workshop, but to do this they need musical instruments including a bass, two electric guitars, a pianola and modest electrical gear such as an amplifier, two microphones and two monitors. This music workshop will continue to evolve as Salesians are able to access the musical equipment they need.

Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Poor youth are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives. Salesians first arrived in the country in 1953. Today, there are six Salesian centers in Rwanda.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39% of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35% of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people — 22% of the population — face critical food shortages.

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ANS – Rwanda – Don Bosco centre in Muhazi relaunches musical training

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(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Hospitality Center, located in Kigali, Rwanda, will train professionals in the hospitality industry while also generating income for Salesian programs in the country. The center has 35 rooms as well as a restaurant and multi-functional hall that will hold up to 600 people.

“We are committed to training the next generation of leaders and innovators in the hospitality industry,” remarked Father Pierre Celestin Ngoboka, provincial superior of the Africa of the Great Lakes Salesian Province, at the opening ceremony on April 26. “Through the training programs at the Don Bosco Hospitality Center, we aim to empower our students with the skills, knowledge and experiences necessary to succeed in this dynamic field.”

The center is offering classroom learning coupled with hands-on preparation through the center’s hospitality services that are open to the public. Fr. Ngoboka explained, “Apart from training, the center is well-positioned to offer quality and advanced hospitality services to all persons who are willing to use the facility. As Rwanda continues to emerge as a hub for tourism and hospitality, the establishment of Don Bosco Hospitality Center represents a significant stride toward meeting the growing demand for skilled talent in the industry.”

The German ambassador to Rwanda, Ambassador Heike Uta Dettmann, praised the center during a speech at the grand opening ceremony and emphasized the importance of vocational training and the service industry in Rwanda’s development. She highlighted the significance of providing hands-on training for youth who may not have had the opportunity to travel or gain practical experience in the hospitality sector.

Dettmann stated, “I’m very happy that the German government is cooperating in financial support with the education system in Rwanda, and this specific jewel of teenage education aligns with the needs of the country and its young population.”

She expressed her belief that investing in youth education is essential for the future of Rwanda, as youth are the driving force behind the country’s development. Dettmann wished the center success and hoped all students would find meaningful employment opportunities upon completing their training.

The construction of the new center was environmentally friendly and was supported by the Salesian Congregation through the Office of the Rector Major, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development-BMZ through Don Bosco Mondo, the Africa of the Great Lakes Salesian Province, and the Procures of Turin and Madrid, among others. To develop the business plan for the center, Salesians partnered with Horwath HTL Interconsult, an international hotel and tourism consultancy in Rwanda.

Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Poor youth are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives.

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(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Gatenga Technical Secondary School in Kigali, Rwanda, celebrated International Women’s Day with a special event on March 10. The event featured a presentation urging girls to pursue technical subjects and highlighted the progress made in promoting gender equality at the school and the national level.

During the celebration, students sang, read poems and danced to honor the achievements achieved by women in society. One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of a student who distinguished herself in the last academic year. The recognition served as a symbol of encouragement for other girls to strive for success and break down barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

The event was part of the “Gender Matters for Green TVET” project, funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation and carried out by Salesians in Rwanda and Uganda. A Salesian noted, “The project aims to promote gender equality in technical and vocational schools and improve the skills of young women, encouraging them to join professions traditionally reserved for young men.”

Don Bosco Gatenga has been at the forefront of gender issues in the region. Since its beginning in 1976, the school has welcomed youth in need. The school helps to prepare youth for the future and teaches them employable skills so that they will be self-sufficient and help support their families and the community.

Don Bosco Gatenga also features a large farm that has 26 hectares of land. Ten of those hectares have already been cultivated for farming. The food grown helps to feed the students in the school. Don Bosco Gatenga has seen more and more children who are undernourished and malnourished coming to the center. The number of students from poor families who want to attend the school has also increased.

Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Poor youth are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39% of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35% of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people — 22% of the population — face critical food shortages.

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ANS – Rwanda – The Don Bosco Gatenga TSS School commemorates International Women’s Day

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(MissionNewswire) The Filippo Smaldone Institute, located in Nyamirambo, a suburb of Kigali, Rwanda, is run by the Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Heart. The institute provides primary and secondary school, as well as vocational courses to prepare students for the workforce. The institute also has special courses for students with vision and hearing disabilities, according to a recent article in Global Sisters Report.

The Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Heart congregation was founded in 1885 by St. Filippo Smaldone, who is known as the apostle of the deaf. According to the article, since 1987, the Salesian sisters have focused their work to assist those in danger of social exclusion, including students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The institute educates more than 400 students, including 207 children with hearing loss or deafness and more than 200 without a disability. According to the article, Salesian Sister Therese Akayezu, head teacher at the Filippo Smaldone Institute, noted that by attending classes and special programs with dedicated teachers, deaf or hard of hearing children can learn skills to master a profession.

Sr. Akayezu said, “In our teaching methodology, we try to focus on improving self-esteem among children with hearing loss who sometimes develop lower self-esteem than hearing peers.”

Many parents in remote and rural Rwanda do not know that their children with disabilities have a right to study. Children who do attend school drop out earlier because they are unable to learn in classrooms where only 15% of teachers are trained in how to educate those with disabilities, according to the article, which pulled statistics from the Ministry of Education.

Students with disabilities, which include nearly 39,000 learners, need an education in order to gain the skills for later employment. The article noted that one-third of Rwandan students with disabilities in both primary and secondary schools have hearing loss.

“Parents should understand that these hearing-impaired children need to attend school and learn how to use sign language as it creates for them a true learning experience,” Sr. Akayezu said in the article.

Jules Mugirase, a 12-year-old from Mageragere, used to have a self-deprecating mentality due to his severe hearing loss. Things have changed since he enrolled at the institute. Mugirase told the Global Sisters Report, “I made many new friends at school, and thanks to the special support I am getting, this keeps encouraging me to do my best.”

Parents also report a positive change in their children as they learn skills and become engage in their education. Alphonse Munyankindi, whose son is learning baking at the institute, said his child has grown happier since returning to school. In the article, he explained, “My son first developed hearing problems when he was 5 years old, and the situation continued to worsen, and he was no longer able to study at regular schools.”

Adults are also succeeding in finding a career thanks to the institute’s vocational training. The article noted that thanks to the Salesian sisters, Fiona Mukundente, a 23-year-old mother with hearing impairments, has been able to complete the one-year intensive vocational sewing program. After her training, she and her peers at the institute secured a loan from the Saving and Credit Cooperative Society, a microfinance institution, to establish a modern sewing workshop at Kabeza, a suburb of Kigali.

She told Global Sisters Report, “Before joining hands with my peers in running a sewing workshop, I was unemployed and had nothing in terms of assets. After starting this career, I started making money, bought a piece of land and can pay school fees for my siblings.”

Salesian sisters at the Filippo Smaldone Institute are not only improving individual students’ lives but are setting a standard for education for youth with disabilities in the country.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Aimable Twahirwa and Global Sisters Report

Global Sisters Report – Salesian Sisters’ school supports Rwandan children with deafness or hearing loss

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Muhazi Technical-Vocational School, in the Gasabo district in the Kigali province of Rwanda, is celebrating the arrival of educational materials that will enhance the students’ activities. The materials were financed by the ACTEC project, a development program co-financed by the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid.

Father Bavumiragiye Raymond, rector of Don Bosco Muhazi, expressed his gratitude to the ACTEC donors who made this project possible, and he emphasized the importance of the materials for the school.

One of the clubs benefiting from the donation is the environmental club. The materials provided will enable students to continue their important work of protecting the environment. Materials for arts and sports were also included as part of the donation.

A Salesian noted, “With these resources, students can explore their creativity and expand their artistic skills. In addition, the sports club received the necessary equipment that will enable them to improve their training and participate confidently in competitions.”

The donation also aimed to support entrepreneurship among the students. Materials for students in the welding course will enable them to participate in the practical training that will be provided in cooperation with Manumetal Rwandan Metal Factory. The students who have completed the welding course will be able to gain valuable practical experience and further improve their skills.

Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Poor youth are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39% of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35% of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people — 22% of the population — face critical food shortages.

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ANS – Rwanda – Materials needed for activities donated by the ACTEC project have arrived at the Don Bosco Muhazi CFP

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Salesians with Don Bosco Gatenga, located in Kigali, Rwanda, participated in 16 days of social activism to confront gender bias. At the end of this initiative, Salesians held a march to involve the community and highlight the message of the campaign. The march was attended by Don Bosco Gatenga students, residents of the surrounding areas including many women, members of the Young Women’s Christian Association, the local administration and the Rwandan National Police.

After the march, the participants met at Don Bosco Gatenga to listen to speeches focused on the elimination of gender violence. Uzamureba Clementine, who is responsible for promoting gender equality at Don Bosco Gatenga, highlighted one of the school’s projects “Gender Matters for Green TVET”. The project aims to promote gender equality in technical and vocational schools and improve the skills of young women, encouraging them to join professions traditionally reserved for young men.

Don Bosco Gatenga has been at the forefront of gender issues in the region. Since its beginning in 1976, the school has welcomed youth in need. The school helps to prepare youth for the future and teaches them employable skills so that they will be self-sufficient and help support their families and the community.

Don Bosco Gatenga also features a large farm that has 26 hectares of land. Ten of those hectares have already been cultivated for farming. The food grown helps to feed the students in the school. Don Bosco Gatenga has seen more and more children who are undernourished and malnourished coming to the center. The number of students from poor families who want to attend the school to learn employable skills has also increased.

Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Poor youth are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39% of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35% of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people — 22% of the population — face critical food shortages.

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

ANS – Rwanda – A march to say no to gender-based violence

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The post RWANDA: Salesians confront gender bias first appeared on MissionNewswire.

RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Job Service Office in Rwanda embarked on a month-long media campaign to raise awareness about the importance of technical and vocational education while also enhancing the visibility of Salesian technical and vocational schools across the country. Don Bosco Tech Africa provided the funding for this campaign.

The campaign utilized popular local news websites, social media, community radio and the National Broadcasting Agency. The segments highlighted success stories of graduates who had pursued technical and vocational education at Salesian schools. These graduates went on to create their own successful businesses or secured employment in reputable companies. They inspired and motivated current students, as well as highlighted the practical and tangible outcomes of this kind of education.

The media campaign’s reach was extensive, targeting the entire population of Rwanda, which has more than 13 million people, a majority of whom are young individuals. The impact was evident from the positive feedback received.

Twizeyimana Emmanuel, the national job service officer at the Salesian Planning and Development Office, said, “As a result of this successful media campaign, Salesian schools will undoubtedly experience an increase in enrollment as more young individuals recognize the value and potential of technical and vocational education. By highlighting the positive outcomes, the media campaign effectively shifted perceptions and created a wave of enthusiasm among young people.”

After the media campaign, an exhibition is bringing together all three Salesian technical and vocational schools in Rwanda. Additionally, there will be a roundtable conference to share best practices, workshops and other related activities.

Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Poor youth are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy and productive lives.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39% of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35% of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people — 22% of the population — face critical food shortages.

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

ANS – Rwanda – Empowering Rwanda’s Youth through TVET Education: A Successful Media Campaign

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The post RWANDA: Campaign highlights benefits of technical education first appeared on MissionNewswire.

RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Muhazi Technical-Vocational School, in the Gasabo district in the Kigali province of Rwanda, is offering a new agricultural course for young single mothers living with their parents. The goal is to empower women and help provide support for the most vulnerable. The project also aims to strengthen gender equality in education and in the agriculture business.

There are 25 students enrolled in the initial phase of the course, which will last an estimated six months. Most are from the Gasabo and Gicumbi districts. Students will receive a kit to attend the course, which contains overalls, shoes, hoes, rakes, spades, sprayers, soaps and seeds for cultivation.

The students will learn how to prepare the fields for planting bananas, tomatoes, peppers and onions. They will also learn about animal husbandry.

“Salesian missionaries in Rwanda and around the globe provide educational programs for women so they can find employment and become self-sufficient, which aids their families and communities,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “This farming course not only helps women gain an education but it will also help ensure that their families are fed.”

Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Poor youth are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39% of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35% of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people — 22% of the population — face critical food shortages.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Rwanda – An agricultural course for single mothers at Don Bosco Muhazi

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The post RWANDA: Farming course empowers young mothers first appeared on MissionNewswire.

RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Young women in the “Gender Matters for Green Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET)” program at Don Bosco Gatenga, located in Gatenga, Rwanda, were provided toolkits for employment while completing their technical courses in plumbing and electricity. This is the first group of women in the program.

Salesians note recent studies have shown that women are still underrepresented in technical courses such as masonry, welding, plumbing, electricity, carpentry and many other courses that are believed to be reserved only for young men.

In response, Salesian missionaries are working to change that through the Gender Matters for Green TVET project, which is financed by the Austrian Development Cooperation and Jugend Eine Welt. Salesians aim to increase the number of girls studying technical professions by removing the barriers that can hinder access to the courses. To help with this, Salesians have also held an awareness-raising campaign in the surrounding community to encourage girls to enroll in technical courses.

“Many women are choosing careers and finding success in male-dominated fields,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesians are working to ensure that young women have access to training in these fields that are high-paying and provide long-term job stability. Women are able to gain employment and support their families while giving back to their communities.”

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39% of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35% of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people — 22% of the population — face critical food shortages.

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

ANS – Rwanda – A job start toolkit for girls at Don Bosco Gatenga TSS

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The post RWANDA: Young women find success in male-dominated fields first appeared on MissionNewswire.

RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Nursery and Primary School, located in the neighborhood of Kimihurura in Kigali, Rwanda, is undergoing an expansion to accommodate more children and provide increased quality education. The school will offer six classrooms, a spacious library, a computer lab and bathrooms.

The request for the expansion came from the parents. The school is relatively small and more parents would like to send their children there. The renovation is expected to be completed as children return to school this month.

At the conclusion of the 2023 academic year, Father Jean Bosco Ntirenganya, director of the Institute of Apostolic Formation of Kimihurura, stated that the expansion is part of the sustainable vision plan of the Salesian administration in this region.

Fr. Ntirenganya explained, “Aside from the knowledge that the children gain at Don Bosco Nursery and Primary School, we have accomplished many things. Our school has undergone a transformation from its original Kimihurura Nursery School, with significant improvements and additional efforts that have brought us to where we are today.”

He continued, “We also sought an official registration and received an official approval from the National Examination and School Inspection Authority last year, allowing us to operate as an accredited school. This is certainly an achievement worth celebrating.”

The school expansion project is being supported by the Salesians of Don Bosco in the Africa Great Lakes Province with the financial support from Opera Don Bosco Foundation in Milan, Italy.

“We appreciate the good management of this school led by the Sister Director and her assistants, and we also thank the parents for the good cooperation shown to us,” said Fr. Ntirenganya. “We are able to achieve so much with parent support. If we continue to work together we will achieve all of our dreams for this school and the children.”

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39% of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35% of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people — 22% of the population — face critical food shortages.

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

ANS – Rwanda – Don Bosco Nursery and Primary School-Kimumura in a wider angle

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The post RWANDA: School expands to meet needs first appeared on MissionNewswire.

RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the Africa Great Lakes Province (Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda) have been supporting people impacted by the flooding caused by the Sebeya River in Rwanda in May. Salesians were able to provide this support thanks to donations from Don Bosco Mondo in Germany and Mission Don Bosco in Turin, Italy. The flooding had a devastating impact on various infrastructure, including schools, churches, and people’s homes, resulting in a crisis for many individuals.

The seminary in Nyundo lost a fence and the dormitories, clothes, hygiene materials, kitchen items, student dining areas, and desks in the chapel and classrooms were inundated with water. Additionally, at the Diocese of Nyundo, offices and documents were severely damaged.

Many families around the Sebeya River were impacted and Salesians provided material support to the Salesian seminary, the Caritas Diocese of Nyundo, Sisters of the Blessed Jambo, and the Christian Muhato Parish. The support consisted of food, hygiene and sanitation items, and equipment including sports equipment and bibles.

Sister Kayitesi Agnes, from Sisters of the Blessed Jambo, said, “We are grateful for this generous act in response to the impacts caused by the flood from the Sebeya River on our community. We are pleased that you comforted us by inquiring about our needs for assistance. You provided us with essential support that will greatly benefit our lives, and you have remained by our side since we encountered the disaster. Thank you very much.”

Father Pierre Celestin Ngoboka, Salesian provincial superior, indicated that the initial support may not be enough and that Salesian efforts of support would continue. He also indicated any additional assistance that becomes available will be provided to ensure the continuation of rebuilding the affected infrastructure and lives.

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

ANS – Rwanda – Salesians of Don Bosco extend a helping hand: Bringing hope to flood-stricken communities in Rubavu District

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Nursery and Primary School, located in the Kigali neighborhood of Kimihurura, Rwanda, recently held a graduation for its students. The school offers a quality education with programs in French and English. French is mostly used in the nursery level.

The graduation featured student performances, speeches from parent representatives and school administration, and the presentation of certificates to students who have completed the nursery level. All students received their grades as they concluded the 2023 academic year, with awards given to the best-performing students.

During this event, parents praised the teachers for their role in the development and education of their children. Parents with children who have completed the nursery level presented a gift to all teachers.

In her address, Sister Marie Josee Uwizera, head teacher of the school, highlighted that the school is consistently growing. She emphasized the school will continue to improve education rooted in Christian values and foster children who will mature into responsible citizens.

The director of the Institute of Apostolic Formation of Kimihurura, where the school is located, said, “It is a joy to see how happy the parents are and to see how the children are getting happier and more excited every year. The Salesian administration is making every effort to ensure the children continue to have access to improved education services.”

Father Jean Bosco emphasized that there will be numerous changes next year, including the addition of new classrooms equipped with technology and other programs. He praised the parents’ committee for its role in cooperating with the management of the school.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39% of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35% of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people — 22% of the population — face critical food shortages.

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

ANS – Rwanda – Ending the 2023 Academic year: A Remarkable Event at Don Bosco Nursery and Primary School

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RWANDA: Students protect the environment

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The post RWANDA: Nursery and primary students graduate first appeared on MissionNewswire.

AFRICA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with Don Bosco Muhazi Technical-Vocational School, in the Gasabo district in the Kigali province of Rwanda, and Father Pierre Célestin Ngoboka, provincial superior of the Salesians in the Africa of Great Lakes Province, inaugurated a new school building. Jean Michel Swalens, who represented the Belgian Embassy in Rwanda, local leaders, community members, and students joined in the celebration as well.

Since the school was established, roughly 840 students have received certificates in courses including culinary arts, masonry, tailoring, and literacy and math programs.

The new building, constructed as part of the ACTEC 2022-2026 program co-financed with the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, is equipped with all the necessary materials for students to take literacy and training courses.

A new computer lab will enable students to develop vital digital skills and enhance their computer literacy, preparing them for future careers in the technology-driven world. The building also has office spaces. The staff room will serve as a dedicated space for local ACTEC project coordinator and local job service officer who helps connect students to the job market.

The inauguration ceremony was a momentous occasion for the Don Bosco Muhazi school community. Students, teachers, staff and members of the community gathered to celebrate the milestone and express their gratitude for the immense support received.

A Salesian said, “The new school building is a testament to the commitment of the Belgian Government, ACTEC Urunana and Don Bosco Zwinaarde toward providing quality education and skills training among the youth. It represents a significant step forward in empowering the students of Don Bosco Muhazi to become successful professionals in their chosen fields.”

The Salesian added, “As the school enters this new chapter, it looks forward to utilizing the new facilities to further enhance the learning experience and create a nurturing environment for its students. With the new computer lab, training room, and staff room, Don Bosco Muhazi is poised to continue delivering excellent education and equipping its students with the skills necessary for a bright future.”

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39% of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35% of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people — 22% of the population — face critical food shortages.

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

ANS – Rwanda – Don Bosco Muhazi TVET School Unveils State-of-the-Art Building, Courtesy of ACTEC Project

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Elementary School in Kigali, Rwanda, recently hosted the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) to raise awareness about the benefits of non-motorized transportation. The GGGI team conducted a workshop to encourage students to adopt any mode of transportation that does not require the use of a motor vehicle.

During the workshop, GGGI members explained the environmental impact of motorized transportation and encouraged students to consider using bicycles. They also provided tips on how to stay safe when biking or walking on the road. Students were eager to learn more about how to make a difference in their community.

Other Salesian students in Kigali have had a focus on their environmental impact and have been engaging in activities to help the planet. In April, the Don Bosco Gatenga Green Club participated in clean-up work to protect the environment. Students collected plastic and other non-biodegradable waste that degrade natural resources, including the water and soil. Most of this waste is thrown into the water channel by people upstream, and it ends up spreading downstream where it contributes to environmental damage. The students used their spare time to volunteer for this effort.

In addition, youth who train at the Don Bosco soccer field at the Scholasticat Kabgayi Oratory participated in a community volunteer effort to protect the environment. One Salesian coach said, “We always push every child at our center to understand their responsibility in environmental issues. Today, we learned about differentiating rotting and composting waste and storing it differently. We learned how non-biodegradable waste could damage soil and plants.”

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39% of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35% of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people — 22% of the population — face critical food shortages.

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

ANS – Rwanda – Raising students’ awareness of non-motorized transportation

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RWANDA: Students protect the environment

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The post RWANDA: Students learn about green transportation first appeared on MissionNewswire.

RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Students attending Don Bosco Technical School in Gatenga, Rwanda, received nutritional support thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The support, which covered from January to May 2023, provided for the purchase of food for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the school.

Don Bosco Gatenga was established in 1976 to help orphans and disadvantaged street youth gain an education. Currently, the school has 366 students, and from that total, 289 students live in conditions of poverty and receive meals at the school.

The funding ensured proper nutrition so students could focus on their studies and had the motivation to learn. Often, the meals students receive at the school are the only meals they have in a day. As a result of this donation, the learning environment improved, and students and staff were more focused on their tasks.

The school also has an organic farm. During this first part of 2023, the number of vegetables planted in the garden increased due to more space that became available for the farm.

A Salesian missionary at the school said, “Don Bosco Gatenga school staff and the whole Salesian community, including students and their families, are grateful and happy for the donor support and thinking of the youth in need here. We extends our thanks to all the donors.”

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39% of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35% of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people — 22% of the population — face critical food shortages.

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Technical School in Gatenga, Rwanda, has launched a new project to teach youth how to practice modern agriculture that improves crop yields while not harming the environment. The project will teach organic and sustainable farming methods at the Don Bosco Youth Center and nearby communities. The project is in a pilot phase that will be expanded as it develops and the first results are seen.

The project has been made possible thanks to the Planning and Development Office of the St. Charles Lwanga Vice-Province of Great Lakes Africa and funding from Salesians in Italy. One of the aims of the project is to combat malnutrition among children under age 5, especially those from poor families. These children will be provided with vegetables as a nutritional supplement.

The first training will take place at Don Bosco Youth Center and will initially focus on greenhouse farming. Father Serivilien Ufitamahoro, director of the Salesian Planning and Development Office, said, “This project aims to promote modern agriculture to make the community food self-sufficient, help students have a firsthand and practical knowledge of organic farming, and preserve the environment.”

Father Jean-Pierre Turabanye, head of the Don Bosco Technical School, added, “The project will not only equip students with new and more sought-after agricultural skills, but will also be a source of income for the school. The Salesians in Gatenga saw the need for this program after the COVID-19 pandemic. Its development will help improve nutrition, not only for the surrounding communities, but also for the students who eat meals at the school.”

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39% of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35% of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people — 22% of the population — face critical food shortages.

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

ANS – Rwanda – Salesians in Gatenga launch vocational training project in organic and sustainable agriculture

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Don Bosco Gatenga Green Club, in Kigali, Rwanda.

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Gatenga Green Club, in Kigali, Rwanda, participated in clean-up work to protect the environment. Students collected plastic and other non-biodegradable waste that degrade natural resources, including the water and soil. Most of this waste is thrown into the water channel by people upstream, and it ends up spreading downstream where it contributes to environmental damage. The students used their spare time to volunteer for this effort.

In addition, youth who train at the Don Bosco soccer field at the Scholasticat Kabgayi Oratory participated in a community volunteer effort to protect the environment. One Salesian coach said, “We always push every child at our center to understand their responsibility in environmental issues. Today, we learned about differentiating rotting and composting waste and storing it differently. We learned how non-biodegradable waste could damage soil and plants.”

The Don Bosco soccer school, which has made environmental education one of its goals, is planning a tree planting initiative and an environmental club in the near future.

“Salesian organizations around the globe have been focused on environmental sustainability projects in response to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ to raise awareness and increase action on the values ​​of integral ecology,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesians are working to create an environment that is safe and caring for all life on the planet while building up a new generation of environmentally committed citizens and leaders.”

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39% of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35% of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people — 22% of the population — face critical food shortages.

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Youth attending Don Bosco Muhazi Technical-Vocational School, located in the Gasabo district in the Kigali province of Rwanda, participated in a fair organized as part of “Tax Week” in the city of Kigali. Students were able to showcase their skills in tailoring, culinary, agricultural and livestock products.

The opening ceremony of the fair was presided over by the Gasabo District tax director and sector officials, including the representative of the Rwanda Defense Forces, the national police, local leaders and the community.

Jean Niyigena, from Don Bosco Muhazi’s employment services office, said, “The students’ participation in the fair opened their eyes to the world of work as they were able to listen to the views of visitors and capture their reactions.”

The school offers vocational training in masonry, culinary arts and tailoring trades. Students are guided through their coursework and then have access to an entrepreneurship program that plays a crucial role in helping students to launch their own businesses. This helps them to become self-sufficient, as well as improve the lives of their families.

Through the entrepreneurship program, youth are trained in the creation and management of a small business. They also learn how to develop psychosocial competence to lead the business. Sessions are held during an internship period after coursework is completed.

For those who don’t want to start their own business, there is a job service office. According to recent statistics, more than 90 percent of graduates have a job and are satisfied with it. To date, more than 800 poor youth have graduated from Don Bosco Muhazi.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people — 22 percent of the population — face critical food shortages.

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries launched projects for young single mothers and at-risk youth in Rango, within the city of Butare, Rwanda. The projects have the support of Mission Don Bosco in Turin, Italy.

To date, 40 young mothers have taken training to learn tailoring skills. They have also received a sewing machine and some essential materials to start a simple tailoring or sewing business that will provide an income for their families.

The rate of teen pregnancy has been growing in recent years and is beginning to create a major obstacle for social and economic development in the country, especially among the population’s poorer segments. An unmarried young woman who becomes pregnant is excluded from society, leaving them alone, vulnerable, and facing financial, social, and health difficulties.

Father Remy Nsengiyumva, the parish priest in Rango, noted, “Many girls drop out of school due to poverty and unwanted pregnancy. To help them and their children, Salesians initiated the two-year tailoring training program at the Vocational Training Center. The new program offers entrepreneurial training and provides a basic took kit so participants can start an income-generating business. The center also offers courses in construction, carpentry and welding.”

Through the “Tomorrow Will Be Better” program, Salesians have also been able to support 120 at-risk children and youth who had run away to live on the street. Social workers were able to understand why they ran away from home and help them reestablish a relationship with their families. Salesians distributed clothes, hygiene kits and food. In addition, peer groups were organized to support youth in building relationships. Through this effort, 89 youth enrolled in elementary school, 20 in secondary school and 11 in vocational training.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people — 22 percent of the population — face critical food shortages.

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ANS – Rwanda – Salesians give hope to single mothers and at-risk youth in Butare

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Muhazi Technical-Vocational School, located in the Gasabo district in the Kigali province of Rwanda, has an entrepreneurship program that plays a crucial role in helping students to launch their own businesses. This helps them to become self-sufficient, as well as improve the lives of their families.

Through the entrepreneurship program, youth are trained in the creation and management of a small business. They also learn how to develop psychosocial competence to lead the business. Sessions are held during an internship period after coursework is completed.

The school offers vocational training in masonry, culinary arts and tailoring trades. Students are guided through their coursework and have access to the entrepreneurship program. For those who don’t want to start their own business, there is a job service office. According to recent statistics, more than 90 percent of graduates have a job and are satisfied with it. To date, more than 800 poor youth have graduated from Don Bosco Muhazi.

Uwizeyimana Lenatha, age 18, has completed two years in the tailoring trade and currently practices her tailoring profession. She says that although she used to face challenges during her studies due to family poverty, she has started reaping the fruits of her labor.

Lenatha said, “I remember how I had to cross Lake Muhazi every day coming to school to get knowledge. Now I have a job as a tailor and I can earn a living. I plan to set up a large workshop and provide employment to unemployed youth and expand my business in other sectors of the Gicumbi district.”

Ingabire Olivier, age 22, completed the culinary arts courses at Don Bosco Muhazi and completed an internship at one of the hotels Rwamagana district. When he completed the internship, the manager of the hotel offered him a job because of the quality of his work. Olivier said that the secret to getting employment is discipline and hard work which are some of the qualities of the students who graduate at Don Bosco Muhazi.

A Salesian missionary at Don Bosco Muhazi, said, “These young people tell you that their education would not have been easy if they did not have the opportunity to go to a school that cares for the poor. On the other hand, the stressful life that most of the young people have lived before coming to school has led them to concentrate on their studies so that they are becoming who they want to be.”

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people — 22 percent of the population — face critical food shortages.

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ANS – Rwanda – How entrepreneurship courses of DON BOSCO TVET center in Muhazi change its students’ lives

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Oratory in Kabgayi, Rwanda, has returned to in-person activities following a significant drop in COVID-19 cases in the country. At the Salesian Oratory in Kabgayi, youth have the opportunity to play, access education and use the various services offered. Youth, who had previously been attending activities at the oratory, were excited and grateful to be able to return to sports and connecting with their peers.

Salesians offer education and social programs for poor youth and their families in Rwanda and around the globe. Salesians offer primary and secondary education, technical and vocational school, boarding for youth traveling long distance to schools, and oratories, among other programs.

Salesian programs in Rwanda are also working to help at-risk youth who are often living on the streets. UNICEF estimates that there are about 7,000 street children in the country while close to 300,000 live in families where a minor is the head of the household. The economic challenges brought about by the pandemic have exacerbated many of these issues.

Street children face a life that is marked by uncertainty and a lack of education, food, protection and health care access. These children have no understanding of their rights and often fall prey to those who wish to do them harm. Street children have few prospects in life because they are not in school gaining an education. Instead they are on the streets begging or taking odd jobs to have enough food to eat. Most suffer from malnutrition and other diseases such as dysentery, malaria and scabies.

“Most of the children who attend programs at Don Bosco Oratory in Kabgayi come from poor families and need a supportive environment,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian oratories offer a safe place for youth to engage in constructive activities during leisure time—such as sports, art and music. Youth learn teamwork and social skills, which provide opportunities for growth and maturity.”

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people—22 percent of the population—face critical food shortages.

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ANS – Rwanda – Youths of Don Bosco Kabgayi enthusiastic about returning to the oratory

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Rango, in the city of Butare, Rwanda, are working to help children who have been impacted by child labor, disease, hunger and mistreatment. The St. John Bosco Parish and Salesian Vocational Training Center have been in operation since 1996, providing education and social development services to help poor and at-risk youth. Missionaries provide education in several vocational courses including construction, tailoring, welding, carpentry, hotel-related skills, mechanics, cooking and hairdressing.

Many of the youth in Salesian programs in Rango are former street children. UNICEF noted that there were some 7,000 street children in Rwanda. The numbers have grown, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis, as well as from school closures and the rising incidence of domestic violence.

“They don’t go to school but survive by offering their labor and dedicating themselves to small trades and businesses. They ended up living on the street as a result of separations, mourning or simply because of too much misery,” said Father Daniel Antunez, president of Mission Don Bosco in Turin, Italy.

He added, “They carry heavy bags, fetch water, collect and sell pieces of metal, empty plastic bottles, glass. Most of them suffer from malnutrition and other diseases. They sleep with one eye open for fear that someone will steal the few, meager things they possess. They are frightened, abused, perennially tired, hungry.”

Salesians offer a specific program for street children known as Don Bosco Children Ejo Heza, which in the local language means “tomorrow will be a better day.” The program provides initial contact with youth living on the street and an invitation to access psychological, educational, and social rehabilitation that culminates in family reunification, if it’s possible. The program was launched in spring 2020.

“Children from the street started knocking on our parish door in Rango,” explained Fr. Antunez.  “By word of mouth, as their comrades had been treated well, they now come in large numbers. We want them to go back to school and start living with their parents again because they have the right to a present as peaceful, trusting children and a future as respectable adults.”

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people—22 percent of the population—face critical food shortages.

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ANS – Rwanda – “Ejo heza”: Salesians at work as “tomorrow will be better”

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Mary Help of Christians Church, located in Kimihurura, Kigali, Rwanda, has been designated as a parish by Archbishop of Kigali Cardinal Antoine Kambanda. Cardinal Kambanda has also installed the first parish priest, Father Augustin-César Habanabakize. The church, built three years ago, has modern infrastructure and was made possible thanks to the financial help of the Rector Major Father Ángel Fernández Artime and many benefactors.

In addition to the church, the new parish will have a kindergarten, primary school and secondary school and offer parish ministry to those in the local community. Father Célestin Ngoboka, superior of the St. Charles Lwanga Salesian Vice Province of Africa Great Lakes, said, “Most importantly, the church will provide pastoral care for youth and their families.”

The community is excited by what the parish will offer. Bernard Mutaganda, a local resident, said, “The beautiful church you see here was built by the Salesians. We thank them because the place where we went to Mass had very few seats and going to the neighboring parish of the Holy Family was difficult for us. We also thank our archbishop, who accepted to erect the new parish in Kimihurura, right amidst our homes.”

Salesians offer education and social programs for poor youth and their families in Rwanda and around the globe. Programs like Don Bosco Gatenga, also in Kigali, has a public chapel, oratory, technical and vocational school, boarding for boys, and a farm. In addition to students at the technical school, the public chapel welcomes more than 2,000 Christians every Sunday and the oratory has more than 2,000 youth.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people—22 percent of the population—face critical food shortages.

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ANS – Rwanda – A new Salesian parish in the country’s capital

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Technical and Vocational Training School in Rango, in the city of Butare in southern Rwanda, currently offers courses in construction, carpentry, welding and sewing. Each course spans two years of training, and the majority of students in the program are youth who come from vulnerable situations and have been living in poverty. Youth are 17-25 years old, and some are single mothers looking to improve their lives for their children.

The rate of teenage pregnancies in the country has had exponential growth in recent years and is becoming a major obstacle to social and economic development among the poorest populations. Salesians have launched projects to help educate and promote family involvement while also providing skills training so that young mothers can find employment or start a small business, ensuring that they can live in a dignified manner with their children.

Recently, in collaboration with the Salesian Mission Office in Turin, Italy, Salesian missionaries launched a project to purchase 40 sewing machines to train and empower young mothers so they can acquire the skills to start a small business. Launching a modest tailoring or dressmaking shop or a simple sewing workshop can help provide an income for families.

“Providing young mothers an opportunity to learn the skills for employment helps to raise a family out of poverty,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Once working, young women can provide for their families and also ensure that their children are able to have a good start in life and later also gain an education.”

Don Bosco Technical and Vocational Training School was initially established to accommodate young Salesians preparing to become priests, who lived there and attended classes. Now it serves as the site for technical and vocational education for young people, a large number of them coming from poor families. Salesian missionaries have been living and working in the Great Lakes region of Rwanda for more than 50 years providing education and social programs to give youth hope for a brighter future.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture and with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people—22 percent of the population—face critical food shortages.

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Gatenga Center, located in Kigali, Rwanda, has received donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, to help provide nutritional support for students and youth at the center. To date, Don Bosco Gatenga has provided nutritional support for 210 students with the goal to reach 520 students.

Don Bosco Gatenga has a public chapel, oratory, technical and vocational school, boarding for boys, and a farm. While the center has a number of resources that it uses to provide for the needs of its students and those in other programs, nutritional support falls short. In addition to students at the technical school, the public chapel welcomes more than 2,000 Christians every Sunday and the oratory has more than 2,000 youth.

Since its beginning in 1976, Don Bosco Gatenga has welcomed youth and children in need and provided shelter, food and education. The school helps to prepare youth for the future and teaches them employable skills so that they will be self-sufficient and help support their families and the community.

Don Bosco Gatenga also features a large farm that has 26 hectares of land. Ten of those hectares have already been cultivated for farming. The food grown helps to feed the students in the school and the boys who board there. Don Bosco Gatenga has seen more and more children who are undernourished and malnourished coming to the center, and the farm crop is not enough to feed them all adequately. The number of students from poor families who want to attend the school to learn employable skills has also increased.

With the donor funding provided, four hectares of land have been farmed and the vegetables grown there are being provided to the youth at the center. Additional funding for nutritional support is feeding the 210 students at least one meal a day.

“We are appreciative of the donor funding that has provided initial support for Don Bosco Gatenga and the children at the center,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “Funding is needed to buy additional food items to supplement and provide nutritional daily meals to everyone. There is a great need at this center and the COVID-19 pandemic has only made it more challenging.”

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people—22 percent of the population—face critical food shortages.

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the St. Charles Lwanga Vice Province of Africa Great Lakes (Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda) called on parents to join together in caring for the welfare of children from birth to adulthood in honor of the Day of the African Child, which is celebrated annually on June 16. Salesians believe that it is with parent support that children will become good and valuable citizens for their country. Salesians also believe that a child has the fundamental right to grow up safely and happily, free from exploitation and abuse.

Salesian missionaries are striving to take care of as many children as possible through education in nursery schools, primary schools, secondary schools, and vocational and training schools. Education is a direct path to help children prepare for the future, and skills training helps them find and retain stable employment.

Salesians also have programs that help children learn their rights and help them to recover from abuse and neglect. Children who have faced abuse receive extra support, psychological care and assistance getting back into school. All of these activities are achieved with the help of others, including lay people, collaborators in the centers, donors, the church and the local government.

For example, Salesians are working to help at-risk youth who are living on the streets. UNICEF estimates that there are about 7,000 street children in Rwanda while close to 300,000 live in families where a minor is the head of the household. The economic challenges brought about by the pandemic have exacerbated many of these issues.

“To get youth out of this hopeless life, the first thing they need is to be shown kindness, have something to eat and go back to school,” explained Salesian Brother Hubert Twagirayezu, economer of the province. “In Rwanda, we carry out our mission among poor children and young people. In Rango, in the district of Huye, we help more than 120 street children, but at the national level there are many more.”

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people—22 percent of the population—face critical food shortages.

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ANS – Rwanda – Day of the African Child: Salesians in AGL committed to strengthening Safe Environment for all Children

RWANDA: Street children find education, shelter and hope

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*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in these countries 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.

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian programs in Rwanda are working to help at-risk youth who are often living on the streets. UNICEF estimates that there are about 7,000 street children in the country while close to 300,000 live in families where a minor is the head of the household. The economic challenges brought about by the pandemic have exacerbated many of these issues.

“To get youth out of this hopeless life, the first thing they need is to be shown kindness, have something to eat and go back to school,” explained Salesian Brother Hubert Twagirayezu,  economer of the St. Charles Lwanga Vice Province of Africa Great Lakes, which includes Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi. “In Rwanda, we carry out our mission among poor children and young people. In Rango, in the district of Huye, we help more than 120 street children, but at the national level there are many more.”

Street children face a life that is marked by uncertainty and a lack of education, food, protection and health care access. These children have no understanding of their rights and often fall prey to those who wish to do them harm. Street children have few prospects in life because they are not in school gaining an education and are on the streets begging or taking odd jobs to have enough food to eat. Most suffer from malnutrition and other diseases such as dysentery, malaria and scabies.

On the street, youth also suffer from lack of sleep. They rest for only a few hours a day, sleeping on cardboard with one eye open in fear that someone will steal the few things they have. Many risk taking drugs to forget their problems.

Bro. Twagirayezu explained, “In 2016, a project was launched for street children at the St. John Bosco Parish in Rango. Our goal is to impact different aspects of the person, including taking better care of themselves and encouraging the suspension of drug use. Children are treated, they learn hygiene again and they play sports.”

He added, “From a psychological point of view, we try to listen to these children, to help them to recover slowly from the trauma, and to regain confidence in themselves and in others. We want children to be happy, to continue studying and learning to read, but also to play. They receive new clothes and uniforms, and regain respect for adults and other children. The children can participate in the prayer activity of the Salesian center, while respecting the sensitivity and history of each other since the center welcomes children of all faiths. We need donations to keep programs running and be able to help these children and bring awareness to their plight.”

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people—22 percent of the population—face critical food shortages.

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Center in Rango, located in the city of Butare, Rwanda, has a parish, an oratory and a large vocational training center. The center, in operation since 1996, is currently expanding to meet the needs of poor youth and their families in the region. One of the main focuses of the center is to give shelter and opportunity to street children who would otherwise spend their lives on the fringes of society.

“They come from the street asking to eat, and many choose to stay to take vocational courses such as those for mechanics and shoemakers,” said Father Remy Nsengiyumva, a Salesian parish priest in Rango. “We offer school supplies and uniforms, but the problem is food. Some, in fact, live completely on the street, others receive food in the host families. Still others eat only in the evening when they study for technical courses. Making sure youth are fed is a primary concern.”

To address the issue, Fr. Nsengiyumva and his parishioners are organizing a small canteen to cook at noon. There is still no formal project, the work was started at the beginning of the pandemic when street children began to knock on the parish office door. Fr. Nsengiyumva said, “Since their companions have been treated well, now they come in large numbers. We ask all those who can to give us a hand.”

There are many children who have received help and support from the Salesian Center in Rango and have had their lives changed for the better. Kande, who is 16, arrived at the parish to ask for a piece of bread. He started living on the street when he was 10. He recalled, “Life was hard. Sometimes the police came to arrest us and took us to the Mbazi rehabilitation center, and we stayed there for about five months, and then, when you came back on the street, you struggled to even find a place to sleep.”

His friend, Dakarai, began begging on the street after his mother killed his father in a family quarrel and ended up in prison. He said, “I continued to live on the street for about 13 years, but now I have had the opportunity to study mechanics, thanks to the Salesians.”

Other youth have had similar positive experiences. Juvenal noted, “I’m grateful to the priests because they brought me to vocational training. Today I study mechanics with my peers, but we don’t have everything we need. We lack school uniforms, and even shirts and shoes are hard to find due to poverty. But if you lack something to eat, you can put up with it and go back to school because you have a goal to achieve.”

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people—22 percent of the population—face critical food shortages.

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesians of the Africa Great Lakes Vice Province (AGL) recently launched a new project to build a Salesian Spirituality Center in Rango, Rwanda. The project is financially supported by the Salesian Mission Office of Turin, Italy, and was developed by the Council of the AGL Vice Province and Salesian Brother Hubert Twagirayezu, the economer of the province.

On a recent visit to the site, Bro. Twagirayezu explained, “The plan is to build a spiritual center in Rango that allows Salesians to have lodging for spiritual formation retreats. Youth from different schools will also be able to use and benefit from it.”

This is not the only construction happening in Rango. In August, Don Bosco Technical and Vocational Training School started construction on a new building that will host culinary arts and hairdressing courses. The construction was made possible by the Don Bosco Tech Africa initiative with funds from Don Bosco Mondo.

Don Bosco Tech Africa, which started six years ago and is committed to helping improve the quality of vocational and technical training in Africa, selected Don Bosco Technical and Vocational Training School among the centers that will benefit from aid for modernization. The site’s construction company is providing work to 32 local people, five of whom are young students training at the Don Bosco Technical and Vocational Training School.

Don Bosco Technical and Vocational Training School was initially established to accommodate young Salesians preparing to become priests, who lived there and attended classes. Now it serves as the site for technical and vocational education for young people, a large number of them coming from poor families. Salesian missionaries have been living and working in the Great Lakes region of Rwanda for more than 50 years, providing education and social programs to give youth hope for a brighter future.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture and with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people—22 percent of the population—face critical food shortages.

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ANS – Rwanda – Construction of Salesian Spirituality Center in Rango started

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RWANDA: Construction project at Don Bosco Technical School in Rango helps local development

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Technical and Vocational Training School in Rango, Rwanda, is constructing a new building to host culinary arts and hairdressing courses. The construction was made possible by the Don Bosco Tech Africa initiative with funds from Don Bosco Mondo. Recently, Ange Sebutege, mayor of the Huye District, visited the construction site.

In a telephone interview, Sebutege said, “This visit was an opportunity to thank the development partners for their contribution to the district’s development. Having Don Bosco Rango in our district is a contribution to the technical education programs available for youth since many need technical skills to enable them to make a living.”

He commended the contribution of the Salesians in the technical and vocational training sector. He added, “Every year more than 60 students graduate from Don Bosco Rango and they are able to create their own jobs. This construction project has also employed people, which aids in the development of the area.”

Don Bosco Tech Africa, which started six years ago and is committed to helping improve the quality of vocational and technical training in Africa, selected Don Bosco Technical School among the centers that will benefit from aid for modernization. The site’s construction company is providing work to 32 local people, five of whom are young students training at the Don Bosco Technical School.

Don Bosco Technical School was initially established to accommodate young Salesians preparing to become priests, who lived there and attended classes. Now it serves as the site for technical and vocational education for young people, a large number of them coming from poor families. Salesian missionaries have been living and working in the Great Lakes region of Rwanda for more than 50 years providing education and social programs to give youth hope for a brighter future.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture and with some mineral and agro-processing. Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people—22 percent of the population—face critical food shortages.

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ANS – Rwanda – Huye District Mayor commends Salesians’ role In TVET Education

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) After the Rwandan government partially eased the lockdown to prevent COVID-19 in the country, construction has resumed at the Don Bosco Technical School in Rango. The school is developing a new modern building that will host culinary arts and hairdresser courses. The construction was made possible by the Don Bosco Tech Africa initiative.

Don Bosco Tech Africa, which started six years ago and is committed to helping improve the quality of vocational and technical training in Africa, selected Don Bosco Technical School among the centers that will benefit from aid for modernization. The site’s construction company is providing work to 32 local people, five of whom are young students training at the Don Bosco Technical School.

Don Bosco Technical School was initially established to accommodate young Salesians preparing to become priests, living there and attending classes. Now it serves as the site for technical and vocational education for young people, a large number of them coming from poor families.

Father Jean Pierre Turabanye, the school’s director, noted that last year enrollment at the school increased from 65 students enrolled the previous year. While the school has been closed due to the pandemic, Salesians hope classes can resume soon.

Fr. Turabanye said, “Last year we had more than 100 students registered for classes who came to the school from around the region. They enrolled in six vocational training courses that the school offers including construction, carpentry, hospitality, sewing, hairdressing and welding.”

Students are offered lunch at no cost, thanks to the help of donors. Don Bosco Technical School also provides other forms of support for its students, as well as sports and student field visits. The school has 10 teachers, a deputy in charge of studies, a deputy in charge of disciplines and two German volunteers.

Salesian missionaries have been living and working in the Great Lakes region of Rwanda for more than 50 years providing education and social programs to give youth hope for a brighter future.

Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people—22 percent of the population—face critical food shortages. Rwandans are anxious to move their country forward but need substantial help to do so.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture and with some mineral and agro-processing.

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries of the Africa Great Lakes Vice Province have donated food supplies to people suffering from hunger in the period of confinement imposed to counter the spread of the coronavirus. The food was purchased at the local market and then donated to Caritas at the Salesian Rango Parish in Rwanda.

Father Ryszard Józwiak, a Salesian missionary, worked in collaboration with the Salesian Missions project’s office in Krakow, Poland, to develop a long-term project in Rwanda. Father Rémy Nsengiyumva, a Salesian priest at Rango, observed that after the epidemic the community, as well as the whole Rwandan population, will have to follow measures imposed by the government to continue to fight the pandemic.

“This confinement has severely affected the population, which is now facing hunger,” explained Fr. Nsengiyumva after receiving the donation. “Many cannot leave their homes to get food or go to work. We have people who work as hairdressers and motorcycle mechanics who no longer have a job. They have been forced to stop working. The Salesian community intervened to deal with this serious problem.”

Salesians are also delivering aid to other parishes not directly linked to the Salesians starting with Save Parish, located in Butare. Save Parish priest, Father Fidele Mukwiye, commended Salesian benefactors who have continued to support needy people since the outbreak. Fr. Mukwiye explained that the aid will be delivered to those who are old, sick people who are in bed, orphans, and Burundian refugees hosted at Save Parish.

Salesian missionaries have been living and working in the Great Lakes region of Rwanda for more than 50 years providing education and social programs to give youth hope for a brighter future.

Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people—22 percent of the population—face critical food shortages. Rwandans are anxious to move their country forward but need substantial help to do so.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture and with some mineral and agro-processing.

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ANS – Rwanda – AGL Vice Province distributes food thanks to support of Krakow’s Salesian Mission Office

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Rwanda are responding with awareness initiatives and food distribution to the growing needs of those in their centers and communities in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Father Pierre-Célestin Ngoboka, the provincial superior of the Salesians of Don Bosco in the African Great Lakes Province, has initiated the distribution of food support to Salesian employees and needy citizens within the province, which includes Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda.

The food delivery has already started helping vulnerable citizens in Rwanda in the cities of Kigali, Kabgayi and Rango. More than 400 families have benefited from the Salesians’ help across the province during this time of hardship. Staff and students from Don Bosco Muhazi Technical-Vocational School, located in the Gasabo district of Rwanda, have also benefited.

Even before the pandemic, Don Bosco Muhazi required additional food support to help purchase and store food monthly so that it can provide healthy and balanced meals for the students. Salesian missionaries living and working in the region report that the majority of the population near the school has very low purchasing power and does not have access to a balanced basic diet. Most families are only able to have enough for one meal a day.

As a result of malnutrition, many of the students attending Don Bosco Muhazi fall below normal growth ranges. The school is working to address food shortages so students have the proper nutrition needed to focus on their studies. This will also help to avoid student drop out. During this pandemic, this ongoing food support is more important than ever.

“Despite Rwanda’s impressive economic growth, in particular in the region where Don Bosco Muhazi is located, household food insecurity and undernutrition remain a challenge due to low agricultural productivity,” says Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian missionaries provide food support even during normal times to ensure that youth can access healthy nutrition which feeds both body and mind, enabling students to attend school and focus on their studies.”

Salesian missionaries also continue COVID-19 community awareness-raising campaigns by encouraging all communities to abide by the guidelines from the government and the World Health Organization as the pandemic is seriously affecting all living aspects in the countries. The campaign is being conducted via online communications among other means.

Salesian centers are promoting hand-washing with soap, avoiding unnecessary movement, and practicing social distancing among other strategies. Salesian missionaries continue to give support to people in need while advocating for more funding to be able to reach the increasing number of hungry people.

Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people—22 percent of the population—face critical food shortages.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture and with some mineral and agro-processing.

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ANS – Rwanda – AGL Provincial extends food support to Don Bosco Muhazi and other communities through Salesian COVID 19 Emergency responses

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Technical School in Rango, Rwanda, is providing poor youth hope for the future with vocational and technical training. Uwiringiyimana Grace is a young woman who decided to do away with the cultural beliefs that women can’t pursue technical studies, especially welding courses formerly for men only.

After realizing that the welding sector could provide her a better living, Grace decided to enroll at Don Bosco Technical School. She chose the welding trade because she loves it. Apart from that, she said, “I have been inspired by welders when I saw how they make doors. That’s when I decided to join this career.”

Grace is now in level three in her welding studies. She is optimistic that after graduation she will be able to land her dream job or create her own welding workshop. Grace added, “I hope that after my studies, as soon as financial means are available, I’ll be able to set up my own workshop where I can practice my profession.”

Grace encourages other young women to look into technical training in trades, adding that they should not underestimate these studies.

“There are some who try to discourage me, asking if I am not ashamed as I am the only girl in a group of many boys,” explained Grace. “I say, no, I am here to study and not to have any other affairs with boys. This is a profession for all of us. You can’t tell which one is for men and which one is for women.”

Don Bosco Technical School was initially established to accommodate young Salesians preparing to become priests, living there and attending classes. Now it serves as the site for technical and vocational education for young people, a large number of them coming from poor families.

Father Jean Pierre Turabanye, the school’s director, noted that this year enrollment at the school has increased from the 65 students enrolled last year. He said, “We have more than 100 students already registered to start classes. We have students who come from all around the area. They are enrolled in six vocational training courses, including construction, carpentry, hospitality, sewing, hairdressing and welding.”

Students are also offered lunch at no cost, thanks to the help of donors. Don Bosco Technical School also provides other forms of support for its students, as well as sports and student field visits.

The school has 10 teachers, a deputy in charge of studies, a deputy in charge of disciplines and two German volunteers. Don Bosco Tech Africa, which started six years ago and is committed to helping improve the quality of vocational and technical training in Africa, has selected Don Bosco Technical School among the centers that will benefit from aid for modernization of technical training this year.

Salesian missionaries have been living and working in the Great Lakes region of Rwanda for more than 50 years providing education and social programs to give youth hope for a brighter future.

Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people—22 percent of the population—face critical food shortages. Rwandans are anxious to move their country forward but need substantial help to do so.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture and with some mineral and agro-processing.

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ANS – Rwanda – Meet Uwiringiyimana Grace, young girl studying welding at Don Bosco Rango TVET

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in the Great Lakes Province of Rwanda are working toward modernization of technical and vocational training for youth. The Salesian Africa Great Lakes (AGL) Province Job Service Office and the Planning and Development Office are coordinating with these efforts.

In October 2019, the AGL provincial administration convened a special meeting to assess the current situation with Salesian technical schools and expand efforts to create quality education. Speaking at the meeting, the Provincial Superior Father Pierre Celestin Ngoboka asked members of an ad hoc committee, specifically formed for this effort, to find solutions to address the existing challenges faced by Salesian technical and vocational training schools. The growing number of youth who want technical education is in part what sparked this renewed effort.

Brother Hubert Twagirayezu, director of the Salesian planning and development office, said, “We aim to help young people get the needed skills for the job market and plan to bring new equipment to the schools to help young people learn modern technologies as the world also keeps changing.”

He added, “We have started with technical schools in Gatenga, Rwanda where we have installed new equipment. We are working with DB Tech Africa to support our schools in Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda with a detailed plan to also change school structures, construct new classes, build capacity in the schools and come up with environmental conservation initiatives taking into consideration the issue of climate change. We also plan to strengthen networking programs to promote the stakeholders’ partnership.”

Salesian missionaries have been living and working in the Great Lakes region of Rwanda for more than 50 years providing education and social programs to give youth hope for a brighter future.

Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people—22 percent of the population—face critical food shortages. Rwandans are anxious to move their country forward but need substantial help to do so.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture and with some mineral and agro-processing.

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The funding is enabling Salesian missionaries at Don Bosco Muhazi to purchase and store food on a monthly basis so that they can prepare healthy and balanced meals for the students. The school now has rice, beans and oil. Missionaries made purchases in Kigali where prices are lower. They have also bought cabbage, tomatoes and onions. Other vegetables have come from the garden on the school grounds. The project is benefiting 263 students.

Salesian missionaries report that the majority of the population near the school has very low purchasing power and does not have access to a balanced basic diet. Most families are only able to have enough for one meal a day. As a result of malnutrition, many of the students attending Don Bosco Muhazi fall below normal growth ranges. The school is working to address food shortages so students have the proper nutrition needed to focus on their studies. This will also help to avoid student drop out.

“Despite Rwanda’s impressive economic growth, in particular in the region where Don Bosco Muhazi is located, household food insecurity and undernutrition remain a challenge due to low agricultural productivity,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions. “Salesian missionaries are providing the food program to ensure that youth are able to access healthy nutrition which feeds both body and mind, so students are able to attend school and focus on their studies.”

The Don Bosco Center was launched in 2008 to meet the local need for education and skills training. Most of the students attending have dropped out of regular school and are living in situation of vulnerability. Student often drop out because of poverty, where they or their parents can’t afford school fees. At the Don Bosco Center these students can access an education and learn the skills needed for employment. Since 2010, 585 youth have received a certificate of completion in the culinary arts, tailoring and masonry.

Missionaries have been living and working in the Great Lakes region of Rwanda for more than 50 years providing education and social programs to give youth hope for a brighter future.

Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people—22 percent of the population—face critical food shortages. Rwandans are anxious to move their country forward, but need substantial help to do so.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture and with some mineral and agro-processing.

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More than 1,000 tablets will be distributed with the goal of supporting the Rwandan government in promoting smart classrooms. The 10 schools will receive the tablets in addition to other IT equipment that will aid in teaching, learning and the positive use of information and communication technology in the education system. The project kicked off on Mar. 25 with the distribution of 144 tablets at a primary school.

“This is really good for us at GS Kicukiro (primary school) because it’s going to add to the already existing equipment and I’m sure that we will use them properly and efficiently to provide quality education to our pupils,” said Euzerius Rugasire, head teacher at the school. She also praised Salesian missionaries and other stakeholders for helping to boost technology use in schools.

Before receiving the IT equipment, 20 teachers from the 10 participating primary schools attended a three-day training on the proper use of the equipment that uses advanced technology and on how to conduct digital classrooms with ProFuturo solutions.

Brother Hubert Twagirayezu, the provincial economer in the region of Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda, has noted that the ProFuturo project was launched based on the experience of the Telefonica Foundation. The foundation has worked for more than 10 years providing social intervention programs for children in vulnerable environments, contributing to the eradication of child labor and educational progress and training teachers in skills development to meet the challenges of the digital society, according to a New Times article.

“The main aim is to reduce the digital and social gap of children in vulnerable settings through the improvement in education quality and to make changes in the world using digital education, because through technology we will be able to give access to education to all children in the country,” said Bro. Hubert in a New Times article.

Missionaries have been living and working in the Great Lakes region of Rwanda for more than 50 years providing education and social programs to give youth hope for a brighter future.

Many of the country’s orphaned children are the tragic result of a violent civil war. Half of all children drop out of primary school and 2.2 million people—22 percent of the population—face critical food shortages. Rwandans are anxious to move their country forward, but need substantial help to do so.

After bravely overcoming the trauma of the 1994 genocide, Rwandans looking to transform their country have made remarkable progress. Still, much remains to be done. Close to 39 percent of Rwandans live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rwanda is a rural, agrarian country with about 35 percent of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture and with some mineral and agro-processing.

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Each year, UN-Water sets a theme for World Water Day corresponding to a current or future challenge. This year’s theme “Nature for Water” explores how people can use nature to overcome the water challenges of the 21st century. UN-Water notes that environmental damage, together with climate change, is driving the water-related crises seen around the world today.

UN-Water estimates that worldwide 2.1 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services, and by 2050, the world’s population will have grown by an estimated 2 billion people, pushing global water demand up to 30 percent higher than today. UN-Water also indicates that around 1.9 billion people live in potentially severely water-scarce areas. By 2050, this could increase to around 3 billion people.

“Having access to clean water is essential for the health and safety of those we serve around the globe,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Improving water and sanitation facilities brings a sense of dignity for the children we serve and ensures that teachers and students are working and learning in an environment that promotes proper hygiene and has safe drinking water. This reduces the number of waterborne illnesses that can affect those in our schools, keeping them away from important study time.”

UN-Water highlights that nature-based solutions have the potential to solve many of the globe’s water challenges. It suggests doing more with “green” infrastructure and harmonize it with ‘grey’ infrastructure wherever possible. Planting new forests, reconnecting rivers to floodplains, and restoring wetlands will rebalance the water cycle and improve human health and livelihoods.

In response to this crisis, Salesian Missions has continued its “Clean Water Initiative,” making building wells and supplying fresh, clean water a top priority for every community in every country in which Salesian missionaries work.

CAMBODIA

Salesian-run Don Bosco Kep, located in Kep Province, Cambodia, has completed a water system and sanitation project on the school grounds. The project entailed drilling a new well, and installing a water filter, new irrigation and a water treatment plant, in addition to new sanitation facilities. The water project is providing appropriate sanitation and fresh drinking water for 350 students and teachers on campus, as well as providing clean water for farming, fishing ponds and cooking. The addition of the new water treatment facilities is also preventing ecological contamination.

INDIA

Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative” is bringing water to the Marathwadi village in India. The project was implemented by local Salesian missionaries through Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra (BGVK). Successive years of hardly any rainfall in the villages of Marathwadi and Kolhewadi, in the districts of Ahmednagar and Beed, had made the life of villagers miserable. Agricultural productivity was going down, cattle were not producing enough milk, the groundwater table was declining, people were migrating and children were suffering.

To improve water security and water management, BGVK focused on facilitating groundwater recharge and retention to improve soil moisture, de-silting the canal-bed, increasing green cover and laying a pipeline to the village. BGVK also completed an excavation of two dams for de-silting and recharging village wells, as well as constructing two drinking water tanks of 10,000-liter capacity each. The local villagers provided the technical support and manual labor, while Salesian Missions provided the financial support.

This project has benefited 1,200 people in two villages and saved at least 1,000 hours each day collectively for people out searching for water. It has also made the life of young girls and women in the villages more comfortable as they traditionally have the primary responsibility of finding water for their families.

RWANDA

Salesian missionaries at the Don Bosco Oratory in the village of Kabgayi, located south of the city of Gitarama in Muhanga district in the southern province of Rwanda, just completed a water well project in cooperation with Logic Engineering. The project included drilling for a new water well and installing an electric pump. A new water tank was also built to store large amounts of water. The new well provides water for youth who participate in the oratory’s activities, as well as the surrounding community that often faces water shortages.

The project was funded by Salesian Missions and has drastically improved the sanitation and hygiene of youth in the Salesian program. Students and their families are able to have access to clean drinking water and water for washing their hands and taking a shower. The water is also available for cleaning the program’s sports facilities and equipment. New bathroom facilities provide better sanitation as well.

ZAMBIA

The government of Zambia asked Salesian missionaries to start an agricultural school in Lufubu with the goal of establishing an alternative to fishing. The local community was over-fishing the lakes and needed a new source of food security that would combat hunger while preserving the environment. The school includes a working farm where the students gain hands-on experience with animal husbandry and the cultivation of vegetables and maize on a personal plot of land designated for each student. The farm includes 400 hectares of land, five of which are currently cleared. There is a river near to the farm that provides a reliable source of water year-round.

While the Salesian campus, which includes the agricultural school, farm and youth center, does have a bore hole that provides fresh water, it was limited. A stream about 200 meters away brings in fresh, clean water for washing, watering and even drinking, but unfortunately much of the water did not reach the Salesian storage tank because of the many leaks. Salesian Missions provided the funding for Salesian missionaries in Lufubu to replace the 200 meters of PVC piping to deliver the fresh water from the stream to the storage tank positively affecting the school and its students.

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Students participating in the event were the young mothers who attended courses at the Salesian vocational training center. Through their educational courses they had designed and produced blouses, skirts, dresses, pants, bags and more. Selling the products in the market was a way to highlight their skills and their talents.

“This initiative has motivated the local administrative authorities to support our activities. It was a good way to let ourselves be known and make known the products of our female students,” says Father Raphaël Katanga, director of Don Bosco Technical & Vocational Center. “The Salesian community of Rango was very proud to see the local population and people from neighboring towns interested in the products of our beneficiaries.”

Fr. Katanga adds that the exhibition was just the prelude to a vast network of collaborations that the Salesian Center had recently started with other private organizations.

“This event was an opportunity to present one of the goals of the Salesian Center to the general public, which is to give hope to the young mothers marginalized by society by promoting their social and economic development,” adds Fr. Katanga. “The journey will be a long one, but we are sure that with this first show we have started along this path with our partners.”

Rwanda has made remarkable progress since the 1994 genocide in the country, particularly in providing education and health services to the poor, according to UNICEF. However, with high rates of poverty, there is still much to be done. Close to 57 percent of the country’s population of 10 million lives below the poverty line and for those under the age of 18, the poverty rate increases to more than 60 percent. UNICEF notes that subsistence farmers, households headed by youth and those without assets and adequate household resources remain the poorest and the most vulnerable to worsening poverty and the effects of natural disasters, food insecurity and economic crises.

With half of Rwanda’s population under the age of 18, lack of educational opportunities is a concern. Half of all children who enroll in primary school don’t finish and go on to face a future of unemployment or employment at low-paying jobs. In addition, almost four percent of children aged 5 to 14 are working in domestic service or other jobs instead of going to school.

Salesians have been working in Rwanda for many years to provide educational opportunities to poor youth. They operate primary, secondary and vocational schools throughout the country, as well as offer recreational activities, English language classes and agricultural programs.

“Students in Rwanda are taking steps to rebuild their lives and their country,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Learning skills in employable industries allows students to find jobs in high growth sectors to help them support themselves and their families.”

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Sources:

ANS – Rwanda – Crafts Exhibition and Sales from workshop for young mothers

UNICEF – Poverty in Rwanda

The post RWANDA: Salesian students present and sell clothing and products made in Salesian courses at local market first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Each year, UN-Water sets a theme for World Water Day corresponding to a current or future challenge. This year’s theme “Wastewater” focuses on the fact that the majority of wastewater from homes, cities, industry and agriculture flows back to nature without being treated or reused – polluting the environment, and losing valuable nutrients and other recoverable materials. UN-Water encourages the reduction of wastewater and its reuse of it. In cities, wastewater can be treated and reused for green spaces, and in industry and agriculture, wastewater can be treated and recycled for things like cooling systems and irrigation. Through this reduction and reuse, the natural water cycle will work better for every living thing.

UN-Water estimates that worldwide there are more than 663 million people living without a safe water supply close to their home and must spend countless hours queuing or trekking to distant sources to look for water and cope with the health impacts of using contaminated water. For those who have no access to clean water, water-related disease is common with more than 840,000 people dying each year from water-related diseases.

In response to this crisis, Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has made building wells and supplying fresh, clean water a top priority for every community in every country in which Salesian missionaries work.

“Having access to clean water and proper sanitation brings a sense of dignity to the children and families we serve in our programs,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions. “Improving water and sanitation facilities also ensures that teachers and students are working and learning in an environment that promotes proper hygiene and has safe drinking water, reducing the number of waterborne illnesses that can affect those in our schools and keep them away from important study time.”

In honor and celebration of World Water Day 2017, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight Salesian programs around the globe that provide clean, safe water to those most in need.

CAMBODIA

Salesian-run Don Bosco Kep, located in Kep Province, Cambodia, has just completed a water system and sanitation project on its school grounds. The project entailed drilling a new well, installing a water filter, new irrigation and a water treatment plant, in addition to new sanitation facilities. The water project is providing appropriate sanitation and fresh drinking water for 350 students and teachers on campus as well as providing clean water for farming, the fishing ponds and for cooking. The addition of the new water treatment facilities is also preventing ecological contamination.

THE CONGO

Salesian missionaries at the Salesian Center of St. Charles Lwanga, located in Makelekele, a suburb of Brazzaville, the capital and largest city of the Republic of the Congo*, operate a parish, youth center and primary school. The center recently raised funds through the help of the Salesian Missions office in Madrid, Spain and  donors to develop a hydraulic system and water tower to collect and distribute water from the existing well for the more than 900 people who pass through the center daily. This is needed because interruptions to the water service are frequent in Makelekele and the surrounding areas.

The local Salesian parish in Makelekele has close to 5,000 people attending mass and other services. The Salesian youth center, open to local youth groups, offers a well-equipped library and a computer room. Nearly 250 youth access the center every day either to study or to have fun in a healthy educational way during their free time. The Salesian primary school is also open every day and 600 students attend morning or afternoon classes. The new water system will help to provide fresh, clean water to the students and families who take part in Salesian programs and for the surrounding communities.

RWANDA

Salesian missionaries at the Don Bosco Oratory in the village of Kabgayi, located south of the city of Gitarama in the Muhanga District in the southern province of Rwanda, just completed a water well project in cooperation with Logic Engineering. The project included drilling for a new water well and installing an electric pump. A new water tank was also built to store large amounts of water. The new well provides water for youth who participate in the oratory’s activities as well as the surrounding community that often faces water shortages.

The project was funded by Salesian Missions and has drastically improved the sanitation and hygiene of youth in the Salesian program. Students and their families are able to have access to clean drinking water and water for washing their hands and taking a shower. The water is also available for cleaning the program’s sports facilities and equipment. New bathroom facilities provide better sanitation as well.

SAMOA

Don Bosco College and Vocational Center in Salelologa, a village district at the east end of Savai’i Island in Samoa, has a new water tank system thanks to funding provided by Salesian Missions. The funding helped to provide water tanks and pumps for water storage necessary for the school, especially during Samoa’s dry season.

The college is located downhill from seven new water tanks so that the school water will be gravity-fed without the expense of additional water pumps. The college located three new water tanks at the new Don Bosco Hall, which is currently under construction. This will provide a separate water supply to a location situated away from the existing water pipes and avoid additional expense to the college. The new water tanks and associated pumps and pipes will be maintained by college maintenance staff as a part of their normal duties.

ZAMBIA

The government of Zambia asked Salesian missionaries to start an agricultural school in Lufubu with the goal of establishing an alternative to fishing. The local community was over-fishing the lakes and needed a new source of food security that would combat hunger while preserving the environment. The school includes a working farm where the students gain hands-on experience with animal husbandry and the cultivation of vegetables and maize on a personal plot of land designated for each student. The farm includes 400 hectares of land, five of which are currently cleared. There is a river near the farm that provides a reliable source of water year-round.

While the Salesian campus, which includes the agricultural school, farm and youth center, does have a bore hole that provides fresh water, it was limited. A stream about 200 meters away brings in fresh, clean water for washing, watering and even drinking, but unfortunately much of the water did not reach the Salesian storage tank because of the many leaks. Salesian Missions provided the funding for Salesian missionaries in Lufubu to replace the 200 meters of PVC piping to deliver the fresh water from the stream to the storage tank, providing a positive impact on the school and its students.

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Sources:

World Water Day 2017

UN-Water

Salesian Missions – Cambodia

Salesian Missions – Zambia

Salesian Missions – Rwanda

*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.

The post WORLD WATER DAY: Salesian Missionaries Complete Water Projects Ensuring Youth Have Access to Clean, Safe Water first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Salesian missionaries began their work in Rwanda offering programs to combat poverty through education, skills training and workforce development services as well as meeting basic needs like shelter and feeding programs. Many initial educational programs just focused on teaching how to read and write but as the surrounding community became more interested in learning vocational and trade skills and preparing for the workforce, programs expanded to cover other subjects and incorporate skills training that would lead to long-term employment.

Salesian missionaries now operate primary, secondary and vocational schools throughout the country as well as offer recreational activities, English language classes and agricultural programs.

“Students in Rwanda are taking the first steps to rebuild their lives and their country,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Learning skills in the latest technologies and other fields, students are able to find jobs in high growth sectors that help them support themselves and their families.”

Recently, the Salesian Missionary Procure of Warsaw, Poland, began collecting funding to build new bathrooms and showers for the vocational school in Muhazi. The goal is to build on to the school to provide students with the clean, fresh water and appropriate sanitation needed.

Rwanda has made remarkable progress since the 1994 genocide in the country, particularly in providing education and health services to the poor, according to UNICEF. However, with high rates of poverty, there is still much to be done. Close to 57 percent of the country’s population of 10 million live below the poverty line and for those under the age of 18, the poverty rate increases to more than 60 percent. UNICEF notes that subsistence farmers, households headed by youth and those without assets and adequate household resources remain the poorest and the most vulnerable to worsening poverty and the effects of natural disasters, food insecurity and economic crises.

With half of Rwanda’s population under the age of 18, lack of educational opportunities is a concern. Half of all children who enroll in primary school don’t finish and go on to face a future of unemployment or employment at low-paying jobs. In addition, almost four percent of children aged five to 14 are working in domestic service or other jobs instead of going to school.

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Sources:

ANS – Rwanda – A Vocational School in Muhazi

UNICEF – Rwanda

Salesian Missions – Rwanda

The post RWANDA: Vocational Center Provides Skills Training to Youth Living in Poverty first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The project has drastically improved the sanitation and hygiene of youth in the Salesian program. Students and their families are able to have access to clean drinking water and water for washing their hands and taking a shower. The water is also available for cleaning the program’s sports facilities and equipment. New bathroom facilities provides better sanitation as well.

“The new water well has given the oratory access to the water it needs for students to have access to better sanitation and water for washing their hands, proper hygiene and safe drinking water,” says Brother John Ngigi Njuguna, of the Salesian Planning and Development Office in Rwanda. “We also expect that access to this clean, safe water will reduce the number of children who become sick due to lack of proper hygiene and safe water.”

According to UN-Water, the United Nations inter-agency coordination mechanism on all freshwater related issues, 1.3 billion people cannot access electricity, 768 million people lack access to improved water sources and 2.5 billion people have no improved sanitation, worldwide. For those who have no access to clean water, water related disease is common with more than 840,000 people dying each year from water related diseases.

In response to this crisis, Salesian Missions has made building wells and supplying fresh, clean water, a top priority for every community in every country in which Salesian missionaries work.

“Having access to clean water is essential for life and brings a sense of dignity to the children and families we serve in our programs,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions. “Improving water and sanitation facilities also ensures that teachers and students are working and learning in an environment that promotes proper hygiene and has safe drinking water, reducing the number of waterborne illnesses that can affect those in our schools keeping them away from important study time.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in Rwanda for many years to provide educational opportunities to poor youth. They operate primary, secondary and vocational schools throughout the country as well as offer recreational activities, English language classes and agricultural programs.

Rwanda has made remarkable progress since the 1994 genocide in the country, particularly in providing education and health services to the poor, according to UNICEF. However, with high rates of poverty, there is still much to be done. Close to 57 percent of the country’s population of 10 million live below the poverty line and for those under the age of 18, the poverty rate increases to more than 60 percent. UNICEF notes that subsistence farmers, households headed by youth and those without assets and adequate household resources remain the poorest and the most vulnerable to worsening poverty and the effects of natural disasters, food insecurity and economic crises.

With half of Rwanda’s population under the age of 18, lack of educational opportunities is a concern. Half of all children who enroll in primary school don’t finish and go on to face a future of unemployment or employment at low-paying jobs. In addition, almost four percent of children aged five to 14 are working in domestic service or other jobs instead of going to school.

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Sources
UNWater.org
UNICEF – Rwanda

The post RWANDA: New Water Well Provides Clean, Safe Water for Youth in Salesian Oratory first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Each year, UN-Water sets a theme for World Water Day corresponding to a current or future challenge. This year’s theme is ‘Water and Jobs’ and highlights the positive effects of having enough quality water to change workers’ lives and livelihoods and even transform societies and economies. UN Water notes that almost half of the world’s workers, 1.5 billion people, work in water-related sectors and nearly all jobs either depend on water or ensure its safe delivery. Yet, the millions of people who work in water are often not recognized or protected by basic labor rights.

UN-Water estimates that worldwide 768 million people lack access to improved water sources and 2.5 billion people have no improved sanitation. For those who have no access to clean water, water-related disease is common with more than 840,000 people dying each year from water-related diseases. Women and children often bear the primary responsibility for water collection in the majority of households and globally, spend 140 million hours a day collecting water. Children in these communities are forced to walk for hours to collect drinking water—water that often proves contaminated and seriously sickens those who consume it. Many others are unable to attend school regularly because they must spend time searching for distant wells.

In response to this crisis, Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has made building wells and supplying fresh, clean water, a top priority for every community in every country in which Salesian missionaries work.

“Having access to clean water is essential for life and brings a sense of dignity to the children and families we serve in our programs,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Improving water and sanitation facilities also ensures that teachers and students are working and learning in an environment that promotes proper hygiene and has safe drinking water, reducing the number of waterborne illnesses that can affect those in our schools keeping them away from important study time.”

In honor and celebration of World Water Day 2016, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight Salesian programs around the globe that provide clean, safe water to those most in need.

DR CONGO

Close to 4,000 youth, parents, Salesian staff and community members are benefiting from two water projects at Salesian training and vocational centers in the city of Lubumbashi in the southeastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo*. The Salesian-run Kansebula St Jean Bosco Institute and Chem Chem Center have nearly completed the renovation of existing water systems which were outdated, wasting energy and had insufficient quantities of water.

Salesian missionaries began the two water projects to ensure clean fresh water for the students and the sustainability of the water sources for their facilities. At Kansebula, the project consists of erecting a high water tower and two 2,500 liter water tanks in connection to the existing water system. Once completed, this project will improve water management and protect the water pump in use. At Chem Chem the project entails upgrading the existing water system to allow proper quantities of clean water for students. This is being accomplished by deepening the existing well, erecting a high water tower and installing two 2,500 liter water tanks.

ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia is experiencing the worst drought the country has seen in more than 50 years. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently announced that agricultural assistance for the upcoming rainy season in Ethiopia is essential to help the drought-affected people as one of the strongest El Niño events on record continues to have devastating effects on the lives and livelihoods of farmers and herders.

Salesian missionaries and volunteers with the International Volunteers for Development (VIS) are concerned that the devastating drought is forcing residents to flee the country making them vulnerable to illegal migration (particularly to Europe and the Middle East), exploitation and human traffickers who are already taking advantage of the crisis. Using deep wells built by VIS volunteers in recent years, Salesian missionaries and volunteers are currently distributing water to schools, hospitals and first aid clinics, centers for street children, women’s refuges and diocesan centers. The goal during this emergency phase is to support the 12,000 residents of the Somali, Tigray and Oromia regions and those living in the South.

INDIA

Salesian missionaries working at the Don Bosco St. Joseph School for Children in Ghanaur, a town in the Patiala district in the state of Punjab, India, have begun a construction project to update and improve facilities at the school making it more accessible to its more than 540 students. Currently, the school’s bathroom facilities are dilapidated, out-of-date and insufficient to accommodate the students and faculty.

Situated on the periphery of a large village, the school was created to serve poor students whose parents could not afford traditional school fees. It offers a full range of academic classes as well as recreational programs. Each year, the student population grows as more and more area families require access to affordable education. Due to its growing population, sanitation has been a major concern at the school and will be addressed by the recent construction project which will provide separate bathroom facilities for male and female students. To date, a well has been dug and the purchasing of materials and digging of pits are underway. Once enough funds are raised to complete the project, construction of the bathroom buildings will begin.

RWANDA

Salesian missionaries in the community of Rukago in the city of Kigali, the capital and largest city of Rwanda, just completed a water and sanitation project for the local Salesian school which had been in desperate need of new sanitation and safe drinking water. The project, funded by Salesian Missions, provided eight new toilets and repaired a water tank that provides clean drinking water for the students. Prior to the repair of the water tank, students had to walk more than a mile to collect water from a hill in a swampy area.

The construction project for the new toilets consisted of digging a pit, purchasing materials and constructing a beam, walls and roof. After that, doors were added and the new building was painted. Salesian missionaries expect that this new project will help local families save on medical expenses for treating children who develop water-related diseases and illnesses due to contaminated water. The new improvements will also give the school children better access to safe water so they can turn their attention and focus to their studies.

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Sources:

UN Water – World Water Day 2016

*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.

The post WORLD WATER DAY: Salesian Missionaries Ensure Safe, Clean Water for Teachers and Students first appeared on MissionNewswire.

In the Rukago community, Salesian missionaries operate primary schools, a vocational school and a parish. One of the primary school provides education to a large population of poor children from the local community. The school was in desperate need of new sanitation and safe drinking water. Prior to the repair to the water tank, students had to walk more than a mile to collect water from a hill in a swampy area.

Sanitation was also a concern for the students. The construction project for the new toilets consisted of digging the pit, purchase of materials, construction of the beam and walls, and roofing. The final stage was the fixing of the doors and painting.

“This project has had a great impact for our students now that they have access to better sanitation and water for washing their hands, proper hygiene and safe drinking water,” says Father Jean Paul Ruriho, PDO director of Salesians of Don Bosco Africa of the Great Lakes. “We expect this project will reduce the number of children who become sick due to lack of proper hygiene and safe water.”

Salesian missionaries also expect that this new project will help the families of the children save on medical expenses for treating children who develop water related diseases and illness due to contaminated water. With these new improvements, children now have better access to safe water and can turn their attention and focus to their studies.

According to UN-Water, the United Nations inter-agency coordination mechanism on all freshwater related issues, 1.3 billion people cannot access electricity, 768 million people lack access to improved water sources and 2.5 billion people have no improved sanitation, worldwide. For those who have no access to clean water, water related disease is common with more than 840,000 people dying each year from water related diseases.

In addition, women and children bear the primary responsibility for water collection in the majority of households, and globally, spend 140 million hours a day collecting water. Children in these communities are forced to walk for hours to collect drinking water—water that often proves contaminated, and seriously sickens those who consume it. Many others are unable to attend school regularly because they must spend time searching for distant wells.

In response to this crisis, Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has made building wells and supplying fresh, clean water, a top priority for every community in every country in which Salesian missionaries work.

“Water is essential for life,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions. “From helping to ensure our communities have access to clean water for drinking and agriculture to helping build a hydro-electric power station, Salesian missionaries working in 132 countries around the globe are always looking to expand their services to meet the needs of the poor youth and families they serve.”

Salesian Missions has launched a special campaign to raise money for  its Clean Water Initiative which supports water projects like this one around the globe.

Rwanda has made remarkable progress since the 1994 genocide in the country, particularly in providing education and health services to the poor, according to UNICEF. However, with high rates of poverty, there is still much to be done. Close to 57 percent of the country’s population of 10 million live below the poverty line and for those under the age of 18, the poverty rate increases to more than 60 percent. UNICEF notes that subsistence farmers, households headed by youth and those without assets and adequate household resources remain the poorest and the most vulnerable to worsening poverty and the effects of natural disasters, food insecurity and economic crises.

With half of Rwanda’s population under the age of 18, lack of educational opportunities is a concern. Half of all children who enroll in primary school don’t finish and go on to face a future of unemployment or employment at low-paying jobs. In addition, almost four percent of children aged five to 14 are working in domestic service or other jobs instead of going to school.

Salesians have been working in Rwanda for many years to provide educational opportunities to poor youth. They operate primary, secondary and vocational schools throughout the country as well as offer recreational activities, English language classes and agricultural programs.

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Sources:

UNWater.org

UNICEF – Rwanda

The post RWANDA: New Sanitation, Water Tank for Primary School Helps Provide Proper Hygiene, Safe Drinking Water for Students first appeared on MissionNewswire.

With half of Rwanda’s population under the age of 18, lack of educational opportunities is a concern. Half of all children who enroll in primary school don’t finish and go on to face a future of unemployment or employment at low-paying jobs. In addition, almost four percent of children aged five to 14 are working in domestic service or other jobs instead of going to school.

Salesians have been working in Rwanda for many years to provide educational opportunities to poor youth. They operate primary, secondary and vocational schools throughout the country as well as offer recreational activities, English language classes and agricultural programs.

“Students in Rwanda are taking the first steps to rebuild their lives and their country,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Learning skills in the latest technologies, students are able to find jobs in high growth sectors to help them support themselves and their families.”

St. Mary Mazzarello Technical Secondary School, located in the city of Gisenyi in the Western Province of Rwanda, specializes in hotel operations training. Here, students have the opportunity to acquire all the skills necessary to successfully operate a hotel through courses in management, finance and hospitality skills. In addition, students receive support services such as tutoring and training in resume writing and interviewing skills to help them prepare for the workforce. Graduates from the program are fully prepared to find and retain stable employment.

Patience Nyirahabufite, a 2012 graduate of St. Mary Mazzarello Technical Secondary School, ranked number one in the country among all graduates taking the national exam. Hailing from humble origins as an orphan and then becoming the mother of two small children at a young age, Patience encountered the Salesian Sisters in Gisenyi who encouraged her to attend school and assisted her in her studies.

Although Patience’s brother cared for her children so she could pursue her studies, it was of constant concern to her knowing that her children were not gaining a formal education. To meet this need, the Salesian Sisters offered Patience a teaching job at St. Mary Mazzarello for a year, enabling her to pay the fees to send her children to school. Speaking at her graduation, Patience credited the Salesian Sisters with helping to make her dreams come true.

Today, Patience is continuing her studies at the university in Kigali, furthering her education in hotel operations on a government sponsorship. When she completes her studies, she hopes to return to Gisenyi and teach in the secondary school where she received her education. In this way, she hopes to give back by helping other young girls further their education as she was able to.

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Sources:

UNICEF – Poverty in Rwanda

Don Bosco Eastern Africa Salesian Bulletin, 1^st Quarter February 2014 – A Gate of Hope in Gisenyi, Rwanda

The post RWANDA: Salesian Graduate Finishes Top of Her Class and Plans to Give Back to Salesian School first appeared on MissionNewswire.