TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to complete a renovation project for the priests’ residence and parish office of the Salesian Chemchem Parish, located in Lindi, Tanzania, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, provided the funding for plastering, flooring, painting, ceilings, doors and windows. The construction also included the installation of plumbing systems, wiring and lighting. Salesians were also able to build a functional kitchen and laundry area.

The funding further paid for furnishings for the bedrooms, living spaces and guest accommodations, along with equipping the parish office with desks, chairs, cabinets, a computer and a printer. A small chapel was also created. Approximately 1,200 parishioners directly benefit from the improved parish facilities.

The region is predominantly Muslim, and the Catholic community represents a small but vibrant minority. The area also has a large youth population in need of pastoral support, education and moral guidance. When the Salesians first arrived at Chemchem Parish, the priests’ residence building was largely unfinished. Out of 12 planned rooms, only two were usable. The rest of the building lacked plastered walls, flooring, ceilings, proper electrical installation, plumbing facilities, kitchen space and a parish administrative office.

A Salesian noted, “Because of these conditions, the missionaries found it difficult to live comfortably and to coordinate pastoral activities effectively. With the generous support of Salesian Missions, the project began renovations and completed the residence building. One wing of the priests’ residence has been completed and is now functional. This allows the Salesian missionaries to live within the parish community and continue their pastoral presence among the young people. The renovated facilities have strengthened pastoral coordination and created a welcoming space for youth gatherings, catechesis classes, and community meetings.”

One of the parishioners, Jonas Mkapa, said, “The presence of the Salesians in Chemchem is very important for our young people. Even though the conditions here are difficult, their presence brings hope to the youth and strengthens our parish community.”

In Tanzania, 67.9% of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

###

Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Salesians complete renovation project at Chemchem Parish thanks to Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the Don Bosco Igawa Parish in Tanzania have fresh, clean water for their community thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding was part of the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative” and was implemented to respond to chronic water scarcity affecting Igawa village and surrounding rural communities in the Mbeya region.

With the new water access, more than 10,000 people have clean water, reducing time spent fetching water, particularly for women and children. Hygiene and school attendance improved, and waterborne illness decreased in the village.

People in the area rely on subsistence farming and small livestock. Before the intervention, residents depended on distant, seasonal and often unsafe water sources such as shallow wells and seasonal streams, exposing families to waterborne diseases and long daily travel times for water collection.

With the funding, Salesians were able to conduct professional hydrogeological and geophysical surveys to identify a viable and sustainable aquifer. Once it and all permits were established, the drilling for a deep borehole was completed, including casing, gravel packing and sanitary sealing. The funding also provided for the installation of an electric-powered submersible pump and a 5,000-liter (approximately 1,320 gallon) water storage tank and distribution points for community access.

Mariana Mtawa, a resident, said, “Before the borehole was drilled, my children and I used to wake up very early to look for water. Sometimes we walked more than two hours, and even then, the water we found was not clean. During the dry season, it was very difficult, and my children would miss school because they were tired or sick. When drilling started, we were worried because we had heard the rocks were very hard, and the first machine failed. We prayed that the work would not stop. When water was finally reached, the whole village celebrated.”

Mtawa added, “Now we have water every day near the parish. My children are healthier, they go to school on time and I can use the extra time to work on my farm. Even though the tank is still small, we are very grateful, and we hope the bigger tank will come soon. This water has changed our lives.”

In Tanzania, 67.9% of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

###

Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Water project funded by Salesian Missions ensures clean water access to 10,000 people in Don Bosco Igawa Parish first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Novitiate in Morogoro, Tanzania, completed a renovation project thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Fifteen years of use, combined with harsh tropical weather and limited resources for major maintenance, led to widespread infrastructure needs. This project restored safety, dignity and functionality to the entire compound.

These improvements have impacted 23 Salesian novices from Tanzania and neighboring countries, close to 500 youth who regularly participate in oratory activities, catechesis, sports, tutoring, and youth formation programs at Don Bosco Morogoro. Those visiting the compound from the local community are also benefiting from a safe and functional environment.

The renovation began with a complete overhaul of the plumbing system, which had become the most critical problem. The original galvanized iron pipes were severely corroded, leading to frequent leaks, low water pressure and rust-contaminated water. Entire sections of piping were replaced with durable, modern materials, including new valves, fittings and connectors. All washrooms and dormitories were comprehensively renovated as well. This restored hygiene, dignity, and safety for the novices, staff and visiting youth.

Structural repairs were also completed throughout the building. Cracks in walls were repaired and reinforced, leaking roof sections were sealed, and damaged floors in corridors, dining areas, and common spaces were repaired. The entire building, both interior and exterior, was repainted, transforming the building into a clean, bright and welcoming environment.

Lastly, the project also addressed security and compound infrastructure. The perimeter fence was repaired and reinforced, and the main gate was upgraded to ensure the safety of residents, visiting youth, and the property.

Mtewa Evans Edward, one of those impacted by the renovation, said, “When I see the clean rooms, the water flowing freely, the pavements inside the compound and the beautiful tarmac road leading into our home, I feel deeply grateful. This place now truly reflects the dignity of our vocation. We thank our benefactors from our hearts.”

In Tanzania, 67.9% of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education. Nearly 43% of the population lives in extreme poverty.

###

Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Don Bosco Novitiate completes renovation thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the Don Bosco Novitiate, located in Morogoro, Tanzania, have access to clean water thanks to funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project is part of the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.” Close to 1,500 people are benefiting from this project, including those in the surrounding community who are able to access the water.

The area is semi-arid at the foot of the Uluguru Mountains. Most families rely on subsistence farming or trade, and they face frequent water shortages in the dry season. Many homes lack electricity or piped water, and droughts and erratic rains make life challenging.

The project included the construction of a new water system including a submersible solar-powered pump inside the underground tank to push water up to a new 50,000-liter plastic header tank. Solar panels and an inverter power the pump, ensuring an independent energy source. In November, the reservoir, pump and header tank were fully connected and delivering water by gravity to all taps across the novitiate and oratory.

All 350 people on site now have a dependable daily water supply without interruptions, allowing residents to bathe, cook and clean without rationing. This uninterrupted access has improved daily living conditions and hygiene.

The Salesians also offer free water outreach to the surrounding community. In the past, the public tap often ran dry by midday. Now water is available all day, even at peak demand. Women and girls benefit from shorter lines and are able to access water when they need it.

Deusdedit K. Julius, coordinator of youth activities, said, “Now the tank is finished, and it has changed our lives. We no longer need to ration water. There is enough for the novices, the oratory youth and even the neighboring families who come to our gate.”

Julius added, “Health and hygiene have improved. The children at the oratory can wash their hands or even take a quick shower after playing. This is a luxury we couldn’t afford before and the novices can keep themselves and their clothes clean without stress. Our whole community is now optimistic. This gift of water has given us our life back. The time we spent searching for water, we now spend on productive work and with our youth. God bless everyone who made it happen.”

###

Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Don Bosco Novitiate has clean water access thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Kilimanjaro International Institute for Telecommunications, Electronics and Computers (Don Bosco KIITEC), located in Arusha, Tanzania, has a new hostel for 300 students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The construction for the hostel had been started thanks to a local benefactor, and the donor funding from Salesian Missions was utilized to build the upper floors and finish the building, including plumbing, tiling, doors, electrical work, and painting. The building is currently being used for 150 students.

Don Bosco KIITEC serves poor youth and young adults. The school sits on a 15-acre campus that offers the most advanced training technologies in the region. Courses include electrical engineering with industrial automation, renewable energy, and computer science, as well as electronics and telecommunications.

One of the students, Herman Exaud John, has enjoyed his time at Don Bosco KIITEC. He said, “I am so proud of myself, and I feel I’m at the right place because until now I have learned a lot through different programs like the entrepreneurship training. It really helped me a lot since I got new skills to handle my life. I am staying in the hostel which is a place to live and learn. We have all the facilities there. I would really like to thank all who supported us.”

The school’s education model is based on a hands-on and student-centered approach to learning with full access to modern equipment simulating real-world experiences. The school is also registered and accredited by the National Council for Technical Education and awards successful graduates with a three-year National Technical Award Level Six diploma.

In Tanzania, 67.9% of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education. Nearly 43% of the population lives in extreme poverty.

###

Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Students have new housing thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Oysterbay in Tanzania has received basketball equipment for the teams Don Bosco Oratory for boys and Don Bosco Troncatti for girls, thanks to Jubilee Life Insurance Corporation of Tanzania Limited. During a ceremony for the donation, the company’s CEO, Helena Mzena, emphasized the donation was part of the company’s social responsibility efforts, aimed at helping youth achieve their goals, according to a recent article in The Guardian, a newspaper in Tanzania.

Father Joachim Sivali, the teams’ patron, expressed gratitude for the company’s support. In the article, he said, “Sports is a cornerstone of good health. We must continue to support our youth so they can thrive when empowered.”

Stanslaus Zuberi, chair of Don Bosco Oratory, also praised the initiative in the article and highlighted the importance of the sponsorship. He noted, “We pledge to be the best ambassadors for our teams and Don Bosco as a whole as we work toward achieving our goals.”

In the article, Mzena said, “Jubilee Life Insurance’s new initiative reflects our commitment to going beyond the traditional role of insurance. We’re not just providing services; we’re offering valuable insights that help people make informed decisions for their health and financial well-being. Today’s initiative to sponsor Don Bosco Oratory and Don Bosco Troncatti basketball teams is a testament to our dedication to supporting youth in reaching their aspirations.”

Sports are a significant part of Salesian education, helping youth to develop teamwork, communication, respect and team spirit. In addition to the sport’s teams, Don Bosco Oysterbay offers training in five technical courses including carpentry, electrical, mechanics, secretarial and welding together with aluminum works. All of the courses are three years in length except for the secretarial course, which is for two years. The school has also started a six-month tailoring course. Most recently, technical training has expanded to include training in renewable energy.

In Tanzania, 67.9% of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education. Nearly 43% of the population lives in extreme poverty.

###

Sources:

The Guardian – Company donates sports equipment to Don Bosco Oysterbay basketball teams

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Student teams benefit from basketball equipment first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA.

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Province of Tanzania organized the first edition of Salesian Sports, with the theme of “The Dream that Makes You Dream.” The event brought together more than 300 youth and 32 leaders from all over the country to the Don Bosco Dodoma campus. Also present at the event were Father Michael Muia, provincial delegate for youth ministry, and Father Valerain Kway, delegate for the Salesian Family in the province.

A Salesian said, “The competition brought together boys and girls who have been involved in different disciplines, such as basketball, soccer, volleyball and netball. For many, it was an opportunity to meet and to test themselves. At the end of the day, after the tournaments and a moment of prayer, the winning teams were rewarded.”

Salesians believe in the importance of sports in education. The Salesian noted, “Sports and education complement each other, and youth learn study habits, hygiene and healthy eating, as well as the values of companionship and solidarity. Youth experience a positive transformation that translates into the development of discipline, punctuality and responsibility.”

In Tanzania, 67.9% of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education. Nearly 43% of the population lives in extreme poverty.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Tanzania – Salesian sport is an experience “that makes you dream”

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Youth compete at sports event first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) Thirty-six students have graduated from Don Bosco Kilimanjaro International Institute for Telecommunications, Electronics and Computers (Don Bosco KIITEC), located in Arusha, Tanzania. The students received their degrees in electrical engineering, industrial automation, electronics and telecommunications, and computer engineering.

A Salesian noted, “One of the most interesting aspects of this school is the strong female representation in sectors that in the past were traditionally dominated by males. The increasing number of graduates reflects a positive change in society and launches a strong message of inclusion.”

Don Bosco KIITEC serves poor youth and young adults. The school sits on a 15-acre campus that offers the most advanced training technologies in the region. Courses include electrical engineering with industrial automation, renewable energy, and computer science, as well as electronics and telecommunications.

The school’s education model is based on a hands-on and student-centered approach to learning with full access to modern equipment simulating real-world experiences. The school is also registered and accredited by the National Council for Technical Education and awards successful graduates with a three-year National Technical Award Level Six diploma.

“Salesians know that access to education lays the foundation for a better future for all youth,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director for Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “In many countries around the globe where poverty is high and access to education is not universal, it is crucial that Salesian missionaries continue to offer technical and vocational training to as many youth as possible to ensure that they have access to long-term stable employment.”

In Tanzania, 67.9% of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education. Nearly 43% of the population lives in extreme poverty.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Tanzania – Giving strength to the future generation: celebration of the graduation of 36 engineering students

Don Bosco Kilimanjaro International Institute for Telecommunications, Electronics and Computers

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Engineering students graduate first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Oysterbay Vocational Training Center in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, recently launched a partnership with Daikin thanks to its partnership with Don Bosco Tech Africa. Daikin officially launched a new “Air Conditioning Center of Excellence” at Don Bosco Oysterbay.

The center is equipped with modern machines that will be used to train students in the latest air conditioning technology. This initiative is intended to initially benefit 150 students. Rising temperatures due to climate change have led many people to install air conditioning systems in their homes and offices. There is a growing need for highly qualified skilled technicians in this sector.

Speaking at the ceremony to launch this initiative, Dinesh Kumar Sinha, Daikin manager for East Africa, underscored that the project also aims to promote the dissemination of environmentally friendly solutions. Father Waldemar Jonatowski, principal of Don Bosco Oysterbay, expressed his gratitude to Daikin, adding that the project will transform the lives of students by equipping them with advanced skills in a rapidly growing sector.

In November 2022, Daikin launched a similar center of excellence at the Don Bosco Boys’ Town Technical Institute in Nairobi, Kenya.

“As the world faces growing climate change challenges, there is a need to train students in new sectors so they are able to find jobs that need qualified employees,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “This has led to a need for technical and vocational education and training centers to seek out new partnerships and opportunities. Training programs in Tanzania provide a real opportunity for students to gain an education and later employment in a growing and much-needed field of study.”

In Tanzania, 67.9% of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Tanzania – “Don Bosco Osterbay” becomes a Center of Excellence for air conditioning installations

Don Bosco Oysterbay

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Students gain skills in high-demand sector first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Kilimanjaro International Institute for Telecommunications, Electronics and Computers, located in Arusha, Tanzania, held its 14th graduation ceremony on Oct. 15. Along with celebrating accomplishments of the students, the institute was celebrating a new boarding facility. In addition, Father Sebastian Chirayath was installed as the new rector of the institute.

Don Bosco Kilimanjaro serves poor youth and young adults, many from local tribes. It consists of a 15-acre campus that offers the most advanced training technologies in the region, including courses in electrical engineering with industrial automation, renewable energy, and computer science, as well as electronics and telecommunications.

Its innovative education model is based on a hands-on and student-centered approach to learning with full access to modern learning equipment simulating real-world experiences. The school is also registered and accredited by the National Council for Technical Education and awards successful graduates with a three-year National Technical Award Level Six diploma.

“Salesians know that access to education lays the foundation for a better future for all youth,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “In many countries around the globe where poverty is high and access to education is not universal, it is crucial that Salesian missionaries continue to offer technical and vocational training to as many youth as possible to ensure that they have access to long-term stable employment.”

In Tanzania, 67.9 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Tanzania – Graduation ceremony and new boarding school at International Institute of Telecommunications, Electronics and Computers “Don Bosco Kilimanjaro”

Don Bosco Kilimanjaro International Institute for Telecommunications, Electronics and Computers

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: School celebrates graduation, expansion first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) Coaches and educators from the Real Madrid Foundation’s socio-sporting schools in Tanzania received training in soccer, basketball and values during in-person sessions facilitated by the foundation. Since 2019, 180 youth from Don Bosco Oysterbay Vocational Training Center in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, have been receiving values-based training through sport thanks to a partnership between Real Madrid Foundation and the Salesian Missions Office in Madrid, Spain.

The partnership has 21 projects in 14 countries and serves nearly 4,000 children each season, using educational sport and its values as a catalyst for the social betterment of youth and communities. The partnership began in 2010 at a Salesian school in Senegal and continued to schools in Central and South America. The first social-sports school was in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The summer training sessions combined soccer and basketball and served to reinforce the participants’ knowledge of the Real Madrid Foundation’s educational philosophy and methodology “For a REAL education: values and sport.” Both the Real Madrid Foundation and the Salesians are aware that sports are important for social integration and the promotion of values like teamwork, communication, respect,and team spirit.

The socio-sporting school in Dar es Salam educates youth ages 9-17 about values by playing soccer and basketball in mixed-gender groups.

Program participants also receive nutrition, family and psychological support, and regular health checkups. They have the opportunity to participate in social and educational workshops, gymnastics, crafts, reading, and citizenship activities. Training sessions on topics such as health, hygiene, values, and the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse are also provided.

“Sports programs teach youth both on and off the field,” says Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Learning and playing team sports encourage leadership skills as well as teach youth to work as part of a team. Students also learn important social skills and have opportunities for growth and maturity.”

In Tanzania, 67.9 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

###

Sources:

Real Madrid Foundation – Foundation coaches in Tanzania attend in-person training sessions

UNICEF – Tanzania

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Socio-sporting school educators receive training first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) A total of 316 students looking to make a career in renewable energy received training in solar installation, operation and maintenance thanks to grant funding Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, received from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. The training initiative took place from Aug. 1, 2020, to May 31, 2021, at the Don Bosco training centers in Dodoma and Iringa, Tanzania.

Through the training initiative, students benefited from solar technician courses along with soft skills training, field attachments, job search help and other career guidance. With this funding, business development services training started for 94 short course students and 110 Level III trainees. Students now have the knowledge and skills to develop and implement business plans and formally register their businesses.

Don Bosco training centers also organized four career fairs to help students transition from the classroom into the workforce. These events included one-on-one sessions, Q&A panels and experience sharing. The event representatives included partners and solar graduate alumni as well as local and regional companies. Experts in entrepreneurship, soft skills development and human resources were also included. These events presented trainees with the chance to see potential opportunities, acquire new insights and explore the different career pathways available to them.

One of the main drivers of the project is youth unemployment in Tanzania that stands at nearly 12 percent, according to the International Labor Organization. Of the students who graduated in December 2020, 53 graduates started internships with solar energy companies, 30 graduates were employed full time in solar energy or related fields, and 32 started their own businesses. Since the start of the project in 2018, 143 graduates have begun their own solar energy-powered microenterprises with the support of the Salesians.

“As the world faces growing environmental degradation and climate change challenges, there is a need to embrace sustainable development more than ever before,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “This has led to a need for leaders and practitioners of technical and vocational education and training to improve their understanding and implementation of education for sustainable development using a whole-institution approach to greening their institutions. These training programs in Tanzania provided a real opportunity for students to gain an education in a growing and much-needed field of study.”

In Tanzania, 67.9 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

###

Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Don Bosco Technical Institute Dodoma

Don Bosco Youth Training Center Iringa

UNICEF – Tanzania

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Students gain from renewable energy training first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) A total of 511 students looking to make a career in renewable energy received training in solar installation, operation and maintenance thanks to grant funding Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, received from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. The training initiative took place from April 2019 to July 2020 at the Don Bosco training centers in Dodoma and Iringa, Tanzania.

This training initiative, along with another at Don Bosco Oysterbay in Dar es Salaam, funded through a partnership with Misereor, the German Catholic Bishops’ Organization for Development Cooperation, helped lead to the establishment of training laboratories and the remodeling of solar and electronic classrooms and workshops at the centers, as well as the installation of training equipment and furniture and the development of instructors. The projects contributed to increased access to quality technical training on renewable energy in Tanzania.

“As the world faces growing environmental degradation and climate change challenges, there is a need to embrace sustainable development more than ever before,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “This has led to a need for leaders and practitioners of technical and vocational education and training to improve their understanding and implementation of education for sustainable development using a whole-institution approach to greening their institutions. These training programs in Tanzania provided a real opportunity for students to gain an education in a growing and much-needed field of study.”

Through the training initiative at Don Bosco Dodoma and Iringa, students benefited not only from their solar technician courses but also from soft skills training, field attachment internships, study tour visits to local renewable energy companies and other career guidance.

All 511 trainees also benefited from job placement and career guidance and were placed for a field internship to gain practical training for at least two months. Internship placement was useful as many solar energy projects are located in the interior of the country, and students were able to gain experience in understanding the practical application of their classroom studies. A total of 308 graduates are now qualified solar technicians with the capacity to install, operate and maintain solar-powered grids.

In Tanzania, 67.9 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

###

Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Don Bosco Technical Institute Dodoma

Don Bosco Youth Training Center Iringa

UNICEF – Tanzania

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: 511 students receive training in renewable energy thanks to funding Salesian Missions received from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Didia Secondary School, located in Shinyanga, Tanzania, has been able to complete a construction project for new bathrooms thanks to funding from the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.” Salesian Missions is the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

With the funding, the wall and roofing of the bathroom facility have been completed. The school’s bathroom facilities were poor and unable to accommodate the 891 boys attending the school. The structures were not up to standard, and the roof was leaking. In addition, the ceiling boards were destroyed and the walls blighted. The toilets were dilapidated, and the holes for the pit toilets were worn out and weak with the possibility of collapsing with a small amount of pressure.

Don Bosco Didia Secondary School completed the project in November 2020 with the help of a hired contractor who laid the foundation, constructed the entire premise wall and completed the roofing. Once the school secures funding, additional work will take place. The facilities still need the installation of windows, doors, electricity, plumbing and new toilets, as well as painting.

Like many poor nations around the world, Tanzania struggles to provide clean, safe water to its citizens. Nearly one-third of the country is arid to semi-arid, and people not living near one of the three major lakes that border the country have difficulty accessing water. Groundwater is the primary water supply throughout the country, but wells are often few and far between. In many instances, wells are located near toxic drainage systems that leak into the fresh groundwater and contaminate it. According to UNICEF, as a result of a lack of access to safe, clean water for drinking, cooking and bathing, waterborne illnesses such as malaria and cholera account for close to half of the diseases affecting the population.

Shinyanga has no perennial rivers or streams. Most watercourses flow for only a few days per year. Traditionally, people use standing pools of rainwater for most human and livestock needs during the wet season and dig shallow pits in the river beds during the dry season. As a result, students attending Don Bosco Didia Secondary School have faced significant challenges in their learning environment due to not having access to a safe and clean supply of water.

“Having access to proper sanitation brings a sense of dignity to the children and families we serve in our programs,” said Father Gus Baek, 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.”

Almost one-third of people in Tanzania live in poverty, according to UNICEF. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

To learn more about the Salesian Missions Clean Water Initiative, go to SalesianMissions.org/water.

###

Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Secondary school completes construction project for new bathrooms first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with Don Bosco Network Tanzania, in collaboration with the prime minister’s office, implemented training apprenticeship programs from September 2019 to May 2020 to train more than 5,000 youth in employable skills. The training took place over six months and included two months of field placement.

An IPP Media article about the project noted that Father Melchades Nshaba said that tuition fees were fully paid by the government, and students received a stipend for transportation. The training was held in 13 regions of the country and 18 vocational centers in Tanzania including Don Bosco Dodoma, Don Bosco Iringa and Don Bosco Oysterbay.

The training provided at-risk and vulnerable youth the opportunity to access classroom learning and practical hands-on training to give them an advantage in the labor market. Youth left the training with the skills, knowledge and experience to gain long-term stable employment.

Rosemary Terry, Don Bosco Network manager, said in the article, “To ensure enrolled apprentices receive quality training, all ATC centers ensured the involvement of well-qualified, trained, adequately remunerated and motivated teachers throughout the project implementation.”

Don Bosco Vocational Training Centers provide a range of course work for students in fields that are hiring and that need qualified employees. These include courses in electrical installation, plumbing and pipefitting, masonry and bricklaying, motor vehicle mechanics, lathe work, IT/secretarial, tiling and terrazzo, tailoring and dressmaking, carpentry, and joinery, and welding and fabrication. Once students successfully complete their coursework, they have a wide range of career prospects in front of them.

In addition, students who are looking to make a career in renewable energy have an opportunity for education and advancement at Don Bosco Vocational Training Centers in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma and Iringa.

Don Bosco Oysterbay in Dar es Salaam has been funded through a partnership with Misereor, the German Catholic Bishops’ Organization for Development Cooperation, to help advance training capacity. Building off this work, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation awarded a grant to Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, to fund a similar training initiative at the Don Bosco training centers in Dodoma and Iringa.

This has led to the establishment of training laboratories and the remodeling of the solar and electronic classes and workshops at the centers, as well as the installation of training equipment and furniture and the development and training of instructors on the new syllabus. The projects are contributing to increased access to quality technical training on renewable energy in Tanzania.

In Tanzania, 67.9 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

###

Sources:

Photos courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Don Bosco Network Tanzania

Don Bosco Network Tanzania Facebook

IPP Media – Over 5,000 youth benefited from apprenticeship training program

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: More than 5,000 youth benefit from apprenticeship training program through Don Bosco Network Tanzania first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) Mohamed Athumani struggled in school until he entered the renewable energy course at the Don Bosco Center in Dodoma, Tanzania. He finished his primary education in 2005, but, due to low test scores, he could not enter a government school for secondary education. He ended up at a private secondary school but did not pass his final exams. His family struggled to pay his tuition, so Athumani had to work to pay for his school fees, which often made him miss classes and resulted in his failing grades.

Later, he tried to join the army with no success. To make a meager living, Athumani sold second-hand items and started a chicken business. He worked hard but still struggled to earn a living. That’s when he learned about Don Bosco Dodoma’s renewable energy training program. He applied and was accepted into the solar energy installation course.

Students who are looking to make a career in renewable energy have an opportunity for education and advancement at Don Bosco vocational training centers in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma and Iringa, in Tanzania.

Don Bosco Oysterbay, in Dar es Salaam, has been funded through a partnership with Misereor, the German Catholic Bishops’ Organization for Development Cooperation, to help advance training capacity. Building off this work, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation awarded a grant to Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, to fund a similar training initiative at the Don Bosco training centers in Dodoma and Iringa.

Students learn about renewable energy at Don Bosco Training Center in Iringa, Tanzania. The same training initiative takes place in Dodoma.

This has led to the establishment of training laboratories and the remodeling of the solar and electronic classes and workshops at the centers, as well as the installation of training equipment and furniture and the development and training of instructors. The projects are contributing to increased access to quality technical training on renewable energy in Tanzania.

At Don Bosco Dodoma, Athumani received technical education and life skills training, which improved his behavior and his professional life. After graduation, Athumani plans to start his own business in renewable solar energy.

Athumani said, “I am happy and really appreciate the Don Bosco training. I was able to discover my true vision to be a solar technician. Right now, I’m doing my field program, which is providing new challenges and helping me gain practical experience.”

In Tanzania, 67.9 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

###

Sources:

Photos courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

UNICEF – Tanzania

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Renewable energy program at Don Bosco Center in Dodoma ensures a young man has a second chance at education first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) Students at the Don Bosco Kilimanjaro International Institute for Telecommunications, Electronics and Computers, located in Arusha, Tanzania, have clean water access thanks to Salesian Missions donors. Through Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative,” Don Bosco Kilimanjaro was able to drill a borehole and test water capacity, build a water tower and install a new water tank, and supply and install a water purifying system.

Don Bosco Kilimanjaro serves poor youth and young adults, many from local tribes. Prior to the new water system, Don Bosco Kilimanjaro had to rely on water supplied from the city, which was not always consistent, especially during the dry season. A permanent source of water is ensuring the institute has the water it needs to operate and improving the health of students. The water supply also is allowing Salesian missionaries to cultivate the land so they can grow food for the institute and provide more job opportunities to local residents.

Providing a source of technical training for Tanzania’s youth, Don Bosco Kilimanjaro consists of a 15-acre campus that offers the most advanced training technologies in the region. Its innovative education model is based on a hands-on and student-centered approach to learning with full access to modern learning equipment simulating real world practical experiences. It is also registered and accredited by the National Council for Technical Education and awards successful graduates with a three-year National Technical Award Level Six diploma.

Like many poor nations around the world, Tanzania struggles to provide clean, safe water to its citizens. Nearly one-third of the country is arid to semi-arid, and people not living near one of the three major lakes that border the country have difficulty accessing water. Groundwater is the primary water supply throughout the country but wells are often few and far between. In many instances, wells are located near toxic drainage systems which leak into the fresh groundwater and contaminate it. According to UNICEF, as a result of a lack of access to safe, clean water for drinking, cooking and bathing, waterborne illnesses such as malaria and cholera account for close to half of the diseases affecting the population.

“From safe drinking water and healthy sanitation to agriculture, water is essential for life,” says Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “This water project in Tanzania, and others around the globe, ensure Salesian centers have the water they need so staff and students can work and learn in a healthy environment.”

Almost one third of people in Tanzania live in poverty, according to UNICEF. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

To learn more about the Salesian Missions Clean Water Initiative, go to SalesianMissions.org/water.

###

Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Students at the Don Bosco Kilimanjaro International Institute have access to clean and consistent supply of water thanks to Salesian Missions ‘Clean Water Initiative’ first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) Students who are looking to make a career in renewable energy have an opportunity for education and advancement at Don Bosco Vocational Training Centers in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma and Iringa in Tanzania.

Don Bosco Oysterbay in Dar es Salaam has been funded through a partnership with Misereor, the German Catholic Bishops’ Organization for Development Cooperation, to help advance training capacity. Building off this work, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation awarded a grant to Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, to fund a similar training initiative at the Don Bosco training centers in Dodoma and Iringa.

This has led to the establishment of training laboratories and the remodeling of the solar and electronic classes and workshops at the centers, as well as the installation of training equipment and furniture and the development and training of instructors on the new syllabus. The projects are contributing to increased access to quality technical training on renewable energy in Tanzania.

Marian Yusuph Said, who is 20 years old and the first born in a family of four children, successfully graduated from secondary education at Makumluma in Dar es Salaam. She could not continue with further studies because her family had no money to pay school fees. Said stayed home for a year helping her mother in the small business of selling fried cassava.

In September 2019, after hearing about a scholarship available, Said started a short course program in solar energy installation at Don Bosco Oysterbay. It had been her dream to become an electrical technician, but before gaining the scholarship, she had no idea how she would make that dream a reality.

After two classes, Said found a real passion for the work. She also came to learn that renewable energy is a growing industry, and there are many jobs available in Tanzania because there are few trained solar technicians. After her training ended, Said secured an internship at Trend Solar, a solar company in Tanzania. Here, Said had access to more field experience in installation of different sized solar home systems. Said is happy for the opportunity to study solar energy installation, and now she can secure employment or choose self-employment to achieve her dreams.

“As the world faces growing environmental degradation and climatic change challenges, there is a need to embrace sustainable development more than ever before,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “This has led to a need for leaders and practitioners of technical and vocational education and training to improve their understanding and implementation of education for sustainable development using a whole-institution approach to greening their institutions. These training programs in Tanzania provide a real opportunity for students to gain an education in a growing and much-needed field of study.”

In Tanzania, 67.9 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

###

Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

UNICEF – Tanzania

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Don Bosco Oysterbay solar training enables one young woman to have a second chance at education and gain stable employment first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Oysterbay, located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is reopening. Tanzanian authorities have said it’s safe for boarding schools and vocational training centers to resume activities with safety measures in place.

Don Bosco Oysterbay offers training in five technical courses including carpentry, electrical, mechanics, secretarial and welding together with aluminum works. All of the courses are three years in length except for the secretarial course, which is for two years. The school has also started a six-month tailoring course.

In addition, Don Bosco Oysterbay received funding from Misereor, a German Catholic Bishops’ Organization for Development Cooperation, to help advance training capacity in renewable energy. The funding provided the center with tools, training materials and enough equipment to provide education to 120 students every year. The program, which started in 2017, trains vulnerable youth in technical skills that will help them become change makers in their communities as innovators, technicians and entrepreneurs.

To prepare them for the workforce, trainees benefit from career guidance and entrepreneurship skills provided by Don Bosco’s job placement office. The job placement office empowers youth to realize their full potential by connecting them with employers and entrepreneurship opportunities. In addition, trainees can access soft skills training to build their self-confidence and communication skills.

The first 35 trainees who completed the three-year electrical course at Don Bosco Oysterbay were enrolled in a six-month specialization course which consisted of both electronics and solar system training. The specialization course was designed to provide a technical foundation for solar technologies and reinforce classroom learning with hands-on demonstrations. In 2019, 35 trainees graduated from the program with 70 percent securing work solar technicians right after graduation.

“The training has been a great platform for me to learn and acquire new skills, enabling me to explore the use of solar energy. I hope to maximize my skills, empower the community to take advantage of solar power and, in the process, make the world a better place to live in,” said Imani Mwasonga, one of the 2019 graduates.

Now that Don Bosco Oysterbay is reopening, the renewable energy course and other courses can continue, ensuring that at-risk and poor youth have a chance at an education and a secure future.

In Tanzania, 67.9 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Tanzania – Reopening of VTC “Don Bosco Oysterbay”

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

TANZANIA: Solar training at Don Bosco Oysterbay offers hope for Tanzania’s jobless youth

UNICEF – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Don Bosco Oysterbay reopens with safety measures in place to prevent spread of coronavirus first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with Don Bosco Didia Secondary School, located in Shinyanga in northern Tanzania, will be able to construct bathrooms, including toilets and sinks, to provide the 1,218 boys and girls attending the school with proper sanitation. The project was made possible through funding from Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.”

Like many poor nations around the world, Tanzania struggles to provide clean, safe water to its citizens. Nearly one-third of the country is arid to semi-arid, and people not living near one of the three major lakes that border the country have difficulty accessing water. Groundwater is the primary water supply throughout the country, but wells are often few and far between. In many instances, wells are located near toxic drainage systems that leak into the fresh groundwater and contaminate it. According to UNICEF, as a result of a lack of access to safe, clean water for drinking, cooking and bathing, waterborne illnesses such as malaria and cholera account for close to half of the diseases affecting the population.

Shinyanga has no perennial rivers or streams. Most watercourses flow for only a few days per year. Traditionally, people use standing pools of rainwater for most human and livestock needs during the wet season and dig shallow pits in the river beds during the dry season. As a result, students attending Don Bosco Didia have faced significant challenges in their learning environment due to not having access to a safe and clean supply of water.

Further, the school lacked sanitation and hand-washing facilities. With the poor water, sanitation and hygiene conditions, and intense levels of person-to-person contact, there was a high-risk environment for the outbreak of diseases for children and staff. Children are at risk of helminth infections, long-term exposure to chemical contaminants in water like lead and arsenic, diarrheal diseases, and malaria infections, all of which may force schoolchildren to be absent from school.

The new sanitation facilities and clean water supply at Don Bosco Didia will minimize water-related risks and infections for both students and staff and bring psychological relief to all. This will enable students to focus on their studies in an environment that is safer and more conducive to education.

“From safe drinking water and healthy sanitation to agriculture, water is essential for life,” says Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “This water project in Tanzania, and others around the globe, ensure Salesian centers have the water they need so staff and students can work and learn in a healthy environment.”

Almost one-third of people in Tanzania live in poverty, according to UNICEF. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

To learn more about the Salesian Missions Clean Water Initiative, go to SalesianMissions.org/water.

###

Sources:

Photos courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Don Bosco Didia Secondary School will have new sanitation facilities for 1,218 students thanks to Salesian Missions ‘Clean Water Initiative’ first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Vocational Training Center, located in Dodoma, Tanzania, can build a new multi-purpose hall thanks to donor funding through Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The center is among the oldest vocational training centers in Tanzania and currently serves close to 1,700 students annually with both long and short courses.

Despite the availability of spacious classrooms, the center does not have an area that can hold all students together for one joint activity such as examinations, graduation ceremonies, morning talks on rainy days or even youth programs. Currently, the center utilizes outdoor space for such events, but it is limited, especially during times of extreme weather.

With the funding, Don Bosco Vocational Training Center will now be able to build a space that will meet the needs of the student population. The new multi-purpose hall will serve as space for training and recreational needs, as well as sports and other indoor recreational activities for the youth oratory and animation programs. In addition, the center will be able to conduct examinations, particularly national examinations. National examinations require specific standards provided by VETA, such as ventilation and distance from desk to desk.

Further, the new hall will provide the center with a permanent area to conduct ceremonies including graduations, assembly, morning and evening talks with students, and youth animation programs. This will enable the center to save costs that were directed toward the procurement of tent services to accommodate events. The money saved will be utilized toward funding ongoing educational initiatives for the students.

Once constructed, the multi-purpose hall will also create income generation for the center. The space can be rented out for weddings, meetings, conventions and conferences. There is a great need and high demand for rental spaces such as this.

“We are appreciative of our donors who have helped the Don Bosco Vocational Training Center in Dodoma build a much-needed space for students and school activities,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “Not only will the new hall serve an important educational function, but it will also help raise the revenue needed to support programming and sustainability.”

Don Bosco Vocational Training Center provides 12 major courses which are VETA certified including electrical installation, plumbing and pipefitting, masonry and bricklaying, motor vehicle mechanics, lathe work, IT/secretarial, tiling and terrazzo, tailoring and dressmaking, carpentry, and joinery, welding and fabrication. Once students successfully complete their coursework, they have a wide range of career prospects in front of them.

In Tanzania, 67.9 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

###

Sources:

Photos courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

UNICEF – Tanzania

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Salesian Missions donors fund new multi-purpose hall at Don Bosco Vocational Training Center in Dodoma first appeared on MissionNewswire.

TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) Rebecca, a young woman serving with the Salesian-run Great Britain Bosco Volunteer Action, wrote about her experiences in Tanzania and her time at the Don Bosco Secondary School in Didia. She has already served three months of nine months in Tanzania as part of her volunteer experience.

“One thing I quickly learned about Tanzania is the incredibly welcoming nature of the people here,” Rebecca noted in a letter. “Since I arrived, every person I have met has welcomed me like a family member, whether it be into their home, shop or school. Karibu (welcome in Kiswahili) must be the most common word here and this welcoming nature, from what I can see, is a strong part of the culture here, and is something I am very appreciative of.”

The Don Bosco Secondary School educates 1,200 students, aged 12 to 20 years old. Students start their days very early. They wake at 4:30 a.m. to study before 6:00 a.m. Mass. They then have lessons from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., games after school, rosary, supper and then study again until 10:00 p.m. Students are given time for games every day. They play volleyball, netball, basketball, handball and frisbee.

“The majority of our basketball team here are sponsored students,” Rebecca explained. “Although school fees here are not high compared to other private schools in the country, many students coming from villages struggle to keep up with their school fee payments and so being sponsored is their only chance to remain here—where their chance of learning English to a high standard is much higher than in free government schools. I have even heard of students bringing a pig in exchange for their school fees when they were unable to pay.”

Soon after arriving, Rebecca attended a class to learn how to structure English language lessons, which was led by one of the sisters from the community. Rebecca started teaching her own English lessons to students almost immediately after that first day. The first class she taught was a level one class with students in their first year of learning the English language.

“This added to the challenge as the students found it very difficult to understand me, and I had to quickly adapt in order to express what I meant,” explained Rebecca. “However, after two or three lessons, I felt much more comfortable and started to enjoy the freedom of teaching a class on my own.”

Rebecca also enjoys spending time with the students during lunchtime. They have played guitar together and she has passed on some of her musical skills to them. Of her time so far in Tanzania, Rebecca added, “I realize that I can’t have a life-changing impact on everyone in the school, but if I try my best every day and put all my energy into doing as much as I can to help the students, then I know I have done my best.”

In Tanzania, 67.9 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Tanzania – “Karibu Rebecca”: testimony of volunteer who tries to do her best

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Volunteer with the Salesian-run Great Britain Bosco Volunteer Action reflects on her time at the Don Bosco Secondary School in Didia first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Don Bosco Oysterbay in Dar es Salaam has been funded over the last two years through a partnership with Misereor, the German Catholic Bishops’ Organization for Development Cooperation, to help advance this training capacity.

Building off this work, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation awarded a grant to Salesian Missions to fund the same training initiative at the Don Bosco training centers in Dodoma and Iringa. This has led to the establishment of training laboratories and the remodeling of the solar and electronic classes and workshops at the centers. There was also installation of training equipment and furniture, along with the development and training of instructors on the new syllabus. The projects are contributing to increased access to quality technical training on renewable energy in Tanzania.

Hezron Haule is a 22-year-old solar energy trainee at Don Bosco Youth Training Center in Iringa. Haule sees the solar energy training program as an opportunity to increase his income. He said, “It is not debatable that employment is a very big challenge in our country over recent years. It is up to us (the youth) to look for ways we can cope with the situation. Personally, I believe this training is my way out. I hope to maximize this opportunity to increase my capital.”

When Haule heard about the opportunity at Don Bosco Iringa, he was delighted because one of his pressing concerns after graduating is finding stable employment. He believes the solar energy training will give him another dimension in his career that will play a part in his success.

The training in solar energy has already started to increase Haule’s earnings even before he graduates. He explained, “One of my neighbors asked why I was still going to school shortly after I graduated. I told him I am attending training in solar energy, which was offered by the institution that I graduated. My neighbor never really knew much about solar so when I told him all about it, he was impressed and paid me to install solar in his house. He was my first client.”

Haule believes that he will excel in the near future because solar has been one of the fastest growing industries in Tanzania. The growth has been attributed to the health and monetary benefits of solar electricity, especially in the rural areas. Solar energy eliminates indoor air pollution from kerosene lanterns or burning wood and saves people money in local communities because they no longer have to purchase these sources of fuel.

In Tanzania, 67.9 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

###

Sources:

UNICEF – Tanzania

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Don Bosco Vocational Training Centers in Dodoma and Iringa focus on teaching renewable energy to give students more income potential first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Don Bosco Oysterbay in Dar es Salaam has been funded over the last two years through a partnership with Misereor, the German Catholic Bishops’ Organization for Development Cooperation, to help advance this training capacity.

Building off this work, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation awarded a grant to Salesian Missions to fund the same training initiative at the Don Bosco training centers in Dodoma and Iringa. This has led to the establishment of training laboratories and the remodeling of the solar and electronic classes and workshops at the centers as well as the installation of training equipment and furniture and the development and training of instructors on the new syllabus. The projects are contributing to increased access to quality technical training on renewable energy in Tanzania.

As the world faces growing environmental degradation and climatic change challenges, there is a need to embrace sustainable development more than ever before. This has led to a need for leaders and practitioners of technical and vocational education and training to improve their understanding and implementation of education for sustainable development using a whole-institution approach to greening their institutions.

Sikitu Kichele Ngambi is a 29-year-old mother who grew up in the Kuriya tribe in Tanzania’s North Western region of Mara bordering Kenya. There, traditional practices are marginalizing women and men dominate the family. She says, “Previously before coming to Dodoma for electrical and solar energy education, I was a stay home young mother, whose basic role was to attend to all house chores and take care of my four children. I had no voice in the family nor any financial power. I dropped out from school and had lost hope. I wished to empower myself both intellectually and financially but did not know how.”

Ngambi was introduced to the Salesian electrical course by a friend who had heard about it on the radio. She joined in early 2016 and finished the course in October 2018. Through support from the Charles Mott Foundation, she was able to take the course for free.

“I am now confident in my ability to work as a solar expert with knowledge of the components and design of the different solar systems, battery and inventor usage thanks to the theory and practical lessons I took at the Salesian technical school,” adds Ngambi.

Ngambi does both electrical and solar work in her community which generates and contributes to her family’s income. She explained, “People in my community are impressed when they find me in my line of work. They never thought that a woman could be able to do this. I have a reputation in my community, and I give out my number in case one will need my services. I get my income from fixing community electrical and solar problem in their houses, just last week a client paid me Tsh.200, 000 ($87) for one job. I now have a contribution in my family, I am recognized.”

In Tanzania, 67.9 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

###

Sources:

Salesian Missions

UNICEF – Tanzania

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Don Bosco Vocational Training Centers in Dodoma and Iringa training 260 students in renewable energy first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The Don Bosco Kilimanjaro International Institute serves poor youth and young adults, many from local tribes. A sustainable source of clean water will enable students and staff to fight water-borne diseases, endure the dry season and cultivate the land for food.

Providing a source of technical training for Tanzania’s youth, the institute consists of a 15-acre campus that offers the most advanced training technologies in the region. Its innovative education model is based on a hands-on and student-centered approach to learning with full access to modern learning equipment simulating real world practical experiences. It is also registered and accredited by the National Council for Technical Education and awards successful graduates with a three-year National Technical Award Level Six diploma.

Like many poor nations around the world, Tanzania struggles to provide clean, safe water to its citizens. Nearly one-third of the country is arid to semi-arid and people not living near one of the three major lakes that border the country have difficulty accessing water. Ground water is the primary water supply throughout the country but wells are often few and far between. In many instances, wells are located near toxic drainage systems which leak into the fresh ground water and contaminate it. According to UNICEF, as a result of a lack of access to safe, clean water for drinking, cooking and bathing, water-borne illnesses such as malaria and cholera account for close to half of the diseases affecting the population.

“From safe drinking water and healthy sanitation to agriculture, water is essential for life,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “This water project in Tanzania, and others around the globe, ensure Salesian centers have the water they need so staff and students can work and learn in a healthy environment.”

Almost one third of people in Tanzania live in poverty, according to UNICEF. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

To learn more about the Salesian Missions Clean Water Initiative, go to SalesianMissions.org/water.

###

Sources:

Salesian Missions

UNICEF – Tanzania

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Students at the Don Bosco Kilimanjaro International Institute have access to clean water thanks to Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative” first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Funding from the partnership with Misereor has equipped Don Bosco Oysterbay with tools, training materials and enough equipment to provide education to 120 students every year.

The program, which started in 2017, has been training vulnerable youth in technical skills that will help them become change makers in their communities as innovators, technicians and entrepreneurs. To prepare them for the workforce, trainees benefit from career guidance and entrepreneurship skills provided by Don Bosco’s Job Placement Office. The job placement office empowers youth to realize their full potential by connecting them with employers and entrepreneurship opportunities. In addition, trainees are able to access soft skills training to build their self-confidence and communication skills.

The first 35 trainees who completed the three-year electrical course at Don Bosco Oysterbay were enrolled in a six-month specialization course which consisted of both electronics and solar system training. The specialization course was designed to provide a technical foundation for solar technologies and reinforce classroom learning with hands-on demonstrations. The 35 trainees have graduated and already 70 percent of them have found work as solar technicians.

One of the graduates is 23-year-old Charles Urio who completed secondary school in 2013. At that time, he could not progress further in his studies because his grades were not good enough and his family didn’t have the money for private school. He resigned himself to work as a salesman in an electrical shop. There, he developed an interest in the work and even began accompanying technicians to help carry out installations. Soon he was learning the art of installation.

He applied to Don Bosco Oysterbay for the three-year electrical installation course. When he completed the course, Salesian missionaries offered to enroll him in a six-month course specializing in solar photovoltaic (PV) design, installation and maintenance. Urio says, “The fact that I was now furthering my education fully paid for by Don Bosco was a dream surpassed.”

The solar PV course provided him in-depth knowledge of installing solar and solar water pump equipment. He adds, “The solar course gave me an advantage in securing a job at Ensol Tanzania Company Ltd. Some of my electrical installation classmates are still out there looking for stable jobs. I am grateful to Don Bosco for moving me from zero to hero.”

Logolye Melita is another graduate of the Don Bosco Oysterbay solar PV course. The 23-year old completed secondary school in 2012 but was unable to proceed to high school because his grades were not good enough. He started a small business in his village in Arusha before moving to Dar es Salaam to take advantage of the more varied business opportunities there.

While in Dar es Salaam, he met one of his former classmates who introduced him to staff at Don Bosco Oysterbay. As his desire was to become an electrician, he immediately applied for admission to study electrical installation at Don Bosco Oysterbay. He began his coursework in 2015 and upon graduation, was selected to proceed to the six-month solar PV course.

“The solar course has enabled me to conquer life challenges, and I am able to solve people’s energy challenges. I am fulfilled when I install solar for people and improve their standard of living,” says Melita, who is now employed at ALFA, a company in Dar es Salaam.

In August 2018, with funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, this same training program was launched in Don Bosco training centers in Dodoma and Iringa. This has led to the establishment of training laboratories and the remodeling of the solar and electronic classes and workshops at the centers, as well as the installation of training equipment, furniture and the development and training of instructors on the new syllabus.

When fully established, the Don Bosco training centers in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Iringa will train a population of 300 students annually in installation, operation and maintenance of solar PV equipment. The centers will collaborate with solar energy companies and the government to provide apprenticeship opportunities for instructors and students.

###

Sources:

Don Bosco Oysterbay

Salesian Missions

The post TANZANIA: Renewable energy technical training is giving youth a second chance at an education and long-term employment first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Building off this work, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation awarded a grant to Salesian Missions to fund the same training initiative at the Don Bosco training centers in Dodoma and Iringa. The projects are contributing to increased access to quality technical training on renewable energy in Tanzania.

As the world faces growing environmental degradation and climatic change challenges, there is a need to embrace sustainable development more than ever before. This has led to a need for leaders and practitioners of technical and vocational education and training to improve their understanding and implementation of education for sustainable development using a whole-institution approach to greening their institutions.

Adapting education for sustainable development and greening institutions requires a systematic approach to the changing job opportunities and skill demands as new industries and job profiles emerge. Technical and vocational training institutions need to be responsive to these dynamics in order to produce a workforce that matches actual market requirements. This transition implies a revision of existing curricula, qualification standards and training programs as well as the retraining of teachers and trainers.

Through the funded training initiatives, Don Bosco training centers are transforming their work through networking, partnerships and mobilization of expertise and resources in promoting renewable energy. The initiatives are bridging the widening divide between those who have access to opportunities and those who are increasingly being marginalized in the new economy —by going beyond offering a basic training program and instead offering a broad spectrum, holistic program.

The new training program provides the necessary skill sets and resources for rural youth to become local change makers in their communities and in the country at large, as innovators, technicians, entrepreneurs and thinkers. The new renewable energy department is linked to the current electrical installation department at the technical training centers.

The program has incorporated a train-the-trainer approach where trainees are being trained to recognize aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs, establishing a pipeline of students who can become energy innovators, agents, employers or entrepreneurs.

While the green technical and vocational education and training framework action strategy involves three levels – institutional, national and global – the broader Don Bosco network in Tanzania is focusing on the institutional framework of providing strategic direction for managing a green campus, adopting green curriculum, fostering green research, building the capacity of the green community and promoting green culture. The individual Don Bosco technical training centers are focusing on capacity-building and quality training in pursuit of inclusive green growth.

“The work of Salesian missionaries in Tanzania and in programs around the globe goes beyond just basic education,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “We are thankful to the Mott Foundation for helping to support this project. Projects like these help to ensure the long-term sustainability of Salesian programs and show the broader impact of Salesian training on countries around the globe.”

In Tanzania, 67.9 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

###

Sources:

Don Bosco Oysterbay

Feed the Future – Ethiopia

Salesian Missions

UNICEF – Ethiopia

The post TANZANIA: Don Bosco Vocational Training Centers in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma and Iringa launch renewable energy training programs first appeared on MissionNewswire.

In addition, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation awarded a grant to Salesian Missions to fund the same training initiative at the Don Bosco training centers in Dodoma and Iringa. The projects are contributing to increased access to quality technical training on renewable energy in Tanzania.

At Don Bosco Oysterbay, funding from the partnership with Misereor has equipped the center with tools, training materials and enough equipment to provide education to 120 students every year. The program, which started in 2017, has been training vulnerable youth in technical skills that will help them become change makers in their communities as innovators, technicians and entrepreneurs.

To prepare them for the workforce, trainees benefit from career guidance and entrepreneurship skills provided by Don Bosco’s Job Placement Office. The job placement office empowers youth to realize their full potential by connecting them with employers and entrepreneurship opportunities. In addition, trainees are able to access soft skills training to build their self-confidence and communication skills.

The first 35 trainees who completed the three-year electrical course at Don Bosco Oysterbay were enrolled in a six-month specialization course which consisted of both electronics and solar system training. The specialization course was designed to provide a technical foundation for solar technologies and reinforce classroom learning with hands-on demonstrations. The 35 trainees have graduated and already 70 percent of them have found work as solar technicians.

“The training has been a great platform for me to learn and acquire new skills, enabling me to explore the use of solar energy. I hope to maximize my skills, empower the community to take advantage of solar power and, in the process, make the world a better place to live in,” said Imani Mwasonga, one of the graduates.

In Tanzania, only 15 percent of the 41.5 million population has access to electricity, with only 12 percent of urban and 2 percent of rural areas having access to power. The rest of the population lacks access to electricity so they are turning to alternative energy. According to Tanzania’s 2016 Energy Access Situation Survey, of those who use alternative energy, 8 percent use solar energy for lighting with the majority of those living in rural areas.

Since electricity is slow to come to many areas, residents are opting for solar panels. Rural areas in particular are more quickly adopting solar photovoltaic (PV) technology due in large part to the absence of an electricity grid. However, as the adoption of solar power by rural and sub-rural communities increases, a lack of trained technicians remains a challenge for the sector. The new training programs in renewable energy launched at the Don Bosco Vocational Training Centers are aiming to meet this need for trained technicians.

The Don Bosco training centers in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Iringa will train a total of 300 students annually in installation, operation and maintenance of solar PV equipment. The centers will collaborate with solar energy companies and the government to provide apprenticeship opportunities for instructors and students.

“We expect our graduates from the three centers to have an upper hand when it comes to employment because very few institutions in Tanzania are offering credible solar PV training courses in the country,” said Rosemary Terry, DBNET program manager.

As Don Bosco training centers educate future technicians on solar PV technology, they hope to transform all of their institutions by adopting a clean and sustainable energy system as they positively influence the entire training ecosystem.

###

Sources:

Don Bosco Oysterbay

Salesian Missions

The post TANZANIA: Solar training at Don Bosco Oysterbay offers hope for Tanzania’s jobless youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Dodoma is expected to see a rise in population to more than a million people by the year 2020. The old distribution pipelines totaling 50km around the city are in need of rehabilitation. Currently, there are limited resources for expanding clean water and sewerage networks. This unsteady supply of water has led to an increase in disease and conflict, especially during dry seasons. During the rainy season, communities use untreated surface rain water for drinking.

The lack of safe drinking water, coupled with poor solid waste management, sanitary conditions and personal hygiene continued to pose health risks for most households in the region. Further, waterborne diseases also posed a significant risk in the area due to the same aforementioned conditions.

The current water system can only reach about 44 percent of the population in the region. There is still much to be done to provide potable and adequate water for all households within a 400 meter radius. In response to this overwhelming need, Salesian missionaries at Don Bosco Ihumwa sought to dig bore holes for the parish and the surrounding residents to supplement the inadequate municipal water supplied at the institution.

Funding supported digging a bore hole in the Salesian parish compound and constructing reservoir tanks and piping within the parish areas. The project also entailed installing solar panels to power the submersible pump.

The completion of the water project has not only brought clean, safe water to the parish and surrounding communities but with the increased access to safe and easily accessible water, various other initiatives in the community are underway. Residents have been able to use the water for food preparation, hand washing and safe hygiene practices, laundry, cleaning, and kitchen and garden activities in the targeted area.

“Having access to clean water is essential for the health and safety of those Salesian missionaries 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 and families accessing Salesian programs and in surrounding communities. It also ensures that youth are able to remain in school and stay focused instead of missing class time to be in search of water for their families.”

UN-Water estimates that 2.1 billion people worldwide 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 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.

UN-Water highlights nature-based solutions that have the potential to solve many of the globe’s water challenges. It suggests doing more with “green” infrastructure, harmonizing 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.

###

Sources:

Salesian Missions – Clean Water Initiative

UN Water

The post TANZANIA: New water project brings safe, clean water to more than 4,600 residents first appeared on MissionNewswire.

It was necessary for Salesian vocational schools in Tanzania to open to girls for many reasons. When young women have access to education, they are able to have social justice, avoid early marriages, and support the growth and development of the country. This is important as a strong economy requires a greater number of qualified people.

Yet, this change has not been easy to achieve because vocational training for so long was considered a male stronghold. In Tanzania, change did not come by itself. Salesian schools have organized a series of initiatives to encourage girls to enroll in technical and vocational schools. The “Binti Thamani” campaign (literally “precious girl”) works to make students, teachers and parents aware of equal opportunities for boys and girls in education, including technical training and work.

Many girls and their parents did not know that girls could attend vocational training courses. The campaign has reached 3,000 girls and is still reaching girls today. The number of girls attending Salesian schools continues to grow steadily year after year.

Grace is a young 21-year-old Tanzanian woman. She is the daughter of farmers, who was born into a large family. She would wake up every day at three in the morning to prepare simple dishes to sell in a kiosk along the street. Because she worked, she could not complete her high school education. After a meeting with a nun, she decided to enroll in an electro-technical course at a Salesian vocational training school. Grace’s story illustrates how important Tanzania schools are for gender equality.

“When I resumed my studies in 2016, I felt happy again,” says Grace. “Every day I learned something new. I also did a two-month internship in a company. Not everything was easy there.  There were linguistic difficulties, and I was also the only girl. Sometimes I did not feel comfortable, but I wanted to continue. Many people think that only boys can become electricians. But I was happy to disappoint them. My tutor told me I’m the best in my class. And this encourages me to make my dream come true.”

Just over 67 percent of the population lives below the poverty line in Tanzania, according to UNICEF. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, healthcare and education.

Children suffer the greatest in the country, with almost 70 percent facing deprivation in two or more of the areas of health, nutrition, sanitation, education, access to information, water supply and shelter. Roughly 42 percent of children under the age of five in Tanzania suffer from chronic malnutrition, while 16 percent are underweight. UNICEF notes that levels of deprivation among youth living in rural areas is up to three times higher than those of urban youth. In addition, many of the nearly one million children orphaned due to the AIDS epidemic are forced to leave school due to poverty or to care for their families.

Read more stories about programs helping youth in Tanzania.

###

Sources:

ANS – Tanzania – The story of Grace and the path to a better future for girls

UNICEF – Poverty in Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Salesian vocational schools are promoting education and workforce development for girls and young women first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Like many poor nations around the world, Tanzania struggles to provide clean, safe water to its citizens. Nearly one-third of the country is arid to semi-arid and people not living near one of the three major lakes that border the country have difficulty accessing water. Ground water is the primary water supply throughout the country but wells are often few and far between. In many instances, wells are located near toxic drainage systems, which leak into the fresh ground water and contaminate it. According to UNICEF, as a result of a lack of access to safe, clean water for drinking, cooking and bathing, water-borne illnesses such as malaria and cholera account for close to half of the diseases affecting the population.

The city of Dar es Salaam is the worst hit region in the country by HIV/AIDS. According to UNICEF, more than 250,000 children are orphaned yearly by the disease. HIV/AIDS is a major public health problem for the city with families disintegrating due to stigmatization, unfaithfulness, high poverty levels, prostitution, rapid urbanization and unemployment. Many children who have lost one or both of their parents turn to the streets for survival.

Salesian missionaries operate four Salesian centers in Dar es Salaam that provide education, workforce development programs, health services and assistance to street children. The Kinyerezi Children’s Center has been established to provide street children and orphans a place to call home and will provide them with an education, rehabilitation and psychosocial support. Many of the center’s structures and programs are still in development, and this clean water project will ensure youth have access to clean water they need. The water will be used for drinking, bathing, sanitation and the small-scale food production planned at the center.

The project entailed drilling a bore hole and constructing a reservoir tank and piping within the institutions as well as installation of full grid electricity power supply to power the submersible pump. Once it was completed, youth in the program, as well as those living in the surrounding communities, were able to enjoy clean, fresh water. One community resident, Joseph Luwi, noted that because of the newly accessible water he no longer has to travel great distances to find water or pay for it. Now he is able to stay right in his own community and access water for free.

“From safe drinking water and healthy sanitation to agriculture, water is essential for life,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Often it is mothers and children who have to travel great distance to find water, putting their lives at risk and preventing children from attending school. This water project in Tanzania and others around the globe ensure communities have the water they need, and children can remain in school focused on their studies.”

Almost one third of people in Tanzania live in poverty, according to UNICEF. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education.

To learn more about the Salesian Missions Clean Water Initiative, go to SalesianMissions.org/water.

###

Sources:

UNICEF – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative” Brings Clean Water to More Than 3,000 Poor, Homeless Youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Fr. Neville recounts the story of Leah, one of the girls in his program. She was born in Mamba and has two brothers and a sister. Her parents were farmers, but when she was 5 years old, her father died. In 2003, she began to go to school, but unfortunately her mother also died. The children were left alone. The elders in the family and community sent Leah to live with her grandmother.

Father Henryk Tucholski, a Salesian missionary, met Leah and invited her to live in the Salesian house and included her in a Salesian school sponsorship program. Leah turned out to be an excellent student. After she finished primary and secondary school, she went on to university and is studying to become a teacher. Although she was not raised by her parents, she found a new family within the Salesian program and among her peers.

“We believe that soon we will have a new teacher dedicated to orphans and the needy young people of Mafinga. Leah understands their situation because she lived it herself,” says Fr. Neville.

Salesian missionaries also operate 10 vocational training centers in Tanzania where youth access educational programs and training in trades that can lead to future stable employment. In one carpentry program, students are busy manufacturing furniture for a local restaurant. In other programs, students are learning masonry, tailoring, plumbing and computer studies. The vocational centers also offer services that prepare students for the workforce, providing training in searching, applying and interviewing for a job and in how to retain a job once a student is employed.

“At Salesian technical and secondary schools and youth centers, Tanzanian youth are able to gain an education and develop skills to overcome obstacles,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “They are often given a second chance in life by learning a trade of their choice in order to stand on their own and lead a productive life.”

Almost one third of people in Tanzania live in poverty, according to UNICEF. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, healthcare and education.

Children suffer the greatest in the country, with almost 70 percent facing deprivation in two or more of the areas of health, nutrition, sanitation, education, access to information, water supply and shelter. UNICEF notes that levels of deprivation among youth living in rural areas is up to three times higher than those of urban youth. In addition, many of the nearly one million children orphaned due to the AIDS epidemic are forced to leave school due to poverty or to care for their families.

###

Sources:

ANS – Tanzania –”When Orphans meet a father”: the story of Leah

UNICEF – Poverty in Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Salesian Missionaries Operate Home and School Scholarship Program for Orphans first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Like many poor nations around the world, Tanzania struggles to provide clean, safe water to its citizens. Nearly one-third of the country is arid to semi-arid and people not living near one of the three major lakes that border the country have difficulty accessing water. Ground water is the primary water supply throughout the country but wells are often few and far between and in many instances, are located near toxic drainage systems which leak into the fresh ground water and contaminate it. According to UNICEF, as a result of a lack of access to safe, clean water for drinking, cooking and bathing, water-borne illnesses such as malaria and cholera account for close to half of the diseases affecting the population.

A lack of clean, safe water greatly affects the children of Tanzania. Those who live in communities far from a water source are forced to walk for hours to collect drinking water—water that often proves contaminated and seriously sickens those who consume it. Many other children are unable to attend school regularly because they must spend time searching for distant wells.

“From safe drinking water and healthy sanitation to agriculture, water is essential for life,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian Missions has made building wells and other projects that supply fresh, clean water a top priority for every community in every country in which Salesian missionaries work.”

Salesian missionaries living and working in Tanzania focus their programs on the educational and social development needs of youth and their families. Missionaries have been working to fill the educational gaps in the country for more than 25 years. Through Salesian schools and programs, Tanzanian youth have gained access to education and other services that have helped them break the cycle of poverty to go on to lead stable and productive lives.

Today, there are 10 Salesian-run vocational training centers in Tanzania where close to 500 youth access educational programs and skills training in a wide variety of trades. In one carpentry program, students are busy manufacturing furniture for a local restaurant. In other programs, students are learning masonry, tailoring, plumbing and computer skills. The vocational centers also offer services that prepare students for the workforce, providing training in searching, applying and interviewing for a job and in how to retain a job once a student is employed.

“At Salesian technical and secondary schools and youth centers, Tanzanian youth are able to gain an education and develop skills to overcome obstacles,” says Fr. Hyde. “They are often given a second chance in life by learning a trade of their choice in order to stand on their own and lead a productive life.”

Almost one third of people in Tanzania live in poverty, according to UNICEF. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggle to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, healthcare and education.

Children suffer the greatest in the country with almost 70 percent facing deprivation in two or more of the areas of health, nutrition, sanitation, education, access to information, water supply and shelter. UNICEF notes that levels of deprivation among youth living in rural areas is up to three times higher than those of urban youth. In addition, many of the nearly one million children orphaned due to the AIDS epidemic are forced to leave school due to poverty or to care for their families.

“Access to education is important for youth in Tanzania,” adds Fr. Hyde. “It is one of the primary pathways out of poverty. Students are graduating from Salesian vocational centers, finding employment and giving back to their families and communities.”

UNICEF – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Water Projects Provide Clean, Safe Water for Salesian-run Programs first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Children suffer the greatest in the country with almost 70 percent facing deprivation in two or more of the areas of health, nutrition, sanitation, education, access to information, water supply and shelter. UNICEF notes that levels of deprivation among youth living in rural areas is up to three times higher than those of urban youth. In addition, many of the nearly one million children orphaned due to the AIDS epidemic are forced to leave school due to poverty or to care for their families.

Salesians in Tanzania have been working to fill the educational gap in the country for more than 25 years. Tanzanian youth have gained access to education through Salesian schools and programs that have been developed to meet the most critical needs of the communities they serve.

When Salesians opened a secondary school in Didia, in northern Tanzania, it was the first secondary school within a 40 mile radius. Since its inception, girls have had the opportunity to acquire an education at this co-educational facility, the first school to accept girls in the region. Youth who have been orphaned due to the AIDS epidemic and have dropped out of school, have the opportunity to return to their studies and learn a trade at one of many Salesian-run vocational schools. These schools and other facilities are providing new opportunities for children, youth and families in communities throughout Tanzania.

“At Salesian technical and secondary schools and youth centers, Tanzanian youth are able to gain an education and develop skills to overcome obstacles,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco “They are often given a second chance in life by learning a trade of their choice in order to stand on their own and lead a productive life.”

Today, there are 10 vocational training centers in Tanzania where close to 500 youth access educational programs and training in trades that can lead to future stable employment. In one carpentry program, students are busy manufacturing furniture for a local restaurant. In other programs, students are learning masonry, tailoring, plumbing and computer studies. The vocational centers also offer services that prepare students for the workforce, providing training in searching, applying and interviewing for a job and in how to retain a job once a student is employed.

“Access to education is important for youth in Tanzania,” adds Fr. Hyde. “It is one of the primary pathways out of poverty. Students are graduating from Salesian vocational centers, finding employment and giving back to their families and communities.”

###

Sources

UNICEF – Poverty in Tanzania

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

The post TANZANIA: Salesian Vocational Training Centers Give Youth a Second Chance first appeared on MissionNewswire.