BURUNDI

(MissionNewswire) Salesian International Volunteering for Development (VIS), in collaboration with the Museke Foundation in Brescia, Italy, is taking action to aid people living at the Makombe Transit Camp in Burundi*. The camp is currently home to more than 1,700 people who fled the clashes in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo in December 2025.

Approximately 1,050 children up to age 11, 300 boys and girls between the ages of 12-17, and 350 adults, mostly women, have been registered. The camp was set up in 2021 as a temporary reception facility, but it remains overcrowded due to the arrival of new refugees.

The country’s permanent camps are currently full, and many refugees remain in the transit center. Several humanitarian organizations have intervened in the camp to provide essential services, including health care, access to water and food distribution. However, in recent months, some key activities have been suspended, leaving important needs unmet for children, young people and women.

A Salesian noted, “Families now receive only one meal a day, many do not have their own tent, and there are insufficient toilets and showers. There is also a lack of educational activities and safe spaces for young children, while women and girls no longer receive menstrual kits and counseling services.”

VIS is putting a plan into place to address several issues. The activities include a daily hot meal for young children, menstrual kits for women and girls, the creation of safe spaces with recreational and educational activities for children, and education for community leaders who can raise awareness about children’s rights and the sexual and reproductive health of youth.

The Salesian said, “The aim is to strengthen the protection of children and women and to offer support to a community that, despite the difficulties, continues to demonstrate resilience and the ability to live together.”

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

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Sources:

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

ANS – Burundi – Emergency in Makombe camp: VIS and Museke Foundation intervene and launch an appeal

Salesian Missions – Burundi

UNICEF – Burundi

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

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ZAMBIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Makululu, located in the city of Kabwe, Zambia, is rescuing boys, aged 7-18 years old, from a life on the streets. Some of the children and youth are orphans while others come from families marked by violence, addiction and extreme poverty.

A Salesian said, “A telephone booth is not a home. Yet for many street children, it becomes one, even if only for a night. When darkness falls, the narrow space, exposed to cold and shadow, becomes the only refuge that allows them to survive until dawn. It offers neither warmth nor safety, only the illusion of shelter from noise, fear, and loneliness. Here, children learn vigilance instead of trust and silence instead of cries for help.”

Ciloto, part of Don Bosco Makululu, is the first step, which offers youth a process of formation and education that gradually prepares them for return to their families or reintegration into the community. Salesians, together with lay collaborators, provide a safe place to live, regular meals, access to clean water, and basic medical care. Once boys are able to access this stability, they study, have shared responsibilities, work, play sports and rest.

The Salesian noted, “The most powerful educational tool is the steady and coherent presence of a caring adult. Many boys struggle with addiction, often to glue. Here, addiction is not an identity but a wound to be healed. Recovery includes medical care, constant guidance and a structured routine that helps restore self-control. There are relapses and returns to the street, yet experience shows that once a child has known the safety of a true home and the faithfulness of adults, the memory of that goodness remains within him.”

In addition, Ciloto 2 was created to serve as a rehabilitation and support facility for those requiring specialized care. Educators, along with professional psychological support, serve youth with more complex needs.

The Salesian added, “Closely connected to this newer home is a farm that has become not only a workplace but also a place of inner renewal. Its aim is self-sufficiency and care for creation, using solar energy and biogas while teaching responsible stewardship. The farm includes pig breeding, food production, and fishponds serving both the house and the local community. The farm also has fields of corn, soybeans and sunflowers, as well as an orchard and an area for laying hens. Even small participation in farm work is part of the rehabilitation process.”

Whenever possible, Salesians search for families, often in remote areas of Zambia, to help youth safely return home. Reintegration into the family or local community is among the most meaningful outcomes of this mission. More than 240 boys have received support, and 142 have returned to their families or communities.

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Ciloto-Saved from the Streets

Don Bosco Makululu

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia

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NIGERIA

(MissionNewswire) The Youth Employability Booster Project celebrated its first graduation ceremonies across the three Salesian hubs in Nigeria of Abuja, Lagos and Obosi. The project equips Nigerian youth with market‑relevant skills designed to meet the demands of today’s workforce and is supported by the Mastercard Foundation and implemented in collaboration with Young Africa Nigeria.

A Salesian said, “Across the three centers, the graduations represent more than ceremonial achievements. They signify a strategic investment in Nigeria’s youth. Through strong partnerships and a shared vision, the Youth Employability Booster Project continues to foster economic inclusion, resilience and dignity among young Nigerians.”

At the Abuja Center in Kubwa, the first students celebrated the completion of the course. The ceremony was described as a moment of reflection and inspiration, as organizers commended the graduates for their consistency, resilience, and determination.

A Salesian noted, “Speakers emphasized that graduation marks not an end, but a significant step forward in the professional journeys of the young participants. Representatives of partner organizations reaffirmed their shared commitment to empowering Nigerian youth with employable skills.”

The graduation at Lagos Center featured industry engagement. Delivering the keynote address, Mayowa Adanlawo, a business development manager at Wema Bank, encouraged the graduates to embrace financial literacy, entrepreneurship and business growth as critical tools for long-term success. Theresa Amaechi, head of people, culture, and transformation at Workforce Group, shared practical perspectives on workplace culture, adaptability and professional excellence.

In Obosi, 114 participants celebrated their graduation. The mobile training model was widely praised for its transformative impact. By bringing high‑quality vocational education directly into local communities, the initiative has made skills training more accessible, practical, and life‑changing for young people..

About 64% of households in Nigeria consider themselves to be poor while 32% of households say their economic situation had worsened over a period of one year, according to UNICEF. Poverty still remains one of the most critical challenges facing the country and population growth rates have meant a steady increase in the number of people living in conditions of poverty.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Nigeria – Youth Employability Booster Project Celebrates Maiden Graduations

Salesian Missions – Nigeria

UNICEF – Nigeria

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UGANDA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian community in Palabek Refugee Settlement, located in Uganda, has a new solar power system thanks to donor funding by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding enabled the successful installation of 60 high-quality solar panels, harnessing renewable energy to meet the community’s electricity needs. This significantly enhances energy access for the community, including religious missionaries and residents.

The upgraded system has contributed to reducing dependence on fuel-based generators, leading to noticeable savings in operational costs. The new system also advances environmental conservation efforts by utilizing renewable solar energy and decreasing the community’s carbon footprint. More than 600 people from the youth center and chapel have been impacted by this donation.

Before the project, chapels, youth centers, nursery schools, and the community needed more electricity than the existing system could provide. The old system’s capacity was insufficient to supply continuous electricity where needed. The 12 batteries could only power the area for a few hours after sunset, with some lighting lasting just three hours. To address this, the new system increased the number of batteries to 16, including high-quality lithium batteries known for their long-lasting life and resistance.

The installed system now supports lighting, communication, and basic electrical needs within the residence, enhancing daily living and community activities. The improved energy infrastructure has increased the community’s ability to support various programs and activities, fostering development and well-being.

Ojok Denis Mlozi, aged 51, is one those benefiting from the project. He cares for his six younger siblings and his four children, and he has also taken in two orphaned children from his sister. Mlozi is a trainee technical teacher, currently working with Don Bosco Vocational Training Center in Palabek.

Mlozi was excited about the new solar power system and aware of the challenges faced by the Salesian community. He said, “Before the project, I was worried that power outages might occur earlier in the night, especially since the community hosts important visitors. I felt reassured when the project was completed because the new system was built with high-quality technology. Overall, I, and others, are happy with the changes brought by the project. We are grateful for the support.”

Salesian missionaries living and working among the refugees at Palabek Refugee Resettlement Camp provide a range of educational and social development programs for the 93,000 people living in the camp. Most of them are from South Sudan, and 60% are under age 13. Salesians have been supporting refugees since the opening of the camp in 2016.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Uganda

UNHCR – Uganda Refugees

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ZAMBIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have constructed a new chapel in the village of Kapesa, Kazembe, Zambia, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding supported clearing the land, digging the foundation, creating the entire structure, painting inside and fixing the drainage system.

People in Kapesa depend on crop farming and fishing to make their living. During the rainy season they farm and wait for the dry season to sell their dried maize and cassava. Fishing provides for daily meals, but is not enough for sale at the markets.

A Salesian noted, “The Catholic community in Kapesa is happy with the new chapel and has remained grateful to the donors for being there for them when they had no place of worship. For years, they prayed from a neighboring school classroom. Having a church of their own has brought a deep sense of Catholic pride in their freedom of worship.”

The newly appointed parish priest, Father Tresphord Chisanga, opened the chapel in December 2025. He thanked Salesian Missions for the support and encouraged the congregants to take good care of the church to work toward the growth of faith in the community.

Benedict Chitundu, aged 76, was one of the first pioneers of the Kapesa Catholic community. He said, “In the beginning, we had no properly established church. The late Father Gotter, a Polish missionary, had established a center in 2005 without a proper structure. For a long time, we wished to have a place of worship of our own. We faced challenges praying in other places. The classroom we used on Sundays was not always accessible. Now, we are proud and grateful for this beautiful house of God, a place of worship and a place of refuge in times of distress.”

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia

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ZAMBIA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Sacred Heart community, located in Makeni, Lusaka, Zambia, celebrated the opening ceremony and blessing of the Don Bosco Higher Institute. This new educational center is dedicated to the education and support of local youth who are marginalized.

Presiding over the event were Father Innocent Bizimanathe, councilor for the East and Southern Africa Region, and Father Michael Mbandama, superior of the ZMB Province. Both expressed their deep gratitude to all those who made this dream possible, especially the donors whose generosity continues to support the Salesians.

In his speech, Fr. Mbandama thanked Fr. Bizimana for his dedication and guidance. Fr. Mbandama said, “Let us pray that this may truly be a center of education and hope for young people.”

Fr. Mbandama further noted the Salesian commitment to helping youth cultivate not only skills and knowledge, but also faith, values, and dignity. The meeting was also an invitation to pray for donors, past and present, who often support the mission behind the scenes.

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy, productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Zambia – A new education centre for young people in the ZMB Province

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia

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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.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

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MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are responding after Tropical Cyclone Gezani struck the city of Toamasina (Tamatave), on the east coast of Madagascar. With gusts reaching more than 180 miles an hour and torrential rains, the storm hit one of the most vulnerable areas of the country. Reports indicate that there are many dead, dozens injured and thousands left homeless, with large areas flooded.

The Salesian community, which has been in the city since 2018, suffered serious damage to the oratory, which welcomes about 550 youth every weekend. Also damaged were the Domenico Savio School, the Salesian parish and the infrastructure under construction for the future vocational training center.

“We have lost food and materials. The school canteen warehouse no longer exists,” explained Father Raharinjatovo Soloniaina Louis Patrick, parish priest in Tamatave, after assessing the damage on the ground.

Faced with this emergency, Salesians have launched an urgent project to meet immediate basic needs and to repair damaged infrastructure. The goal is to support 500 people and 50 families who have lost their homes through food distribution, essential medicines, free medical consultations and the construction of temporary shelters.

In addition, Salesians will repair their buildings’ roofs and educational and pastoral buildings that had damage, which is a priority to be able to resume activities with highly vulnerable youth.

In the Atsinanana region, where Tamatave is located, annual rainfall exceeds 3,000 mm (approximately 118 inches) and the area is frequently hit by tropical cyclones. Reconstruction will not only involve building walls, but also strengthening the resilience of communities who face this risk.

The Salesian Mission Office in Madrid is launching an appeal for solidarity in order to respond quickly to this disaster. This aid will make it possible to restore safe spaces for children’s education, ensure food security for affected families and support their recovery.

Amidst the destruction, Salesians will continue to provide support. A Salesian said, “We cannot leave our young people and their families alone at this time. They need food, shelter and hope.”

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Photo courtesy of Misiones Salesianas (via ANS article)

ANS – Madagascar – Cyclone Gezani devastates Tamatave, a city in eastern Madagascar, leaving thousands homeless

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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RWANDA

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

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

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

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

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

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Sources:

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

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

Salesian Missions – Rwanda

UNICEF – Rwanda

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MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) Students attending the Salesian technical and vocational center, located in Mahajanga, Madagascar, will benefit from newly constructed facilities. The funding has come from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The work began in March 2025 and currently continues.

The project will benefit 400 students with the Salesian community as well as those living in the broader community who will have access to the education offered.

The TAFITA Enterprise is responsible for the construction of the ground and first floors of the building. The Salesian community has made the effort to increase its participation to cover certain expenses such as transport of materials, water and electricity, as well as other accessories for construction.

A Salesian noted, “This project is essential for the education of youth in the region. There is little access to high-quality vocational and technical training so youth can learn the skills for employment. We had more students than could fit in the current center and we need to expand to better meet the needs of the community. This construction project, once its finished, will allow us to provide better education to more students.”

Salesian missionaries have 11 centers and work in several locations in the country, including the Don Bosco House in Ivato in the outskirts of Antananarivo. Salesians have been in Ankililoaka since 1982. They have constructed schools and churches, as well as a youth center. They are working to ensure quality education and make sure no student is left behind.

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Seventy percent of Madagascar’s almost 19 million people live in poverty with 5.7 million of those youth between the ages of 10-24, according to UNICEF.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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SOUTH SUDAN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the St. Patrick Province in Ireland have been providing humanitarian aid, including food aid and education, for people who are internally displaced because of violence in South Sudan*. In Morobo, Salesians were able to provide 700 displaced families with basic food supplies that lasted for several weeks, despite the serious difficulties in the region.

In Morobo, teachers from St. Charles Lwanga Primary School have been providing support for people who are poor and vulnerable. The distribution of food was carried out in collaboration with local authorities, community leaders and humanitarian staff from the United Nations Regional Collaboration Center. In addition, the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Yei attended the distribution of aid, emphasizing the Church’s continued support and solidarity with those affected in Morobo.

The beneficiaries expressed relief and gratitude after receiving the food parcels. “We had nothing left to eat,” said a mother of four children. “This food will help us survive. I pray that there will be more support and that peace will return so that we can go home.”

The crisis in Morobo is part of a wider humanitarian emergency in the country where millions of people remain displaced due to conflict and economic instability. South Sudan has faced recurring violence, forcing people to abandon their homes and livelihoods. Many of the displaced are women, children and the elderly, groups particularly at risk of malnutrition and poor health.

In addition to the distribution of food items, a key component of the program was the education provided to 21 teachers and 14 student representatives from St. Charles Lwanga School. The education focused on child protection and topics such as water, sanitation and hygiene. These topics are essential for promoting a safe, inclusive and healthy learning environment, especially in Morobo, where access to public services is limited.

Father Anthony Doss Leo Arokianathan, economer of the Salesian Delegation of South Sudan, reiterated the importance of partnerships in responding to the needs of the community. He thanked Misean Cara, an international missionary development movement based in Ireland, and the Church for their support of the mission.

These activities are part of the ongoing efforts of the Salesians and their partners to provide holistic support to communities affected by conflict and displacement in South Sudan. By combining immediate relief with education and capacity building, the Salesian community aims to empower communities to rebuild and thrive even in difficult circumstances.

The Salesians in Ireland said, “As conflict and economic crisis continue to devastate communities across South Sudan, it is our privilege to help provide assistance to the affected populations. We ask for your prayers and support for the displaced, to help bring hope in these difficult times.”

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Photo courtesy of Salesians of Don Bosco Ireland: https://www.salesiansireland.ie/story/supporting-idps-and-school-leaders-in-south-sudan/

ANS – South Sudan – Salesians Ireland support internally displaced persons and school leaders in South Sudan

Salesians of Ireland

Salesian Missions – South Sudan

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

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ZAMBIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Lusaka, Zambia, are helping girls and young women continue their education. A project helps young women who are forced to miss school periodically due to poverty and taboos surrounding menstrual hygiene. Through a series of targeted activities, the project aims to reduce school dropout rates, increase girls’ self-esteem, and promote lasting cultural change by supporting the production and distribution of reusable sanitary pads, accompanied by education and awareness courses.

Through the work of the Her and His Gift Foundation, set up by a group of girls and young women who attend the Don Bosco Youth Center in Lusaka, around 7,200 reusable sanitary pads have been produced and distributed, thereby also strengthening local skills and micro-entrepreneurship opportunities. The young women then attended courses on practical skills and personal hygiene.

Twenty workshops were also held in the cities of Lusaka, Kabwe, Chingola and Mansa, involving more than 8,000 students. In addition, awareness and community engagement campaigns were designed through school events, community meetings and social media activities to involve as many girls as possible.

A Salesian noted, “Thanks to the support of many benefactors, the project has succeeded in helping to improve school attendance, self-esteem and gender equality, as well as awareness of the impact of disposable products. Parents and teachers openly recognized that menstruation is one of the main causes of absenteeism and welcomed the proposal for reusable sanitary pads.”

Community schools proved to be the most effective way to reach the girls who are most vulnerable. Involving parents, educators, and community leaders at an early state is essential to reduce stigma and promote acceptance of the proposed solutions.

The project launched with the Her and His Gift Foundation demonstrates that simple, sustainable and youth-led solutions can bring about real and lasting change. It is not just about distributing a product, it is an intervention that restores dignity, protects the right to education and nurtures environmental awareness in the younger generation.

The Salesian Mission Office in Turin, Italy, highlighted that this project began in May 2025 and has made significant progress, thanks to the generosity of donors. They report, “With further support and a shared commitment between schools, families and communities, the experience gained in Zambia can become a model that can be replicated in other vulnerable communities. We are grateful for the donors who have supported this initiative.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – Zambia – Restoring dignity and protecting the future of girls

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia

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(MissionNewswire) Salesians were able to provide scholarships to 325 youth thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The youth came from 18 communities in six countries in West Africa, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Guinea Conakry, Mali* and Gambia. The Antonio César scholarships covered schooling, supplies and support for transportation.

Salesians also held awareness days to promote the importance of education for these youth, to encourage them in their studies and to prepare them for the future. These activities supported parents and Salesian confreres as well as helped schools address challenges in getting these youth to remain in school.

One of the youth supported through the program was 16-year-old Nathan. He is a student at St. Jean Bosco in Cotonou, Benin. Nathan lost his father when he was young and lives with his mother who has few resources.

Nathan said, “For a long time, I thought that my school journey would stop due to a lack of resources. I didn’t believe I’d be able to continue my studies, let alone be able to attend professional training. But everything changed thanks to the scholarship that I received. I was able to complete my secondary education and obtain my baccalaureate. I am now pursuing professional training with the firm desire to succeed and learn a profession and one day be able to support my family like they have supported me.”

He added, “This scholarship transformed my life. It gave me hope, confidence and a real direction to follow. I would like to express my deep gratitude the school and to all partners and benefactors who make this project possible. Thanks to you, young people like me can dream again and especially believe in a better future.”

According to the UNESCO Statistical Institute, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of exclusion from education. More than a fifth of children aged about 6-11 are out of school, a third of children aged about 12-14 and nearly 60% of young people aged about 15-17. The region faces a growing demand for education due to its steadily increasing school-age population. Girls face greater exclusion from school than boys of the same age.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions

UNESCO Institute for Statistics

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

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ZAMBIA

(MissionNewswire) The Garden Open Community School, located in Thorn Park, a neighborhood in Lusaka, Zambia, has solar panels and newly painted classrooms in the primary section thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

The improvements to the school aid the learning environment for the students in vulnerable situations who attend. The enrollment keeps growing as the government schools are crowded with sometimes more than 100 students to a classroom. The Salesian sisters who run the school provide smaller class sizes and a good education.

The school serves primary and secondary students as well as adults who take trade education in computer studies, hospitality and cooking. Nine of the classrooms were constructed in 1993, and the project helped improve those outdated classrooms.

A Salesian sister said, “This was an important project to help the school improve the learning environment for students. The solar panels have allowed us to save on the cost of diesel for the school. This funding can be used now to help make improvements in the school for the students.”

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy, productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia

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SOUTH SUDAN

(MissionNewswire) Youth attending the St. Vincent De Paul School, run by the Salesian sisters in Gumbo, South Sudan*, have improved sanitation and access to workshops, along with a new equality club, thanks to donor funding. The funding was provided by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Donor funding helped with the construction of new bathroom facilities for girls, strengthening gender equality in the school community. Dehay Company LTD, a local firm employing local workers, built the structure. The roof was then finished and a rainwater disposal system was installed, along with doors, windows, walls, flooring, ceiling, plumbing and fittings.

While construction was happening, teachers implemented regular hygiene and gender equality awareness sessions. From March to September 2025, the sessions were delivered during daily school assemblies. In total, 24 awareness sessions were conducted, covering topics such as personal hygiene, hand-washing practices, oral hygiene, safe use and maintenance of toilets, menstrual health, body changes, and maintaining a clean environment at school and at home. More than 1,100 students participated in these sessions.

In addition, an equality club was established and became active during the academic year. The club reached 53 students from grade 3 until grade 7. The club promoted equal participation among boys and girls in the school and strengthened gender-sensitive practices. A total of 14 leaders were appointed to motivate their peers and support the implementation of the planned program. Under the guidance of teachers, the club organized mixed sports tournaments, gender-themed debates and shared responsibilities for school duties. These activities fostered collaboration, encouraged balanced participation and promoted positive gender roles across the school community.

Charity Poni Lino, one of the teachers at the school, said, “Life in Gumbo is challenging and it is not easy as a teacher. I see that most of people struggle even to pay school fees, but we know that education can change our future. My wish is to study hard and become a doctor so that I can help others girls and my community.”

About the project, she noted, “Before the construction, most of the girls faced challenges with the lack of enough toilets. Both students and teachers were excited by the changes as well as the gender awareness campaign. It helped the whole school community.”

Salesian missionaries in South Sudan are dedicated to providing programs and services across the country. Salesian missionaries provide education, social development services, nutrition programs, and health clinics for poor youth and their families. For some, the education offered at Salesian schools is the only opportunity to gain an education and the skills necessary for future employment.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – South Sudan

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

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CHAD

(MissionNewswire) More than 1,000 youth living in poverty in a rural area of Koumra, Chad, have a new gym thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The gym was constructed primarily for the education of vulnerable youth and women.

Koumra, the capital of Mandoul Oriental, is a major agricultural and commercial center in southern Chad. The city faces structural challenges including insufficient energy with frequent power cuts and fuel shortages, limited urban infrastructure, and restricted access to basic services.

Salesian sisters with Daughters of Mary Help of Christians community were responsible for overseeing the project. The gymnasium will ensure the smooth operation of the youth center and the oratory. Together with the youth leaders, the gym will be properly cared for.

Allaïssem Xavier Ngarsales, aged 19, is a Salesian youth leader helping to support oratory activities on Sunday afternoons. She explained, “We entertain younger children with games and try to teach them things through play, sports, theater, and crafts. On very hot days and days of heavy rain, apart from a few trees, we had no shelter to safely accommodate the children.”

Ngarsales was excited by the prospect of a new gym. She said, “The gymnasium perfectly meets our needs. It provides a training space for us, a welcoming place for children and young people, a film screening venue, and a place where we can stay overnight during major events.”

She added, “It’s important to advertise so that all young people understand they are welcome at the center, that it’s for everyone. The benches and mats will allow us to accommodate large audiences for performances. In the future, we would like to have an office for the center, a meeting room, and a space where actors can prepare and change.”

Most of Chad is covered by desert and this presents a significant challenge for a developing country that depends largely on subsistence farming. The most successful practice is migratory farming, where herds can move and adapt to changing climate conditions, but even this practice is severely limited by resources.

Women in Chad also face significant gender discrimination. They often must work outside the home as well raise a family, tend the farms, gather water and cook. Yet they are culturally limited from access to education or training, and marginalized by society. These women are especially vulnerable to the psychological as well as physical effects of poverty.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Chad

World Food Programme – Chad

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UGANDA

(MissionNewswire) More than 4,800 youth at Salesian schools in Uganda have access to better nutrition through a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit that helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience through nutrition, education and economic empowerment. Youth at Salesian schools and at Don Bosco Palabek received the meals in the first half of 2025.

At St. Joseph Vocational Training Center, meals supported students during their studies and large-scale events like Women’s Day and the Don Bosco sports tournament. As a result, the school was able to redirect funds toward learning materials. Students showed better concentration and performance, and community members expressed appreciation.

At Don Bosco CALM, daily hot meals were served to hundreds of youth, including weekend rations for boarding students. The center also distributed take-home meals to neighboring households and held two sessions on dietary health and food safety for caregivers. As a result, school attendance rose from 87% to 95%, and there was a 9% improvement in end-of-year exam pass rates. Malnourished children reached healthy BMIs, and parents reported financial relief as a result of the meal support.

Meals were also distributed at Don Bosco Palabek for children and youth in the early childhood development program and the vocational training center, helping maintain program stability amid broader food shortages. The camp managed to sustain school operations during a regional food crisis. The meals boosted morale and educational continuity and enabled the center to allocate funds toward education materials and facility improvements.

Finally, at the Don Bosco Vocational Training Center in Bombo, the meals helped the school avoid a food crisis during school sessions, attracted new enrollments due to improved student welfare and fostered community bonds through inclusive meal-sharing events. The center also supported poor local families with the meals and began expanding vocational education offerings.

Frank, a student at Don Bosco Vocational Training Center, is currently studying metal fabrication and wishes to be a professional welder. Frank comes from a very poor family and is an orphan who lives with his siblings. Due to financial constraints, they could only afford to have one small meal so that everyone could have something to eat.

Frank said, “Ever since I started receiving Rise Against Hunger meals, my life has really greatly improved because I no longer miss any important meal.’’ He said that his grades and those of other students are better because students now go to class with the right energy after receiving lunch.

When asked about his hopes for the future, Frank said, “In the future, I want to be a welder who provides the best quality services for my customers. With that career path, I hope to create financial freedom for my family so that none of my family members has to suffer from hunger again.”

Salesians at the schools work primarily with boys who are homeless and those who have been orphaned, battered, and neglected. They also provide support for other youth and children who are vulnerable, including those who are HIV/AIDS positive. All of the children are in school with some attending Don Bosco Primary School, Salesian secondary schools and vocational training institutes.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – Uganda

World Bank – Uganda

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ETHIOPIA

(MissionNewswire) Five young innovators from Don Bosco Gambella in Ethiopia* are transforming agriculture through their start-up, Afri Tech Eng. All five youth are graduates of Don Bosco Gambella, and their journey from student to start-up reflects the values and skills they learned through their education.

Afri Tech Eng has been tasked with designing and manufacturing essential agricultural machinery for local farming communities. These machines were entirely designed and manufactured in Salesian workshops and will be distributed across nine sub-districts of Gambella, helping to boost agricultural productivity through technology that is both locally relevant and affordable.

Father Lijo Vadakkan, director of Don Bosco Gambella, expressed his deep appreciation for the young innovators and their work. He said, “What we have seen over the past two months is a clear example of what young minds can achieve when focus, dedication and hard work come together.”

Salesians have been operating Don Bosco Gambella for 51 years, providing education and support to the local community. They work to ensure that youth have the education and skills needed to find and retain long term employment. Students are also encouraged to use their skills to improve their local communities.

Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world with more than 38% of its population living in poverty, according to Feed the Future. Close to 85% of the country’s workforce is employed in agriculture, but frequent droughts severely affect the agricultural economy leaving more than 12 million people chronically, or at least periodically, food insecure. In addition, more than two-thirds of the population is illiterate.

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

ANS – Ethiopia – From the classroom to the workshop: young innovators promote local agricultural solutions in Gambella

Salesian Missions – Ethiopia

UNICEF – Ethiopia

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

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RWANDA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Rwanda

UNICEF – Rwanda

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SOUTH SUDAN

(MissionNewswire) More than 5,000 people, most of whom are internally displaced in Gumbo, on the outskirts of the city of Juba, South Sudan*, had access to better nutrition during the first half of 2025. The food shipment was the result of a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit that helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience.

At the Don Bosco Gumbo Camp, Rise Against Hunger meals, which consist of rice, soy, vegetables and a vitamin packet, were distributed to 2,958 people, ensuring that all the families received essential food supplies. Meals were also served at the Don Bosco School, benefiting more than 1,500 students in the regular morning classes and more than 500 in the accelerated learning program in the afternoon. The meals served during their break provided much-needed nourishment to support their learning and well-being.

In Tonj, 180 people who are affected by leprosy also received meals. This outreach emphasized inclusivity and compassion, reaching one of the most marginalized groups in society. Additionally, meals were distributed to refugees in Wau, reinforcing efforts to support displaced communities and uphold their dignity through food assistance.

At the Don Bosco Gumbo Primary School, James is one of the students who received nutritious meals. Before the Rise Against Hunger meals were introduced, his family often managed only one meal per day. He now has breakfast at school and a second meal when he returns home. This improvement in nutrition has helped him and his classmates focus better in class and improve their grades. James dreams of becoming a doctor if he continues to do well in school.

During one school lunch, James said, “Since we’ve been having these meals, I feel stronger and don’t get tired very fast. These meals are my favorite part of my day. I get to eat with my friends and then play afterwards.”

James is deeply grateful for the support and says that one day he hopes to help others just as he has been helped through the meal program. He has observed that the entire school community is happier and more engaged with the consistent meals. Attendance has improved, and more students come to school regularly.

Paul Mutte-Atelio, community leader and teacher, said, “The Rise Against Hunger meals are very good. The students and teachers are happy and appreciative of the support. In the internally displaced persons camp, we have some women who are vulnerable and cannot do much, but with the meals, their life has improved so much, and they are very grateful. Now they help prepare the meals and have found food stability for them and their children.”

Salesian missionaries in South Sudan are dedicated to providing programs and services across the country. Salesian missionaries provide education, social development services, nutrition programs, and health clinics for poor youth and their families. For some, the education offered at Salesian schools is the only opportunity to gain an education and the skills necessary for future employment.

South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan in 2011 but has faced an ongoing civil war that started in December 2013 and continues today. This has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis. According to the United States Institute of Peace, more than 10 million people have been forced from their homes. The war has also triggered the world’s worst hunger crisis with more than 18 million Sudanese living in acute food insecurity.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – South Sudan

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

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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.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Oeuvres Maman Marguerite, a network of Salesian centers located in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, received a shipment of nutritious meals through a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit that helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience.

The shipment provided meals for feeding programs at a prison, a hospital, an orphanage, a retirement home and a training center. Close to 600 people were fed during the first half of 2025.

A Salesian noted, “Children used to go hungry in the centers, but today we have largely responded to these challenges. Food not only serves as nourishment for our young people but also as a means of keeping them in our homes and centers.”

Médine is one of the young women who received the meals. She lives in the Visitation House in the Kafubu neighborhood, an area on the outskirts of Lubumbashi. She ended up at the center after her parents’ divorce, bouncing between parents and spending a few days on the street. Médine was then directed to the Salesian center.

She credits the morning meal with giving her the energy to get through the entire day of training without getting tired, allowing her to participate fully in her school activities. All of the students eat twice daily.

The nutritious food has allowed her to improve academically and make significant progress. Compared to when she lived with her father, Médine’s health has drastically improved since arriving at the center. She no longer gets sick frequently and maintains a strong immune system.

Camel Kajila Ntambu, a school social worker, said, “Now that the youth are better fed in school, they are out of school less. We have come to understand that providing adequate nutrition was a key factor in minimizing absenteeism.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for more than 100 years, ensuring that the most vulnerable children are not forgotten. Salesian primary and secondary schools and programs lay the foundation for early learning, while Salesian trade, vocational and agricultural programs offer many youth the opportunity for a stable and productive future.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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

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IVORY COAST

(MissionNewswire) Salesian pre-novitiates in Korhogo, Ivory Coast, have a new residential accommodation thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. With the funding an addition was constructed and renovations were made which impacted the 25 young aspirants who live and are educated there.

The variety of facilities were designed and constructed to support residential, educational, and communal needs. This includes two dormitory rooms, one dedicated training room, a chapel for spiritual activities, a dining hall, and three rooms allocated for trainers, along with an administrative office. These spaces form a comprehensive complex aimed at fostering a supportive environment for residents and pre-novices.

Stephen Akyene, an aspirant, said, “The house now is perfect for young aspirants. The various pastoral activities that we take part in there are helping to form us into good Salesians. The house and space we now share will aid us in our growth both spiritually and academically.”

According to the World Bank, 46% of people in the Ivory Coast live in conditions of poverty — with 12% of the population living in severe poverty on less than $1.25 a day. The Ivory Coast has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in West Africa. While a wide range of national and international initiatives focus on HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention and testing, the collapse of public health facilities in the north as a result of years of conflict has made the situation worse.

Salesian missionaries continue their work providing shelter, education and social development services to youth and their families. They also work with the victims of war to heal the country’s deep wounds. They listen, help victims seek compensation and work for social reconciliation between opposing groups. Known for their work with child soldiers around the globe, Salesian missionaries are also providing training for youth, some who had been aggressors during the war.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Ivory Coast

World Bank – Ivory Coast

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ETHIOPIA

(MissionNewswire) More than 2,500 families across eight communities in Ethiopia* had access to better nutrition thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit Christian organization committed to “feeding God’s children hungry in body and spirit.” The families have been impacted by the ongoing strife in the Tigray region of the country.

A Salesian explained, “The war started in November 2020. Until the peace agreement was reached in November 2022, there were active clashes between the federal military and the regional force, and hundreds of thousands of people died on both sides. The food shortage began around November 2020, coinciding with the start of the conflict in Tigray. As the war unfolded, it worsened food access and contributed to the broader humanitarian crisis.”

Salesian missionaries have been a crucial lifeline for war-affected people in Tigray, operating primarily through established communities in Mekelle, Adigrat, Adwa and Shire. Salesians address immediate humanitarian needs while also focusing on long-term recovery and resilience.

This donation was sent in partnership with Flexport.org, which managed the shipping and funded the shipping costs. Salesian Missions will partner with Flexport.org for additional upcoming humanitarian aid shipments.

Salesians have also organized and distributed food baskets containing essentials like wheat, rice and oil to tens of thousands of internally displaced persons and families facing food shortage-like conditions. They are running programs for the most vulnerable, especially malnourished children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, providing high-nutrient food like fortified flour to combat acute malnutrition. They are also providing non-food items like blankets, mattresses and other items.

With infrastructure broken, Salesians have taken on projects to restore clean water access. They are currently working to repair damaged wells and boreholes in order to provide a more sustainable water source for local communities.

In addition, Salesians are providing education to children and skills training for older youth and adults. A Salesian explained, “Education is at the heart of what we do in these communities. Salesians have been instrumental in getting schools functional again by providing books and pens, repairing damaged classrooms, and paying incentive salaries for teachers who otherwise wouldn’t work. For children who have missed years of schooling, we also provide informal classes for internally displaced people, setting up temporary learning spaces to help them catch up. For older youth and adults, we provide access to skills training with short technical and vocational courses and startup kits to help them generate a small income.”

Salesians were in these communities well before the war started and will be there long after it’s done. The existing trust with the community means that Salesians can often operate when international non-governmental organizations are unable to gain access. This has been critical in assessing nutritional needs and ensuring that food shipments reach people most in need.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Ethiopia

UNICEF – Ethiopia

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

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CHAD

(MissionNewswire) Youth in Chad are faced with numerous challenges including lack of access to basic infrastructure and education. Chad is experiencing a deep social and economic crisis. Millions of refugees have been trying to escape to Sudan since 2023. Those who remain have to face many obstacles, including the lack of electricity. This is a problem also experienced by the more than 100,000 inhabitants of Sarh, the third largest city in the country.

A Salesian said, “In many places around the world, electricity is an obvious fact of life whose importance is only felt when an occasional brief blackout reminds us of the fragility of all digital systems and modern societies. But there are still many places where this primary benefit is not taken for granted, and its absence puts a mortgage on the human development of young people and societies as in the Salesian mission in Sarh, Chad.”

The Salesian added, “In Chad, it is normal to go to school under a big tree. The image may seem poetic and evocative, but in reality it brings about immense difficulties. If it rains, everything comes to a halt. The Salesian center in Sarh has made it possible for the students to have covered spaces available. But when it gets dark, the children struggle to finish their homework and the older children cannot use the computers.”

Yannick, age 15, attends the local Don Bosco Center every day. He explained, “I often come here to the Salesians. For me, it means being able to read and study, because here there is a well-stocked library for books that we don’t have at home and where I can deepen my culture. There is also a computer lab where I can do school work. Unfortunately, there is often a lack of electricity. That is here at the Don Bosco Center and in the whole city. There is no light and that slows everything down.”

Pierre Claver Agbetiafan, Salesian coadjutor and director of the mission orator, confirmed the challenges. “When we don’t have electricity we sometimes turn on the electric generator, but it is too expensive and diesel is hard to find.”

To help rectify the situation, Don Bosco Nel Mondo Foundation, located in Rome, has devised a significant project. Salesians want to install 40 solar panels on the Don Bosco Center, which would guarantee clean and stable energy for the 500 children enrolled in the nursery and primary schools, for the 50 youth studying computer science, and to the approximately 5,000 girls and boys who attend the youth center. The organization is seeking funding at this time so youth like Yannick will be able to study properly.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Chad – The future of young people in Sarh is waiting for some light

Don Bosco Nel Mondo Foundation

Salesian Missions – Chad

World Food Programme – Chad

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BURUNDI

(MissionNewswire) More than 950 students attending Don Bosco High School in Ngozi, Burundi*, had access to better nutrition during the first half of 2025 as a result of a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit that helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience.

Students at the school often come from families who are poor and do not have the means to pay school fees or provide lunch. The economy in Ngozi is primarily agricultural, such as growing coffee, cassava, tea, and beans or raising cattle for the local markets. Other industries in the region include processing tea and mining tin.

The feeding program created positive changes at the school. Students had more energy and were better engaged with their studies. They were also involved in various sporting and cultural activities organized during this time.

One of the recipients was Lucky Alpha Nduwimana. He is the oldest of three children and both his parents are primary school teachers. At home, they normally eat two meals a day, although sometimes they can only afford one. Since joining the Don Bosco High School and receiving Rise Against Hunger meals three times a day, Nduwimana says he feels much better. He enjoys eating meals with his friends, and they often play sports after since they are full of energy.

Nduwimana hopes to one day have his own coffee farm and sell his product at the local markets in Ngozi. He wants to complete his schooling to be knowledgeable and ready to start his own business.

Thomas Riyawimana, headmaster and teacher, noted that Nduwimana has improved in his physical strength, energy and overall happiness since receiving the meals. He noted, “I am proud of Lucky for overcoming hardship and showing promise for the future. My hope is that Lucky will use his education to help others in need, just as he was helped. He will be able to apply what he has learned and be generous and helpful to those around him.”

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

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – Burundi

UNICEF – Burundi

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

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BENIN

(MissionNewswire) Youth attending Foyer Don Bosco, located in Porto-Novo, Benin, received a shipment of nutritious meals through a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit that helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience through nutrition, education and economic empowerment. The meals fed 550 youth in the first half of 2025.

Porto-Novo faces issues related to urbanization, sanitation and high vulnerability of families. The need for food remains constant. Even when families manage to meet this need temporarily, the lack of stable income often causes the issue to resurface.

A Salesian noted, “One of the main successes of the project has been its strong emotional impact and positive reaction of the children. The project also contributed to improving the community’s nutrition with fewer cases of malnutrition-related illness reported. The feeding program also allowed children to remain focused on their education without interruptions from hunger.”

One of the recipients is Franck, age 10, who lives at Foyer Don Bosco. He said, “Beforehand, many of us did not always have enough to eat. Sometimes, we were hungry, and it was difficult to follow the lessons being taught. Today, we’re able to have meals and eat properly. When I eat, I am happy, I feel strong and I can learn well at school. For us, a meal is not just about eating. It is about finding joy, no longer thinking about the streets, and no longer being afraid to resort to stealing or begging. It is also knowing that someone, somewhere, is thinking of us and loves us.”

Fr. Emannuel Azagba noted, “On behalf of the Don Bosco Center in Porto-Novo, I extend our heartfelt thanks for the food assistance received through Rise Against Hunger. Providing a meal to a vulnerable child goes far beyond feeding. It is helping them believe in their future and grow in good health while keeping them in school without the burden of survival and protecting them from the street. It is also a way of preserving family unity in contexts where poverty often breaks bonds.”

For 30 years, the Don Bosco Center has been welcoming the most vulnerable children. Salesians protect, educate, train, and reintegrate them, restoring dignity and hope.

Children in Benin face significant challenges gaining an education within the country’s poor educational system. According to UNICEF, Benin remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with close to 70% of its population living in poverty. About half of all children between the ages of 5-13 are engaged in some kind of forced labor in the country, and almost 20% are chronically undernourished.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Benin

UNICEF – Benin

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ZAMBIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has been able to support nutritional needs of youth in Zambia thanks to an ongoing partnership with Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit Christian organization committed to “feeding God’s children hungry in body and spirit.” In 2025, five shipments were sent to feed children in Salesian programs.

Meals have already been distributed at Don Bosco Primary and Secondary School, located in Luwingu. The Salesian sisters, who operate the school, noted that more than 5,000 children benefit from food shipments like this.

Salesian sisters with Daughters of Mary Help of Christians have been working in the town of Luwingu since 1984. The town is small and for a long time was isolated from the rest of the country because there were almost no roadways to and from the town. As a result, the population could only rely on subsistence agriculture and hunting as the main sources of food, which was inadequate in terms of both quality and quantity.

At first, the Salesian sisters started a youth center and literacy classes. Later, they opened Don Bosco Primary School that today is one of the best schools in the district. The Salesian nuns also provide vocational education to give the local community opportunities to find employment.

Recently, Salesian sisters in Zambia hosted J.J. Slag, CEO of Feed My Starving Children. Slag said, “I was so very impressed with the Salesian sisters’ work in Zambia. As someone who visits schools, orphanages, feeding sites and care points around the world, I can honestly say that the Salesians are running a first-rate mission here.”

The needs of the Salesian sisters are vast. Slag said, “The Sisters in Lusaka seem to be making the highest possible impact with their limited resources. I can see that more financial and food resources would be used to increase their impact.”

The ongoing partnership between Salesian Missions and Feed My Starving Children has resulted in 40-foot containers of fortified rice-meals being shipped to Salesian sites around the globe. Feed My Starving Children provides the food and Salesian Missions takes care of the cost and logistics of shipping each container from Feed My Starving Children warehouses to the destination country. Salesian Missions also works to help identify where the greatest needs are at any given time. The partnership began in early 2006 when the first container was donated to and shipped by Salesian Missions for programs in Sri Lanka.

Slag said, “The Salesians have proven that they are able to take the food donated from Feed My Starving Children and use it in a way that makes the highest impact for the kids that they serve. We are thankful for their impact and are excited to see how much more can be done through this partnership with Salesian Missions in the years to come.”

Poverty is widespread in Zambia with 64% of the total population living below the poverty line. For those living in rural areas, the poverty rate rises to 80%, according to UNICEF. Over the past three decades, incomes in Zambia have fallen steadily and people do not have enough money to meet basic needs such as shelter, nutritious food and medical care.

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia

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SOUTH SUDAN

(MissionNewswire) Salesians with Don Bosco Morobo in South Sudan* have finished renovations on the community house thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The rehabilitation provides a safe, functional space for governance of Don Bosco Primary School and coordination of parish activities across 25 sub-stations.

The Don Bosco Community House in Morobo was fully renovated including work on structural repairs to the roof, walls, and flooring, as well as adding essential equipment for educational and pastoral use. The renovation further included complete plumbing and electrical installations to ensure safety and functionality, and the addition of a new 15kV solar power system for reliable energy. A 20,000-liter water tank with a tower and solar pump was installed to serve both the school and community, addressing critical water needs.

Furthermore, a protective fence was constructed to safeguard the property from wild animals and theft. These enhancements ensure the long-term sustainability, security, and usability of the community house and its services. The renovated facility now serves as a hub for education, pastoral care, youth development, and community gatherings.

The donation has impacted more than 1,000 children enrolled in Don Bosco Primary School as well as 40 teachers and more than 20,000 parishioners across the sub-stations. Many of these people have returned to their homes after conflict drove them to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Anthony Ukwar Uber, a member of the parish choir, explained, “I run a small shop in the local market, where I sell basic household items to help support my family. Life in Morobo hasn’t always been easy. We are still recovering from the effects of the war, and many young people like me are trying to rebuild our lives from scratch. But having the church and the Salesians back with us has been a big relief. It brings hope.”

He continued, “When the civil war started in 2015, everything collapsed. The Salesians had to leave because of the fighting, and many of us — including my own family — fled to Uganda as refugees. Life in the camps was difficult. When we returned around 2020, the Salesian compound was destroyed and abandoned. There were no priests, no parish activities, and we felt spiritually empty. We had no one to guide us, no sports or music, and no place to come together as before.”

Uber is grateful the Salesians have returned. He concluded, “When we heard that Salesian Missions was supporting the renovation of the Salesian house, it brought excitement and a sense of hope. We saw the house being rebuilt, and with it, we saw our parish life slowly coming back. I was excited and just prayed the priests would return. There was no anxiety, only joy. We have a resident priest who celebrates Mass daily, works with school children during the day, and organizes games and sports for us youth in the evenings. The community feels alive again. We are seeing improvements in both our spiritual and social lives. Youth are more united, and there’s less idle time. The project gave us exactly what we needed.”

Salesian missionaries in South Sudan are dedicated to providing programs and services across the country. Salesian missionaries provide education, social development services, nutrition programs, and health clinics for poor youth and their families. For some, the education offered at Salesian schools is the only opportunity to gain an education and the skills necessary for future employment.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – South Sudan

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

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SOUTH SUDAN

(MissionNewswire) Salesians with Don Bosco Morobo in South Sudan* have a new Toyota Land Cruiser to facilitate mission work thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The primary goal of the new vehicle is to strengthen the pastoral outreach to remote areas of Don Bosco Morobo Parish.

The Land Cruiser is enabling the pastoral team to access outstations regularly and provide sacramental services, youth ministry activities and support for people who are poor, elderly and vulnerable. The entire parish community includes close to 10,000 people who benefit from improved access to sacraments and emergency transport.

Morobo County lies along South Sudan’s southern border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The region features hilly terrain, tropical vegetation, and fertile soils, with savannah grasslands and patches of forest. Some roads are unpaved and become impassable during rainy seasons, limiting movement and access to services.

Anthony Issac Oromo, catechist and parish counselor, explained, “Before we received support from New Rochelle, we faced serious challenges in reaching the outstations. Many of our communities are far apart — some up to three or four hours on foot. This made it difficult for catechism classes, choir practice and youth group meetings. We were committed, but it was tiring, and sometimes we had to cancel activities if the weather was bad or if someone fell ill on the way.”

He added, “The new car has changed everything. Now, we travel with the parish priest to all the outstations regularly. We bring the message of God, offer catechism classes, organize choir practice and meet with the youth — all in a day, something that used to take several days. The people’s morale has gone up. They feel cared for, and I feel proud to be part of something that brings them hope. This vehicle isn’t just a means of transport — it’s a symbol of connection, unity and hope. We are very grateful to Salesian Missions for supporting our mission.”

Salesian missionaries in South Sudan are dedicated to providing programs and services across the country. Salesian missionaries provide education, social development services, nutrition programs, and health clinics for poor youth and their families. For some, the education offered at Salesian schools is the only opportunity to gain an education and the skills necessary for future employment.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – South Sudan

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

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NIGERIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to complete a water project at the Don Bosco Secondary School, located in Onitsha, Nigeria, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project is part of the Salesian WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) program and funded by the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative”. The project impacts 450 students at the school, 500 youth who use the youth center and 45 staff, as well as 1,340 members of the community who use the compound for training, summer camp, vocational training, formative programs and more.

With the funding, an additional borehole was installed, and the existing one was maintained. This significantly increased the availability of potable water within the compound. Enhanced hand-washing stations have been constructed at strategic locations, facilitating better hygiene practices among students and others. The project also included a total bathroom renovation with more toilets and sinks.

In addition, funding allowed for minor repairs of 18 classrooms, improving safety and comfort for learners. Salesians also installed solar lighting in various areas of the compound, enhancing visibility and security, especially at night.

A Salesian noted, “The local community expressed great satisfaction with the project and actively participated throughout its implementation. Many members generously contributed their time and resources, while some volunteered to assist with labor-related tasks. Their involvement was instrumental in the successful execution of the project and reflects a strong spirit of solidarity and ownership.”

Mike Okechukwu, a senior at the school, said the project had a great impact on students. He explained, “Before the construction of the new WASH facilities, we faced serious challenges. The old facilities were few, often overcrowded and difficult to maintain due to their deteriorated condition. Water flow was inconsistent, which made it hard to keep the environment clean. Students with physical disabilities also struggled, as the previous setup did not accommodate their needs. With the recent upgrade, everything has changed for the better. We now have easy access to clean toilets, hand-washing basins and waste bins placed around the school compound. The new facilities have significantly improved hygiene and the overall standard of our school.”

He added, “Students with physical challenges can now use the facilities comfortably, and they are truly happy about this inclusion. When our parents visited, they were very impressed with the transformation. I’ve shared this experience with my friends in other schools, and many of them wish for similar improvements in their own learning environments. We are deeply grateful to Salesian Missions for bringing such a meaningful development to our school. May God bless you abundantly.”

About 64% of households in Nigeria consider themselves to be poor while 32% of households say their economic situation had worsened over a period of one year, according to UNICEF. Poverty still remains one of the most critical challenges facing the country and population growth rates have meant a steady increase in the number of people living in conditions of poverty.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Nigeria

UNICEF – Nigeria

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ZAMBIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Kapesa, located in the Kazembe Mission in Zambia, have completed a new chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Work included clearing the land and construction of the building, which is also equipped with a new water system.

The Catholic community of Kapesa is happy with the new chapel. For years, people had been praying in a neighboring school classroom. Having a church of their own has brought a deep sense of pride in their freedom of worship.

One of the elders in the community, Benedict Chitundu, said, “In the beginning we did not have a proper established church. The late Father Gotter, a Polish missionary, had established this center in 2005 without a proper structure. For so long, we had wished to have a place of worship of our own. Our former parish priest, Father Gabriel Mwenya, saw that our situation was not conducive for prayer. We had to use a classroom on Sundays, and sometimes the head teacher would refuse to give us the keys. This left us without a place. We people are very proud and grateful for this great gesture, recognizing us with a beautiful house of God, a place of worship and a place of refuge in terms of distress.”

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy, productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia

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(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.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

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KENYA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Province of East Africa has inaugurated a new Don Bosco oratory in Siaya, Kenya, near Lake Victoria. The launch of the new center also marks the 150th anniversary of the first Salesian missionaries in the region. Welcomed by Archbishop Maurice Mbata and the clergy of the Archdiocese of Kisumu, the Salesians are being hosted by the parish community of Mbaga.

The oratory was officially blessed and opened on Nov. 22. More than 100 boys and girls attended the first gathering, expressing joy and enthusiasm for the new center. Local families are anticipating the future senior secondary school also planned for the site. The land was donated to the Salesians two years ago by German philanthropist Dr. Alois Stimpfle. The Salesian community is looking for assistance to start the school with the goal of the first enrollment in 2028.

A Salesian explained, “This is the first Salesian oratory in Siaya. We have had such a welcome reception. With the great need for poor youth in the community, we hope to expand to provide formal education so youth can gain the skills for long-term employment. Salesians require assistance though to build the school and get it operational.”

According to the World Bank, more than 7.8 million people in Kenya are living in extreme poverty, with the majority in rural areas. There are approximately 6.6 million people living on less than $1.90 a day in rural regions, while 1.1 million extremely poor people live in urban areas. Overall, the poverty incidence declined in recent years, but at a lower rate in urban areas than rural ones.

Youth living in Kenya’s larger cities like Nairobi are at risk for exploitation, forced labor and other abuses. Few attend the later stages of school as compared to those living in Kenya’s more rural areas. The few schools serving this community are beyond the financial means of most families.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Kenya – The First Salesian Oratory at Siaya (Kenya)

Salesian Missions – Kenya

World Bank – Kenya

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NIGERIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the Mary Help of Christians community have received the funding to support the Don Bosco Stitches project in Lagos, Nigeria. The donor funding is from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project is teaching young women an employable skill that they can utilize in seeking a job or starting their own business.

Donor funding was utilized to buy the necessary equipment for the classroom, which allows for hands-on experience to teach the students the sewing skills they need. Once they are ready to graduate, each student has a portfolio of samples to showcase their work. Each year, up to 45 young women will be prepared for the workforce.

One of the students said, “I’ve been here for four weeks and my experience so far with Don Bosco Stitches has been supportive and educational. Our teachers teach us with love. They are professional with everything they do, and they are calm when they instruct us. What some people learn in one year with other programs, we have learned in a month. We have achieved a lot, and the fear I once had about the future is gone. This is a great opportunity for all of us.”

Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, noted, “The goal is to empower and improve the livelihood of girls and young women, fostering social inclusion, financial independence and ensuring that they know their rights. Educating young women can raise entire families out of poverty.”

About 64% of households in Nigeria consider themselves to be poor while 32% of households say their economic situation had worsened over a period of one year, according to UNICEF. Poverty still remains one of the most critical challenges facing the country and population growth rates have meant a steady increase in the number of people living in conditions of poverty.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Nigeria

UNICEF – Nigeria

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MALI

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco 2000 Association has started its second phase of a training project for migrants returning to Africa from Italy. The initiative, one of the few still operational in the area, has recently started training 150 people, with 60% of them women, for agricultural and commercial cooperatives. Aly Traoré, a migrant who has returned to Mali* as a bridge between Italy and Africa, is leading the training.

An event, coordinated by the Treccani Foundation, launched the project with an international video call with mayors, village chiefs and local leaders. The project’s circular cooperation model, based on the skills of migrants trained in Italy and who have returned to their countries, represents how training can advance people living in difficult circumstances. The project is financed by the Italian Ministry of the Interior.

“Many youth leave the region for a better life elsewhere,” said a Salesian. “We want to ensure that they are able to either have the skills and training they need to remain in their communities or have support after they return home with new skills. This project is ensuring that those trained elsewhere, like in Italy, are able to come back and put their skills to work. We want people to be employed and contributing members of their families and communities.”

Since 2012, Mali has faced a political and security crisis that has been concentrated mainly in the north of the country. The crisis has now reached the center of the country and is affecting hundreds of people, especially children. Since 2018, the country has seen an increase in violence, insecurity and serious violations of international humanitarian law. The country faced two coup d’états in August 2020 and May 2021, and it continues to be marked by political and economic instability.

UNICEF has indicated that more than 2 million children between 5 and 17 do not go to school. More than half of children are still not literate. Children in Mali often have to drop out of school to work, enter child marriages or because of school closures. The country also struggles to find enough qualified teachers and textbooks for students. Only 73.8% of girls and 85.5% of boys are enrolled in primary school and only 15% of girls and 21% of boys continue to secondary school, UNICEF reports.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Mali – Amid conflict and insecurity, ‘Don Bosco 2000’ starts training 150 young people and women with the RELINT project

Salesian Missions

UNICEF – Mali

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

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NIGERIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Nigeria received donations thanks to partnerships developed by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Through the donations, students received laptops for their school work and religious items. They also received soccer balls from the men’s soccer team from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

The laptops were distributed to communities where the needs are greatest, including the Salesian Technical and Vocational Training Center in Ondo, the Vocational Training Center in Koko, and students in formation in Ibadan and Akure. The soccer balls were shared across Salesian youth centers in Osogbo, Ibadan, Lagos, Koko and Onitsha, bringing excitement for youth at these centers.

A Salesian said in a letter to donors, “On behalf of our youth ministry and communities, I write with great honor to express our heartfelt joy, appreciation, and thanksgiving for the generous gifts of laptops and balls we received. Your thoughtful donations have brought immense joy to our young people and to our centers.”

The Salesian added, “We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the tangible impact it has made. Your support strengthens our mission and inspires hope among the youth we serve. We remain open and hopeful to continue receiving such generous contributions in the future.”

According to UNICEF, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and the ninth most populous country in the world. By United Nations estimates, Nigeria will be one of the countries responsible for most of the world’s total population increase by 2050. While Nigeria has the second strongest economy in Africa, it also has extreme rates of poverty with 100 million people living on less than $1 a day.

About 64% of households in Nigeria consider themselves to be poor while 32% of households say their economic situation had worsened over a period of one year, according to UNICEF. Poverty still remains one of the most critical challenges facing the country and population growth rates have meant a steady increase in the number of people living in conditions of poverty.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Nigeria

UNICEF – Nigeria

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MALAWI

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco High School, located in Nkhotakota, Malawi, has improved living conditions for 80 young girls thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project funding was used to purchase five buildings as well as the adjacent land. The new area was also fenced for safety.

Three houses were renovated and adequately equipped. One house and another building were taken down because they were not in good condition. Seven toilets and 14 showers were constructed, as well as a stand for two 5,000-liter water tanks. Water and electricity were also connected.

A Salesian explained, “The main objective of the project was to create better safety and living conditions for the school girls. This was achieved, and as a result, the girls punctuality improved because of the availability of more showers, toilets and available water.”

Jenallah Mkandawire is a teacher at the school. Before the project, she noted that the living conditions were not adequate for the girls. She explained, “Now the girls are on time and have adequate water for washing their clothes and sanitary needs. Since they have more places to wash themselves and to wash their clothes, the general hygiene of school has improved.”

Mkandawire said that many of the girls have better living conditions at the school now than they have at their homes.

She added, “We broke for holidays and were surprised to see the changes in our campus after the holidays. All of us appreciate the donors who helped make this dream a reality.”

In Malawi, more than 50% of the population lives in poverty and the majority of households have women as the head of the household, according to the World Bank. Agriculture is a central part of Malawi’s economy, but land distribution is unequal and crops are highly vulnerable to the region’s frequent droughts. Few houses have piped water and less than one in 10 Malawians has access to electricity. Water is collected from wells or streams, and most people cook over an open fire. Malawians deal with hunger and malnutrition on a daily basis.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Malawi

World Bank – Malawi

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NIGERIA

(MissionNewswire) St. Jude Science and Technical College in Nigeria has been able to upgrade its water system thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding came from the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative” and impacted 1,300 students, 70 staff and 350 youth from the community.

Salesians conducted a survey to understand the gaps in water supply, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices in order to determine the best course of action for the project. This was followed by the construction and rehabilitation of the boreholes, wells and water storage. Salesians then launched school-based WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) clubs and outreach campaigns. Students and staff were trained on the operation and maintenance of the facilities.

Through the project, hand-washing points have been constructed at different places in the school compound. Existing toilets were renovated, and the project added more toilets in both the bathrooms for men and women and two for people with disabilities. Students and staff have easy access to the use of toilet facilities without any issue of overcrowding.

A Salesian noted, “The community played an active and enthusiastic role throughout the implementation of the WASH project. For many residents, both adults and children, the initiative introduced facilities and practices they had never encountered before. Their willingness to embrace the new systems and participate in training and maintenance activities reflects a promising foundation for long-term sustainability.”

Kumaga Joseph Tersor is a boarding student enrolled in the Department of Electrical Installation and Maintenance. He aspires to become a renowned engineer. He recalls that, until recently, the school only had a few pit toilets, which were inadequate for the student population.

Tesor recounted, “When the new toilet project began, we were thrilled. Our excitement grew even more when the project was completed. In fact, no other school in the entire Gboko area has a facility like this. For many students, this is their first encounter with modern sanitation. Our duties as prefects have become much easier — students no longer defecate in the bush, and they have been taught how to use the new toilets properly. When I shared this development with my friends, they were overjoyed. We are deeply grateful for this facility and extend our heartfelt thanks to the donor from Salesian Missions.”

About 64% of households in Nigeria consider themselves to be poor while 32% of households say their economic situation had worsened over a period of one year, according to UNICEF. Poverty still remains one of the most critical challenges facing the country and population growth rates have meant a steady increase in the number of people living in conditions of poverty.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Nigeria

UNICEF – Nigeria

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(MissionNewswire)  The Don Bosco Higher Education Institute (Instituto Superior Don Bosco) is focusing on the environment with several recent initiatives. Students from the Environmental Club recently took a workshop, using paper, water and charcoal powder to produce eco-friendly charcoal with low calorific value, which is a less polluting option suitable. The process involved preparing the mixture, molding and drying the product.

A Salesian noted, “The initiative allowed students to understand the value of recycling and the importance of environmental innovation, reinforcing the Environmental Club’s commitment to reducing waste and promoting ecological alternatives within the institution.”

Students at another Salesian-run education center, the São José de Lhanguene Training Center, is also having their students in the electrical installation course raise awareness about the importance of environmental preservation and proper waste management. Thirty-two students created posters with educational messages such as “Don’t litter” and “Stop waste.”

The Salesian added, “The initiative promoted teamwork, creativity, and civic spirit, reinforcing the trainees’ commitment to environmental protection. The activity showed that environmental education combined with art is an effective tool for raising awareness and ecological responsibility among young people.”

Poverty surged in Mozambique from 48.4% to 62.9% between 2014 and 2022. According to the World Bank, this rise is attributed to the hidden debt crisis, COVID-19, and natural disasters. Poverty is concentrated in rural areas, and even with growth within the country, the regions of Zambezia, Sofala, Manica and Gaza saw an increase in poverty in the 2000s.

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Photo credit

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Paper Charcoal Production Workshop at ISDB, Mozambique

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Creative Workshop at ISDB, Mozambique

Salesian Missions – Mozambique

World Bank – Mozambique

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(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Institute Youth Projects, located in Cape Town, has spearheaded the Salesian Hydroponics Eco-Ubuntu Project in South Africa and other countries. The project is facilitating training for youth in hydroponics and solar power and ensuring they have the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving green economy.

One of the project’s standout achievements is the integration of hydroponics into education and employment pathways for disadvantaged youth. Under the institute’s NEETs Youth Employability Program, the project participants are actively involved in the rollout and implementation of hydroponics projects in their communities. By engaging these youth in meaningful work, the project not only addresses unemployment but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride in environmental conservation efforts.

The Eco-Ubuntu project extends its reach into the institute’s Learn to Live program, offering students hands-on experience in hydroponic farming. By cultivating produce using hydroponic systems, these students not only learn practical skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for sustainable agriculture.

A Salesian noted, “Through a multifaceted approach encompassing renewable energy, water access, waste management, hydroponics, and sustainable cultivation, the Salesian Hydroponics Eco-Ubuntu Project aims to create a greener future for all.”

Launched by the Salesian Provincial Office in Johannesburg in January 2024, the Eco-Ubuntu project is a testament to the Salesians’ commitment to holistic development. It is currently operating in three countries, South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. Within these countries, seven cities are engaged, casting a wide net for impacting youth and the communities in which they live.

The Salesian added, “At its core, the Eco-Ubuntu project seeks to instill a ‘green mindset’ within communities by facilitating accessible and practical green interventions. From hydroponic systems, solar installation training to borehole installations, the project empowers individuals to embrace sustainable practices in their daily lives.”

Since 1910, Salesian Institute Youth Projects has been helping youth who are homeless, unemployed or poor in Cape Town, the second most populous city and legislative capital of South Africa. Salesians provide shelter, education and workforce development services, meeting the basic needs of the youth they serve while helping them break the cycle of poverty.

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Photo credit: Eco-Ubuntu Green Project – Salesian Youth

Salesian Institute Youth Projects – Eco-Ubuntu Green Project

Salesian Institute Youth Projects

Salesian Institute Youth Projects Facebook

Salesian Missions – South Africa

UNICEF – South Africa

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KENYA

Project trained 66 animators and teachers across seven parishes

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to train Pontifical Missionary Children animators and Sunday school teachers in Salesian parishes in Kenya, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Through this project 66 animators and teachers were trained across seven parishes.

The animators and teachers were trained in psychology of child development, psychosocial development, James Fowler’s model of faith development and cognitive development contemporary theories for children learning spirituality.

A Salesian explained, “This was an excellent training project. Now with the 66 animators and teachers trained, they will bring what they are learned to educate more than 12,000 children, aged 5–12 years, in various parishes. Not only that but animators and teachers were able to share their experiences, build a supportive network and continue to learn from each other.”

An interactive WhatsApp group was created through this project to enable members to share ideas, showcase progress, and demonstrate the application of learned methodologies. On the last day of the training, animators visited Don Bosco Upperhill Parish (Shrine of Mary Help of Christians) to observe how the animators and Sunday School teachers organize and conduct their sessions.

Nelly Lukaziva Sanya is one of the people who attended the training. She has always been passionate about nurturing children’s spiritual growth. Before joining the project, Sanya faced several challenges that affected her confidence and teaching effectiveness. Her methods were mostly traditional, and she often felt limited in how she could engage her students or manage classroom dynamics.

Reflecting on that period, Sanya said, “Before the training, I often felt stuck doing things the same way and wasn’t sure how to make my lessons more engaging.” When the project was introduced, Sanya welcomed it with both excitement and apprehension. She was eager to learn new teaching techniques and connect with other teachers, yet she worried about whether she could adapt to the new methods and apply them effectively. Despite these initial worries, she embraced the learning process and found the sessions inspiring and transformative.

By the end of the training, Sanya felt a renewed sense of confidence and purpose. The practical methods and creative strategies she learned helped her better engage her students and strengthened the trust between her and the children’s parents. The training not only improved her teaching but also deepened her sense of community among fellow teachers. Together, they shared insights, encouraged one another, and discussed ways to make Sunday school more interactive and spiritually enriching.

Looking ahead, Sanya hopes to continue growing as a teacher and mentor. She envisions creating digital learning resources, forming a supportive network of Sunday school teachers, and inspiring others through mentorship and collaboration.

Sanya added, “I want to mentor children and new teachers, share what I’ve learned, and create online resources to support others.” Overall, the project has enhanced Sanya’s confidence, teaching effectiveness and community leadership, contributing to a more engaging and spiritually enriching learning environment.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Kenya

World Bank – Kenya

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KENYA

Initiative fosters sense of stewardship among youth, educators and communities

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Kenya has taken a transformative step by launching the Don Bosco Integral Ecology Plan that spans from now through 2029. Salesians in Kenya will turn to Don Bosco Green Alliance, a global platform for ecological initiatives and activities.

The plan represents a comprehensive roadmap to integrate ecological responsibility across all facets of Salesian education, pastoral care, and social engagement. The six pillars of the plan include energy management, carbon management, water management, waste management, sustainable agriculture, and ecological conversion.

These actions will involve the participation of 14 Salesian institutions across Kenya and is designed to benefit more than 45,000 youth and community members annually. Rooted firmly in the principles of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’s call for an integral approach to ecology, the initiative addresses critical environmental challenges while fostering a sense of stewardship among young people, educators, and communities.

In his opening remarks to unveil the plan, Father George Tharayil, provincial superior, framed the initiative as both a spiritual and practical commitment. He said, “This five-year strategic plan for Integral Ecology reflects our dedication to God, the environment, and the people we serve.”

Father Savio Silveira, the coordinator of the Don Bosco Green Alliance, addressed the growing concern of “eco-anxiety” among youth, emphasizing the importance of immediate action. “Whatever affects young people affects the Salesian community,” he stressed, applauding the Salesian Province of East Africa for being the first in the Salesian world to launch such a comprehensive ecological plan.

The launch event concluded with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony, involving representatives from Don Bosco institutions, private entities, non-governmental organizations and civil society. This act symbolized the shared commitment to nurturing a greener planet and marked the beginning of a legacy that will inspire future generations.

The Don Bosco Integral Ecology Plan sets a powerful example, calling on Salesian provinces worldwide to embrace ecological responsibility with focus, unity, and determination.

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Don Bosco Green Alliance – Kenya – The Salesian Province of East Africa (AFE) Launches the Don Bosco Integral Ecology Plan (2025–2029)

Salesian Missions – Kenya

World Bank – Kenya

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in honoring World AIDS Day celebrated each year on Dec. 1. The day is held to honor AIDS victims and focuses on prevention and treatment issues surrounding HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).

World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programs for AIDS Prevention. Every year since then, United Nations agencies, governments and civil society join together to campaign around specific themes related to AIDS.

U.N. AIDS has estimated 38 million people live with the virus, and more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS-related illnesses over the past 40 years, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

In the U.N. AIDS Global Update report, it is noted that in 2023 there were an estimated 1.9 million adolescent girls and young women aged 15-24 years living with HIV compared with 1.2 million adolescent boys and young men of the same age. Globally, 44% of all new HIV infections were among women and girls (all ages).

The agency has noted the world is off track to meet the 2025 targets for new infections and AIDS-related deaths. U.N. AIDS has indicated, “The urgency of now is that significant gaps remain in access to HIV prevention and treatment services that need to be filled. Further, unfair laws, discrimination and violence must be stopped to ensure access to treatment and prevention for all.”

Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, explained, “Salesian missionaries offer more than 150 medical clinics and hospitals around the globe that handle a wide range of medical care needs and are mostly in rural areas. HIV/AIDS prevention and testing programs are vital components of Salesian health care initiatives in Africa. The work of Salesian missionaries around the globe goes beyond education to ensure the well-being of our students.”

Navajeevan Bala Bhavan, a Salesian community within the Province of St. Joseph, Hyderabad, based in Vijayawada, India, recently received a certificate of recognition acknowledging the Salesian organization’s exemplary nutrition support programs for children impacted by HIV/AIDS. The certificate was given by the Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society.

The Navajeevan Bala Bhavan’s Neethodu Integrated Counseling Center has been working across Vijayawada to serve individuals and families grappling with HIV since 2021. To date, the organization has reached 390 individuals, 234 adults and 156 children across 106 families, offering essential support to improve their quality of life.

Another program specific to addressing the risk of HIV/AIDS for young women is Don Bosco Fambul, one of Sierra Leone’s leading child-welfare organizations located in Freetown. Here Salesians offer the Girls Shelter GO+ program to support young girls who have been forced into sex work. Some of the girls are as young as 9 years old. Most of them have faced violence and sexual abuse. They include girls from other countries, villages or the poorest areas of Freetown who often are forced to provide financially for themselves and their families. Many of the girls have been infected with sexually transmitted diseases, as well as HIV, and are in need of medical care.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

INDIA: Salesians recognized for nutrition programs serving children impacted by HIV/AIDS

Salesian Missions

Sierra Leone: Over 600 girls rescued through program

World AIDS Day

Global AIDS Update 2024

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MADAGASCAR

Youth significantly improved language skills

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries started a tutoring program at the Victoire Rasoamanarivo High School in Ankililoaka, Madagascar, in September 2024. Since inception, the program has strengthened the French and English language skills of 60 youth aged 11-17 who were struggling in school and beyond. Two thirds are students from poor families.

Four teachers and four supervisors as well as a full-time supervisor were hired. Through the program, Salesians were also able to purchase equipment such as microphones, loudspeakers, mixers and amplifiers to be used for cultural activities.

Special tee-shirts were made as the official uniform for the students participating in the language groups. The shirts serve as advertising to attract other students. Cultural events in French and English were organized to immerse students in the language and help them not to be afraid of making mistakes. The events, which were also open to the public, took place at both the Victoire Rasoamanarivo High School and at other local schools.

A Salesian explained, “We managed to organize a big cultural event that we invited the authorities from the city of Ankililioaka, parents and students from other schools. It was a great success.”

The school year ended with a recreational event for the program’s teachers and students.

Throughout the year, the students were given monitoring tests and regular assessments to measure their progress, and notable improvement has been reported.

The Salesian added, “We are convinced that this program is a salvation for poor young people who do not have the means to pay for language courses. The school results clearly demonstrate our success. The result of the official state examination at the end of the first secondary cycle was 100%. We are grateful to those who supported this program.”

The Salesians have been in Ankililoaka since 1982. It is a rural city in the south of Madagascar where several ethnic groups live together. Since then, Salesians have opened schools, churches, a radio station and a youth center and have carried out projects that assist youth and families in need.

Salesian missionaries have 11 centers and work in several locations in the country, including the Don Bosco House in Ivato in the outskirts of Antananarivo. Salesians have been in Ankililoaka since 1982. They have constructed schools and churches, as well as a youth center. They are working to ensure quality education and make sure no student is left behind.

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Seventy percent of Madagascar’s almost 19 million people live in poverty with 5.7 million of those youth between the ages of 10-24, according to UNICEF. This number is expected to double in 2025.

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

ANS – Madagascar – No student is left behind in Ankililoaka

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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TOGO

Project part of ‘Clean Water Initiative’

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries at the Don Bosco Post-Novitiate House in St. John Bosco Community in Akodessewa, Lomé, Togo, added a new water purification and filtration system thanks to funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding came from the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.”

The project included the construction of a water tower and tank for water storage, ensuring a reliable supply of water. Salesians also installed a filtration and purification system for potable and safe drinking water. This fresh water supply has improved the living conditions of the more than 130 members of the Salesian community in Lomé.

The community includes Salesians and students from several countries who are there to live and learn. The project also improves the lives of those who visit the community, including trainers and future students.

A Salesian explained, “Togo faces significant challenges with access to safe water and sanitation, particularly in rural areas where water is polluted by waste and wastewater. Even in the city, the cost of water to the general public is very expensive. Even if you decide to drill a borehole, you have to go deep and install a filtration system in order to get safe drinking water since it’s closer to the sea.”

One of the students impacted by the donation is Ombisa Salian Fred Germelan, a third-year philosophy student at the Don Bosco Institute who lives in the St. John Bosco community in Akodessewa. Since arriving on Sept. 5, 2023, he and his peers faced a significant challenge with accessing potable water due to a road project that rendered piped water undrinkable.

For two years, the community relied on kitchen water as a temporary solution, which was inconvenient. Since the project has been completed, there are no major issues with water supply and everyone in the community is grateful for the new clean water access.

More than 80% of Togo’s rural population lives in conditions of poverty making the country one of the world’s poorest, according to the World Bank. Children in the country suffer the most, with close to 50% of those living in poverty under the age of 18. One in eight children will not reach their fifth birthday, and the number of children who drop out of school because their parents cannot afford to educate them is high. Children are also often forced to work in exploitative and dangerous conditions to help support their families.

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

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Togo

World Bank – Togo

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ZAMBIA

Solar power system enables community activities

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries at the Don Bosco Community in Mansa, Zambia, recently installed a solar power system thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Salesians were able to install 12 solar panels, lithium batteries and inverters, allowing the system to provide stable and consistent electricity to the main priest’s house and adjacent volunteer house. Additionally, the new system ensures that nearby water pumps are powered.

The Don Bosco Community is home to five Salesians, two volunteers and two lay staff. There are also four Salesian sisters who come for eucharist celebrations as well as parishioners, teachers and students who depend on a well-functioning Salesian community.

Zambia is currently grappling with a serious energy crisis caused primarily by its overdependence on hydropower. This energy source constitutes over 85% of the country’s electricity generation capacity, but generation has dropped significantly thanks to persistent and extreme dry seasons.

As of early 2025, the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation announced load-shedding schedules in most parts of the country due to a generation deficit. This shortfall has affected both urban and rural areas, including strategic communities such as the Don Bosco Community in Mansa.

In Mansa, like many other districts in Luapula Province, the situation is exacerbated by limited grid investment and poor maintenance of transmission infrastructure. Power blackouts are frequent, unpredictable and prolonged. For the Don Bosco Community, this energy instability severely disrupts religious, administrative and community-outreach activities.

The Don Bosco priest’s house in the community is not only a residence but also a spiritual and logistical hub for pastoral care, youth ministry, education planning and hospitality. Without consistent power supply, critical functions like lighting, refrigeration, communication systems and security lights and alarms are constantly interrupted.

A Salesian explained, “We had been using diesel generators to help when the main power supply was out, but that was both costly and unsustainable in the long term given rising fuel prices and environmental concerns. Having an alternative, reliable and clean energy source that supports the essential services carried out by the priests has been a pressing need. The installation of the solar power addresses this while also contributing to Zambia’s national vision of integrating renewable energy into its development agenda.”

Father Francis Ndoda, a new member in the community, is one of the priests impacted by the donation. He is in charge of administration and the youth center. His passion for youth ministry in the community was challenged by lack of electric power in the community that affected prayer and community life. When the project was approved, he and the community were anxious to see this dream come true.

A Salesian added, “We all hoped that the system would meet the energy needs of the community and be able to restore community life. After the project implementation, we are able to do all the activities of the mission without fear of losing electricity and having constant interruptions.”

Looking forward, the community would like to improve the power supply to the school with a small solar power system. The goal is to power the computer lab in the school with a bigger backup system in order to enhance learning of technology.

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia

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UGANDA

Center ensures education remains a pathway out of poverty

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Children and Life Mission (CALM) in Namugongo, Uganda is part of the “You are daily bread” project supported by Mission Don Bosco in Turin, Italy. The project helps support youth in accessing education and thriving once they are in school.

A Salesian explained, “Back to school time brings with it the excitement for many. The streets are full of children and young people with colorful school bags and dreams in their hearts. They return to school ready to build their future. But not for everyone. Millions of children in the world do not even know about school or cannot attend it because they are too poor, too far away or are living on the streets forced to survive.”

The Salesian added, “This is why education is at the forefront of what Salesian missionaries provide around the globe. Education is a pathway out of poverty, but we need to make sure vulnerable youth have access not only to school but to the supports that help them thrive once they are there.”

Mission Don Bosco is helping support youth in school not only at Don Bosco CALM but at Don Bosco Deodurga in India and the Don Bosco Boys Home in Sunyani, Ghana.  The Salesian noted, “Thanks to the generosity of so many benefactors from all over the world, these centers enable so many youth to go to school, and even more, to experience the joy and serenity of their childhood.”

Don Bosco CALM rescues, rehabilitates and reintegrates children who have been living on the street back into society. Salesians meet basic needs and provide education, socio-cultural activities and recreation — such as sports programming — to help youth have a bright future.

Salesians work primarily with boys without homes and those who have been orphaned, battered and neglected. Salesians also provide support for other vulnerable youth and children, including those with HIV/AIDS. All of the children are in school with some attending Don Bosco Primary School, Salesian secondary schools and vocational training institutes.

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

ANS – Uganda – School starts at CALM too

Salesian Missions – Uganda

World Bank – Uganda

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KENYA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Utume in Nairobi, Kenya, has installed a new tank to provide clean water to community members and others, including people who are marginalized, 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.”

This project has increased the total water storage from approximately 5,200 gallons (25,000 liters) to almost 16,000 gallons (85,000 liters), resolving the previous storage shortfall that had caused frequent outages. Don Bosco Utume is located in Langata, Nairobi, an urban area with a growing population and significant water needs. The climate is semi-arid, with irregular rainfall patterns, making water storage essential for both human consumption and agricultural sustainability.

The community serves approximately 200 residents, including seminarians and staff, while also providing free water to more than 1,000 people each day, including members of the Maasai community and children who live on the street. The previous water tank was insufficient to meet the demands. The borehole pump ran continuously, increasing electricity costs and maintenance expenses. The lack of adequate water storage limited irrigation for agribusiness, affected sports field maintenance and hindered community outreach efforts.

A Salesian noted, “Since the installation of the new storage tank, people report that water remains available even during busy times. Water that used to run out by the afternoon is now consistently available throughout the day. Early readings also indicate that the pump runs approximately 30% less each day. This lowers electricity consumption and reduces wear and tear on the pump, which is exactly what we aimed for.”

The new storage tank is greatly impacting the lives of people in the community, particularly women who are often tasked with finding water sources. Elizabeth is a mother of four, and every day, she and her daughter would wake before sunrise and walk more than three miles to fetch water. They often waited in long lines and were exhausted by the time they got home.

Elizabeth said, “We had to use the little water we had sparingly, as shortages can cause stress and hurt our health. I hoped my children could stay healthy and attend school instead of spending hours fetching water. Before the new tank was installed, the old one at Don Bosco often ran dry by midday. I would arrive and find it empty, forcing us to come back later or walk further to another borehole. This meant missing chores, such as washing clothes, or even delaying cooking.”

She added, “With the new water tank, for the first time, my children can bathe daily, and we all feel cleaner. We still have to carry heavy cans home because the water isn’t piped to our homes. It’s a lot of effort, but at least we don’t have to worry about the tank running out of fuel. If I could have one more thing, it would be a pipeline or even more taps closer to the village. This project has shown us that improvements are possible. For now, I am thankful that, although we must walk to Don Bosco, water is available there. I genuinely feel optimistic about the future. I am very grateful for this gift of water.”

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

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Kenya

World Bank – Kenya

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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) More than 500 students graduated from Don Bosco University in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, in the 2024-2025 academic year. In September, the school celebrated the graduates from the four faculties of computer science, financial management and engineering, human and social services, and theology.

A Salesian explained, “The celebration brought together students and their parents, family members, teachers, members of the university administration, as well as representatives of the local ecclesiastical and religious authorities. Among the graduates, for the first time, were students from the theologicum and post-novitiate, highlighting the recent expansion of the university as part of its educational and religious mission.”

The Salesian added, “This education that the students receive will help them find and retain stable employment. This will help them with self-sufficiency and put them in a position to aid their families and communities.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for more than 100 years ensuring that children who are vulnerable are not forgotten. Salesian primary and secondary schools and programs lay the foundation for early learning while Salesian trade, vocational and agricultural programs offer many youth the opportunity for a stable and productive future.

Despite its vast material wealth, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has long been a very poor nation. Half of the country’s population lives below the poverty line living on less than $1 a day, especially those in rural communities. Because of ongoing strife and violence within the country, more than 8.5 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

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

ANS – D.R. Congo – Academic Degree Ceremony 2025 at the Don Bosco University in Lubumbashi

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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

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ZAMBIA

(MissionNewswire) St. John Bosco Church in Kazembe, Zambia, has completed construction and repairs of a grotto thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The work included roofing, plaster work and painting. Funds also provided for the installation of a PVC ceiling.

The Salesian parish is vast with 13 small churches, and parishioners may visit the main St. John Bosco Parish for special feasts and celebrations. With close to 6,700 people across the 13 locations and 570 people attending the St. John Bosco church, the structure needed improvements to accommodate everyone. The grotto will also help many Catholics to grow in their devotion to Mother Mary.

The whole community came together to help support the construction. Salesians report that parishioners came out to feed the bricklayers and those working to fix the ceiling. People have also stepped forward to offer volunteer services to help with maintenance.

Parishioner Martin Mulenga said, “Once the church was completed in 2004, it was left without the ceiling, and this brought a lot of challenges to the congregants due to overheating and rain. This project has resolved these challenges and parishioners can pray in a very conducive environment.”

He added, “The ceiling has also contributed to the beauty of the sacred Church, and many people who visit are very impressed with it. We thank the donors for the great support.”

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.

Poverty is widespread in Zambia with 64% of the total population living below the poverty line. For those living in rural areas, the poverty rate rises to 80%, according to UNICEF. Over the past three decades, incomes in Zambia have fallen steadily, and people do not have enough money to meet basic needs such as shelter, nutritious food and medical care.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia

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KENYA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with Don Bosco Makuya in Kenya were able to remove and replace hazardous asbestos roofing thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. All of the asbestos has been removed from the technical school and staff housing roofing, and new roofing has been added.

Close to 1,000 individuals, including students, teachers, residents, and parishioners, are benefiting from this project with safer classrooms and workshops. The technical school has close to 150 people, including students and staff, who are taking courses to learn a trade for employment. Courses are offered in masonry, plumbing, electrical installation, arc welding, motor vehicle mechanics, solar photovoltaic skills, carpentry and joinery, printing technology, and cabinet making.

Students come from the surrounding communities and often face significant poverty. The majority of students lack the tuition money to continue with their secondary or college education. Some even find it difficult to get three meals a day from their families due to harsh economic situations.

One of those interviewed about the project expressed joy, relief and gratitude for the project’s completion. They said, “The project has given us peace of mind knowing that all the students and staff are no longer exposed to hazardous asbestos.”

In addition, there is a parish community with more than 700 people, including youth and volunteers, who use the space. Stakeholders in this project cited reduced respiratory risks and increased long-term health benefits, especially for the students, staff, Salesians and all who visit the community, as well as residents previously exposed to asbestos fibers.

Many viewed the transition as a step toward a healthier, more sustainable future for the next generation. The stakeholder added, “The renovation work not only removed asbestos but also improved the overall condition of our buildings.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Kenya

World Bank – Kenya

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CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Bangui, Central African Republic*, had the supplies needed for a medical clinic thanks to a shipment of goods funded in part by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The shipment was sent by Collaboration Santé Internationale (International Health Collaboration), a Canadian organization focused on responding to the needs of health centers in developing countries.

Funding for the shipment was provided by both Salesian Missions and Don Bosco Foundation Paris. The shipment contained electric hospital beds, neonatal incubators, exam tables, filing cabinets, lab coats, amoxicillin, quinine, first aid supplies and vitamins.

The medical clinic was completed with funding from the French government through Don Bosco Foundation Paris. Don Bosco Foundation Paris requested assistance from Salesian Missions with funding for the shipment and for its extensive experience in shipping humanitarian aid around the globe.

“Partnerships help ensure that medical supplies and other critical humanitarian aid reaches those most in need,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “While education is the priority for Salesians around the globe, they also focus on ensuring that those in poverty have their basic needs met including essential medical care.”

Since 1996, Collaboration Santé Internationale has been the only nonprofit and international cooperation organization accredited by the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services to recover and give a second life to surplus health care supplies for humanitarian aid purposes. Since its founding, the organization has sent the equivalent of $250 million in medical equipment, supplies and medicines to support several hundred health centers in more than 90 countries.

The Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries on the African continent — despite being very rich in resources such as uranium, gold and diamonds. It is also very unstable politically due to the regime changes and civil wars that have occurred over the last 20 years.

According to the World Bank, in 2024, approximately 71% of people lived below the international poverty line, with 65.7% living on less than $2.15 per day. The infant mortality rate is among the highest in the world, and the most common causes are diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, respiratory infections and acute malnutrition.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Central African Republic

World Bank – Central African Republic

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

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KENYA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Boys Town (Bosco Boys) Langata is providing services to 32 boys who had been living on the streets of Nairobi, Kenya. The Salesian organization is the first reception place for youth to take part in a program of rehabilitation, literacy, and gradual inclusion into school or learning a trade.

A Salesian explained, “The boys stay at Langata for a period of three to six months, during which they receive assistance to stabilize them. Once they have made satisfactory progress, both personally and educationally, they are transferred to Bosco Boys Kuwinda to continue their education. At Kuwinda, the boys follow a standard education program, from primary to high school.”

Students who complete their primary education are then assisted with secondary education or are advised to choose technical training in sister institutions. The secondary education is most often provided at Don Bosco Technical Secondary School in the town of Embu, northeast of Nairobi.

With the two-year technical training, youth have a wide variety of skills to choose from, including tailoring, car engineering/mechanics, carpentry, electrical work, and welding, as well as secretarial skills and a full spectrum of computer-related job skills. After graduation, more than 80% of graduates are employed in their fields of study. Many students go on to attend university or establish their own businesses and become entrepreneurs in Nairobi.

According to the World Bank, more than 7.8 million people in Kenya are living in extreme poverty, with the majority in rural areas. There are approximately 6.6 million people living on less than $1.90 a day in rural regions, while 1.1 million extremely poor people live in urban areas. Overall, the poverty incidence declined in recent years, but at a lower rate in urban areas than rural ones.

Youth living in Kenya’s larger cities like Nairobi are at risk for exploitation, forced labor and other abuses. Few attend the later stages of school as compared to those living in Kenya’s more rural areas. The few schools serving this community are beyond the financial means of most families.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Kenya – More than thirty street children saved thanks to Bosco Boys Langata

Salesian Missions – Kenya

World Bank – Kenya

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SIERRA LEONE

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Fambul, located in Freetown, Sierra Leone, conducted a week-long cataract surgery campaign at a hospital in Waterloo in partnership with Visio Sense Fronteres from Spain. During the campaign, 217 people received free cataract surgeries to restore their sight and improve their quality of life.

The campaign was open to all and was free, reflecting the Salesian shared commitment to accessible, inclusive health care for vulnerable communities. In addition to the surgeries, post-operative medications were provided and reading lenses were distributed to those in need.

A Salesian explained, “We are very proud of the impact this initiative continues to have, not only in restoring vision, but also restoring the dignity and independence for hundreds of individuals. The success of this campaign has deepened our partnership with Visio Sense Fronteres, and we remain grateful for their continued collaboration as we work together to expand medical access and serve those who need it most in Sierra Leone.”

Don Bosco Fambul is a national leader in child protection, operating the largest interim care and therapeutic centers for abused children in the country. Since it was established in 1998 to rehabilitate and reintegrate child soldiers, it has grown to support the country’s most vulnerable children and youth through two main campuses in Freetown. Young people in the country face significant challenges in accessing education. With too few teachers and many school buildings destroyed in the war, resources are thin. Persistently high illiteracy rates mean that an estimated 70% of Sierra Leone’s youth are unemployed or underemployed.

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Don Bosco Fambul

Don Bosco Fambul Facebook

Salesian Missions – Sierra Leone

UNICEF – Sierra Leone

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MALAWI

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries completed construction of a new multipurpose hall at the Don Bosco Secondary School in Nkhotakota, Malawi, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project is enhancing the educational environment and activities at the school.

The new hall will impact 420 students and all those who use the St. Paul’s parish, as well as youth from the local oratory. In addition, Salesians created a school library for the students.

A Salesian noted, “Thanks to this project, the school will benefit from the library and now have a place for assemblies, eating meals, playing games, sharing talents, socializing, studying and more. We are grateful for the support that was provided to us.”

With the funds, construction included leveling the ground around the hall structure to put in a slab. The building was constructed with room for 300 plastic chairs and 200 stools.

One of the beneficiaries is Kruza, who became the prefect of the library. With access to books and hours spent in the library, she has improved her grades, especially in science where she struggled the most. Her teacher was surprised that she improved from being a C to B student.

In addition, the results of the Junior National Certificate for 2025 show 100% of the school’s students passing.

The Salesian added, “The access to basic text books has been crucial to obtain such results. We also hope that thanks to the library the graduating class will also have a very high percentage of those who pass the Malawi School Certificate of Education.”

In Malawi, more than 50% of the population lives in poverty and the majority of households have women as the head of the household, according to the World Bank. Agriculture is a central part of Malawi’s economy, but land distribution is unequal and crops are highly vulnerable to the region’s frequent droughts. Few houses have piped water and less than one in 10 Malawians has access to electricity. Water is collected from wells or streams, and most people cook over an open fire. Malawians deal with hunger and malnutrition on a daily basis.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Malawi

World Bank – Malawi

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Sierra Leone

(MissionNewswire) Young women with Don Bosco Fambul Girls Shelter Hope Plus Project, located in Freetown, Sierra Leone, received essential support including nutritional assistance, clothing and financial assistance. This support is provided to help ease some of the basic challenges they face while focusing on their education and skills training. With guidance from Father Edwin Tangie and the Hope Plus team, this initiative continues to serve young women who are poor and vulnerable.

A Salesian said, “The goal is to provide the stability and encouragement they need to prioritize learning, build sustainable skills, and move away from harmful coping mechanisms. We thank the sponsors of this project for keeping it alive and helping to create and build a better future for those in need.”

In May, eight young women were reintegrated back into society after spending two years at the shelter. These young women faced significant challenges with not being accepted back into their families, even after extensive mediation efforts. Despite these challenging circumstances, their determination to rebuild their lives never wavered.

The Salesian said, “Recognizing their potential, Don Bosco Fambul made the decision to empower these young women through comprehensive skills training in tailoring, catering and cosmetology. After successfully completing their vocational training, we provided them with household items, feeding support and business startup packages to help them establish independent, self-reliant lives.”

Don Bosco Fambul is one of Sierra Leone’s leading child-welfare organizations. Among the many services offered at the organization is a Girls Shelter for girls who have faced sexual and physical abuse. Hope Plus assists young women who have been forced into prostitution and youth in trouble with the law. It’s the only program in West Africa that provides services of this kind helping young women with a safe environment to overcome their traumas and start a new life.

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Fambul

Don Bosco Fambul

Don Bosco Fambul Facebook

Salesian Missions – Sierra Leone

UNICEF – Sierra Leone

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RWANDA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ANS – Rwanda – “A Game-Changer”: ProFuturo Coaches Lead Digital Education Revolution in Rwanda

Salesian Missions – Rwanda

UNICEF – Rwanda

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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have begun construction on a new secondary school building in the vulnerable neighborhood of Mugunga, on the outskirts of Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo*. Father Pascal Mumba Kati, director of the Boscolac community, led the symbolic laying of the first stone to mark the official launch.

This initiative responds to an urgent need for modern and accessible educational infrastructure for youth living in vulnerable conditions. Ongoing support of benefactors from the Italian association “Let’s Build a Smile!” provided funding for the new secondary school building as well as the entire Boscolac educational complex. Funding also included staff salaries and the sustainability of both educational and social programs.

“The construction of this school building would not have been possible without the financial support of the Italian association,” said Fr. Mumba Kati. “For years, this international solidarity organization has been committed to improving the lives of young people in Goma. Once again, they have shown love and compassion for Congolese youth.”

This new structure adds to the many other projects that the Italian association supports in Boscolac and the surrounding region, including a modern and well-equipped primary school, a vocational training center offering courses in sewing, hairdressing, beauty, masonry, and computing, and a health center and school infirmary.

Salesian missionaries have been working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for more than 100 years ensuring that children who are vulnerable are not forgotten. Salesian primary and secondary schools and programs lay the foundation for early learning while Salesian trade, vocational and agricultural programs offer many youth the opportunity for a stable and productive future.

Despite its vast material wealth, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has long been a very poor nation. Half of the country’s population lives below the poverty line living on less than $1 a day, especially those in rural communities. Because of ongoing strife and violence within the country, more than 8.5 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – Laying the First Stone of the New Secondary School Building in Boscolac: A New Step Forward for Youth Education in Mugunga

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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

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BURKINA FASO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in the St. Francis of Assisi community of Burkina Faso have a new chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The chapel is located in Bobo-Dioulasso, which is roughly 20% Catholic.

The community has nearly 300 people who lacked an adequate place for liturgical celebrations on Sundays or for on-site activities such as catechesis and spiritual meetings. The community only had a makeshift hangar that could not withstand bad weather, making it difficult to use at all times of the year.

A Salesian noted, “The construction of the chapel is stabilizing the Christian community and promoting a welcoming environment for families who have come to settle in the area. Catechesis and faith education activities will help the community grow and endure over time.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in Burkina Faso since March 1993. Missionaries first began their work in Bobo-Dioulasso, the second largest city in the country. Salesian missionaries provide education and social development services designed to create a sense of family among the most vulnerable children and those most at risk of social exclusion.

According to the World Bank, more than 46% of the country’s population lives in poverty on less than $1.25 per day. Burkina Faso has suffered from several serious droughts that have driven up food prices, affecting the country’s food supply and causing malnutrition among the poorest residents and children. Up until the 1980s, the country also dealt with devastating military coups.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Burkina Faso

World Bank – Burkina Faso

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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are working to provide support for people living in the province of North Kivu in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo*, which is on the brink of humanitarian collapse. With more than 21.2 million people in need of assistance in the country and 7 million internally displaced, the conflict is devastating lives, communities, and futures.

Salesians report that in the villages adjacent to Goma and the Don Bosco Ngangi Center, suffering can be read on the faces of those who have survived. Whole families, returning to their destroyed land after months in the refugee camps, face daily hunger. They gather wild vegetables, eat once a day, and sleep on the ground.

According to data collected by the Salesian International Volunteer for Development (VIS), 70% of families consume less than two meals a day and for many, food stocks do not exceed five days. Soaring prices, up to 35% in Goma and Bukavu, have excluded two out of three families from local markets.

Housing is also a crisis within a crisis with more than half of the families living in precarious and overcrowded conditions including the 84% who do not have mattresses or blankets and 75% who do not have access to basic products for their personal hygiene.

Children have been dramatically affected with their schools destroyed. As a result, some youth think of joining armed groups or turning to street trading. “I don’t see my future in school. I would like to learn a trade and help my family,” said a young displaced person.

Salesians with the Opera Don Bosco Onlus Foundation in Milan, Italy, are living alongside the affected communities. Their goal is to alleviate suffering, rebuild hope and preserve human dignity. A Salesian noted, “There is a need to for food aid, to support local livelihoods, such as agriculture and trade, and to protect women and children, the first victims of this tragedy. North and South Kivu are asking for solidarity during this challenging time.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for more than 100 years, ensuring that the most vulnerable children are not forgotten. Salesian primary and secondary schools and programs lay the foundation for early learning, while Salesian trade, vocational and agricultural programs offer many youth the opportunity for a stable and productive future.

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – Millions of lives threatened by hunger and displacement. Crisis worsens, solidarity urgently needed

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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

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NAMIBIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Rundu, Namibia, completed phase three of a construction project for the new St. John Bosco Church thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project will benefit more than 6,500 Catholics in the community.

With the funding, Salesians were able to buy roofing sheets to finish roofing the parts that remained from the previous phase of the project. They were also able to buy the steel for truces and weld them on the roof, finish brick work, and plaster the inside and outside of the entire church.

A Salesian noted, “The project has been a long time in the making. In 2018, the Catholic bishop took over the Cathedral Parish and asked Salesians to develop a parish with the outskirts of Rundu. In 2019, on the feast of St. John Bosco, a new parish was opened by the bishop and entrusted to the Salesians of Don Bosco to run it in perpetuity. The parish was dedicated to St. John Bosco. Since then, Salesians have been working to develop the parish and make it a home for the youth and the parish community.”

St. John Bosco community is one of 15 Salesian communities in Rundu. Within three years of its development, Salesians were able to build two community houses, a school, parish offices and a parish hall, which had been used as the church prior to the new one being built. The new space provides more comfort and better accessibility to all who worship there.

Salesian programs across Namibia are primarily focused on education. Salesian primary and secondary education in the country helps youth prepare for later technical, vocational or university study. Other programs help to support poor youth and their families by meeting the basic needs of shelter, proper nutrition and medical care.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Namibia

World Bank – Namibia

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RWANDA

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

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

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

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

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

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Sources:

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

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

Salesian Missions – Rwanda

UNICEF – Rwanda

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ANGOLA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the School of Agriculture and Rural Volunteering, located in Moxico Velho, Luena, Angola, were able to complete construction projects thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. With the funding, Salesians rehabilitated the kitchen and created a school dining room for the students.

“This construction project will make significant improvements to the school and allow us to have a dedicated space to feed our students,” said a Salesian missionary. “We appreciate the donors who support this project. Our school primarily serves students in conditions of poverty and these changes will have a positive impact on them.”

This project directly impacted 36 youth, aged 17-23, who are undergoing volunteer training, with some preparing for the seminary. Two thousand villagers who rely on subsistence farming will also be able to use the new facilities.

The school works to develop volunteers experienced in agriculture, the general culture of the area, social development and seminary studies. Salesians will look at new educational initiatives in forestry and beekeeping.

In Angola more than a third of the population could be living on less than 2.15 dollars per day, according to the World Bank. Although the country’s recession ended in 2021, economic growth has lagged behind population growth, resulting in negative per capita growth for nine years. Unemployment has remained high, impacted women disproportionately, experiencing an unemployment rate of over 33% in the first quarter of 2024, compared to about 31 percent for men.

Salesian missionaries continue to rebuild infrastructure that was damaged during the civil war that lasted from 1975 to 2002. Much was destroyed during the conflict including schools, medical buildings and churches. Living within the communities in which they work, Salesian missionaries have been perfectly positioned to respond to local needs and lead projects for community betterment.

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Photo (from video) courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Angola

World Bank – Angola

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SOUTH SUDAN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in the Gumbo refugee camp in Juba, South Sudan*, are improving the living conditions of vulnerable families by providing waterproof tarpaulins for the rainy season. More than 5,000 people are impacted by this donation.

The humanitarian emergency in South Sudan continues to worsen because of 12 years of internal war, which is compounded by the conflict in neighboring Sudan. Thousands of people flee every day from violence and insecurity, and many have found refuge in the camp for displaced persons run by Salesian missionaries in Gumbo.

A Salesian explained, “In this extremely precarious environment, where more than 6,000 people survive in very difficult conditions, the arrival of the rainy season always poses an additional threat. The plastic sheets that served as roofs for many of the makeshift temporary shelters were worn or torn after years of use in extreme weather conditions, with high temperatures, strong winds and torrential rains. Without adequate protection, families, especially those headed by women, the elderly, persons with disabilities and young children, were at real risk of disease, flooding, and losing what little they had.”

Salesian missionaries, with the support of the Provincial Planning and Development Office, launched an emergency response to distribute quality waterproof plastic sheeting to the 750 most vulnerable families in the settlement. Thanks to substantial funding and rapid logistics, UV-resistant tarpaulins were purchased. Each family received two, which is enough to cover their temporary shelter.

Father Leo Arokianathan, who heads the project, said, “It was not just about delivering materials, but about ensuring the dignity of these people and showing them that they are not alone. The seemingly simple gesture has had a profound impact. More than 5,000 people, including 3,610 women, now sleep in dry conditions, protected and with a greater sense of security.”

A mother who received the tarpaulins added, “The sheet is more than just a roof. It’s the difference between a peaceful night and a frightening night in the rain.” The sheets also help to preserve the privacy of families and protect essential items, including kitchen utensils and children’s clothes.

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

ANS – South Sudan – Tarpaulins to shelter from the rain and give dignity to displaced persons in chaos

Salesian Missions – South Sudan

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

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UGANDA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Vocational Training School, located inside of the Palabek Refugee Resettlement Camp in Uganda, has a new high-capacity water tank thanks to funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding is part of the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.”

Salesian missionaries living and working among the refugees at Palabek Refugee Resettlement Camp provide a range of educational and social development programs for the 93,000 people living in the camp. Most of them are from South Sudan, and 60% are under age 13. Salesians have been supporting refugees since the opening of the camp in 2016.

With so many people living in the camp, the current water sources simply aren’t enough. The new tank will help to provide water for the students at the vocational school and to the broader refugee population once the project is completed. While the tank has been installed, the current water pumps aren’t adequate to fill the tank. Salesians will finalize the project when the funding for new water pumps becomes available.

A Salesian noted, “The project aims to directly benefit more than 750 students and workers at Don Bosco Vocational Training School inside the camp. These populations, already living in extremely precarious conditions, depend on constant access to safe drinking water to meet their basic needs. The lack of sufficient storage capacity weakens the water supply, significantly increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and cholera. The tank, once operational, will address this critical need by improving the availability, consistency, and quality of water distributed in the camp. The project will also have a structural impact on the daily lives of refugees.”

Ozele Pascal, aged 32, is one of the beneficiaries who lives at the camp. Originally from the Alur tribe in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he serves as a volunteer in agricultural activities, including crop cultivation and animal husbandry. He is also employed as a gardener at Don Bosco Mission Palabek.

Pascal said, “My hope is to see the community focus on sustainable food production through kitchen gardening and the construction of decent housing, including homes, latrines, and shelters. I wish for improved access to clothes and basic needs, better hygiene, and moral development within the community.”

He added, “Before the installation of the 150,000-liter water tank, we faced significant water shortages, especially during the dry season. Access to sufficient water for drinking, hygiene, cooking and sanitation was a major challenge. The absence of an irrigation system meant limited capacity to irrigate crops, which affected food production. When I saw the installation of the water tank, I was very excited. I thought the tank was enormous and recognized its purpose for water storage. I was happy about this development because it signified an improvement in our water access. I am optimistic that it will positively impact our community.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Uganda

UNHCR – Uganda Refugees

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SOUTH AFRICA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Institute Youth Projects, located in Cape Town, South Africa, has graduated 175 youth from its NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) Employability Program, designed to equip youth with critical skills and opportunities for economic independence. These youth have gained SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) accredited certificates in different sectors such as wholesale and retail sales, business start-up, and solar installation.

The NEET Program is a dynamic vehicle for youth empowerment, serving youth aged 18-27 who are not taking part in employment, education or training. These youth face significant barriers to self-sufficiency and sustainable livelihoods. To address these needs, the institute offers life skills training combined with vocational skills training and project-based learning.

A Salesian explained, “This innovative framework not only reintroduces disengaged youth to education but also nurtures entrepreneurial thinking and provides exposure to real-world work environments. The program targets disadvantaged communities in the greater Cape Town area, fostering social transformation by equipping youth with skills that drive both individual and community-level economic growth.”

The program offers two specialized training streams. The New Venture Creation program is an accredited course that spans 12 months and culminates in a Further Education and Training Certificate. The curriculum provides entrepreneurial skills, business acumen and hands-on workplace experience, enabling youth to launch their own businesses or enter the job market with confidence.

The Solar Photovoltaic Installer/Mounter course recognizes the growing demand for skilled professionals in the renewable energy sector. This accredited course is offered as a six- or 12-month program. Participants are required to have finished at least grade 11. They gain both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in installing and maintaining solar photovoltaic systems.

Father François Dufour, director, explained, “The program is about restoring dignity and hope. We believe in the resilience and potential of every young person who crosses our threshold. These graduates are now equipped with the skills needed to create opportunities, not only for themselves, but also for the whole community.”

Salesian Institute Youth Projects has been providing education, emotional support and skills development training for youth who are vulnerable or at risk in Cape Town since 1910. It has been instrumental in changing the lives of hundreds of youth who would otherwise not have been able to access the job market.

Poverty is extensive in South Africa with more than half the population and more than 63% of children living below the poverty line, according to UNICEF. A significant percentage of the population struggles to survive on less than $1 a day. The country is plagued by high crime rates and violence against women and girls, and it has been the hardest hit by the HIV/AIDS crisis in the world. There is an urgent need for education to help prevent the spread of the deadly virus and to help lift youth out of poverty.

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ANS – South Africa – 175 NEETs specialise in different job sectors

Salesian Institute Youth Projects

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Kunkundjan Mariama, a small locality in Banjul, The Gambia, were able to increase their beekeeping activities thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The Don Bosco Garden at the school now has an additional 30 hives, which brings the total number of hives up to 50. Salesians also trained 33 students how to care for the hives and extract honey.

The hives provide the school and the students a new opportunity for a source of income. The honey from the hives is collected and sold to those in the local community. A Salesian noted, “The additional hives serve as an additional revenue source and small income-generating opportunity, allowing the population to meet their needs.”

One of the participants, Edouard, noted, “I appreciated the training and hope to become a leader in beekeeping training. I’m going to take all that I’ve learned and train other students here at the school in how to tend to the hives and extract the honey.”

The World Bank has noted that with increasing labor incomes and decreasing inflationary pressure the extreme poverty rate dropped to 15.5% in 2024 in The Gambia. There remain struggles in the labor market leading to accelerating migration, including low labor-force participation, especially among young adults and women, few high-productivity job opportunities, and a widespread informal labor market.

The World Bank has further noted that while The Gambia made progress toward better living standards, large disparities remain. Access to water, electricity and other services rose for those of a middle income bracket while the poorest saw no improvements. Access to electricity and water remained below 20%.

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World Bank – Gambia

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NIGERIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Institute, located in Ibadan, Nigeria, celebrated the graduation of students who gained skills for employment. The event was a joyous celebration of achievement, reflection and gratitude.

Among the graduating students, special mention was given to Ngambia Francois Rostand, Obayi Edward Ekene, Onwuliri Emmanuel and Anthony Nsika. The special awards emphasized the power of perseverance and commitment.

A Salesian noted, “Each graduate is a witness to perseverance and personal growth. It is the hope of the Salesian Institute that their journey will be one of meaning, service and continued success.”

Ibadan is the capital of Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria and the third most populous city in the country. According to a 2021 report by the United Nations Children’s Fund, one in 10 children in Ibadan can be considered homeless.

The Salesian noted, “Many of the youth in our region have faced significant challenges to access their education. They have experience abuse or exploitation. Through the Salesian holistic approach to education and protection, we offer youth the tools to become empowered and stronger, enabling them to set small goals, hone their abilities, and regain self-confidence through education.”

About 64% of households in Nigeria consider themselves to be poor while 32% of households say their economic situation had worsened over a period of one year, according to UNICEF. Poverty still remains one of the most critical challenges facing the country and population growth rates have meant a steady increase in the number of people living in conditions of poverty.

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Nigeria – Graduation ceremony for the young people from the Don Bosco Institute: a joyful celebration of achievements

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ZAMBIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Kabwe, Zambia, had the funding for pastoral programs for young adults thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Salesians reached more than 2,000 youth and young adults, aged 15-35 who are from poor rural communities, through this project.

With the funding, Salesians conducted retreats and educational programs in Salesian spirituality and Marian devotion, including a Marian pilgrimage. There were also sessions on child protection and safeguarding, observing ecclesiastical and Zambian laws. Additional workshops were held on care for the environment and human development.

Four youth who took part in the training were Daniel, aged 23, Charity, aged 20, Phostina, aged 21, and Mirriam, aged 24. When asked about the lessons they learned from the sessions, they said that they were impressed with the child protection and safeguarding program. They believe the lessons learned are ones they will be able to teach young children in their care. They also mentioned interactions among youth, singing, and retreat and prayer sessions, including a rally, as some of the most enjoyable programs.

Phostina said, “As animators, we are very happy.” Mirriam noted, “We thank Salesian Missions for their support.” All the stakeholders who took part in the educational program expressed satisfaction and will educate other youth with all that they have learned.

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.

Poverty is widespread in Zambia with 64% of the total population living below the poverty line. For those living in rural areas, the poverty rate rises to 80%, according to UNICEF. Over the past three decades, incomes in Zambia have fallen steadily, and people do not have enough money to meet basic needs such as shelter, nutritious food and medical care.

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ZAMBIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to improve and furnish the chapel at Don Bosco in the Sacred Heart of Jesus post-novitiate community in Zambia thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. With significant growth in the post-novitiate community over the last several years, the previous infrastructure was no longer serving the community.

With donor funding, Salesians expanded the sacristy and other related rooms in the chapel, installed new electrical lighting, and remodeled the design of the windows and doors to complement the overall architecture of the chapel. Salesians also installed items to enhance the spiritual ambiance, including religious icons, wall art, and color schemes to reflect the cultural and religious significance of the chapel. To make the space more comfortable, Salesians purchased furniture in line with the design of the altar and overall aesthetic of the chapel.

A Salesian explained, “The chapel is benefiting more than 50 Salesians and over 200 youth that use the chapel during pastoral moments with the Salesian seminarians. With these changes, we have an overall environment that encourages reflection and spiritual growth.”

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.

Poverty is widespread in Zambia with 64% of the total population living below the poverty line. For those living in rural areas, the poverty rate rises to 80%, according to UNICEF. Over the past three decades, incomes in Zambia have fallen steadily, and people do not have enough money to meet basic needs such as shelter, nutritious food and medical care.

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Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia

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ZAMBIA

(MissionNewswire) Bosco Carpentry School in Kazembe, Zambia, purchased a new car thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The school provides courses in carpentry and brick laying. The school has plans to expand to teach electrician skills and metal fabrication, transforming its facilities into a skills training center for 120 students.

A Salesian explained, “The car will be used by the carpentry school. Having reliable transportation is important for our school staff to be able to effectively do their jobs. We are grateful for the donor support from Salesian Missions.”

Many students will benefit from the school having reliable transportation. One of the students at the school is Sylvester. Just a few years ago he was living on the streets of Kabwe. He came to Don Bosco Makululu, a center for boys. Despite his complicated history and challenges with earlier education, Sylvester is in his second year at the carpentry school and progressing toward final exams in December.

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.

Poverty is widespread in Zambia with 64% of the total population living below the poverty line. For those living in rural areas, the poverty rate rises to 80%, according to UNICEF. Over the past three decades, incomes in Zambia have fallen steadily, and people do not have enough money to meet basic needs such as shelter, nutritious food and medical care.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia

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SOUTH AFRICA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Institute Youth Projects, located in Cape Town, South Africa, has graduated 16 students in its accredited tailor’s program. The Stitch Ahead Sewing program aims to provide youth with marketable skills for sustainable employment in the textile and manufacturing sectors.

The program teaches students hand-sewing and machine-sewing techniques. The course starts with two weeks of life skills training followed by the three-month sewing course that enables participants to sew basic garments for their use or to generate income through a home-based business. Students proudly presented their completed sewing projects at the graduation.

A Salesian said, “The students graduated after completing four months of intensive training, practical assessments and creative projects. The exhibition is not just a point of arrival, but rather a new beginning for the youth. Many any of the new graduates are already exploring job opportunities or considering starting their own micro-enterprises in the textile and clothing sector.”

Since 1910, Salesian Institute Youth Projects has been helping youth who are homeless, unemployed or poor in Cape Town, the second most populous city and legislative capital of South Africa. Salesians provide shelter, education and workforce development services, meeting the basic needs of the youth they serve while helping them break the cycle of poverty.

Poverty is extensive in South Africa with more than half the population and more than 63% of children living below the poverty line, according to UNICEF. A significant percentage of the population struggles to survive on less than $1 a day. The country is plagued by high crime rates and violence against women and girls, and it has been highly affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis.

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ANS – South Africa – Celebration of an important milestone: the first class of SETA-qualified tailors

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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have been responding to a devastating flood that occurred in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, on June 14. Heavy rains killed 29 people and damaged buildings. The Salesian communities located in Masina, Kingabwa and Lukunga were impacted by the flood waters.

In Masina, the wall of the St. Thomas Aquinas community collapsed. In Lukunga, the wall of the Don Bosco center fell, and the Marie Auxiliatrice community in Kingabwa was seriously flooded.

A Salesian noted, “The floods damaged infrastructure, destroyed houses, and endangered the lives of many of the young people and families attending Salesian facilities. Entire families lost their homes, their belongings and, in some cases, their loved ones. They are now homeless, destitute and exposed to the health risks associated with flooding.”

Salesians in Masina, Kingabwa and Lukunga have schools, oratories, youth centers, and shelters for children and youth. Faced with this emergency situation, Salesians want to help the victims and restore the safety of the Salesian infrastructure and living conditions for the affected populations.

Mission Don Bosco, the Salesian Missions Office in Turin, Italy, has been working to address some of the needs. Salesians have launched a project to provide emergency aid, including food, hygiene kits with soaps and medicines, mattresses, sheets, and blankets for temporary shelters. There will also be psychosocial support provided for bereaved and traumatized families. Following these immediate services, Salesians will work to create income-generating activities and cooperatives to help the affected families become self-sufficient.

In addition, Salesians will secure and restore damaged schools, training centers and oratories with sustainable materials and construction techniques adapted to the climatic conditions of the place. The goal is to ensure continuity for thousands of youth, guaranteeing access to education and offering prospects for the future.

Mission Don Bosco has indicated, “This is not just a response to a crisis, but a direct investment in the security, resilience and future of vulnerable communities in Kinshasa.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for more than 100 years, ensuring that the most vulnerable children are not forgotten. Salesian primary and secondary schools and programs lay the foundation for early learning, while Salesian trade, vocational and agricultural programs offer many youth the opportunity for a stable and productive future.

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ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – Devastating flooding in Kinshasa. The Salesians, also affected, in the front line of emergency response

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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

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NIGERIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have opened the Don Bosco Child Protection Center in Lagos, Nigeria, to provide shelter, education, and psychosocial support for children facing abandonment, abuse, or neglect. The opening is a milestone in the Salesians’ expanding efforts to support the future of youth who are disadvantaged.

This is the second protection center of its kind for the Salesians in Nigeria. They have been running a similar facility in Ibadan where children and youth study, learn a trade and, if possible, return to their families of origin. The Salesians, together with a team of social workers and educators, provide them with food, health care and psychosocial support.

A Salesian noted, “The Ibadan center aims to offer children at risk of abuse, abandonment or exploitation a safe and stimulating environment, where they can have the opportunity to grow in all dimensions, physical, emotional, intellectual and social, just like children who come from stable family contexts. Through a holistic approach to education and protection, the center offers these children the tools to become empowered and stronger, empowering them to redefine small goals, know their abilities and regain self-confidence.”

The Don Bosco Child Protection Center in Lagos was officially opened in a celebration attended by dignitaries and supporters of the Salesians. Among the special guests was Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, first lady of Lagos State, who praised the initiative as a vital step toward supporting vulnerable and at-risk children. She said, “This initiative aligns with the Themes Plus agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in ensuring inclusive growth and support for the most vulnerable.”

According to UNICEF, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and the ninth most populous country in the world. By United Nations estimates, Nigeria will be one of the countries responsible for most of the world’s total population increase by 2050. While Nigeria has the second strongest economy in Africa, it also has extreme rates of poverty with 100 million people living on less than $1 a day.

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ANS – Nigeria – Don Bosco Child Protection Centre Opens in Lagos with the Presence of Lagos First Lady

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UGANDA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to establish a sick bay for children who are ill at Don Bosco CALM Nursery and Primary School in Uganda thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The sick bay will provide services to more than 700 children.

Uganda faces significant challenges in providing health care, particularly to vulnerable populations, including children from low-income backgrounds. Limited access to health care facilities, a high disease prevalence and limited financial resources make it difficult for children to receive timely and adequate medical care.

A Salesian explained, “Establishing a sick bay at Don Bosco CALM ensures that children have the immediate medical care that they need, ensuring that minor injuries and illness are treated properly. This will also help manage chronic conditions, provide first aid, and offer preventive care like vaccinations, hygiene education and nutritional support that children need. Further, this will help cut down on time lost from school due to illness, allowing children to grow up healthy and have a better quality of life.”

Nine-year-old Daniel is one of the children who has received care in the new area. He used to be frequently sick and missed many days of school. He said, “I used to stay in bed for days when I got sick. At the sick bay, the nurse is kind and I don’t fear being sick anymore.”

The sick bay is staffed by a nurse who assess and treats the children. She said, “When Daniel first came in, he was scared and in pain. But soon, he was back to playing soccer with his friends.”

Don Bosco CALM rescues, rehabilitates and reintegrates children who have been living on the street back into society. Salesians meet basic needs and provide education, socio-cultural activities, and recreation such as sports programming to help youth have a bright future.

Salesians work primarily with boys without homes and those who have been orphaned, battered, and neglected. Salesians also provide support for other vulnerable youth and children, including those with HIV/AIDS. All of the children are in school with some attending Don Bosco Primary School, Salesian secondary schools and vocational training institutes.

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MALI

(MissionNewswire) The St. John Bosco Center in Sikasso, Mali*, organized an “Open Day” to present the work and achievements of the institute to teachers, students, partners and guests. Visitors were able to admire original works, ranging from handicrafts to technical productions, all created by students as part of their training.

A Salesian explained, “The day was an opportunity for the students to showcase the fruits of their learning through the sale of products and a series of exhibitions. It also allowed the center and its partners to strengthen ties and open the school’s doors to the local community, curious to discover the skills developed in this place of education.”

Teachers and students guided visitors through the stands, explaining the techniques used and the educational objectives pursued. With this initiative, the Salesian center reaffirmed its commitment to quality vocational training, showcasing how the student’s newly learned skills could improve their lives and their futures.

Since 2012, Mali has faced a political and security crisis that has been concentrated mainly in the north of the country. The crisis has now reached the center of the country and is affecting hundreds of people, especially children. Since 2018, the country has seen an increase in violence, insecurity and serious violations of international humanitarian law. The country faced two coup d’états in August 2020 and May 2021 and continues to be marked by political and economic instability.

UNICEF has indicated that more than 2 million children between 5 and 17 do not go to school. More than half of children are still not literate. Children in Mali often have to drop out of school to work, enter child marriages or because of school closures. The country also struggles to find enough qualified teachers and textbooks for students. Only 73.8% of girls and 85.5% of boys are enrolled in primary school and only 15% of girls and 21% of boys continue to secondary school, UNICEF reports.

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ANS – Mali – Open Day at the St John Bosco Centre in Sikasso

UNICEF – Mali

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

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NIGERIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to renovate the Zefferino Namuncura Hostel in the St. John Bosco Community of Ondo, Nigeria, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Funding provided for structural repairs, and improvements to tiling, painting, plumbing, and the electrical system. The hostel was also able to install fire safety measures.

With this project completed, Salesians are able to provide affordable accommodations in a positive environment for students. This is enhancing their academic performance and providing a sense of social cohesion for the students.

Ogendengbe Gabriel, aged 24, is studying to be a computer programmer at the Don Bosco Institute and is one of the students living at the hotel. He explained, “Before this renovation, the drainage systems were very bad and severely polluting the environment. The building was looking unkept because it had not been painted for a very long time and some areas were never painted. The floor was rough and untiled.”

Gabriel was excited about the renovations. He added, “Now the hostel is better and habitable. Many of my friends were very happy with the renovation and more are willing to move into the hostel now.”

Salesian missionaries in Nigeria provide a range of social development and educational programs for youth who are poor and marginalized. The goal is always education, but Salesians know that youth often need extra support. Youth centers, feeding programs, health clinics and other programs help to ensure that youth are healthy and have their basic needs met so they can focus on school.

According to UNICEF, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and the ninth most populous country in the world. By United Nations estimates, Nigeria will be one of the countries responsible for most of the world’s total population increase by 2050. While Nigeria has the second strongest economy in Africa, it also has extreme rates of poverty with 100 million people living on less than $1 a day.

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UNICEF – Nigeria

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GHANA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries at the Don Bosco Technical Institute and hostel, located in Odumase, Sunyani, Ghana, were able to expand the Don Bosco Chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The expansion allows the chapel to accommodate up to 400 people, an increase from 150 in the previous space.

The new chapel will be able to provide space for the 300 students who attend the institute, as well as the 60 children from the Don Bosco Boys Home and parishioners from the Mary Help of Christians outstation.

Michael Akornoba, a Salesian cooperator and member of the Don Bosco community, said, “The extension of the Don Bosco Chapel has brought freedom of worship and relief from harsh weather. We are now able to sit inside the church to listen to the priest. Some time ago, I used to sit outside because the chapel could not accommodate us all.”

Don Bosco Boys Home provides social support and education to boys in the care of Salesian missionaries. The center was established in 1989 for the rehabilitation of youth who are at risk. The rehabilitation and development process at the center is based on the needs and situation of each individual. The Don Bosco Technical Institute ensures that youth have the skills needed for later employment.

While Ghana’s economy continues to improve, nearly 45% of the population lives on less than $1 a day, according to UNICEF. Rural poverty remains widespread in the dry savannah region that covers roughly two thirds of Ghana’s northern territory. Small-scale farms suffer from a lack of infrastructure and equipment, both of which are needed to shift from subsistence farming to more modern commercial farming which would yield greater incomes and a chance to escape poverty.

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Salesian Missions – Ghana

UNICEF – Ghana

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ANGOLA

(MissionNewswire) Representatives from the Opera Don Bosco Onlus Foundation in Milan, Italy, joined volunteers from International Volunteering for Development (VIS) to visit Salesian programs in Angola. The visit, which included Michela Vallarino, president of VIS, and Stefano Arosio, coordinator of the foundation, aimed to enhance the commitment of the teams supporting Salesian centers.

The delegation visited some of the main reception centers for children who have been living on the street, such as Casa Magone, the first reception center the Salesian opened in Angola, and Casa Margarida, a residential facility dedicated to the care and protection of the most vulnerable children. The delegation also visited the mother and child health center at the Divina Providencia Hospital in Luanda and the Nutriacção project, now in its second year of activity and aimed at improving nutritional conditions in vulnerable communities.

Arosio said, “The mission shared with VIS consolidates and further strengthens a collaboration that began some time ago. The trip was intense, visiting various Salesian multi-purpose centers and discovering how much work the Salesians do together with the VIS Angola Delegation, especially for street children.”

Vallarino also recounted her experience. She recalled, “Seeing the reality of these children up close means looking into their eyes and seeing their denied rights, immersing oneself in their resilience, their desire to live and dream. It means understanding how little it takes to make them feel loved and how we can work together to protect and promote their rights in a glimpse of future and hope.”

With this trip, the teams from two Salesian organizations reaffirm their shared commitment to human development, promoting inclusion, equity and sustainability in the poorest places around the globe.

Salesian missionaries in Angola also continue to rebuild infrastructure that was damaged during the civil war that lasted from 1975 to 2002. Much was destroyed during the conflict including schools, medical buildings and churches. Living within the communities in which they work, Salesian missionaries have been perfectly positioned to respond to local needs and lead projects for community betterment.

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ANS – Angola – Fondazione Opera Don Bosco Onlus together with VIS on a mission to strengthen commitment to local communities

Opera Don Bosco Onlus Foundation

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UNICEF – Angola

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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian graduates in vocational trades in Democratic Republic of the Congo* received professional starter kits for their careers in painting, masonry, tailoring and plumbing at the completion of their training. An event to provide these graduates with the kits took place at the Provincial House of the Salesian Vice-Province Mary Help of Christians (ACC) in Masina, near Kinshasa.

The tools will help graduates continue their trades, integrate into society, and earn a living from self-employment or working for someone else. The training programs are held as a result of collaboration with the Salesian Mission Office of Bonn, Germany.

A Salesian noted, “Most of these graduates came to the Salesian Vocational Center in Masina from Pakadjuma, a deprived area in Kinshasa’s Limete commune, where youth are at risk of unemployment, crime, drugs and prostitution. The initiative aims to help young people the find a path to work and dignity.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for more than 100 years ensuring that children who are vulnerable are not forgotten. Salesian primary and secondary schools and programs lay the foundation for early learning while Salesian trade, vocational and agricultural programs offer many youth the opportunity for a stable and productive future.

Despite its vast material wealth, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has long been a very poor nation. Half of the country’s population lives below the poverty line living on less than $1 a day, especially those in rural communities. Because of ongoing strife and violence within the country, more than 8.5 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of the Congo – Job Integration Kits Delivered to Young Technicians

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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

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KENYA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have been working in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana County in northern Kenya for the past 25 years. Established in 1992, Kakuma is one of Africa’s largest refugee settlements, sheltering thousands fleeing conflict. Salesians began their work under the leadership of Father Vincent Donati. Seeing the urgent needs of young refugees, Fr. Donati enlisted former students from Don Bosco Technical School in Embu to bring education to the camp.

The first vocational school welcomed 153 students, supported by the Lutheran World Federation and Italian donors. By 2000, a permanent Salesian community was established. Today, the mission collaborates closely with United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR), which funds most of its projects.

A Salesian explained, “Over the years, Don Bosco Kakuma has grown into seven centers, offering technical and vocational training in fields like carpentry, tailoring, welding, agriculture, photovoltaics, and motor mechanics. From humble beginnings, the mission now serves around 2,300 students annually, with over 19,000 graduates since its inception.”

The Silver Jubilee Mass, led by Bishop John Mbinda of the Diocese of Lodwar, was the centerpiece of the anniversary celebration. Attended by 18 priests, students, and members of the host community, the event featured a vibrant liturgy and cultural performances. In his homily, Bishop Mbinda commended the Salesians for their dedicated service to young refugees and emphasized the transformative power of Kenya’s youth, who make up 70% of the population.

After the Mass, they blessed the newly constructed administration block, funded by Slovak Aid. Celebrations continued with cultural displays and speeches from the Rector of Don Bosco Kakuma, a UNHCR representative, the Salesian provincial, and student representatives. Despite the challenges of life in the camp, Salesians remain steadfast in their mission offering hope and opportunity to the refugee youth.

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ANS – Kenya – Kakuma Refugee Camp: 25 Years of Salesian Service and Dedication

Mission Don Bosco

Salesian Missions – Kenya

World Bank – Kenya

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RWANDA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Rwanda

UNICEF – Rwanda

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MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are working on a construction project to expand classrooms at Don Bosco Mahajanga, a technical and vocational center in Madagascar. Donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, is financing the project. The funding has been utilized for the ground floor construction work that was needed, which is currently 80% finished.

The classroom extension project will enable the center to increase classroom sizing by 20 to 40 students per training cycle. These students typically range from ages 15-20, and they are often transitioning from general education or unemployment to skilled trades. The goal is to provide practical training relevant to the local economy, enhancing their employability and improving livelihoods. The students come from families with limited financial resources, and vocational training offers them a path to economic empowerment.

Father Bruno Ramaharaisoa, director, explained, “Beyond the direct beneficiaries, the project will also indirectly benefit the teaching staff and administration by creating a more conducive working environment and increasing the skilled workforce in the region. It is poised to have a significant positive impact on the educational opportunities and future prospects of numerous young individuals in the region, while also contributing to broader community development. The new building is seen as a catalyst for future positive initiatives in the field of education.”

Mahajanga is a large city located in the northwest coast of Madagascar. The schools in the area are insufficient. As a result, many youth are not able to access education. This leads to unemployment, child labor, and other economic and social issues.

Salesian missionaries have 11 centers and work in several locations in the country, including the Don Bosco House in Ivato in the outskirts of Antananarivo. Salesians have been in Ankililoaka since 1982. They have constructed schools and churches, as well as a youth center. They are working to ensure quality education and make sure no student is left behind.

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Seventy percent of Madagascar’s almost 19 million people live in poverty with 5.7 million of those youth between the ages of 10-24, according to UNICEF. This number is expected to double in 2025.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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ZAMBIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to add benches for three out-station churches that are part of the St. Mary’s Parish in Zambia, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. St. Mary’s Parish has out-stations that serve approximately 3,500 people. The churches did not have proper seating for the people. Donor funding provided for 50 benches in Nambe, Kamakuti and Kawama.

A Salesian noted, “It was a challenge for our congregants to concentrate and attend Mass and other meetings in the churches with dignity without good benches. Sometimes we use plastic chairs but most of them break because of the movements. This project has enabled us to provide the property seating to give people more dignity and comfort.”

One of those impacted by the donation is Paul Shakambwa, chair of the St. Jude out-station. He said, “The community here is mainly retired people from the mines who have now settled into the farming area. Before the benches it was difficult for the elderly to attend Mass and other community events. With these benches now we can seat people comfortably during prayers. It will make it possible for us to invite more people in and have a strong Catholic community.”

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.

Poverty is widespread in Zambia with 64% of the total population living below the poverty line. For those living in rural areas, the poverty rate rises to 80%, according to UNICEF. Over the past three decades, incomes in Zambia have fallen steadily, and people do not have enough money to meet basic needs such as shelter, nutritious food and medical care.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia

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MOZAMBIQUE

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Social-Sports School of the Real Madrid Foundation in Maputo, Mozambique, serves as a safe haven for children from the Chamanculo and Luís Cabral neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. Youth at the school come from families with low incomes, many of whom rely on informal, unregulated work and face limited access to basic necessities such as water, food, hygiene, and sanitation.

The Salesian socio-educational initiative, supported by the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid, positively shapes the behavior and personal development of the 100 children aged 5-18 who attend the school. More than just academics, it seeks to nurture their overall growth and help them find direction in life.

The Don Bosco Social-Sports School is part of the Real Madrid Foundation’s global network of social-sports schools that have the motto “They play, we educate.” These schools promote a model of education that goes beyond the classroom, blending academic learning with athletic training. This holistic approach supports mental and physical development, encouraging youth to have a healthy balance between study and physical activity.

Ildo, age 14, shared how the school has impacted his life. “The Real Madrid Foundation project brought many positive changes to my life — both in school and in sports. It also improved how I relate to my classmates and my family.” Ildo highlighted the values the program teaches — teamwork, perseverance, respect and solidarity — as vital not only for personal growth but also for preparing to face life’s challenges both in and out of school.

Numerous studies show that children involved in sports and extracurricular activities tend to perform better academically. The Don Bosco School also offers tutoring and academic support, helping students to strengthen their skills and open doors to better educational and career opportunities in the future.

A central pillar of the program is social inclusion. The school provides a safe, respectful environment where youth from diverse backgrounds learn and grow together. This interaction helps reduce social barriers, strengthen community bonds, and foster a culture of peace and unity.

All participants in the program face some form of social exclusion. Many live in violent neighborhoods with high crime rates, experience family difficulties, or lack access to food and other essential resources. A youth worker at the school said, “Taking part in the project builds their self-confidence and self-esteem, and helps them develop social skills.”

The program also offers nutritional support, educational workshops, academic reinforcement classes and extracurricular activities. Youth participate in internal soccer and basketball tournaments, with four and a half hours of weekly training. They also attend motivational talks and sessions on the dangers of drug and alcohol use, join reading clubs, go on excursions, and receive regular medical check-ups.

Mozambique has made great strides in reducing poverty, according to the World Bank. But with nearly 50% of the population still living in poverty, progress has not been fast enough. Poverty is concentrated in rural areas, and even with growth within the country, the regions of Zambezia, Sofala, Manica and Gaza saw an increase in poverty in the 2000s.

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

ANS – Mozambique – The Power of Solidarity at the “Don Bosco” Social-Sports School of the Real Madrid Foundation

Real Madrid Foundation

Salesian Missions – Mozambique

World Bank – Mozambique

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NIGERIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have been able to provide clean water for people in the village of Isi-Obi Ukwu, Nigeria, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project, part of the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative”, is positively impacting more than 3,300 people living in the village.

Isi-Obi Ukwu has poor road conditions and no stable electricity. The area lacked any safe drinking water. If there is water in the rainy season, it’s often polluted as flood waters drain into two rivers where villagers wash their clothes and soak their cassava bags for fermentation. Before drinking the water, people sift it and let it settle, and even then, the water can make them sick. In dry periods, the volume of the rivers is greatly reduced, leaving people with little water.

With donor funding, Salesians were able to drill a borewell then install a tank and solar pump. The new system provides safe drinking water and water for other uses, like cooking. As a result, there has been a decrease in waterborne illness and an increase in better hygiene practices.

One of the villagers impacted by the donation is Ebere Egbechuo. He said, “Before the borewell, we had to walk long distances for unsafe water. It was leading to health issues and took the time that could have been spent on more productive activities. My hope for the future is better health for all of us, especially the children in the village. I am concerned about making sure the borewell and pump remain working, and so we in the village are meeting to make sure we can do the upkeep and maintenance.”

According to UNICEF, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and the ninth most populous country in the world. By United Nations estimates, Nigeria will be one of the countries responsible for most of the world’s total population increase by 2050. While Nigeria has the second strongest economy in Africa, it also has extreme rates of poverty with 100 million people living on less than $1 a day.

About 64% of households in Nigeria consider themselves to be poor while 32% of households say their economic situation had worsened over a period of one year, according to UNICEF. Poverty still remains one of the most critical challenges facing the country and population growth rates have meant a steady increase in the number of people living in conditions of poverty.

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

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Nigeria

UNICEF – Nigeria

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NIGERIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian sisters with Mary Help of Christians were able to start construction for a nursery and primary school in Ikorodu, Nigeria, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The foundation and raising of the walls of the new structure have been completed, and work is continuing. When finished, the school will educate 250 children, with priority given to young girls.

Salesian sisters have been in Nigeria since 2019 providing education for youth. In 2021, they bought land in Mowo-Kekere. They developed a skills training center for short-term courses to help educate youth to give them employable skills, and they also run an oratory. The structure is made of containers.

The sisters have been working in the community long enough that they are able to identify challenges for people in the community. One of the biggest is the lack of public primary schooling for the children, especially girls. The few private schools that are available have tuition that is too high for families who are poor. The project to develop a new school will ensure that children from these families will be able to access quality education.

“Education is the primary focus of Salesians and providing education, especially where there is a lack, is essential for community development,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “We support the Salesian sisters in their endeavor to ensure there is quality, accessible education for children from marginalized families. Education is one of the most effective pathways out of poverty.”

Salesian missionaries in Nigeria provide a range of social development and educational programs for youth who are poor and marginalized. The goal is always education, but Salesians know that youth often need extra support. Youth centers, feeding programs, health clinics and other programs help to ensure that youth are healthy and have their basic needs met so they can focus on school.

About 64% of households in Nigeria consider themselves to be poor while 32% of households say their economic situation had worsened over a period of one year, according to UNICEF. Poverty still remains one of the most critical challenges facing the country and population growth rates have meant a steady increase in the number of people living in conditions of poverty.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Nigeria

UNICEF – Nigeria

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(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Tech Africa organized a life skills training for 12 trainers representing 11 countries involved in the program. The five-day training was designed to equip participants with essential life skills, recognizing that in today’s world, technical expertise alone is not enough. The goal is for these participants to bring the training back, utilizing a train-the-trainer approach.

A Salesian said, “Life skills like communication, resilience, teamwork, and leadership are the heart of success in the technical and vocational education sector. They transform knowledge into action, helping young people not just find jobs but build meaningful, dignified lives.”

The training covered a wide range of topics, including effective communication and interpersonal skills, leadership, teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, decision making, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution. The sessions employed a dynamic methodology that combined presentations, group discussions, brainstorming, real-life experience sharing and interactive training games.

In his opening remarks, Father Maximus Okoro, director of Don Bosco Tech Africa, emphasized the power of life skills, noting that these are not just techniques but the knowledge to help people transform their lives. He said, “Through life skills, we breathe life into others, awaken potential, inspire resilience and ignite hope.”

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Justin Kasongo said that the training offered valuable tools for communication, emotional intelligence, stress management and decision-making, skills the participants now feel empowered to share with other trainers and youth. Kasongo noted, “The impact will go beyond us, it will shape our work, our relationships and the lives of the young people we serve.”

In his closing remarks, Brother John Njuguna, deputy director of Don Bosco Tech Africa, reminded the participants that their mission does not end with the training, but truly begins as they return to their respective countries and institutions. He explained, “Let your centers become spaces where competence meets character. Learning is anchored in excellence, faith, and purpose.”

The training was funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Germany through Don Bosco Mondo, Bonn.

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

ANS – Kenya – Life Skills Training for Transformative TVET

Don Bosco Tech Africa

Salesian Missions – Kenya

World Bank – Kenya

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(MissionNewswire) Salesians working in African countries were able buy translation devices thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Those who will benefit from these devices include Salesians and lay collaborators from all 15 provinces, trainers from 118 Don Bosco technical and vocational training centers, Salesian Formation Center Africa Madagascar, and the Don Bosco Tech Africa network.

Salesian Formation Center Africa Madagascar and the Don Bosco Tech Africa network act as regional service arms of Conference of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Africa and Madagascar, operating within the broader Salesian mission of education with a strong emphasis on supporting marginalized youth and underserved communities across Africa and Madagascar.

Its core mission is to enhance youth employability, promote work opportunities, and improve the livelihoods of people who are poor and vulnerable. The Salesian organizations regularly organize regional training programs, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives tailored to the needs of its member institutions and the communities they serve.

Father Gerald Umoh, project manager, said, “The translation devices are a tremendous gift to the African Region — now extended across two regions — and we are deeply grateful for it. This tool will significantly enhance the quality and inclusivity of our regional trainings and formation programs, spanning key sectors such as formation, communication, youth ministry, youth empowerment, and the safeguarding and protection of young people.”

He added, “By helping us overcome language barriers during continental gatherings, the equipment will allow for deeper participation, stronger collaboration and broader outreach. It enables us to connect with more people. It is not just a piece of technology, it is a bridge — uniting hearts, voices, and missions across languages and borders.”

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Don Bosco Tech Africa

Salesian Formation Center Africa Madagascar

Salesian Missions

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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Oeuvres Maman Marguerite, a network of Salesian centers located in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, received a shipment of nutritious meals through a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization growing a global movement to end hunger.

The shipment provided meals for six programs at a prison, a hospital, orphanages, a hospice for the elderly and training centers. More than 1,200 people were fed during the second half of 2024.

One of the recipients is Mechak Kahozi, aged 14, who is attending the Bakanja Ville Welcome House. Kahozi had lived with his father, stepmother and aunt until he was mistreated at home and took to the streets. He has been living at the Salesian house since 2023. Kahozi is back in school and looking forward to a brighter future. He would like to become a mechanic and have his own garage. He’d also like to be a mentor to children like him.

Kahozi said, “Since I started eating Rise Against Hunger meals, I feel good and healthy. I really enjoy it. It’s important for me because it gives me good health, and we don’t get sick frequently anymore. I like to sit next to everyone I live with when it’s time to eat dinner.”

Father Emmanuel Kiza, director, noted, “We provide comprehensive services for youth in need, including material goods, food, clothing, health support, schooling, and spiritual and moral support. The need for food is a major challenge, so Rise Against Hunger meals help our organization to continue its work.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for more than 100 years, ensuring that the most vulnerable children are not forgotten. Salesian primary and secondary schools and programs lay the foundation for early learning, while Salesian trade, vocational and agricultural programs offer many youth the opportunity for a stable and productive future.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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

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SOUTH SUDAN

(MissionNewswire) More than 1,800 people in a Salesian camp for people who are internally displaced, located in Gumbo, on the outskirts of the city of Juba, South Sudan*, had access to better nutrition during the second half of 2024. The food shipment was the result of a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization growing a global movement to end hunger.

People in the camp face challenges, including the rising price of commodities and the weakening of the local currency. Food insecurity is a major challenge. Thanks to the meals, Salesians have seen reduced hunger, improved nutrition and enhanced food security.

Salesians have tried to address food challenges by offering small plots of land, encouraging people who are displaced and the local community to cultivate crops to supplement the meal rations that are offered. However, this can only happen during the rainy season and not everyone can receive a plot. Therefore, Salesians heavily rely on partner support to address the food insecurity.

Selwa Atoo Ukech was one of the recipients. She is a 57-year-old South Sudanese woman who was living with her family when the civil war broke out in 2014. During the war, she lost family members and, with her children, sought refuge with the Salesians in Gumbo.

Ukech explained that the Rise Against Hunger meals brought relief and created a sense of joy and food security for her family and the camp community. She said, “The meals provide energy for us to complete our daily duties, help our bodies to rebuild and repair, and provide overall well-being both mentally and physically. Most importantly, it has provided a sense of food security for us.”

Salesian missionaries in South Sudan are dedicated to providing programs and services across the country. Salesian missionaries provide education, social development services, nutrition programs, and health clinics for poor youth and their families. For some, the education offered at Salesian schools is the only opportunity to gain an education and the skills necessary for future employment.

South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan in 2011 but has faced an ongoing civil war that started in December 2013 and continues today. This has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis. According to the United States Institute of Peace, more than 10 million people have been forced from their homes. The war has also triggered the world’s worst hunger crisis with more than 18 million Sudanese living in acute food insecurity.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – South Sudan

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

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UGANDA

(MissionNewswire) More than 2,100 youth at Salesian schools in Uganda have access to better nutrition through a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization growing a global movement to end hunger. Three Salesian schools received meals in the second half of 2024.

More than 650 youth at Don Bosco Children and Life Mission (Don Bosco CALM) benefited from the nutritious meals, as well as more than 1,000 students at the Don Bosco School Bombo and close to 400 students at the Salesian vocational school in Kamuli.

In Uganda, like the rest of East Africa, food prices have increased, which has in turn impacted feeding programs at Salesian schools. These economic challenges are a result of climate change that affected the agriculture sector, doubling the cost of basic food staples like maize, rice and beans.

A Salesian noted, “The Rise Against Hunger meals supported the academic activities at the Salesian centers. The meals provided adequate nutrition for the students and staff, allowing them to continue their teaching and learning activities without interruption. At the center in Kamuli, the donation uplifted community spirit and strengthened the bond among parents and stakeholders, who appreciated the assistance during a tough period. It also enabled the school to channel its scarce resources into other pressing priorities, such as procuring teaching materials and maintaining facilities, thereby enhancing the learning environment.”

One of the recipients at Don Bosco CALM was David Musoke, age 18, who is living with HIV. He is now going to secondary school and getting the medication he needs, and he has a safe place to stay that provides nutritious meals.

The meal program has made a big difference in Musoke’s life. He said, “My immune system has improved, and I don’t get sick as often. I have more energy for school and playing with my friends. I want to become a doctor and be able to help other children like me have a better life.”

Salesians at the schools work primarily with boys who are homeless and those who have been orphaned, battered, and neglected. They also provide support for other vulnerable youth and children, including those who are HIV/AIDS positive. All of the children are in school with some attending Don Bosco Primary School, Salesian secondary schools and vocational training institutes.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Don Bosco CALM

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – Uganda

World Bank – Uganda

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BURUNDI

(MissionNewswire) More than 1,600 students attending Don Bosco high schools in Ngozi and Buterere, Burundi*, had access to better nutrition during the second half of 2024 as a result of a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization growing a global movement to end hunger.

The feeding program created positive changes at the schools. At Don Bosco Ngozi, students had more energy and better engaged with their studies. During the period, Don Bosco Ngozi organized summer camps for youth to offer them positive activities during the break. Once school started, there were various sporting and cultural activities organized during this time, including a soccer tournament.

One of the recipients at Don Bosco Ngozi was Jean Nixon Ndemeye, aged 13. He said, “I feel very happy and encouraged. In the future, I would like to become a doctor in medicine to help other people. Since the Rise Against Hunger meals, I am enjoying eating with my classmates and I have more energy for sports.”

He added, “When I hear about other people who are committing themselves to doing good, like those making it possible for us to eat these meals, I feel confident that I can do something for others.”

In Buterere, the economic situation is dire. There is a lack of fuel for vehicles and an unstable communication network. During a three-month period, the price of almost all items tripled. This situation has increased the number of school dropouts as families require youth to work to pay for food and other necessities of family life.

The meals offered an incentive to keep students at Don Bosco Buterere, which provides a youth center, a technical and vocational training center, a secondary school, a parish, and a shrine. More than 600 youth attend programs at the oratory each day. Salesians offer sports, games and cultural programs. The school has roughly 700 students and the parish is one of the most popular in the area.

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

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – Burundi

UNICEF – Burundi

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

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CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

(MissionNewswire) Two newly expanded hospitals in the Central African Republic* received medical equipment through financing by the Canadian International Health Collaboration, an organization accredited by Canada’s Ministry of Health and Social Services for the collection of humanitarian medical supplies. Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, helped cover the shipping costs.

While the buildings for the dispensaries were ready, they still needed proper medical equipment. A recent shipment from France included two neonatal incubators, medical beds, stretchers, wheelchairs, storage cabinets, examination tables and other medical instruments. The health centers are overseen by the Don Bosco Foundation in Paris and are funded by the French Development Agency which operates under the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

A Salesian said, “With these new resources, the Salesian health clinics in Bangui will be able to expand their services and provide better medical care to the most vulnerable populations in the region.”

Last year, the Salesian health dispensary dedicated to Saint Artemide Zatti was inaugurated in the 8th district of Bangui, the country’s capital. Earlier, the expansion of the Salesian dispensary in Galabadja, another neighborhood in Bangui, was also completed.

The 8th district of Bangui is one of the poorest areas in one of the poorest capitals on the African continent. Hospitals are often far away, and many pregnant women cannot reach medical facilities in time for childbirth, contributing to a high infant mortality rate.

The Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries on the African continent — despite being very rich in resources such as uranium, gold and diamonds. It is also very unstable politically due to the regime changes and civil wars that have occurred over the last 20 years.

According to the World Bank, in 2024, approximately 71% of people live below the international poverty line, with 65.7% living on less than $2.15 per day. The infant mortality rate is among the highest in the world, and the most common causes are diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, respiratory infections and acute malnutrition.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Central African Republic – Over €100,000 in Medical Equipment for Two Salesian Health Clinics in Bangui

Salesian Missions – Central African Republic

World Bank – Central African Republic

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

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SOUTH AFRICA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Institute Youth Projects, located in Cape Town, is offering a beacon of hope for youth facing unemployment in South Africa. Its programs include the NEETs (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) Employability Program, designed to equip youth with critical skills and opportunities for economic independence.

NEET serves youth aged 18-27 who are not taking part in employment, education or training. These youth face significant barriers to self-sufficiency and sustainable livelihoods. To address these needs, the institute offers life skills training combined with vocation skills training and project-based learning.

A Salesian explained, “This innovative framework not only reintroduces disengaged youth to education but also nurtures entrepreneurial thinking and provides exposure to real-world work environments. The program targets disadvantaged communities in the greater Cape Town area, fostering social transformation by equipping youth with skills that drive both individual and community-level economic growth.”

The program offers two specialized training streams. The New Venture Creation program is an accredited course that spans 12 months and culminates in a Further Education and Training Certificate. The curriculum provides entrepreneurial skills, business acumen, and hands-on workplace experience, enabling youth to launch their own businesses or enter the job market with confidence.

The Solar Photovoltaic Installer/Mounter course recognizes the growing demand for skilled professionals in the renewable energy sector. This accredited course is offered as a six- or 12-month program. Participants are required to have finished at least grade 11. They gain both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in installing and maintaining solar photovoltaic systems.

“These experiences give young professionals the chance to apply their skills and gain real-world experience. By supporting this initiative, Cape Town’s public and private sectors can actively drive social change, reduce unemployment and create a better trained, more skilled workforce,” said the Salesian.

Salesian Institute Youth Projects has been providing education, emotional support and skills development training for youth who are vulnerable or at risk in Cape Town since 1910. It has been instrumental in changing the lives of hundreds of youth who would otherwise not have been able to access the job market.

Poverty is extensive in South Africa with more than half the population and more than 63% of children living below the poverty line, according to UNICEF. A significant percentage of the population struggles to survive on less than $1 a day. The country is plagued by high crime rates and violence against women and girls, and it has been the hardest hit by the HIV/AIDS crisis in the world. There is an urgent need for education to help prevent the spread of the deadly virus and to help lift youth out of poverty.

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Sources:

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

ANS – South Africa – Empowering South Africa’s NEET Youth Through Skills Development and Employment Pathways

Salesian Institute Youth Projects

Salesian Institute Youth Projects Facebook

Salesian Missions – South Africa

UNICEF – South Africa

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RWANDA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sources:

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

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

Salesian Missions – Rwanda

UNICEF – Rwanda

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KENYA

(MissionNewswire) Ten Belgian students from the Salesian Province of San Giovanni Berchmans volunteered at the Kebene Children’s Home in Ukunda, near Mombasa, Kenya. From Feb. 25 to March 6, students from the Salesian house “Don Bosco” in Hechtel, Belgium, learned and provided support to children and youth who had been living on the street.

The children and youth at Kebene receive food, shelter and education. They also learn how to sew and gain other skills that help them secure employment. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities requested that the shelter accommodate young girls who had experienced early pregnancies. The center houses around 150-160 children, including the babies of young mothers.

The trip was part of a project that allows students to dedicate one hour a week to an activity of their choice. According to Mark Van Dyck, a supervising teacher, the trip to Kenya has become popular, with 40 students who wanted to focus their time on helping others applying.

Van Dyck notes that preparation for the students’ trip was important. He said, “At the shelter, there are young mothers who became pregnant as a result of violence. These girls have painful pasts, and encountering such realities can be distressing. We wanted to prepare the students for this while also allowing them to fully experience it.”

Once back in Belgium, the students reflected on their extraordinary journey. On social media the students remarked, “We are immensely grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in this project. We laughed, cried, sweated a lot, and most of all, we learned so much. Kebene will always have a place in our hearts.”

According to the World Bank, more than 7.8 million people in Kenya are living in extreme poverty, with the majority in rural areas. There are approximately 6.6 million people living on less than $1.90 a day in rural regions, while 1.1 million extremely poor people live in urban areas. Overall, the poverty incidence declined in recent years, but at a lower rate in urban areas than rural ones.

Youth living in Kenya’s larger cities like Nairobi are at risk for exploitation, forced labor and other abuses. Few attend the later stages of school as compared to those living in Kenya’s more rural areas. The few schools serving this disadvantaged community are beyond the financial means of most families.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Kenya – Belgian Salesian Students on a Humanitarian Mission with Street Children

Salesian Missions – Kenya

World Bank – Kenya

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MALAWI

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries provided clean water access in the Salesian St. Philip Rinaldi Community, Malawi, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project was funded by the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative” and impacted staff and students of the Salesian pre-novitiate and the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Lilongwe.

With the funding, Salesians first had work done to clean and re-drill a borehole. The first hybrid pump was also installed and connected to the tanks in the girls’ hostel. Pipes and power cable were connected to the main electricity grid. Additionally, solar panels were installed. The system now works to provide a sufficient amount of water for the Don Bosco Technical Institute.

Funding also supported drilling of a new main borehole, which is 130 yards deep. After 10 days of work, water was found. A new hybrid pump that operates on solar and a main electrical supply was also installed along with tower tanks. There is now enough water for the Salesian community.

Brother Emmanuel Chana said, “For a long time the community suffered with not enough water, which impacted daily activities and community well-being. Through this kind assistance, water has been restored, bringing great relief and joy to the community. The support not only provided us a great resource but strengthened our mission in the community.”

In Malawi, more than 50% of the population lives in poverty and the majority of households have women as the head of the household, according to the World Bank. Agriculture is a central part of Malawi’s economy, but land distribution is unequal and crops are highly vulnerable to the region’s frequent droughts. Few houses have piped water and less than one in 10 Malawians has access to electricity. Water is collected from wells or streams, and most people cook over an open fire. Malawians deal with hunger and malnutrition on a daily basis.

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

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute

Salesian Missions – Malawi

World Bank – Malawi

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SOUTH SUDAN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are providing aid and support for people as violence continues to escalate in South Sudan*. Tensions have now reached the capital of Juba, where several explosions have been reported. Fear of a new surge in violence is driving thousands of people to flee their homes.

Salesians remain committed to supporting women, children and displaced persons. Manuel Ballester, a humanitarian worker with the Salesian organization Youth & Development, said, “In recent weeks, tensions and violence have resurfaced in South Sudan. The fragile peace built after the 2018 agreement is once again under threat.”

The situation in the world’s youngest country — officially established in 2011 — had already been deteriorating for some time. In March, the president dismissed several government officials, while violent clashes between rebels and government forces erupted in the north. The first vice president was arrested by government forces, further inflaming tensions between rival factions. The situation is extremely dangerous, compounded by the looming threat of a cholera outbreak among the displaced, reported Doctors Without Borders.

In Juba alone, Salesians provide aid to more than 6,000 people who have been displaced, most of whom have fled from central South Sudan. Many have been living in Salesian facilities for more than 13 years, where they receive care and education. At the Juba educational center, Salesians ensure access to schooling for 3,000 children and young people.

“We are present in Juba, as well as in other areas of the country such as Tonj, Maridi, Wau, and Kuajok, where we run schools and training centers for youth,” explained Father Luis Manuel Moral, director of the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid.

Salesian missionaries in South Sudan are dedicated to providing programs and services across the country. Salesian missionaries provide education, social development services, nutrition programs, and health clinics for youth and their families. For some, the education offered at Salesian schools is the only opportunity to gain an education and the skills necessary for future employment.

Representatives from the Salesian Missions Office in Madrid have expressed concern over the renewed conflict and its devastating impact on millions of women and children. The situation is dire — especially considering that over 90% of South Sudan’s population lives below the poverty line, more than 1.7 million children are out of school, and over 75% of the population depends on humanitarian aid for survival.

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Sources:

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

ANS – South Sudan – The Country Once Again on the Brink of Collapse Amid a New Wave of Violence

Salesian Missions – South Sudan

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

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