BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) Forty medical students from the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Santos recently concluded the 17th Academic Project for Assistance to Indigenous Populations, which took place in the Indigenous communities supported by the Salesians of the St. Alphonsus Liguori Province of Campo Grande, Brazil. The project provided health support for the Xavante and Boe Bororo communities.

Twenty students and two doctors were sent to Sangradouro while another 20 students and two doctors were in Meruri and São Marcos. These volunteers carried out various health screenings including blood pressure checks and blood sugar measurements, distributed medicines, and provided basic health care. Home visits were conducted to collect data and provide information on disease prevention.

The team in Sangradouro was welcomed by Father Joseph Tran Van Lich, a Salesian missionary in the community. Ricardo Paiva, the project’s social coordinator, said, “As has been the case for 17 years, our welcome at the mission in Sangradouro was simply wonderful.”

Activities also included distribution of sanitary pads, organization of hygiene kits and educational workshops. Lectures were given on oral hygiene, proper hand-washing and waste collection in the village. The children received toothbrushes, toothpaste and popcorn.

“We were able to combine health education with moments of care and joy, offering a playful and meaningful experience for the children and young people of the village,” explained Paiva.

In Meruri, the events began with the organization of medicines and hygiene products in the local dispensary. The students made home visits, organized waste collection in the village and participated in the oratory with the children. The team also promoted a workshop on animal abuse, distributed hygiene kits, and held workshops on alcohol, drug and sexual abuse.

The team provided similar services in São Marcos. Volunteers were introduced to the village chief Felix Tsiwê and carried out home visits and assistance in the dispensary. The team of students said, “We are deeply grateful to the doctors for their dedication to the project. We have learned a lot and the doctors were excellent.”

Paiva emphasized the importance of the experience. He explained, “We had the opportunity to experience a reality very different from our own and, despite this, we felt at home. We would like to express our deepest thanks to the entire Salesian mission of Sangradouro for welcoming us so warmly and supporting us. May this collaboration, built over 17 years, continue to be strong and last for many years to come.”

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ANS – Brazil – University students conclude 17th expedition after 11 days of healthcare assistance to indigenous populations in the Salesian Mission

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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UNITED STATES

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Family Youth Center, located in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, California, recently hosted high school senior students from Loyola High School who were looking to complete community service hours.

JC Montenegro, executive director of Salesian Family Youth Center, explained, “It all started with an email from Gabriela Gordillo-Banuelos, director of the Center for Service and Justice, saying that students in their final year at Loyola High School were looking for a place to do their compulsory community service hours. The students had to serve for three days, four hours a day, in the community, and she felt that the Salesian Family Youth Center was the ideal solution.”

Over the three days, the students thoroughly cleaned classrooms, polished the vans, painted, organized the spaces and spent meaningful time with the children. The students’ ability to step in and serve wherever needed reflected their strong character and sincere willingness to help.

The students were also invited to reflect on what they had learned and what they would commit to doing in the future. They spoke about the importance of practicing empathy and appreciating every moment, every opportunity, and every person they encounter. Many shared how even small interactions can have a powerful impact. Several students expressed a desire to continue serving others, particularly those from marginalized or immigrant communities.

Gabriela Gordillo-Banuelos’ previous connection with the Salesians made this partnership possible, demonstrating how long-term relationships and networking continue to create opportunities for service and impact.

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ANS – United States – A service that builds community and shapes young hearts

Salesian Family Youth Center

Salesian Missions

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run Bartholomew Garelli Festive Oratory is a place of education, respite and fellowship for the youth of Goiânia, Brazil. Inaugurated in September 2024, the oratory provides youth with a place for sports, culture and educational activities. Held on Saturdays, the activities are free for youth aged 14-24.

Since its inception, the Bartholomew Garelli Oratory has seen growth in participation with more than 2,000 young people attending in 2025. Offering snacks and workshops such as futsal, volleyball, and basketball, the oratory has become part of the weekly routine for Goiânia’s youth coming from many different regions.

By offering participants a safe, educational, and fraternal environment, the oratory fulfils a role that goes beyond leisure. It’s a space for learning teamwork and peer engagement and for listening, guidance, and youth leadership. Youth gain new friendships, develop social-emotional skills and feel they belong to a community that believes in their potential.

Father Wagner Gama, rectory, said, “The Salesian Congregation did not begin with schools, parishes, or universities, but with the oratory. Don Bosco’s purpose was precisely to care for those who were poorest through this mission environment. When we strengthen oratories, we are strengthening what is at the beginning of Don Bosco’s work.”

Antônio Tavares, aged 16, likes the oratory because it is a place where he can have fun with friends. He explained, “The first time I came was because a friend of mine invited me, saying that the oratory was really cool. I came to play with him and now I come every Saturday because it really is a great place and a great time to spend with friends. There are snacks, and the courts are good quality. The educators are also very dedicated, which keeps the project going and improving every day.”

Caroline Matos, aged 16, has been coming to the oratory since 2024. She noted, “They welcomed me very well. It is a peaceful environment where the educators treat us as if we were their children. It’s amazing because we can come to play and talk. I feel a love that we don’t normally feel from other people. I love participating.”

Even those youth who have been involved in other Salesian activities in the region long before the oratory are benefiting. Pedro Santiago, aged 17, explained that he got to know the oratory when he participated in the CESAM Goiânia Socio-Learning Program. He said, “It’s very interactive here, with lots of interesting activities and sports. I really like it because it helps me stay in shape. I also get to spend time with my former coworkers and the teachers.”

According to Fr. Gama, the goal is to offer youth more opportunities, hope and paths to a better future. He concluded, “The Bartholomew Garelli Festive Oratory was a great pastoral initiative and is flourishing. For this year, we hope that it will be an even greater support to youth.”

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ANS – Brazil – The Bartholomew Garelli Festive Oratory promotes sports, culture, and education for the youth of Goiânia

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(MissionNewswire) Students with the Red Cross Club at Don Bosco Tech in Rosemead, California, organized a campaign to gather essential items for veterans in need. Thanks to the generosity of students, parents and school staff, over 2,100 essential items and other comfort items were collected.

After taking their school exams, a group of volunteers from the club loaded the packages into cars and delivered them to the Red Cross headquarters in Arcadia.

Victoria Phung, head of youth programs at the Red Cross, thanked the school for its valuable annual contribution. She said, “We are fortunate to have Don Bosco Tech to count on. These young people are among our best allies in helping our veterans.”

Don Bosco students around the globe frequently give back to their communities and other communities in need. Working in more than 130 countries, Salesian missionaries have created a vast network of primary, secondary, vocational and technical schools serving youth who are poor or disadvantaged. With a focus on education and workforce development, Salesians worldwide provide youth valuable resources to aid them in finding livable wage employment.

Don Bosco Tech in Rosemead combines a rigorous college preparatory program with technology focused education. The innovative science, engineering, technology and math curriculum allows students to exceed university admission requirements while completing extensive integrated coursework in one of several applied science and engineering fields.

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ANS – United States – A solidarity campaign by Don Bosco Tech in favour of the most disadvantaged

Don Bosco Technical Institute

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VENEZUELA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Entrepreneurship School of San Félix, located in Bolivar, Venezuela*, has a new roof over the computer laboratory and wing where four classrooms are located thanks to donor funding. The funding was provided by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project included the tear-down of the previous roof and then cleaning and repairing the metal structure, applying anti-corrosion protection, and installing a thermo-panel sheeting system.

The construction project ensured a safe, optimal and welcoming learning space to enhance the training for youth. The replacement of the roof eliminated leaks and structural risks, protecting equipment, furniture, and facilities. The environmental conditions of classrooms and laboratories were improved, providing greater comfort, better acoustics, and a safe learning environment. The risk of accidents associated with leaks or falling debris was reduced.

A Salesian said, “The new infrastructure promotes academic performance and motivates student attendance and participation, positively impacting the continuity of their education. The school reputation was strengthened, projecting a commitment to educational quality and increasing community satisfaction, which may attract new students.”

Yamilet Garcia, a 29-year-old student, considers the roof restoration project as fundamental to a good learning environment, since the laboratories previously represented a risk both for the equipment and for students due to the holes in the roof. She pointed out that before the repair, lack of electrical power and deterioration forced students to study outside the classroom and use computers in church. Since the project finished, she added, “We are very happy and satisfied that the project has been completed and we have a new roof.”

The work was completed during the vacation period, which minimized the impact on academic activities. The use of local workers also strengthened ties with the community and contributed to the social sustainability of the project.

Salesian missionaries have been living and working in Venezuela long before the country’s political and economic crisis began. They operate schools, youth centers, and other programs that support youth in need and their families. An estimated 87% of the population is currently living in poverty, and essential goods such as food and medicine are scarce.

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Salesian Missions – Venezuela

*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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ARGENTINA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Faculty of Oenology and Food Science, located in the Salesian House in Rodeo del Medio, Mendoza, Argentina, has been a benchmark in oenology and the fruit and vegetable industry. The school has distinguished graduates and degree holders who are prominent at the national and international level in the wine-making industry.

Father José Cordera, rector, noted, “This recognition is the result of hard work, strong commitment, constant support and responsible management. Every day, Salesians and the entire educational team seek to support the students in their studies.”

The key to the school’s success lies in its comprehensive education where knowledge is gained by hands-on work in vineyards, olive groves, state-of-the-art wineries, a canning factory, laboratories and professional sensory analysis rooms. Students and teachers go through the entire production process together, from harvesting to commercialization and marketing.

Don Bosco Faculty has won numerous awards for its wine making. Last year, Don Bosco Faculty was at the top of prominent wine makers in Latin America, offering a wide variety of products that have won prestigious international competitions and an olive-growing project that has placed Don Bosco extra virgin olive oil among the best in the world.

The Don Bosco Faculty is part of the long history of the Salesian Rodeo del Medio House, which has been dedicated to training wine professionals since 1901. On Oct. 31, 1965, the Don Bosco Faculty of Oenology and Food Science was officially founded, which became the first institution of higher studies in the wine sector in Latin America. This grew to meet the need of bringing greater professionalism and academic training to those in charge of the wine industry.

Since then, graduates in oenology, the fruit and vegetable industry, food technology, and the sommelier profession have been trained and represent the faculty in different areas of the country and the world.

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ANS – Argentina – The Don Bosco Faculty in Rodeo del Medio is recognised as the most awarded educational institution in Latin America

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World Bank – Argentina

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Ecuador held a medical brigade in the Achuar community of Pumpuentsa to address health concerns of the local Indigenous population. The event was organized by the Salesian Community of Wasakentsa in collaboration with the Anaía Mission of Cuenca, and led by former volunteer Emily Carrión.

In Pumpuentsa, the volunteer medical staff provided assistance to community members suffering from illnesses such as the flu and coughs. Assistance was provided by 10 doctors from the University of Cuenca, various organizations and the city of Quito, with the support of the Seguir las Huellas Foundation.

Another group of 18 youth traveled to the Achuar communities of Karakam, Kurinua, Wasurak, Patukmay, and Ipiak, where they shared the Christmas message and delivered donations to families and youth.

A Salesian explained, “During an evaluation and feedback session, the young volunteers shared their experiences in the different communities. Local community members also expressed their gratitude for the donations received and the medical assistance provided. Special thanks for the Salesian community in Taisha for welcoming the participants before their trip and also on their return, offering them accommodation.”

Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth who are poor gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities.

Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Programme, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% in Indigenous communities.

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ANS – Ecuador – Achuar communities receives medical assistance during an awareness-raising event organised by the Wasakentsa Community and the Anaía Mission

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ARGENTINA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to strengthen three vocational training centers for improved learning in southern Argentina thanks to donor funding. The funding was provided by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

These centers, which serve students who are poor and marginalized, can now provide access to up-to-date and relevant job training, providing students with real tools for the current labor market.

A Salesian noted, “The quality of teaching in the courses has increased substantially, including the incorporation of the new equipment, and updating and expansion of content related to emerging technologies.”

For example, at Don Bosco Villa Itatí students have better equipment to practice their skills in building maintenance, gastronomy, basketry, carpentry and blacksmithing through the renovation of machinery and tools. In addition, the San Juan Bosco Vocational Training Center and the Avellaneda Vocational Training Center have better equipment for students learning the automotive mechanic trade. Students can practice their skills in the classroom with equipment similar to that in the automotive workshops in the area.

Students also have greater access to internships. The education now includes practice in real-work conditions, a fundamental aspect for the acquisition of competencies, skills and abilities.

Pablo Rodriguez, who attends San Juan Bosco Vocational Training Center, is taking the course in front axle, suspension and steering mechanics. Before he started the course, he didn’t know anything about cars. He would like to continue courses at the training center and will enroll in the automotive electronics and electrical course next.

Rodriguez explained, “Although my current course has already finished, I will continue to come because I like the school. I came here not knowing anything about cars and now I have not only learned about tools, but I also enjoy performing complex vehicle diagnostics. My plan is to continue studying more things about the car, starting with automotive electricity.”

Matías Balza, attending Don Bosco Villa Itatí, has been working in gastronomy for many years. He was encouraged to start entrepreneurship with other classmates and a colleague. He said, “We are very happy because it began to go well. I continue with gastronomy and in my free time and on weekends we do blacksmithing work.”

More than a quarter of the people in Argentina live in conditions of poverty with no formal employment and poor-quality education, according to the World Bank. The country’s high school dropout rate is close to 37% and youth account for a third of those unemployed. Almost 12% of children aged 5-17 are working instead of being in school and 20% need government assistance. Many face malnutrition, a lack of clean water and sewage, and inadequate housing.

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Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) A campaign launched by Salesian missionaries in Ecuador has proven to help support food security for the Shuar communities in the areas of Yaupi and Miazal, in the Ecuadorian Amazon. A significant number of plastic containers with airtight lids have been collected and distributed to help families, who are living without electricity and accessible safe drinking water, to better preserve food and water.

A Salesian noted, “This may seem like a simple step to help these families, but it’s proving incredibly effective. These airtight containers are preventing food spoilage and contamination by animals and improving nutritional access, especially for children.”

The campaign is ongoing and some containers are awaiting delivery in certain areas. These will be delivered when Salesians visit the region as part of the pastoral and community work undertaken by Salesian missionaries in Yaupi.

Father Fabián Lozada, parish priest in Yaupi, expressed his deep gratitude to all the donors whose support made it possible to get closer to the goal of helping more than 500 Shuar families. He also thanked them for the additional donations of sweets, clothes and toys, which brought joy to many children in the communities visited.

Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth who are poor gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities.

Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Programme, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% in Indigenous communities.

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ANS – Ecuador – Solidarity campaign for Shuar families proving highly successful

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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GUATEMALA

(MissionNewswire) Young women attending Talita Kumi centers in Guatemala had access to better nutrition 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 through nutrition, education and economic empowerment. Close to 700 young women from three centers received the meals in the first half of 2025.

Salesian sisters have also added educational content related to nutrition, food security and healthy eating practices. These topics have been addressed in a hands-on, practical way during training sessions with the students, strengthening their learning and promoting healthy eating habits. The students enjoy the rice’s taste and its versatility in preparing diverse menu items.

Lidia, aged 16, was one of the recipients who received a balanced diet through the food program at the Talita Kumi boarding school. She lives in the village of Chiquixji and is from the Indigenous Q’eqchi’ community.

She said, “I am happy because here I have learned to prepare food in a healthy and hygienic way.” Lidia takes what she has learned and cooks rice tortillas or rice soups for her family. “When I return to my community, I want to teach other families how to eat better with the products they already have at their disposal.”

Sister Margarita Cucul, internal director of the Talita Kumi boarding school in San Pedro Carchá, said, “I’ve had the joy of witnessing Lidia’s personal and academic growth since she joined us three years ago. She comes from a hardworking Q’eqchi’ family dedicated to agriculture and animal care, and she arrived at our school with strong motivation and a deep desire to better herself. Over the years, I have seen Lidia transform into a young leader. She has a real passion for cooking, which is why she has led our kitchen team more than once. She has also learned how to manage inventory, maintain kitchen hygiene and take full responsibility for kitchen operations. It has been beautiful to watch her take the initiative and grow in confidence.”

Sister Cucul added, “The feeding program has made a tremendous difference in our community. It has allowed us to improve the variety and nutritional value of our meals. We now create new recipes with the ingredients we receive, and the girls genuinely enjoy their food. I see their happiness at mealtimes, and it is clear that this program not only nourishes their bodies but lifts their spirits as well.”

Salesian missionaries working and living in the country have been providing for the basic needs of Guatemala’s youth while helping to break the cycle of poverty in their lives. They work extensively with youth and their families at youth centers, orphanages, parishes, and primary and secondary schools. They also operate technical schools, vocational training workshops and two universities in the country.

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Salesian Missions – Guatemala

World Bank – Guatemala

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HAITI

(MissionNewswire) Nearly 200 youth attending programs at Lakay Don Bosco Cap-Haïtien in Haiti received nutritious food 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 shipments of meals were distributed in the first half of 2025.

The Salesians operate on the outskirts of Cap-Haïtien, serving a community primarily composed of internal migrants. Traditionally, most of the population has migrated from rural areas, seeking economic opportunities but often encountering poverty and exclusion. More recently, the city of Cap-Haïtien has become overwhelmed by an influx of people from Port-au-Prince, who are fleeing the insecurity caused by armed gangs.

A Salesian said, “Rise Against Hunger meals contribute to the education of our youth and their success. Thanks to the nutritious meals, our young people don’t have to worry so much about food to be able to study. The meals contribute to the development of our young people since they contain protein and vitamins.”

Belot, age 16, is one of the youth who received the meals. He lives in a community operated by the Salesians with the Vincent Foundation. After losing his parents and living on the street, Belot now lives at the Lakay Don Bosco residence where he attends school, completes work duties and participates in group activities.

Prior to joining the Salesian program, Belot was severely malnourished. With the nutritious meals, he has now reached a healthy weight and grown physically stronger. After eating, he often plays soccer or creates new games with his peers. He hopes that through education, he can learn new skills to help him secure a well-paying job and create a better life for himself.

Lourdena Bien-Amie Pierre, teacher and food manager, said, “Since receiving the Rise Against Hunger meals, noticeable improvements have occurred in Belot’s life. He has grown stronger and healthier. The meals have helped him focus better on his studies, improving both his physical and intellectual development. I have great pride in Belot. I always call him hopeful, responsible and determined.”

Pierre added, “Overall, since the introduction of the meals in the community, I have observed significant positive changes. Youth are growing both physically and mentally, and the community is benefiting overall. As I say, ‘a hungry stomach has no ears,’ meaning that nourishment is key to learning and development.”

Salesian missionaries began working in Haiti in 1935 in response to the Haitian government’s request for a professional school. Since then, Salesian missionaries have expanded their work to include 11 main educational centers and more than 200 schools across the country.

The 11 main centers each include several primary and secondary schools, vocational training centers, and other programs for youth in need. Salesian programs are located throughout Haiti, including in the cities of Port-au-Prince, Fort-Liberté, Cap-Haïtien, Les Cayes and Gressier. Today, Salesian missionaries in Haiti provide the largest source of education outside of the Haitian government.

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Rise Against Hunger

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World Food Programme – Haiti

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COLOMBIA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Child Jesus Center, located in the San Pedro Claver Province of Bogotá, Colombia, organized an event for the more than 30 women, single mothers and entrepreneurs, who received their certification after training.

The women completed training programs on gender and employability as well as entrepreneurship and business culture. The event was attended by the heads of the different projects and Father Leopoldo Gómez, provincial economer, who shared in this significant moment for the participants.

A Salesian said, “This training not only strengthened their professional and entrepreneurial skills, but also contributed to their personal growth, the recognition of their rights, and the development of an entrepreneurial culture oriented toward building dignified and sustainable lives.”

These programs are the result of the collaborative work of the Salesian Employment Bank, with the support of the German development agency BMZ and Don Bosco Mondo, in partnership with the Social Pastoral Ministry of the Salesian Child Jesus Center, the Salesian University Foundation and the Youth Service Foundation.

The work of Salesian missionaries in Colombia is internationally recognized. Just over 34% of Colombians are living below the poverty line. Although Colombia is among the world’s emerging economies, more than three out of 10 Colombians still live in poor conditions.

One in five children in the country has no access to education. Many orphaned youth live in poverty and have lost their parents to natural disasters, the HIV/AIDS epidemic and other diseases, war, or domestic issues. Some children remain living with a single parent, struggling to survive, and are often pulled out of school to earn income for the remaining family. Other youth live in shelters or on the streets.

By providing education, workforce development services and social programs across Colombia, Salesian missionaries are working to empower youth and women to give them a chance at a better life.

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ANS – Colombia – Women transforming their future: education, entrepreneurship and hope

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ARGENTINA

(MissionNewswire) The Ceferino Namuncurá School, located in Salta, Argentina, has transformed the school garden through the “Everything is Connected” project. Inspired by the words of the late Pope Francis, the project educated youth in ecology while promoting responsible habits, youth leadership and learning.

A Salesian noted, “One of the central elements of the project was the construction of a rainwater collection roof made from recycled plastic bottles, along with a wall of eco-bricks produced by the students themselves. The campaigns to collect, separate waste, and reuse materials involved the entire community including students, teachers, families and school staff.”

Practical workshops, led by teachers and an engineer, allowed students to actively participate in placing posts, assembling bases, designing gutters, and making eco-bricks. Each technical challenge became an opportunity to learn from experience, integrate curriculum content and strengthen collaborative work.

The Salesian added, “Students from preschool, elementary school and the high school collaborated in the creation of a mural made from recycled bottle caps depicting Pope Francis and the spirit of Laudato Si’. This collective work, created with patience and creativity, expresses the conviction that even the smallest elements — such as a bottle cap — can acquire new value when they are given new meaning through care and hope. The mural has become a permanent reminder that environmental education is not only a practice, but also a spiritual and community gesture.”

With the project finished, the space has been transformed into an open-air classroom where students can learn surrounded by plants, colors and messages that encourage ecological responsibility. Rainwater harvesting will enable sustainable practices, while daily contact with nature will strengthen the connection to the earth and the spirituality that inspires the project.

The Salesian concluded, “The ‘Everything is Connected’ project reaffirms that caring for our Common Home is an educational, community-based, and deeply Salesian act. It is a gesture that unites faith, science, creativity and service, teaching youth that transforming the world begins with transforming one’s own environment.”

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Don Bosco Green Alliance – “Everything is Connected”: An eco-project at Ceferino Namuncurá School, Argentina

Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

(MissionNewswire) The Boys and Girls with Don Bosco Network closed the 40th year of work in the Dominican Republic in 2025, while also celebrating 90 years of Salesian work in the country. Today, the network has 12 local centers in the National District, Santo Domingo East, Barahona, La Vega, Jarabacoa and Mao, supporting more than 2,400 youth each day. Its programs include family support, education, technical training, youth leadership, health programs, environmental initiatives, sports and art.

Salesians held a Catholic Mass and Christmas concert in celebration. The Mass was presided over by Father José Pastor Ramírez, provincial of the Salesians in the Antilles, in collaboration with 15  Salesian priests from local Salesian centers.

In his homily, Fr. Ramírez explained that a country may have mountains, rivers and roads, but without bridges its people remain isolated. The bridge, he said, is not the destination or the goal, but it makes it possible for life to move forward.

In this way, he affirmed that the Salesian presence in the Dominican Republic has been a bridge of light that has allowed thousands of youth to pass to the other side toward opportunities, dignity and hope. Fr. Ramírez expressed his deep gratitude to the collaborators, volunteers, donors and institutional partners who have supported this mission over four decades.

On behalf of the Salesian Congregation, he urged the whole of society to renew its commitment to Dominican children and youth, recalling that there are still many gaps to close and that the country needs to continue strengthening spaces of care, education and support.

The Boys and Girls with Don Bosco Network began in 1985 as Canillitas con Don Bosco (Newspaper boys with Don Bosco) and has evolved, responding to the changing risks faced by youth. The formalization of the network in 1998, the territorial expansion, the addition of reception centers and the creation of the Don Bosco Foundation in 2013, have consolidated a comprehensive platform of care and social support.

Nearly half of youth under the age of 18 live in poverty in the Dominican Republic, according to UNICEF. Although the country’s economy has been steadily improving, the country’s poor people still struggle to get enough food to eat and to access safe drinking water and adequate housing. Only 30% of youth finish primary school and only 18% finish secondary school on time. Schools are in poor shape with nearly half having no access to safe drinking water and more than 60% lacking adequate bathroom facilities.

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ANS – Dominican Republic – Joint celebration of 90 years of Salesian presence and 40 years of Muchachos con Don Bosco

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) Father José Marcos de Oliveira led a mission of 14 people to help support the Indigenous Xavante people in the Salesian Indigenous Missions in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The team went to São Marcos, a place where the Salesians have lived and worked for seven years. The missionaries brought with them about 120 baskets of basic foodstuffs, along with clothes, shoes and toys.

Missionaries visited people who are sick and got to know the community, including close to 100 youth who attend the oratory. The missionaries also distributed clothes collected in the parish, as well as food baskets to three of the local villages.

One of the volunteers was José Nivaldo, age 21 and a parishioner of St John Bosco Church. He said, “After experiencing everything that was presented to us there, now that I return to routine, I can state that it was a wonderful, unique experience. It is as if Jesus really took us away from the daily grind and took us to a mountain full of work, prayer and deep experiences.”

Nivaldo added that he did not imagine that he would enjoy the experience so much. The people who shared Mission Week made a difference including the friendships he made along the way. The smiles he witnessed and the games he played with the children brought joy and transformed his outlook.

Just over 15% of Brazilians live in poverty, with the majority living in the rural northeast of the country, according to the World Bank. While Brazil is making positive changes, there are still large gaps between the poor and the rich, and issues of income inequality and social exclusion remain at the root of poverty.

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ANS – Brazil – Young people from St John Bosco Parish carry out a mission with the Xavante people in Mato Grosso

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Costa Norte Project Foundation in Ecuador, in collaboration with the Mary Help of Christians Formation Center and the St. John Bosco Community of Esmeraldas, has officially launched a new project aimed at strengthening women’s skills, leadership and entrepreneurship. The project includes the participation of the Salesian Province and the Del Valle Foundation.

Aiming to empower women entrepreneurs and those in vulnerable situations, the project will offer social support programs, education and the creation of real opportunities for improving their living conditions.

Salesians first hosted a “Women Entrepreneurs Project Start-up Workshop”, where the basic framework of the project, administrative guidelines, the available budget, the coordination model and the implementation path were presented. Additional workshops will be held at other locations to reach more women for technical skills, leadership, personal development and basic finance training. Students will also learn skills and be provided with tools to start small businesses with sustainability and vision for the future.

A Salesian said, “The launch of this project represents a firm commitment to women’s empowerment and social inclusion. Costa Norte Salesian Project Foundation and its allies seek to generate opportunities that transform the lives of entrepreneurial and vulnerable women, providing them with the tools to contribute to the local economy and strengthen the social fabric of communities.”

Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth who are poor gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities.

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ANS – Ecuador – Project launched to strengthen women’s leadership and entrepreneurship in Esmeraldas

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

(MissionNewswire) The Stay with Us Shelter, located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, gives youth who have been living on the street a home, family, school and a safe space to grow up. In December, the shelter celebrated 25 years of dedicated service to those most in need, and it continues to welcome youth in situations of vulnerability and abuse.

As the shelter grew so did its services. The shelter now includes a day program for youth who need support on a daily basis. The shelter also offers school support, educational workshops, recreational spaces, and psychological support for both youth and their families.

Several events marked the anniversary. A celebration was held on Dec. 5 for those currently living in the home, followed by a Dec. 7 meeting with former residents of the home that included a Catholic Mass and continued with moments of sharing among current and former residents. On Dec. 8, the whole community celebrated the work of the shelter and the impact it has had on youth and families in the region.

At the conclusion of the celebrations, the Salesians at the center said, “We carry on and will continue our mission forming good Christians and upright citizens, as St. John Bosco taught us.”

Nearly half of youth under the age of 18 live in poverty in the Dominican Republic, according to UNICEF. Although the country’s economy has been steadily improving, the country’s poor people still struggle to get enough food to eat and to access safe drinking water and adequate housing. Only 30% of youth finish primary school and only 18% finish secondary school on time. Schools are in poor shape with nearly half having no access to safe drinking water and more than 60% lacking adequate bathroom facilities.

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ANS – Dominican Republic – The ‘Quédate con Nosotros’ (Stay with us) hostel celebrates 25 years of service and hope

Salesian Missions

UNICEF – Dominican Republic

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VENEZUELA

(MissionNewswire) The Madre Mazzarello Industrial Technical School, located in Coro, Venezuela*, has a new meeting space thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The space, designed for more than 100 people, includes a multipurpose room and an open, shaded area with natural vegetation. Funding was also utilized for training materials.

A Salesian explained, “The hall will be used as a training and community space for a wide range of activities, including pastoral and educational uses. This new space will bolster the pride our students have and increase the emotional well-being of the young people in the school and in the nearby communities.”

Activities that will be held in the new space include pastoral education; gatherings for students and parents; student organization meetings; inter-congregational meetings of the parish, archdiocese and community; youth ministry and volunteer activities; vocational orientation; and spiritual formation and catechesis of first communion and confirmation.

The entire educational community, made up of 342 youth as well as their families, will benefit from the space. It will also be available on Saturdays and Sundays, allowing continuous use for training and recreational activities.

Salesian missionaries have been living and working in Venezuela long before the country’s political and economic crisis began. They operate schools, youth centers, and other programs that support youth in need and their families. An estimated 87% of the population is currently living in poverty, and essential goods such as food and medicine are scarce.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Venezuela

*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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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run Father Emilio Gambirasio Psychological Center celebrated its 60th anniversary, highlighting its service to youth, adults and families in Ecuador. The celebration brought together authorities from the Salesian Polytechnic University and the Salesian Province of Ecuador, as well as professionals from the center, partner institutions and members of the academic community.

The event was a moment of remembrance and gratitude toward the work started by Fr. Gambirasio, a Salesian pioneer focusing on psychology and education in Ecuador. His vision was to consider psychological assistance a right and not a luxury.

During her speech, María José Boada, director of the center, recalled Fr. Gambirasio’s profound conviction that “psychological help is a fundamental necessity for the full development of people.” She also pointed out that the center is an innovative space in vocational guidance and psychometrics, thanks to Father José Espinoza and a team of professionals.

Father Juan Cárdenas, rector of the Salesian Polytechnic University, emphasized the center’s contribution as a strategic ally of the academic world. He called it a “living laboratory where theory dialogues with practice and where academic training grows in relevance and depth.”

Further, Fr. Cárdenas noted that the center has made it possible to develop psychological intervention projects in different areas of the country and support highly sought-after degree courses such as psychology and clinical psychology. He also stressed that the experience of the Quito center inspired the recent opening of a new center in Cuenca.

As part of the 60th anniversary celebrations, the Municipality of the Metropolitan District of Quito awarded the center a recognition for its history, social impact and contribution to the emotional well-being of its citizens.

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ANS – Ecuador – ‘Fr Emilio Gambirasio’ Psychological Centre: 60 years dedicated to transforming lives

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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EL SALVADOR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian sisters with the Laura Vicuña Pro Education Foundation (FUNELAVI Foundation) have a new truck to help support their social projects in El Salvador. The truck was purchased through donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The truck was necessary to drive over the difficult terrain in the region.

The sisters can now provide better emergency assistance for children and women in rural areas and offer greater capacity to carry out their mission. The FUNELAVI Foundation works with various projects in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, offering programs in health, nutrition, values, school aid, sponsorship and microcredits.

One of the areas supported by the sisters is El Sauce Canton in El Salvador, a rural community with a large population and little agricultural development. Most of the land is used to cultivate sugar cane, which is sold to large mills at low cost. Later, the land is used for planting corn and beans for the sustenance the population will have for the year. The family economy is supported by women, 60% of whom live alone with their children. The biggest challenge is creating possibilities for communal trade.

Irene is a member of the project management group and is one of the women benefiting from the donation. She enjoys her work monitoring projects, especially the sponsorship program for children. She often travels with Sister Antonieta in the mountain terrain, but it is difficult to do in winter time. The new truck is making that possible.

Irene said, “With the new truck, we take more help with us. When we have a meeting with all the children we can take more children. In the end, the car belongs to everyone. Before we’d have to rent a truck to take all the things we bring to the families in need. Now, we can do that and save the money. We are grateful to the donors.”

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Laura Vicuña Pro Education Foundation

Salesian Missions – El Salvador

World Bank – El Salvador

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) The “I Think, Therefore I Write” initiative was created by Wagner Garcia Siqueira, a teacher at the Fadlo Haidar State School in Itaquera, Brazil. The initiative has been recognized as one of the 100 most impactful and scalable educational innovations in the world for the 2026 edition of the catalogue of HundrED, a global organization based in Finland that identifies and disseminates transformative practices in education.

The 100 projects selected will be presented over 100 days on the HundrED platform. Wagner’s project is scheduled to go live on Jan. 30, 2026. The projects selected in the catalogue come from 52 different countries and benefit 63 million students around the world.

With over 31 years of experience teaching Portuguese, Siqueira celebrates the international recognition of the project, developed with public school students. He said, “The fact that we are internationally recognized shows us the connection that a practice in Brazil has with other professionals, educators and experts around the world, and that gives us a wonderful feeling.”

Siqueira has a long-standing relationship with the Dom Bosco Social Work in Itaquera and made a point of thanking Father Rosalvino Morán Viñayo, precursor of the Salesian presence in the region, for all his contributions to his career.

Siqueira noted, “Gratitude. That is the word I wish to express to Father Rosalvino and the Salesian Community of Itaquera for all their work in promoting the education of children, young people and adults on the outskirts of the city of São Paulo through the Dom Bosco Social Work. I am a child of this center, which had a decisive impact on my career as a teacher, as I learned that ‘education is a matter of the heart,’ according to Dom Bosco.”

Created 21 years ago, the initiative came from Siqueira’s perception of students’ insecurity when faced with assessments that required writing. He transformed the teaching of writing into a collaborative process, in which students actively participate in choosing topics and correcting texts. In addition to preparing students for tests and university entrance exams, the main focus of the initiative is to help students develop expression and language proficiency.

Siqueira concluded, “The importance of recognizing projects such as this is to show teachers in Brazil and around the world the work that is being done in practice. This work is the result of concrete practice, an action that responds to the challenge of developing education and helping students learn more.”

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ANS – Brazil – Former Salesian student’s project recognised as one of the 100 most impactful educational innovations of the year

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are working to provide support to nearly 2,000 people in Cuba* who have been impacted by Hurricane Melissa, the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record. Nearly 3 million people were left without access to basic services after the hurricane devastated areas. At least 750,000 people had to be evacuated after the destruction and rising waters, according to official figures from the country.

“There were still communities left without electricity and drinking water two weeks after the hurricane. People are still trying to recover all that was lost,” explained a Salesian missionary working in Cuba.

He added, “There are still areas of Santiago de Cuba, Guamá I and Guamá II that are completely isolated because the sea destroyed the road. The material damage left by Melissa is serious, with bridges destroyed, roads blocked, and a good number of houses partially or totally collapsed.”

The Salesian Mission Office in Madrid, Spain is working to reach the 2,000 particularly vulnerable people with the “Basic basket” program run by the San Juan Bosco Center in Santiago de Cuba.

Father Luis Manuel Moral, director of Salesian Missions in Madrid, said, “The situation continues to be very complicated, given the country had already been marked by an economic crisis and a great shortage of supplies. The hurricane has made the precariousness of many people even more acute, especially the most vulnerable, such as minors, families at risk, single mothers or elderly people who are alone.”

He added, “There are many areas where aid has not yet arrived and there is a great need for medicines, drinking water, mattresses and other essential supplies. Many of these things cannot be found in the city. Moreover, the chikungunya virus is spreading rapidly, and the lack of medicines and drinking water is aggravating the situation for many people.”

The Salesian community in Santiago de Cuba serves 14 communities. In addition to education and social support, the Salesians have a small dispensary and a youth center where children and older youth engage in social activities and receive school support.

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

ANS – Cuba – ‘The situation remains very complex with areas still isolated’

Salesian Missions

*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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ARGENTINA

(MissionNewswire) The Faculty of Oenology and Food Science, located in the Salesian House in Rodeo del Medio, Mendoza, Argentina, recently celebrated its 60-year anniversary. An event that celebrated the occasion included Father José Cordera, rector; María Silvia Farah, dean; representatives of the Salesian community, including teachers, students, families; and members of the public.

The ceremony also brought together authorities from the Catholic University of Cuyo, political authorities, representatives of other nearby academic institutions, graduates and companies in the sector, demonstrating the interconnection between the community and scientific and technological knowledge. All present were given a specially crafted wine to commemorate the event.

Throughout the day, moments of remembrance, gratitude and hope were shared, celebrating a history of service of education and productive development in the region.

Dean Farrah said, “We celebrated a future full of expectations and challenges. In the current context, universities must accompany evolution in order to continue to be spaces of knowledge, innovation, professional development and, above all, human development, preparing for the future.”

The Don Bosco Faculty is part of the long history of the Salesian Rodeo del Medio House, which has been dedicated to training wine professionals since 1901. On Oct. 31, 1965, the Don Bosco Faculty of Oenology and Food Science was officially founded, which became the first institution of higher studies in the wine sector in Latin America. This grew to meet the need of bringing greater professionalism and academic training to those in charge of the wine industry.

Since then, graduates in oenology, the fruit and vegetable industry, food technology and the sommelier profession  have been trained and represent the faculty in different areas of the country and the world. The Salesian added, “Proud of the past, grateful for the present and hopeful for the future, the educational community celebrated six decades of history, innovation and service.”

The Salesian Province of Argentina North expressed pride and gratitude for this anniversary. In a statement, Salesians noted, “We congratulate the entire educational community of the Don Bosco Faculty and Rodeo del Medio for its constant commitment to formation, research and service to young people, in the style of Don Bosco.”

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ANS – Argentina – The Don Bosco Faculty celebrates 60 years at the service of young people and viticulture

Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have been providing support to youth in Jacarezinho, Brazil – one of Rio de Janeiro’s most populous and violent neighborhoods. Salesians operate the Mary Help of Christians Parish and oratory as well as the Alberto Monteiro de Carvalho school, which has more than 500 students. For three years, after school and during the lunch break, students have been participating in a computer literacy course.

Father Natale Vitali, who coordinates the course, explained, “It is not an easy situation for the youth here, as they often do not receive a decent education. We do not limit ourselves to computer literacy as we help youth develop moral and social values.”

Fr. Vitali arrived in Jacarezinho in 2020, a year before a Brazilian police operation turned the area into a bloodbath. He knew one of the 28 people killed in the raid that was carried out by more than 200 officers with the aim of arresting 21 members of a criminal drug trafficking organization.

Fr. Vitali noted, “He was a young man who always sat in front of our parish and our college and he always greeted us. During one of my visits to the six local Christian communities, I celebrated a Mass in which the names and faces of the victims of the massacre, which is still a vivid memory, were displayed.” Fr. Vitali, who has just completed his term as Superior of the St John Bosco Province of Belo Horizonte Brazil, recounted the events to Vatican media.

Violence is deeply rooted in Jacarezinho and it has an impact on the education system. Schools are often closed and lessons cancelled. For some, the only way to earn some money is to become drug transporters.

“When the police enter the favela (poor neighborhood in Rio), there is always fear,” Fr. Vitali recounted. “It is not an easy situation. Many people do not want to live there. Youth often do not receive a decent education and do not establish a good relationship with their parents, who, in many cases, have not studied and do not understand the importance of educating their children well.”

Fr. Vitali knows how important it is for youth to be computer literate. Many of the youth in the course have never used a computer before. The youth, between 6-14 years old, are supported by teachers hired thanks to funding from the Salesian Mission Office in Turin, Italy.

The course started it in 2022, after the St. John Bosco Province bought the first devices. The number of youth has increased year after year. In 2022, there were 45, a year later there were 150, and in 2024, the number rose to 200 and also was opened to parents. Today, there are 265. Fr. Vitali noted that they struggle to get youth to go home when the course is over because they feel at home in Salesian environment.

When the next school year begins, between February and March 2026, the computer literacy project could be even more crowded because Salesians are expanding the facility, which will be able to accommodate another 200 students.

The impact of the Salesians’ good work in Jacarezinho can also be measured by the responses Fr. Vitali has received when he meets former students. He said, “A short time ago, I spoke with two former students. One, who started working in an IT company, told me that the course changed his mind and heart. Another former student donated his first salary to ensure that the initiative could continue.”

The Salesians in Jacarezinho will continue educating youth while working to keep them safe from violence and bloodshed.

Just over 15% of Brazilians live in poverty, with the majority living in the rural northeast of the country, according to the World Bank. While Brazil is making positive changes, there are still large gaps between the poor and the rich, and issues of income inequality and social exclusion remain at the root of poverty.

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ANS – Brazil – A Salesian project to give young people in Jacarezinho an alternative

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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Communities now assured access to drinking water supply

(MissionNewswire) Christof Hürlimann, a citizen of Switzerland, financed a water project in São Marcos, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. He visited the area with his wife Angela to meet his friend, Mariano Wadzerepruwē, Xavante chief of the Obra de Maria village.

The meeting came after years of friendship which began when Hürlimann’s father was in Brazil as part of the Ambulant Missionary Assistance project and Wadzerepruwē was working as a driver and truck mechanic in the region. The AMA Project is promoted by the Salesian Saint Alphonsus Liguori Province of Campo Grande Brazil.

Arriving in the village of Obra de Maria, Hürlimann found that there was a severe water shortage. Families washed their clothes only three times a month and fetched water from another village. In the mornings, they used the scarce reserves for cooking and drinking, while in the afternoons they reused the water stored in the barrels for washing.

Hürlimann decided to finance the drilling of an artesian well through the Swiss MANNA – Aid for Brazil Association. The work took place in October. The new well reached a depth of 60 meters, guaranteeing approximately 30,000 liters of water per day. With the remaining funds, the team drilled a second well in the Nossa Senhora das Dores village.

The Obra de Maria village houses around 30 people under the leadership of Chief Mariano Wadzerepruwē, while the Nossa Senhora das Dores village has 65 people under the responsibility of Marcelo Tserewadzi.

Salesian Deacon José Alves accompanied the Swiss couple and recounted the impact of the visit. He said, “While we were drilling in these two villages, other Indigenous people from the villages of Maria Nossa Mãe, Cristo Redentor, Santuário and José and Maria arrived, all of whom lack water in their villages.”

With the completion of the drilling, the communities are now assured a drinking water supply and have reduced the use of turbid water from the São Marcos River. According to Deacon Alves, the experience has consolidated the commitment to the indigenous cause.

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ANS – Brazil – Wells and drinking water for two Xavante villages in Mato Grosso thanks to a Swiss benefactor

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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New Lakou Bosco Village supports youth to become self-sufficient adults

(MissionNewswire) For almost five years, Salesian Lakou Bosco, based in Les Abymes, Guadeloupe – a French overseas region in the southern Caribbean – has been supporting youth and their families. Through educational and social activities, the goal is to help at-risk youth have hope for a brighter future. The organization is about to construct a new village to provide even more services and is looking at youth needs to develop it.

The new Lakou Bosco Village will be a 280-square meter meeting place, including a large house with a living room, kitchen and workshop for handicrafts, a Lakou space (home in local Creole), a sports field and two multi-activity rooms that will house a multimedia space, workspace, playroom, and place for sports. The building will be constructed with environmental impact in mind using thermal insulation and solar panels while ensuring comfort.

To kick off this project, the organization held a seminar, led by the L’effet Papillon Association, which works to restore biodiversity in Guadeloupe. This event brought together volunteers, employees, youth and partners to reflect on the values of the project and its future.

The discussions highlighted kindness and openness to others, which are the pillars of Salesian Lakou Bosco. The organization’s charter emphasizes, “We welcome everyone unconditionally in the spirit of lakou, with solidarity and listening, respecting the dignity of each individual. These values guide every action, uniting a large family where everyone contributes their talents for the common good.”

Arthur Massiet, director of Salesian Lakou Bosco said, “Our actions revolve around young people in their living spaces including with family, in their neighborhood and school, and now the digital world. We aim to support youth in their personal and social development while helping parents to strengthen their role.”

The future village will embody these ambitions. Designed to be eco-friendly it will incorporate solar panels, water collectors and, thanks to a partnership with L’effet Papillon, an aquaponics pond and a green roof.

Salesian Lakou Bosco wants to introduce youth to green professions such as solar cooking and low-tech solutions, using recycled materials for simple and sustainable technologies. Massiet noted, “We want young people to become pioneers in ecology for a greener planet. At the same time, workshops, academic support, internships and cultural or sporting activities promote the empowerment of young people and the autonomy of families.”

Digital technology is also a priority area. Massiet explained, “Their virtual world is often foreign to us. We want to join them to understand, without judging.” Monitoring activities are planned, as well as support for families with digital administrative procedures with the help of social workers.

Salesian Lakou Bosco does not just provide support, it aspires to transform neighborhoods into spaces of collective responsibility. With its new village, Salesian Lakou Bosco is building a model where youth, supported by their community, are able to take control of their lives and become self-sufficient adults who contribute back to their communities.

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ANS – Guadeloupe – Lakou Bosco, five years of commitment to young people

Fondation Don Bosco

Salesian Missions

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Students tend to vegetables, fruits and greens to ensure access to varied and nutritious diet

GUATEMALA

(MissionNewswire) At the educational campus of Talita Kumi, located in San Pedro Carchá, Alta Verapaz in Guatemala, 350 boarding students are working to cultivate vegetables, fruits and greens for their own consumption. The goal of the gardens is to ensure the students have a varied and nutritious diet.

A Salesian noted, “The gardens do more than just nourish the students. It also strengthens their self-sufficiency and nurtures deep respect for nature. Through agricultural work, the young women acquire practical knowledge that they can replicate in their communities, promoting sustainable habits and healthier lifestyles.”

As part of this education, students engage in agroecological practices for the management of different crops and vegetables. In the particular case of tomatoes, they apply natural products for both nutrition and pest and disease control. In doing so, they aim to harvest more nutritious fruits, with higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants, benefiting consumer health and soil quality by avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. These practices also encourage soil biological activity and help reduce environmental pollution.

The Salesian added, “The gardens of Talita Kumi have become spaces of integral learning, where sowing is done with dedication and harvesting with joy. Each crop represents an opportunity to value the earth as a source of life and to respond to the call to care for our Common Home. With these actions, Talita Kumi reaffirms its commitment to forming women leaders who contribute to building a more just, caring and sustainable future.”

Salesian missionaries working and living in the country have been providing for the basic needs of Guatemala’s youth while helping to break the cycle of poverty in their lives. They work extensively with youth and their families at youth centers, orphanages, parishes, and primary and secondary schools. They also operate technical schools, vocational training workshops and two universities in the country.

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PARAGUAY

Concert benefits educational center which supports over 2,000 youth

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Róga Children and Youth Symphony Orchestra in Paraguay celebrated its 21st anniversary with a concert entitled “In symphonic key: 21 years of transforming lives.” The event took place at the Tom Jobim Theatre at the Brazilian Embassy Cultural Center under the direction of Maestro Elio Fleitas. The concert was held for the benefit of the Don Bosco Róga Educational Center. There were several special guests in attendance, including prominent national artists.

A Salesian said, “The performance was a tribute to more than two decades of commitment, dreams and transformation. Over the years, the orchestra has been a space of artistic and personal growth for hundreds of youth, who have found that music had a way of transforming their lives and showing them the way to hope and self-improvement.”

Don Bosco Róga is an educational center located in Asunción that provides support to more than 2,000 youth in situations of vulnerability. One of its projects is the Don Bosco Róga Children and Youth Symphony Orchestra for 250 young people. The project is led by a staff of 27 educators and professionals and is aimed at youth ages 8 to 25.

Teachers provide lessons on 26 instruments including violin, cello, flute, oboe, bassoon, trumpet and symphonic percussion. There are also singing, dance and theater lessons offered from Monday to Friday in the afternoon and on Saturday mornings. While the lessons focus on music, there are many life skills taught in the program.

One Salesian said, “Our goal is not to train exceptional musicians, but to be a tool for saving human lives.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23 percent of its population of 6.5 million people lives in poverty, earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low-quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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

ANS – Paraguay – ‘In a symphonic key’: the Don Bosco Róga Orchestra celebrates 21 years of transforming lives

UNICEF – Paraguay

World Bank – Paraguay

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HAITI

(MissionNewswire) Students received their certificates of completion from the Timoun Kap Teke Chans Vocational School in Haiti, known as Timkatec. The 94 graduates received certificates in trades including IT, construction, plumbing, electricity, tiling, cooking, sewing and cosmetology. The trade school supports vulnerable youth, offering them vocational training, basic education, shelter, food and essential care.

Called “The explorers of tomorrow”, the graduation event brought together youth mainly from Pétion-Ville and the surrounding areas, many of whom have overcome challenges.

A Salesian noted, “With everything politically going on in Haiti, the year was a difficult one, but it ended with thunderous applause as the new young professionals, with their smiling faces mirroring many hopes. In addition to the 94 graduates, several hundred parents and friends of the graduates filled the chapel for graduation, providing a warm and festive atmosphere to celebrate this important milestone.”

In an interview, Father Grégoire Laguerre, current head of Timkatec, recounted the difficulties encountered during the year and pointed out that it was only thanks to private donors that some financial gaps could be filled. However, this aid remains insufficient and fails to fully facilitate the continuation of training and assistance for youth, despite their important role in boosting their professional future.

Currently, several thousand youth in Haiti do not attend school. According to the United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention and UNICEF, 25-30% of gang members are minors. Youth without an education or who are inadequately trained are easy prey for criminal groups, and many of them end up participating in illegal activities to ensure their daily livelihood.

Timkatec was founded in 1996 by Father Joseph Simon, a Haitian Salesian priest. Salesian missionaries began working in Haiti in 1935 in response to the Haitian government’s request for a professional school. Since then, Salesian missionaries have expanded their work to include 11 main educational centers and more than 200 schools across the country.

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ANS – To combat juvenile delinquency, TIMKATEC trains around a hundred young people in manual trades

Salesian Missions – Haiti

World Food Programme – Haiti

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ARGENTINA

(MissionNewswire) A renewable energy project in Salesian vocational centers within the Blessed Ceferino Namuncurá Province of Argentina South has successfully completed with a focus on the implementation of wind energy. The overall objective was to facilitate education and develop installation teams to replace the energy forms used in 23 Salesian vocational training centers.

To achieve this goal, wind energy measurement and generation laboratories were installed for teaching in participating centers. During this project, 55 teachers and 689 students were trained in energy generation and equipment maintenance. The solar and wind energy laboratories in 18 centers were upgraded. In addition, advice was provided for the design and implementation of seven pilot projects for alternative energy generation by students and institutions.

One pilot project was the Salesian León XIII House in the Palermo district of Buenos Aires. The project consisted of installing solar panels and a reverse osmosis system to provide light and water to school 1022 in the rural area of Navicha, in Santiago del Estero. The project went beyond the technical aspect, and deepened the mission that the Salesians are carrying out in that rural area.

A Salesian noted, “In Navicha, when renewable energy arrived, it wasn’t just light that arrived. It was also the conviction that together we can transform reality and that true learning is that which leaves a mark on people’s lives and hearts.”

The project was financed by German donors through Don Bosco Bonn, the Salesian Mission Office in Bonn, Germany. This is the second training project of this kind. The first was focused on solar energy.

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ANS – Argentina – The second edition of the renewable energy programme in the vocational technical centres of the ARS Province has been successfully completed

Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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VENEZUELA

(MissionNewswire) Students and educators at Salesian San Jose Agricultural Technical School, located in Barinas, Venezuela*, received nutritional support through a project funded by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. During the nine months of the project, 64,584 meals were served, providing three meals a day to 96 boarding students who are training to become agricultural technicians. In addition, 50 educators at the school received lunches as an incentive for their work.

The project has been fundamental in helping the school increase its enrollment from 82 to 95 students. Most of these students come from families with low incomes. Education provides a way for students to improve their future and offers them a better quality of life. For many students, this education also gives them the opportunity to revive their families’ agricultural production activities.

The school grounds cover 1,880 hectares with a solid infrastructure, numerous pastures and 12 production units. These areas cover crops, nurseries, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, dairy farming, and cheese production, as well as the production of poultry, pigs, sheep, goats, cattle and rabbits. As a result of efforts and alliances made through cooperation agreements, project initiatives, and coordination with the private sector, some production units are in the process of reactivating production after years of being shut down due to the chronic crisis in Venezuela.

Father William Jiménez, administrator of the Salesian community and agricultural school, noted, “Youth have said that the project has had an impact on their psychological well-being. There have been significant advances in nutritional indicators for the students as a result of the feeding project. The project has even made it possible to identify 15% of students who were underweight or overweight, enabling comprehensive follow-up with their families to improve their health. It has also been an opportunity for students to learn about the value of maintaining good nutrition.”

Salesian missionaries have been living and working in Venezuela long before the country’s political and economic crisis began. They operate schools, youth centers, and other programs that support youth in need and their families. An estimated 87% of the population is currently living in poverty, and essential goods such as food and medicine are scarce.

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Salesian Missions – Venezuela

*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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CHILE

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Educational Center (CEST) and the Marta Martínez Cruz High School in Yerbas Buenas, Chile, were recognized by the Maule Regional Ministerial Secretariat of Energy for their contribution to innovation in green hydrogen in the fields of electricity and electronics.

During the recognition event, Paola Bruna, a professional from the Regional Ministry of Energy, praised the project carried out by both schools, which developed a car powered by green hydrogen. It has been presented as a pioneering initiative in sustainable transport in the fields of electricity and electronics. The teams gave a demonstration of the vehicles that will compete in the H2 Grand Prix (H2GP).

The ceremony was attended by the Nataly Rojas, regional ministerial secretary for Government, and Cristian Bonfort, the regional ministerial secretary for education.

The authorities highlighted the leadership of both institutions for promoting green hydrogen and its impact on Chile’s energy future. Rojas stated, “These young people, together with their teachers, are pioneers in the region. With this work we are advancing our energy plan, and they are gaining experience and opportunities.” Bonfort stressed the importance of strengthening skills that enable the country to be represented at national and international levels.

Patricio Cáceres, head of electronics at CEST, and Lucas Olave, head of electricity, agreed that this recognition motivates them to continue training students in clean technologies, reinforcing collaborative work and care for the environment. The team’s lead student, Cristóbal Norambuena, expressed his enthusiasm for continuing to learn about energy transmission.

Salesian missionaries provide education and social development programs for poor youth in Chile. Once finished with primary and secondary school, students can advance for higher education. Salesian technical schools cater to students who have dropped out of school and are seeking a second chance. In many programs, students complete their education while engaging in internships with local employers. This increases the students’ hands-on work experience and ability to gain livable wage employment after their studies are completed.

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Regional Ministerial Secretariat of Energy honors CEST for innovation in green hydrogen

Salesian Missions – Chile

World Bank – Chile

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PERU

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have been able improve the learning environment for youth who are vulnerable and are studying at the Bosconia center in Piura, Peru. The project was made possible thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Students and staff previously found it difficult to focus in class due to the heat at the school. With the project, two air conditioning units have been added. Salesians also added a covering around the pool to limit the sun exposure for students.

Luis Angel Bregante Andrade, a 22-year-old student, was impacted by the donation. He lives in a challenging economic situation, and the area where he lives has a high poverty rate as well as high rates of crime and drug addiction. He studies at Cetpro Bosconia in the storage operations course and hopes to find a good job after graduation to help support his family.

Andrade said, “When we came to the auditorium, it was difficult for us to concentrate because the heat was very strong, and when some teachers also opened the windows, the air that entered was hot. We spoke to the director about this and the pool, as many of the students who used it got burned from the sun because there was no covering.”

He added, “Now with the project complete, we are happy with the pool roof and the air conditioning. This has provided us with the cool air we need to concentrate. We will be able to learn and fulfill our dreams. I am very grateful to the project, to the director and to Salesian Missions.”

Peru faces high levels of income inequality and has more than a quarter of its population living in poverty, according to the World Bank. Poverty levels are significantly higher in rural areas but urban areas struggle most with inequality, most notably metropolitan Lima. Poverty in the country is made worse by a shortage of productive farmland and a lack of job skills among women entering the workforce, as well as a lack of adequate housing, nutrition and education.

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Salesian Missions – Peru

World Bank – Peru

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) Volunteers with the Salesian-run Operation Mato Grosso in Brazil have been working to provide clean, safe water by building cisterns, installing pipelines, and seeking funds to drill new wells in Campo Grande for Xavante Indigenous villages. In addition, the Mobile Missionary Assistance project produces pumps adapted to each community, installs tanks, filters water, and promotes the responsible use of water resources.

The Mobile Missionary Assistance project maintains about 80 semi-artesian wells in what is known as the Xavante Special Indigenous Health District, which serves 26,000 people, and includes seven Indigenous territories, 14 municipalities, and 375 villages. The absence of artesian wells in the region has worsened health problems caused by drinking unsafe water.

Salesian deacon José Alves de Oliveira, who heads the initiative, said, “The challenges are many. I believe that collaboration between the public sector and various institutions, in this common effort, can be the way to solve the serious problem of water scarcity in the villages.”

The actions of Salesians and their collaborators have helped reduce deaths caused by waterborne diseases. Diarrheal diseases, vomiting, colic, and intestinal infections particularly affect the most vulnerable, such as children and the elderly. Over the last five years, the Special Secretariat for Indigenous Health has developed 10 water supply projects for the Xavante, contracted three and carried out four geophysical surveys.

A Salesian noted, “We aim to expand our water projects to further improve health conditions and support communities, without compromising their identity and culture.”

Salesian missionaries in Brazil provide education, workforce development and social services throughout the country and specifically focus on children with disabilities within several programs. Missionaries help to meet the basic needs of poor youth, including street children, and provide them with an education and life skills to gain employment, break the cycle of poverty and lead productive lives.

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ANS – Brazil – Salesian work with the indigenous peoples of Mato Grosso is the greatest hope for restoring dignity to these communities

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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HAITI

(MissionNewswire) The Diocesan Center for Arts and Trades (CDAM) in Haiti, run by the Salesians of Don Bosco, celebrated the graduation of 114 young men and women. The graduates completed training in six fields, including IT, electricity, woodworking, construction, home arts and bar-restaurant services.

CDAM provides technical and vocational training for youth as well as educational and sports programs. Most of the students come from very poor backgrounds, so there are minimal tuition fees for those who can offer a small contribution.

A Salesian noted, “We applaud these graduates who have worked so hard to gain a skill for long-term employment. Haiti is challenged by ongoing violence and strife. Despite the great insecurity and misery, Salesian missionaries, along with many others, continue to stand by the Haitian people and students are working hard to develop a better life for themselves and their communities.”

The graduation began with a Catholic Mass led by Father Jacques Charles, who encouraged the graduates to be “pilgrims of hope” and to remain united in building a better future amid Haiti’s challenges. The celebration continued with cultural performances, speeches and heartfelt tributes. While the mood was festive, speakers emphasized the urgent need for job creation and investment in technical education to secure Haiti’s future.

Salesian missionaries began working in Haiti in 1935 in response to the Haitian government’s request for a professional school. Since then, Salesian missionaries have expanded their work to include 11 main educational centers and more than 200 schools across the country. CDAM opened its door to youth in 1983.

The 11 main centers each include several primary and secondary schools, vocational training centers, and other programs for street children and youth in need. Salesian programs are located throughout Haiti, including in the cities of Port-au-Prince, Fort-Liberté, Cap-Haïtien, Les Cayes and Gressier. Today, Salesian missionaries in Haiti provide the largest source of education outside of the Haitian government.

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ANS – Haiti – 114 Graduates of CDAM’s “Synergia” Class Celebrate Graduation

Salesian Missions – Haiti

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) The Meu Pet Veterinary Clinic, a partner of UniSalesiano, the Salesian University in Araçatuba, Brazil, is a source of pride for the entire institution, as it combines practical formation with an essential service for the community. It recently recorded 1,849 visits, exceeding the initial target and demonstrating confidence in the service run by the university.

The veterinary clinic started operations in March 2023, offering free care for dogs and cats. The São Paulo State Government financed and implemented the construction of the building and the purchase of furniture and equipment for the new facility, while the Salesian university was in charge of managing the services.

Prof. Dr. André Ornellas, vice-chancellor for Teaching, Research and Postgraduate Studies at the university, said, “Seeing this growth and the satisfaction of the tutors confirms that we are fulfilling our mission of providing excellent teaching, research and care.”

The medical team has performed 167 surgeries, including orthopedic operations to restore mobility and quality of life for the animals. The high demand for services was also reflected in laboratory and imaging examinations. In July, 2,527 laboratory examinations were carried out, a much higher number than originally expected.

Despite the intense pace, satisfaction remained high, reinforcing the clinic’s commitment to service quality. According to a satisfaction survey conducted during the month of July, 95% of the clients rated the service of the reception and professionals as “very good”, 85% rated the cleanliness of the rooms as “very good” and 70% approved of the availability of the schedule.

One visitor of the center said, “Everyone, from the reception desk to the doctors, was very kind and caring. This kind of assistance was really missing in our city. I am very happy and grateful for the service I received and would recommend the clinic to anyone who needs care for their pets.”

Tatiane da Silva Poló, clinic coordinator, said the July figures reflect the dedication of the entire team. He said, “Our goal is always to offer a humanized and excellent service, combined with the necessary structure and technology to ensure the health and well-being of pets. These results show that we are on the right track and motivate us to continue improving our services.”

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ANS – Brazil – A historical record for the ‘Meu Pet’ veterinary clinic, a partner of the ‘UniSALESIANO’ University Centre

Salesian Missions – Brazil

UniSalesiano

World Bank – Brazil

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Project Foundation–North Coast inaugurated the Mamma Margherita school canteen at the Mother of the Savior Reference Center in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. The canteen will provide a space to serve nutritious food for youth to ensure their well-being.

Sixty youth will receive a balanced lunch, which will aid their academic performance and participation in educational activities. Beneficiaries expressed their joy and gratitude, seeing the space as a place where they feel valued, welcomed, and cared for.

A Salesian said, “We are grateful for the support provided that has enabled us to develop this school canteen. Children who are hungry cannot learn. We are now able to give our students at least one proper meal a day. They are able to focus on their studies and engage in activities with their friends.”

This project was made possible thanks to the coordinated efforts of Father Robert García, director of the Salesian Project Foundation–North Coast, Samuel Lozada, project technician, and various benefactors, including the Salesian Cross Catholic Parish and the De Paoli family.

The ceremony to launch the canteen was attended by the beneficiaries of the center, their parents, local authorities, and institutional representatives, including Professor Diego Jiménez, vice rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Esmeraldas, who expressed his support for the project.

The blessing of the new canteen was given by Father Marcelo Farfán, provincial of the Salesians in Ecuador, who shared his joy in seeing a space dedicated to Mamma Margherita, the mother of Don Bosco and a symbol of unconditional love, service and care for the poor.

Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth who are poor gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities.

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ANS – Ecuador – “Mamma Margherita” Canteen Becomes a Reality: 60 Children and Young People in Esmeraldas Receive a Nutritious Meal Every Day

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Institute Santo Antônio launched the Don Bosco Social Service Project to welcome and care for 200 youth, in partnership with the Nossa Senhora da Guia Parish in the Coxipó neighborhood of Cuiabá, Brazil. Youth between the ages of 6-17, from the nearby Coophema district, will take part.

The project activities will take place at the Santa Maria Goretti church and include recreational time, meals, and religious programs. The goal is to provide a welcoming environment for youth in vulnerable situations. The Salesian Province has invested in the construction of classrooms and the renovation of the kitchen. All services and activities will be offered free of charge to families.

Father Ricardo Carlos, provincial of the Salesian Province St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori of Campo Grande, said, “We hope this home will receive children, teenagers and youth, allowing Don Bosco’s dream to be realized ― to form good Christians and upright citizens.”

Priority for admission will be given to those in greatest need. Social workers will oversee the selection process based on family income and living conditions. To join the project, youth must be enrolled in school and maintain regular attendance. Those who attend school in the morning will take part in the social activities in the afternoon, and vice versa. The project has received community support from the Canopus group.

Fr. Marcelo Fujimura, parish priest, noted, “This is a way of showing that these children matter to us. They are not only the future — they are already the present.”

In 2023, Brazil reduced the rates of poverty and extreme poverty to the lowest levels since 2012, when the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics began conducting annual surveys on the subject. The number of people living in poverty declined from 67.7 million to 59 million in just one year. Researchers attribute this to the expansion of social assistance programs, such as Bolsa Família, targeting those in extreme poverty.

Salesian missionaries in Brazil provide education, workforce development and social services throughout the country and specifically focus on children with disabilities within several programs. Missionaries help to meet the basic needs of youth who are poor and provide them with an education and life skills to gain employment, break the cycle of poverty and lead productive lives.

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ANS – Brazil – Inauguration of the “Don Bosco” Social Service Project in Cuiabá to Support Children and Teenagers

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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GUATEMALA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Center in San Pedro Carchá, Guatemala, has launched a modern soy milk production facility, known locally as the “mechanical cow.” This initiative was made possible thanks to a donation from Rotary International, the Rotary Club of Cobán, Guatemala, and the Rotary Club of the South.

A Salesian explained, “The innovative facility will directly benefit more than 1,700 students by improving their nutrition through a more complete diet. The new system includes three main components including the soy milk production, refrigeration, and a bakery that produces nutritious cookies with soy by-products, using zero waste and full resource utilization.”

During an inauguration event, Engineer Byron Molina, president of the Rotary Club of Cobán, expressed his gratitude to the Don Bosco Center and Father Antonio de Groot, the project’s founder, for their openness and leadership. Diana Brown, governor of Rotary International District 4250 (USA), also attended and praised the impact of the Don Bosco Center in the region. She highlighted the importance of collaboration and ethics in serving those most in need.

Salesian missionaries working and living in the country have been providing for the basic needs of Guatemala’s youth while helping to break the cycle of poverty in their lives. They work extensively with youth and their families at youth centers, orphanages, parishes, and primary and secondary schools. They also operate technical schools, vocational training workshops and two universities in the country.

Rural poverty hasn’t changed much in Guatemala during the last 20 years, according to the World Bank. While 70% of Guatemalan citizens live below the poverty line, the number is as high as 91% for its Indigenous population. Many rural residents in Guatemala have only completed sixth grade. This is largely due to the expenses required to send children to schools which are often located far from their homes.

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ANS – Guatemala – “Don Bosco Center” of San Pedro Carchá Inaugurates Soya Milk Plant for Over 1,700 Students

Salesian Missions – Guatemala

World Bank – Guatemala

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries through Bosco Global have been facilitating the “Building societies and life free from violence” project for the last 15 months in violence-prone areas of Guayaquil, Ecuador, as well as the state of Baja California, Mexico. Thousands of families face rising insecurity, and extortion practices are also affecting small street businesses, which families rely on for income.

The Don Bosco Center and Don Bosco House in Guayaquil are offering psychological support for 360 youth and 170 families. The project offers personalized psychological assistance with specialists, safe spaces for dialogue and opportunities for young people to participate in initiatives such as the Local Citizenship Forum. Another part of the project is working to curb school drop-out by offering school kits and supporting youth in their studies, enabling many to remain in school.

“The work to be done is enormous, but we know how important it is for a young person to be able to continue to study and have opportunities for the future. This confirms to us that it is worth it,” explained Begoña Simal, project coordinator. “We cannot ignore the harshness of reality, but we can offer opportunities that show that another way of life is possible.”

In addition, 115 youth have participated in technical education courses in subjects like industrial mechanics, carpentry, cutting and sewing, baking, or computer science. Workshops were also organized to help youth become barbers and mobile phone repairers, trades that offer rapid job opportunities and require minimal initial investment. These courses are complemented by training in interpersonal skills and entrepreneurship, as well as internships in companies, which help participants build real, effective and sustainable employable skills.

A representative from Bosco Global said, “The work is not easy and the challenges are great, but the results show that every effort pays off. We want to continue offering opportunities to more young people living in difficult situations.”

The project has been made possible thanks to contributions from Camins-Fundació Social Escola Pia in Spain, Educación Solidaria in Mexico, the Salesians in Ecuador and the Catalan Agency for Development Support.

Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth who are poor gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities.

Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Programme, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% in Indigenous communities.

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ANS – America – Youth in action against violence: 15 months of active engagement for peace in Ecuador and Mexico

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) The new Salesian mental health and primary care services management center in Araçatuba, Brazil, is already showing improvements for the population’s health. A branch of the Salesian Mato Grosso Mission, the Zatti Saúde center works in partnership with the municipality of Araçatuba.

During the center’s first 50 days, more than 32,000 medical appointments were conducted across Araçatuba’s health facilities, reflecting a faster response time in patient care. There has also been a noticeable improvement in lab testing. In June, more than 56,000 laboratory tests were completed, successfully addressing a backlog in under one month. This outcome was made possible thanks to partnerships with local laboratories.

According to Father Paulo Vendrame, general director of Zatti Saúde and rector of the Salesian university UniSalesiano, these results reflect a successful health care model grounded in academic excellence, social commitment, and technical planning.

Fr. Vendrame explained, “This project has been developed over the years within the university. Our medical students begin working with communities from the very start of their studies, and some of them now serve as doctors in these facilities. The same spirit that inspired Don Bosco’s preventive system now guides our approach to health care, based on closeness, listening, and consistent presence.”

One of the key changes brought by the new management is the shift in employment policy. Previously, doctors worked without job security. Now, with permanent contracts, they enjoy safer, more stable working conditions. This encourages professional retention in family health teams and grants access to key employment rights such as paid leave and year-end bonuses.

Currently, Araçatuba has 46 family health teams, and 14 more are in the process of being approved by the Ministry of Health. In addition to Zatti Saúde’s staff, the medical workforce is supported by professionals from the federal government’s More Doctors program.

Another major focus is the investment in digital tools and professional development. UniSalesiano purchased 550 Samsung Galaxy S10 FE tablets to support digitization in health units, improving patient data management and monitoring.

All medical teams also take part in ongoing training sessions. To further evaluate service quality, the internationally recognized “Primary Care Assessment Tool” will be introduced. This tool, validated in Brazil, assesses key elements of primary care such as accessibility, coordination, comprehensiveness, and universality.

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ANS – Brazil – Primary Health Care Makes Strides with Zatti Saúde’s First 50 Days of Management

Salesian Missions – Brazil

UniSalesiano

World Bank – Brazil

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Project Foundation Guayaquil has celebrated the opening of a new Casa Pinardi Reference Center in the underserved neighborhood of Bastión Popular Bloque 4, Guayaquil, Ecuador. The center was launched to transform the lives of youth through education, emotional support and community development.

A Salesian explained, “The center will offer school reinforcement, group workshops, recreational activities, and psycho-educational support. We are grateful for the generosity of donors honoring the late Father Pierluigi Carletti, who passionately dedicated his life to serving the most vulnerable. Support also came from the Salesian Polytechnic University and funds raised during the 2024 Salesian Missionary Solidarity Campaign, a nationwide initiative.”

The inauguration ceremony gathered community representatives, beneficiary families, volunteers, members of the El Bastión de María Parish including parish priest Father Joaquim Folqué, the foundation’s technical team, and Father Mario Ramos, director of the Salesian Project Foundation Guayaquil.

Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth who are poor gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities.

Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Programme, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% in Indigenous communities.

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

ANS – Ecuador – New “Casa Pinardi” Center Opens in One of Guayaquil’s Most Vulnerable Areas

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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CHILE

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Foundation, a Salesian initiative to benefit youth in Chile, reopened Patio Don Bosco Punitaqui, a center for youth who are vulnerable in the heart of La Florida. The reopening ceremony brought together authorities, entrepreneurs, families, and youth to celebrate a center that has served as a home, school, and playground for 25 years.

In his speech, Ramiro Urenda, vice president of the Don Bosco Foundation, emphasized the center’s philosophy of treating youth with love to prevent them from ending up on the streets. He noted, “Nearly half of the children in our country live surrounded by violence.”

A Salesian noted, “The highlight of the reopening came from youth whose heartfelt testimonies demonstrated just how vital the center is in their lives. The center provides education and critical social support for vulnerable and at-risk youth. Here they can learn, grow, and connect with their peers in a safe and supportive environment.”

Salesian missionaries provide education and social development programs for poor youth in Chile. Once finished with primary and secondary school, students can advance for higher education. Salesian technical schools cater to students who have dropped out of school and are seeking a second chance. In many programs, students complete their education while engaging in internships with local employers. This increases the students’ hands-on work experience and ability to gain livable wage employment after their studies are completed.

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

ANS – Chile – “Fundación Don Bosco” Reopens Iconic Patio Don Bosco Punitaqui in La Florida

Salesian Missions – Chile

World Bank – Chile

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PARAGUAY

(MissionNewswire) An environmental education project of the Salesian Province of Paraguay has reached 18 schools and more than 11,000 students across the country, after launching in 2021 at five schools. The project promotes environmental awareness and sustainable practices in schools.

The initiative is supported by Engagement Global (Service for Development Initiatives) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. It also has the support of the Ministry of Education and Science, which is responsible for reviewing, checking and verifying the content and certifying its suitability for application in the country’s schools. Cooperation was also established with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development.

In an interview with the newspaper La Nación, María José Llamosas, program coordinator, explained that the project is being developed in close collaboration with educational communities to integrate the curriculum right into school lessons. During the interview, the Pedro Ignacio Morínigo School garden was highlighted as an educational tool to teach about values such as respect for the environment, healthy food, patience, responsibility, friendship and commitment.

Llamosas emphasized that the education focuses on 10 themes, two of which are directly focused on climate change and risk management, with an emphasis on resilience. “We want the educational community to be able to identify these risk factors and know how to deal with them and adapt to climate change.”

Professor María Cristina Snead, teacher at the Don Bosco School in Ypacaraí, noted, “Working with children in environmental education allows us to build a more ecologically aware future. We are already seeing significant changes, both in the students and in their families.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23% of its population of 6.5 million people lives in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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ANS – Paraguay – New environmental education project involves over 11,000 students

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ARGENTINA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Ceferino Namuncurá School in Argentina takes an active part in the Don Bosco Green Alliance, an international Salesian movement that contributes to global environmental action, thought and policy. One of the initiatives of the school’s Eco Escuela-Huerta Escolar project is a composting project facilitated by seventh-grade students.

Students learn about the material cycle, environmental responsibility, teamwork and the satisfaction of producing something with their own hands. During the 2024 school year, youth embarked on this mission by learning all they could about composting. They researched, read, shared ideas and developed texts to clearly explain what composting is, how it is done and why it is so valuable for the planet. They also created posters and drawings to teach younger students the details of this natural process.

With the entire school community, special days were organized for the other grades to bring in clean organic waste such as fruit and vegetable peels, used grass, paper napkins, among other items. The seventh-grade students were in charge of collecting and taking them to the compost bin.

The materials are placed in alternating bins labeled “green” (wet, such as fruit scraps) and “brown” (dry, such as leaves or clean cardboard). The compost is left to rest, stirred from time to time to oxygenate and watered carefully.

A Salesian noted, “This year, with the same hope and joy, a new team has begun to prepare. They are studying, informing themselves and are ready to continue with this beautiful task. Because as Don Bosco used to say, ‘education is a matter of the heart’, taking care of the planet is also a matter of the heart.”

More than a quarter of the people in Argentina live in conditions of poverty with no formal employment and poor-quality education, according to the World Bank. The country’s high school dropout rate is close to 37% and youth account for a third of those unemployed. Almost 12% of children aged 5-17 are working instead of being in school and 20% need government assistance. Many face malnutrition, a lack of clean water and sewage, and inadequate housing.

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Don Bosco Green Alliance – Composting to Transform: Caring for the Common Home from the Classroom

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PARAGUAY

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Róga Foundation and the Chalice Foundation are supporting the residents of the Divina Misericordia Rest Home located in the María Graciela neighborhood of the city of Ayolas, Paraguay. Both organizations delivered basic necessities to help improve the quality of life of the 18 elderly residents, many of whom live in vulnerable situations.

Domingo Cáceres, director of the Don Bosco Róga Foundation, said, “On behalf of the Catholic Chalice organization and the Don Bosco Róga Foundation, we are happy to contribute to the care and dignity of the daily lives of our elderly. This donation represents the first significant intervention in a series of planned donations to support the home on an ongoing basis.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23% of its population of 6.5 million people lives in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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ANS – Paraguay – Important donation from the Don Bosco Róga Foundation to a home for the elderly in Ayolas

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ARGENTINA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Faculty of Oenology and Food Science in Argentina is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Founded in October 1965 in Rodeo del Medio, Mendoza, the university is the first of its kind in Latin America. The university was started at the request of industrialists and authorities who saw that Salesian education was an opportunity to professionalize and grow the wine sector.

A Salesian noted, “The origin goes back a long way. As early as 1901, the Don Bosco Center in Mendoza trained young people in trades related to agriculture and wine production. Always at the forefront of progress, the institution has adapted its training offerings to the needs of each era, establishing itself for its technical and university education in the region.

Various academic, cultural and celebratory activities will take place throughout the year. These include a technical conference, the launch of a new degree course in oenology, a professional olive oil tasting, and a wine tasting at the National Wine and Grape Harvest Museum in September, coinciding with Oenologist Day. There will be a central event on Oct. 31, the official day of the university founding.

The Don Bosco Faculty was the first in Latin America to award a degree in oenology and in the fruit industry. Today, graduates from this institution are recognized professionals in wineries and factories in Argentina and around the world. The university continues to be a pioneer in the field.

Currently, degree courses are offered in sommeliers, bromatology, oenology and the fruit industry, and food technology. The university includes vineyards and olive groves, a wine cellar, an oil mill, a canning factory, state-of-the-art laboratories, and sensory analysis rooms. Students produce their own wines, oils, sparkling wines, beers and preserves, integrating theory and practice from origin to final product.

Through cooperative agreements, students take part in internships, exchanges and international experiences. In addition, the Padre Francisco Oreglia Center for Research, Development, Extension and Services allows students and teachers to participate in applied research projects.

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ANS – Argentina – Celebrations have begun at the Don Bosco Faculty of Oenology: 60 years of pioneering history in Latin America

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) UniSalesiano, the Salesian University in Araçatuba, Brazil, has invested in the purchase of medical tablets for the Municipal Health Department of Araçatuba to optimize home care. The tablets will also allow accurate monitoring of the location of the professionals and citizens being assisted. The technology devices will be used in the city’s Basic Health Units and managed by the Salesian Zatti Saúde Health Center.

The tablets are compatible with the health management application that enables professionals to make recordings and updates directly during visits. Before meeting the patient, professionals download the medical records onto the device. Even without internet access in the field, they are able to record clinical and home information. Upon returning, the data is automatically synchronized with the system, ensuring faster and more accurate patient monitoring. The system also records clinical information and a detailed visit history.

Dr. Daniel Martins Ferreira Jr., the municipal secretary for health, said, “The introduction of the tablets is a big step forward in the digitization of public health in Araçatuba. The community agent will have real-time access to a lot of data, including that of people with hypertension or diabetes, pregnant women and children. This replaces all the paperwork and makes both care and decision-making by the teams more agile.”

Dr. André Ornellas, pro-rector of UniSalesiano, noted the institution’s role in creating solutions that have a positive impact on the lives of the population. He said, “As a university center committed to human and social development, we believe that investing in technology for health means investing in people’s quality of life. This partnership with the municipality shows that it is possible to combine education, innovation and public service for the benefit of the community.”

Just over 15% of Brazilians live in poverty, with the majority living in the rural northeast of the country, according to the World Bank. While Brazil is making positive changes, there are still large gaps between the poor and the rich, and issues of income inequality and social exclusion remain at the root of poverty.

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ANS – Brazil – A substantial investment by UniSALESIANO to purchase essential health devices

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UNITED STATES

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Mission Center in Boyle Heights, California, has become a place where people of all ages aim to help others. The Burrito Project and the Clothing the Poor project are two projects that are bringing people together, especially youth, to give back to community members in need.

The Burrito Project, involving members of the Association of Mary Help of Christians Youth and students from St. Dominic Savio, works to help serve food to those in need. People from different generations join forces, working side by side, for the common good. One volunteer said, “It was inspiring to see so many young people choosing to serve God, instead of spending time with video games.”

As part of the monthly initiative, volunteers can join one of two groups to either prepare the meals to be distributed at the Mission Center or deliver them to the people who do not have homes, sharing a moment of prayer with them and offering compassionate support.

Another project, Clothing the Poor, has brought together student support from volunteers from St. Mary’s Academy and Sacred Heart of Jesus High School. Young women played a key role in setting up and running the charity shop. This is an ongoing initiative ready to welcome new volunteers to distribute clothes to those most in need.

A Salesian noted, “It’s important for Salesian youth to give back to the community through charitable acts and volunteerism. Helping the community in which they live is also a way for these students to learn skills while completing tasks and engaging with their peers.”

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EL SALVADOR

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Ricaldone Technical Institute, located in San Salvador, El Salvador, inaugurated a renewable energy laboratory as part of its commitment to environmental protection. The initiative is part of the institute’s clean energy educational courses and various environmental awareness activities. This new laboratory was made possible thanks to funding from Don Bosco Mondo in Germany and was strengthened by strategic alliances with the national business and education sectors.

The opening ceremony was attended by José Pineda, El Salvador’s Minister of Education, who congratulated the institute on its innovative initiative and thanked the collaborating partners for their contribution to technical education in the country.

Father Julio Navarrothe, provincial of the Salesians Central America, said, “The Salesian educational service is committed to an ecological culture, offering integral formation and working in synergy to build common goals for young Salvadorans.”

The opening ceremony was also attended by authorities from the Ricaldone Institute, members of the Salesian Family and representatives from the country’s education and energy sectors. Father Alex Figueroa, director, emphasized that the opening of the laboratory represents Ricaldone Technical Institute’s commitment to environmental protection. The lab is part of the new three-year degree course in electrical systems with a specialization in renewable energy.

Close to 22% of El Salvador’s population lives in poverty, according to the World Bank. Youth in El Salvador are confronted not only with poverty but with instability, high levels of violence and inadequate access to educational opportunities. Despite ranking high for economic indicators, the need for practical education in El Salvador is more important than ever with 12% of youth ages 15-24 unemployed and 41% underemployed.

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ANS – El Salvador – The Ricaldone Technical Institute opens a modern laboratory for renewable energies

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GUATEMALA

(MissionNewswire) At Talita Kumi, located in San Pedro Carchá, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, boarding students continue to implement environmental protection initiatives. One of their most recent efforts is the production of a new type of organic fertilizer through vermiculture, complementing the Bokashi compost they had already been producing.

The new fertilizer is created using the Californian red worm, a hybrid of species that live in soil and those that thrive in manure and organic matter. Its primary food source includes coffee pulp — an abundant byproduct of the coffee industry in northern Guatemala, where Talita Kumi’s student centers are located.

A Salesian explained, “These worms transform organic waste into humus, a nutrient-rich compost that naturally and sustainably improves soil quality. The process is carried out in wooden boxes covered with black nylon to protect the worms from direct sunlight. Beyond reducing the amount of organic waste sent to landfills, this initiative produces a high-quality fertilizer used for growing vegetables and short-cycle crops on campus, promoting sustainability and efficient use of natural resources.”

These techniques are replicable by students in their communities, most of which are rural and Indigenous Q’eqchi. In doing so, the students help spread ecological farming practices rooted in respect for nature.

Salesian missionaries working and living in the country have been providing for the basic needs of Guatemala’s youth while helping to break the cycle of poverty in their lives. They work extensively with youth and their families at youth centers, orphanages, parishes, and primary and secondary schools. They also operate technical schools, vocational training workshops and two universities in the country.

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Don Bosco Green Alliance – Talita Kumi Students Promote Vermicomposting to Care for Our Common Home

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CHILE

(MissionNewswire) As part of a Science for Citizenship course, students in the fourth year of the professional technical program at the Salesian Educational Center (CEST) in Talca, Chile, developed projects to address problems arising from climate change, integrating scientific and technological knowledge. The students, together with teacher Geraldine Labraña, presented functional models representing sustainable solutions to various environmental problems on World Environment Day in June.

Professor Nicole Rojas explained that creating the projects helps students understand scientific process and learn how to propose concrete solutions that are applicable both locally and globally. Students also learned critical thinking, collaboration, environmental awareness and citizen responsibility.

A Salesian noted, “During the process, students researched the effects of climate change in areas such as water, energy, biodiversity and health. They identified a specific problem that affects their community, the country, or other regions of the world and designed and implemented a model that simulates an adaptation or mitigation solution. They evaluated the feasibility of their proposal, considering materials, costs, and environmental and social impact.”

Salesian missionaries provide education and social development programs for poor youth in Chile. Once finished with primary and secondary school, students can advance for higher education. Salesian technical schools cater to students who have dropped out of school and are seeking a second chance. In many programs, students complete their education while engaging in internships with local employers. This increases the students’ hands-on work experience and ability to gain livable wage employment after their studies are completed.

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Don Bosco Green Alliance – Exhibition of solutions to climate change at CEST

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Foundation Project North Coast in Ecuador, through the Salesian Province of Ecuador’s “Together for Esmeraldas” campaign, has delivered artisanal fishing kits and building materials to the Esmeraldas communities affected by an oil spill and the recent earthquake. This humanitarian aid was thanks in part to the Salesian Mission Office in Ireland and the collaboration of Salesian centers in Ecuador.

The oil spill from the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System on March 13 in Quinindé, Esmeraldas contaminated rivers, mangroves and beaches. Kits were delivered in June to several groups of fishermen on the shores of Santa Cruz and in the neighborhood of Santa Martha II. The kits included basic tools for artisanal fishing, such as nets, hooks, ropes, safety devices and other supplies. Also in June, six families affected by the strong earthquake on April 25 received building materials to rebuild their homes.

A Salesian said, “With a deep sense of solidarity and commitment to the most vulnerable communities in Esmeraldas, Salesians are working to ensure that families have the basic needs they live to survive. Homes are being rebuilt and livelihoods are being supported so fishermen can continue to support their families.”

Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth who are poor gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities.

Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Programme, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% in Indigenous communities.

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ANS – Ecuador – Providing hope in the midst of tragedy! Families in Esmeraldas receive fishing kits and building materials to improve their living conditions

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) Students who are part of the Don Bosco Green Alliance team at the Dom Bosco Institute São Paulo in Brazil promoted the “Drive Thru Green Alliance” campaign. The event to collect electronic waste raised awareness about the importance of the correct disposal of electronic waste while also contributing to sustainable practices for the care of the environment.

During the two weekends of the campaign, parishioners, local residents, and institution employees were mobilized to collect the waste in the parking lot of the Santa Teresinha Parish. The collection truck remained on site as a central collection point. More than 4,300 lb of electronic waste was collected and sent to the Dom Bosco Institute, where it underwent technical sorting by the IT department.

A Salesian said, “The materials that could be reused were incorporated into the institution’s infrastructure, while the unusable materials were sent to the partner company GTech, which specializes in environmentally correct disposal and issued the certificate of compliance. The financial resources obtained from the sale of recyclable materials will be reinvested in the continuation of the project and also directed to socio-educational actions, such as environmental education workshops and training for students.”

The campaign brought together collaborators and volunteers. Pâmela Fernanda, a member of the team, noted, “It was very rewarding to talk to the community and see the positive impact of the action. Many people want to dispose of waste correctly, but there are still no accessible points. Providing this space made all the difference.”

Adrieli Lima, another participant, said, “Seeing the community engaged in this cause shows that, together, we are stronger. With small actions, we can change the world around us.”

The campaign will continue until November and will continue to receive electronic waste at the Dom Bosco Institute, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to integral ecology, youth leadership and care for the Common Home.

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Don Bosco Green Alliance – 449 Drive Thru Campaign Green Alliance of Dom Bosco collects almost 2 tons of electronic waste in Brazil

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Polytechnic University has launched a new community engagement and outreach project in the Salesian missions in Yaupi, Bomboiza, and Sevilla Don Bosco in Ecuador. The main goal is to provide academic support and digital resources to students in Amazonian communities. This project will benefit 120 youth.

A Salesian noted, “A key component of the project involves equipping local schools with computer technology. By doing so, Salesian Polytechnic University is providing essential digital tools to strengthen learning and reduce the digital divide that affects these marginalized communities. The aim is to ensure fairer access to education and to empower Indigenous youth and residents of remote areas to compete on equal footing with their peers in urban or less isolated regions both in education and in the job market.”

Salesian Polytechnic University is also providing teachers with resources and will play central role in supporting the learning process. A project coordinator explained, “This isn’t just about teaching — it’s about walking together and building bridges.”

The project coordinator added, “The project creates a dual impact. While young people in the missions strengthen their academic skills, university students gain valuable interpersonal, intercultural and social experience — skills rarely acquired in a purely academic environment. It’s a meaningful, mutual learning experience.”

“This project is not a charity,” the project coordinator concluded. “It’s a commitment to equity, intercultural dialogue, and educational justice. It’s also an expression of active faith, which inspires every Salesian mission. At Salesian Polytechnic University, we believe that to educate is to build bonds, to engage and to help shape the future not just for others, but with them.”

Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth who are poor gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities.

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ANS – Ecuador – With a Salesian Spirit, the Salesian Polytechnic Strengthens Its Commitment to the Ecuadorian Amazon Through Education and Technology

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COLOMBIA

(MissionNewswire) The “FESOR Don Bosco” waste management training project for youth in Bogotá, Colombia, officially concluded with an event to share the results achieved by the project. Feedback was gathered to continue strengthening educational and environmental initiatives focused on the protection of the environment.

During the official closing ceremony, Salesians highlighted the opportunities created by this initiative, including the enhancement of training for youth, as well as the students’ personal growth and awareness in the field of environmental protection.

A Salesian noted, “With optimism and enthusiasm, we foresee the development of a future second phase of the project, which will allow us to continue on this path — equipping new generations with better tools to care for the planet and promoting real opportunities for sustainable employment in a country where environmental issues are becoming increasingly important.”

The event took place at the Don Bosco Obrero Center, which served as the pilot site for the Integrated Waste Management Module for Electrical and Electronic Equipment and a replica of the Solid Waste Management Module. It included organizations that supported the project including the Economic Cooperation and Development Office of the Swiss Embassy, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, and the United Nations Development Programme.

Also present were representatives of national organizations that are leaders in post-consumer strategies and electronic waste management. A special mention went to EcoPartner, one of the main sponsors of the project, which supported the Salesian center throughout all stages of planning, implementation, and monitoring.

Just over 34% of Colombians are living below the poverty line. Although Colombia is among the world’s emerging economies, more than three out of 10 Colombians still live in poor conditions. Colombia is also the world’s seventh most inequitable country. By providing education, workforce development services and social programs across Colombia, Salesian missionaries are working to empower youth and given them a chance at a better life.

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ANS – Colombia – Conclusion of the “FESOR Don Bosco” Project: Youth Trained to Care for the Planet

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have opened Zatti Saúde, a new branch of the Salesian Mato Grosso Mission in Araçatuba, Brazil, to manage essential mental health and primary care services. The center will work in partnership with the Araçatuba City Council.

Lucas Zanatta, the mayor of Araçatuba, attended the opening ceremony and highlighted the innovative nature of the partnership between the public authorities and the Salesian institution. He noted, “It is the only partnership in Brazil in which a university with a medical course takes over the management of primary health care. This seemed impossible a few months ago. Today it is a reality. And more than that, it is a sign of hope for the entire population.”

Also attending the June 10 opening were Father Ricardo Carlos, provincial of the mission, and Father Paulo Fernando Vendrame, rector of UniSalesiano, the Salesian University, and director general of the Salesians in Araçatuba.

In his speech, Fr. Vendrame said, “Here, we want to dream of a new era for health in Araçatuba. May it be a place where administration serves to transform lives.” He also highlighted Saint Artemides Zatti, after whom the new headquarters is named, as an inspiration for the mission.  “He believed, promised and recovered. May he inspire us in the face of difficulties to be instruments of transformation through humanized care.”

Fr. Carlos emphasized the symbolic nature of opening the new facility and the value of alliances based on trust and solidarity. He explained, “We are celebrating something very new. When we said yes to this partnership, I was at Don Bosco’s house in Turin. I remembered how he welcomed so many with a plate of food and with an opportunity. This is what we want to do here ― welcome, care for and transform.”

The new headquarters for Zatti Saúde will house strategic departments such as accounting, legal and human resources, as well as rooms for board meetings and the coordination of mental health and basic health services.

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ANS – Brazil – “Zatti Saúde” opens in Araçatuba with a commitment to humane healthcare

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GUATEMALA

(MissionNewswire) Young women from the Salesian Talita Kumi Center, located in San Pedro Carchá, Guatemala, have taken another step in reaffirming their commitment to environmental sustainability. As part of a strategy led by students, the center has eliminated the use of disposable cups and plates during student snack times and replaced them with reusable utensils to significantly reduce waste generation within the educational center.

A student explained, “This action addresses a growing concern, as disposable products not only generate large volumes of waste but also release toxic substances that contaminate soil and water sources, severely affecting wildlife, oceans and human health. Many of these items also contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed by the body with each use.”

With this initiative, the Talita Kumi Center not only promotes a cleaner and healthier environment but also fosters environmental awareness among its students, most of whom are young Q’eqchi’ from rural communities. By adopting these practices in their daily lives, they also become agents of change in their communities, where the overuse of disposables has increased.

The student added, “Small actions, such as using reusable utensils, can have a significant impact. At Talita Kumi, our choices as students reflect a genuine commitment to building a more sustainable future.”

Salesian missionaries working and living in the country have been providing for the basic needs of Guatemala’s youth while helping to break the cycle of poverty in their lives. They work extensively with youth and their families at youth centers, orphanages, parishes, and primary and secondary schools. They also operate technical schools, vocational training workshops and two universities in the country.

Rural poverty hasn’t changed much in Guatemala during the last 20 years, according to the World Bank. While 70% of Guatemalan citizens live below the poverty line, the number is as high as 91% for its Indigenous population. Many rural residents in Guatemala have only completed sixth grade. This is largely due to the expenses required to send children to schools which are often located far from their homes.

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Don Bosco Green Alliance – At FUNDEMI Talita Kumi, We Say No to Disposables

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VENEZUELA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the Province of St. Lucas in Venezuela* were able to provide training on the “Bosco Way Walking with Don Bosco Toward the Salesian Identity” thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project sought to provide pastoral and educational staff with a deeper understanding of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello. Nearly 500 people participated in the five regional training meetings.

In addition to learning more about the life of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello, participants deepened their vocational commitment, enhanced their capacity for comprehensive emotional and spiritual support, and acquired tools for leading youth groups with creativity and adaptability. Training sessions fostered teamwork, co-responsibility and a shared Salesian identity among lay people and Salesians.

A Salesian noted, “The experience promoted ongoing education and enriched the Salesian Youth Ministry with renewed energy, fraternity, and a stronger pastoral mission, enabling teachers to more effectively support the integral growth of young people.”

Jesmary, a Salesian animator and advisor at the Miguel Magone Oratory in Sarria, said, “For me to know the life of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello helps me to improve my service, to know deeply what they did and how their life can be a testimony for me to teach young people to be a little like them.”

Sister Sandra García, a daughter of the Divine Savior in the community of El Tostao, Barquisimeto, explained, “Each young person has a different process and applying the preventive system that leads them to a change of life. Each one shows it in a different way, some get closer to God, others get closer to their family, and others are more integrated into the community. I feel fortunate and at the same time with a great commitment because being part of the Salesian family requires loving young people, first feeling loved by God to be able to love young people.”

Salesian missionaries have been living and working in Venezuela long before the country’s political and economic crisis began. They operate schools, youth centers, and other programs that support youth in need and their families. An estimated 87% of the population is currently living in poverty, and essential goods such as food and medicine are scarce.

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Salesian Missions – Venezuela

*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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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) Students from the São João Batista Youth Center, a Salesian center located in the city of Poxoréu, Brazil, planted cashew seedlings, a fruit tree native to Brazil. Each class was given a seedling to plant, as a way of giving a gift to the Earth. The center will benefit from the shade of the growing trees and the fruit the trees will provide.

A Salesian noted, “The tree planting sought to emphasize that we must have a reciprocal relationship with our environment, because taking care of fauna and flora means more quality life for people. We will continue this lesson throughout the year as students ensure the trees grow, watering and fertilizing when necessary. Seeing the students committed to taking care of the environment reaffirms the hope that the new generations will be able to take care of our common home.”

This and many other similar projects are done as part of the Don Bosco Green Alliance, an international collective of youth from Salesian institutions and organizations that contribute to global environmental action, thought and policy. Don Bosco Green Alliance was launched in April 2018 in India. Membership is open to all Salesian institutions and organizations worldwide.

According to the World Bank, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on Brazil with poverty tripling in 2021. Nearly 17 million people fell into poverty in the first quarter of the year and the poverty rate now is higher than it was a decade ago. Researchers estimate that 12.8% of Brazil’s population, some 27 million people, are now living below the poverty line.

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Students from the São João Batista Youth Center plant fruit trees

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco’s Argentine Explorers were able to host a national congress to discuss topics that impact Don Bosco scouting in Argentina thanks to funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Nearly 500 people met during the three-day meeting, focusing on topics important to the Salesians’ faith. The group also partook in training workshops and music, among other activities.

Participants in the meeting are now able to take the knowledge they learned and bring it to educate youth in the Salesian Scouting Movement.

A Salesian noted, “The youth involved in Don Bosco Scouting are among the poorest adolescents, who have fewer possibilities for the future, are more exposed to danger, and have a greater need to be loved and supported. Our goal is to educate those working with scouts to make sure they have the information they need to do their jobs effectively.”

The Salesian added, “The support provided by Salesian Missions served to significantly reduce the costs of participation of all involved and ensure a quality meeting. From the facilities and the meals to the materials and everything related to the methodology and logistics, we had an enriching experience valued by all.”

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

More than a quarter of the people in Argentina live in conditions of poverty with no formal employment and poor-quality education, according to the World Bank. The country’s high school dropout rate is close to 37% and youth account for a third of those unemployed. Almost 12% of children ages 5-17 are working instead of being in school and 20% need government assistance. Many face malnutrition, a lack of clean water and sewage, and inadequate housing.

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Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) UniSalesiano, the Salesian University in Araçatuba, Brazil, has received appreciation for its “Health Cannot Wait” initiative in response to the devastating floods that hit the state of Rio Grande do Sul in May 2024. The Santa Rosa Shelter in Porto Alegre thanked the group, made up of 37 health volunteers, for their work in bringing essential aid to the local community, providing medical and emotional support to hundreds of victims of the flood.

The message highlighted the importance of the support received by the victims, especially in the first weeks after the flood, when many people were in extremely vulnerable situations. In its letter of thanks, the Santa Rosa Shelter recalled the positive impact of the volunteers, not only in alleviating physical needs, but also in caring for the emotional well-being of those affected. The team stood out for its dedication, humanity and commitment to helping those most in need.

A short excerpt of the note read, “We received not only essential medical care, but also warmth, affection and attention. What seemed like an endless tragedy was softened by the presence of each one of you, who made all the difference in our recovery. We are deeply grateful for all the help and support that we will never forget.”

In response to the flooding, the university mobilized academics and health professionals to provide assistance in Porto Alegre and the metropolitan area. Volunteers provided more than a thousand medical consultations, distributed essential medicines and offered psychological support to those suffering from the impact of the tragedy.

The action was coordinated by Dr Ângelo Jacomossi, a professor. In addition to medical work, volunteers were also involved in organizing shelters, helping with food, cleaning, and maintaining minimum hygiene conditions.

Father Paulo Fernando Vendrame, rector of UniSalesiano, emphasized the importance of initiatives such as this in strengthening the university’s social commitment. He said, “This mission reflects the true spirit of our institution: to educate responsible citizens, prepared to transform people’s lives with empathy and solidarity.”

Professor André Ornellas, vice-rector for teaching, research and postgraduate studies, noted the message from the Santa Rosa Shelter came as a symbol of hope and strength that solidarity can provide in times of adversity. Ornellas said, “UniSalesiano reaffirms its commitment to the humanized education of its students, who, in addition to their academic training, are also prepared to play an active and transformative role in society.”

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

ANS – Brazil – Humanitarian Mission remembered by a shelter one year after environmental tragedy in the South

Health Cannot Wait Initiative

Salesian Missions – Brazil

UniSalesiano

World Bank – Brazil

The post BRAZIL: Response for flood victims recognized on 1-year anniversary first appeared on MissionNewswire.

VENEZUELA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Venezuela* were able to cover a portion of the Salesian medical insurance thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The insurance coverage includes medical consultations, hospitalizations and necessary procedures for unforeseen health situations for 125 people, including youth in formation, coadjutor Salesians, and Salesian priests.

A Salesian noted, “The support provided allowed us to have secure health services for all Salesians of the San Lucas Province. We were able to have good help which in turn strengthens our pastoral work.”

Salesian missionaries are working in 22 communities throughout the country. Most of these communities are located in areas which have complex social and economic environments. These Salesian communities cannot sustain themselves solely with their own income or with the income from the pastoral care and support services they provide. Funding from donors makes a critical difference in the lives of Salesians and the communities they serve.

Monsignor José Ángel Divasson, bishop emeritus of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Ayacucho, who is currently residing in the Salesian Provincial House of Venezuela, highlighted the shortage and high cost of medicines, a reality that also affects the Salesian community in the country. He expressed gratitude for the support received for the medical insurance for the elderly Salesians, recalling medical treatment he received made possible thanks to this health insurance coverage.

Salesian missionaries have been living and working in Venezuela long before the country’s political and economic crisis began. They operate schools, youth centers, and other programs that support youth and their families.

An estimated 50% of Venezuela’s 28 million people are currently living in poverty, and essential goods such as food and medicine are scarce. Since 2014, 7.7 million people have fled as refugees to neighboring countries to find work and a more stable way of life.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Venezuela

UNHCR – Venezuela situation 

*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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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

(MissionNewswire) Casa Pinardi, a shelter for youth who are homeless and abandoned, reopened its doors in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, after work to renovate and enlarge the structure. Salesians added 18 new units to be able to take in more youth in need. Casa Pinardi has been a safe haven for children and adolescents in highly vulnerable situations since 1996, and prioritizes the social reintegration of youth through education, vocational training, and preparation for independent living.

Several dignitaries were involved in the opening of the new facility. One of them in attendance was Raquel Arbaje, first lady of the Dominican Republic and honorary president of the Cabinet for Childhood and Adolescence. She noted the importance of Casa Pinardi and how the center has been critical in the transformation of youth at risk.

Dr. Ligia Pérez Peña, executive chair of the National Council for Childhood and Adolescence, emphasized the fundamental role of the organization in strengthening the Dominican protection system and the rehabilitation of vulnerable children.

Father José Pastor Ramírez, provincial of the ANT province, noted that the Salesians maintained a commitment to being bridge builders for dignity and education. He explained, “Today we are celebrating the result of dedication to service, by the Salesians of Don Bosco and the National Council for Childhood and Adolescence, who have come together to renovate Casa Pinardi for the benefit of children in need.”

Nearly half of youth under the age of 18 live in poverty in the Dominican Republic, according to UNICEF. Although the country’s economy has been steadily improving, the country’s poor people still struggle to get enough food to eat and to access safe drinking water and adequate housing. Only 30% of youth finish primary school and only 18% finish secondary school on time. Schools are in poor shape with nearly half having no access to safe drinking water and more than 60% lacking adequate bathroom facilities.

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

ANS – Dominican Republic – ‘Casa Pinardi’: a renovated shelter for vulnerable children and adolescents in Santo Domingo

Salesian Missions

UNICEF – Dominican Republic

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) Youth from the Salesian Apprenticeship Center in Goiânia, Brazil, took part in a conference focused on progress and challenges in the field of women’s protection. The event was held in collaboration with the Specialized Center for the Promotion and Defense of Women’s Rights and the law faculty of the university UNIALFA.

The conference engaged students in topics such as the Maria da Penha Law, which aims to combat domestic and gender-based violence, and the femicide law. A lecture illustrated the various types of violence women face, ranging from physical to psychological, as well as property violence. The workshops also drew attention to the consequences violence has on victims’ children.

A Salesian noted, “The Salesian Apprenticeship Center students said they were impressed by this educational experience, which allowed them to reflect on their own attitudes and those of people in their family.”

Salesian missionaries in Brazil provide education, workforce development and social services throughout the country and specifically focus on children with disabilities within several programs. Missionaries help to meet the basic needs of poor youth, including street children, and provide them with an education and life skills to gain employment, break the cycle of poverty and lead productive lives.

According to the World Bank, the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on Brazil with poverty tripling in 2021. Nearly 17 million people fell into poverty in the first quarter of the year and the poverty rate now is higher than it was a decade ago. Researchers estimate that 12.8% of Brazil’s population, some 27 million people, are now living below the poverty line.

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

ANS – Brazil – CESAM young people committed to raising awareness on women’s rights

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian students at the CEFMIBA Intercultural Bilingual Education Unit in Wasakentsa, Ecuador, participated in hands-on workshops focused on solid waste management and organic gardening, learning how to protect the environment and strengthen sustainable agricultural practices based on their Achuar identity.

A Salesian explained, “The students learned how to compost and recycle materials. They identified short- and long-cycle crops, recognized the value of traditional medicinal plants, drew sketches of their gardens, combining technical knowledge and tradition, and reflected on the impact of plastic on the Earth. With the support of their teachers, ideas were planted that will blossom into concrete practices for the care of our common house.”

The project known as “Strengthening the supply chain: organic farming, fair trade and participatory processes with the Indigenous Shuar and Achuar population of the Ecuadorian Amazon” was launched with the support of the Principality of Asturias, the Youth and Development Foundation, the Azkoitia Municipality and the Avilés City Council.

This is just one of many activities that is being carried out in 73 Shuar and Achuar communities to promote sustainable practices that protect the Amazon.

Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth who are poor gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities.

Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Programme, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% in Indigenous communities.

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

ANS – Ecuador – Caring for the Amazon in the classroom: 97 Achuar students are prepared to protect their common home

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ARGENTINA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to renovate the Betania gymnasium to provide a safe place for the people in the Ludueña neighborhood in Rosario, Argentina, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project, known as “A place for those who have no place” impacted more than 2,000 youth across several Salesian centers and programs in the Salesian community of the Vicarage of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The gymnasium underwent extensive improvements, including a new granite tile floor, wall repairs, drainage fixes and a complete electrical system renewal. On the upper floor of the gymnasium, the entrance was improved and rooms were reorganized. A new room and two office spaces were added to serve as a safe space to support vulnerable youth and women. A general-use room was also established. On the ground floor, the restrooms for men, women, and individuals with disabilities were upgraded. A storage room for chairs and tables was built, along with access to the initial-level play area.

A Salesian explained, “These renovations enhanced the activities of the Salesian Youth Movement, oratories, and Saltimbanqui Day Center, facilitating cooperative games, creative activities, and group reflection in a safe space. The gym was also made available for different groups from the neighborhood.”

Salesians understand the importance of having a community space like the gymnasium so youth can engage in sports, connect with their peers and learn essential life skills through social interaction. The space is also available for other educational and social purposes while not being utilized by the students.

More than a quarter of the people in Argentina live in conditions of poverty with no formal employment and poor-quality education, according to the World Bank. The country’s high school dropout rate is close to 37% and youth account for a third of those unemployed. Almost 12% of children ages 5-17 are working instead of being in school and 20% need government assistance. Many face malnutrition, a lack of clean water and sewage, and inadequate housing.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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CHILE

(MissionNewswire) Salesian students from the nursing, speech therapy, and kinesiology programs of the faculty of health sciences at the Silva Henríquez Catholic University in Chile recently raised funds by selling natural remedies made with medicinal herbs grown in the university’s gardens. The gardens, in operation for more than a year, are providing medicinal herbs for the production of natural products.

The students attended training at the Seed Bank of the National Institute of Agricultural Research where they learned about conserving biodiversity and the urgency of environmental protection. The Seed Bank donated endangered native species to the university, which will have a significant space on the Lo Cañas Campus.

The campus features the garden called Weliwen (meaning new dawn in the Mapudungun language). Plants are cultivated and harvested during the semester by the students. The living classroom is educating students about the importance of herbal medicine and how to conserve the land.

Faculty of health services noted that the creation of a medicinal garden meets recommendations made by the World Health Organization (WHO) with regard to health and well-being, quality education, sustainable cities and communities, and the protection of terrestrial ecosystems.

The WHO noted that health goes beyond the traditional health care system and includes seeking to prevent disease and strengthen the well-being of the community. A medicinal garden at the school is a practical approach to empowering students and families to take care of their health through natural resources and ancestral methods.

Students were also able to pay forward what they have learned. They joined together to work with children from the Ieruba Kindergarten in Pampa de San Isidro. The students engaged with the children through play and ecological education, focusing on the benefits of herbal medicine.

Salesian missionaries provide education and social development programs for poor youth in Chile. Once finished with primary and secondary school, students can advance for higher education. Salesian technical schools cater to students who have dropped out of school and are seeking a second chance. In many programs, students complete their education while engaging in internships with local employers. This increases the students’ hands-on work experience and ability to gain livable wage employment after their studies are completed.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Where Care Flourishes: A Pedagogical Journey “Roots and Rebirth”

Salesian Missions – Chile

World Bank – Chile

The post CHILE: Students utilize harvest from medicinal herb gardens first appeared on MissionNewswire.

PERU

(MissionNewswire) Salesians in Peru have launched a new educational initiative for Indigenous youth in the Achuar communities of Kuyuntsa, Checherta and Yankuntich. The Salesian oratory, adapted to the Achuar style, has been welcomed by the communities, especially by the youth. More than 200 youth are a part of the program.

Salesians offer specific courses for youth including an integration workshop designed to encourage socialization and help them learn Spanish as a second language. During the workshop, educators help students engage in group activities to promote communication, trust and friendship.

A work educational workshop helps students develop practical skills in agriculture and artisanal bread-making. The workshop aims to motivate youth to reflect on sustainable ways of generating income for their families, while also strengthening their autonomy, creativity and sense of responsibility toward their community.

A Salesian noted, “It’s not all about work and direct learning. We aim to help the whole person. A personal development workshop helps Achuar youth build self-esteem and improve their communication skills through exercises that enable them to develop skills in public speaking and expression. This activity was designed by educators to empower confident young Achuar individuals with a strong sense of identity and the ability to interact in a positive way with their environment.”

Finally, a cultural promotion workshop celebrates the richness of Achuar culture, strengthening youths’ sense of identity. Activities include storytelling of ancestral myths, practicing traditional dances and crafting local artisanal objects.

The Salesian added, “Through these and many other initiatives, Salesians and their lay collaborators continue to educate the most vulnerable and marginalized youth, such as the Achuar.”

Peru faces high levels of income inequality and has more than a quarter of its population living in poverty, according to the World Bank. Poverty levels are significantly higher in rural areas but urban areas struggle most with inequality, most notably metropolitan Lima. Poverty in the country is made worse by a shortage of productive farmland and a lack of job skills among women entering the workforce, as well as a lack of adequate housing, nutrition and education.

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

ANS – Peru – The Salesian Oratory at the Heart of the Missions: Formation of Young People in the Achuar Oratories

Salesian Missions – Peru

World Bank – Peru

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) The medical program at the UniSalesiano, the Salesian University in Araçatuba, Brazil, is among only six in the country to receive the highest score in the Preliminary Course Concept, the official evaluation tool of the Ministry of Education. This was the program’s first evaluation with the Preliminary Course Concept, the primary quality indicator for higher education in Brazil.

Out of 305 medical courses assessed in 2023 — the most recent round of evaluations in the health care field — UniSalesiano fell just 0.6 points short of the top score nationwide. This achievement was announced by the National Institute for Educational Studies and Research Anísio Teixeira, the body responsible for higher education assessments in Brazil.

The Preliminary Course Concept considers various factors such as student performance on the National Student Performance Exam, the difference indicator between expected and observed performance, degrees awarded, faculty employment structure, and student feedback on infrastructure and pedagogical design.

UniSalesiano’s achievement is even more significant when compared with other private institutions. Among the 196 private medical programs evaluated, 28% ranked in the lowest performance tiers. UniSalesiano not only earned the highest score in the private sector but also secured a top spot in the national ranking.

“This result is the fruit of hard work, dedication, and investment. The Ministry of Education’s top rating is a symbol of who we are and what we strive to continue being: a national reference in medical education,” said Professor André Ornellas, vice-rector for teaching, research, and postgraduate studies. “We want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey — our entire academic community. This is a collective achievement.”

Father Paulo Fernando Vendrame, rector, noted, “This recognition confirms that UniSalesiano is transforming lives, forming professionals prepared to face major health care challenges and making a meaningful contribution to building a better Brazil.”

Just over 15% of Brazilians live in poverty, with the majority living in the rural northeast of the country, according to the World Bank. While Brazil is making positive changes, there are still large gaps between the poor and the rich, and issues of income inequality and social exclusion remain at the root of poverty.

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

ANS – Brazil – UniSALESIANO Among Only Six Medical Programs in Brazil Rated Top Score by Ministry of Education

Salesian Missions – Brazil

UniSalesiano

World Bank – Brazil

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

(MissionNewswire) Families of students attending the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in the Dominican Republic received meals to support their nutritional needs. The meals, impacting 550 people, were provided through a partnership between Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization growing a global movement to end hunger, and Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Daughters of Mary Help of Christians distributed the meals to families during the second half of 2024.

Pierre Michel, a 24-year-old construction worker, was one of the recipients. His family, like many in the area, has faced significant economic challenges. Michel supports his wife and three young children, all of whom attend the Salesian school. Before receiving the meals, the family often struggled with having enough food, leading to added stress and concern about their well-being.

Michel is driven by his desire to offer a better life for his family. He immigrated from Haiti to the Dominican Republic in search of better opportunities and works long hours to meet his family’s basic needs. Despite the challenges, he remains determined to give his children a brighter future. Since his family started receiving the meals, their situation has greatly improved. Michel explained, “Now my children go to school more focused and full of energy because they have something nutritious to eat every day.”

The Rise Against Hunger meals have eased some of the financial strain on the family, allowing Michel to focus more on his work and less on day-to-day survival. The children are healthier and more engaged in school, and the family worries less about their next meal. Michel envisions a future where all children in his community have access to nutritious food, quality education, and a safe environment to grow and thrive.

Victor Flores, a community leader and volunteer in Jarabacoa who handed out the Rise Against Hunger meals, noted, “We have noticed a significant improvement in the health and morale of the children. They are more energized, participate more in school activities and show better academic performance. The community at large has witnessed a positive change, with healthier children and a more optimistic environment for the future.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions

UNICEF – Dominican Republic

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GUATEMALA

(MissionNewswire) Young women from the Salesian Talita Kumi centers, located in San Pedro Carchá, Chisec and El Estor, Guatemala, are growing healthy food in a sustainable way. One of the fundamental principles of the centers is the application of sustainable practices for the prevention, protection, management and conservation of the environment.

A Salesian noted, “By growing vegetables, fruits and greens for their own consumption, the 700 boarding students not only ensure a nutritious diet but also promote self-sufficiency and respect for nature. As part of this process, they produce bokashi organic fertilizer, a fermented compost made from food scraps, ash, silty soil, garden waste, animal manure and other biodegradable materials.”

The use of this fertilizer has enriched the soil quality within the facilities, improving its biological composition and fostering long-term sustainable agriculture. Beyond its environmental benefits, this practice strengthens the students’ sense of ecological responsibility and commitment to a greener future.

The Salesian explained, “The efforts of Talita Kumi students demonstrate that environmental education and community action can create a positive impact on both people and the planet. By growing their own food and regenerating the soil through sustainable methods, these young women become agents of change, inspiring their communities to adopt eco-friendly practices.”

Salesian missionaries working and living in the country have been providing for the basic needs of Guatemala’s youth while helping to break the cycle of poverty in their lives. They work extensively with youth and their families at youth centers, orphanages, parishes, and primary and secondary schools. They also operate technical schools, vocational training workshops and two universities in the country.

Rural poverty hasn’t changed much in Guatemala during the last 20 years, according to the World Bank. While 70% of Guatemalan citizens live below the poverty line, the number is as high as 91% for its Indigenous population. Many rural residents in Guatemala have only completed sixth grade. This is largely due to the expenses required to send children to schools which are often located far from their homes.

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Fundemi Talita Kumi Girls: Guardians of the Environment

Salesian Missions – Guatemala

World Bank – Guatemala

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries recently inaugurated the Artisanal Training Center in Bomboiza, Ecuador, to meet the need for alternative technical and professional training for youth who are poor and disadvantaged. The new facility offers vocational courses in key employment sectors, including hairdressing and beauty, baking and pastry, carpentry, and computing.

A Salesian explained, “The initiative reflects our commitment to holistic development, especially for youth and adults, especially women, by providing education that meets market demands while highlighting local talents and skills. The goal is to pave the way for dignified and sustainable employment, strengthening the local economy through the mastery of valuable trades.”

One of the most popular courses is baking and pastry. The hands-on course teaches essential skills from dough preparation to baking techniques and decoration. The course has become a source of motivation, creativity, and personal growth, allowing participants to discover their ability to transform simple ingredients into high-quality, culturally rich, and commercially valuable products. Students have expressed their excitement about the training’s value, noting how the skills gained can support entrepreneurship, family income and community sharing.

Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth who are poor gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities.

Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Programme, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% in Indigenous communities.

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

ANS – Ecuador – Salesian Mission in Bomboiza Boosts Local Development with New Vocational Training Center

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries continue to provide aid for families impacted by the oil spill from the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System on March 13 in Quinindé, Esmeraldas, Ecuador. The spill caused an environmental and humanitarian crisis in the region. It contaminated rivers, mangroves, and beaches, as well as severely impacted marine flora and fauna. In response, Salesians quickly mobilized to provide aid.

The Salesian Polytechnic University’s pastoral department at the Girón campus served as the donation collection center for the #UnitedforEsmeraldas campaign that was launched. According to Liliana Rivas, a collaborator with the Technical Directorate of Pastoral Ministry, the response from Salesian institutions was overwhelmingly positive.

Teachers, administrators, and university students mobilized to support those most impacted, preparing emergency kits and donating bottled water, non-perishable food, hygiene items and medicines. Two trucks carrying 430 food kits, 2,000 bottles of water, hygiene products, and medications arrived on April 8 and 9 at the Salesian community of San Felipe Neri in the Santa Marta neighborhood of Esmeraldas. Fifty university student volunteers supported the campaign by receiving donations, sorting supplies, and assembling the kits.

The initiative was led by Father Marcelo Farfán, provincial of the Salesians in Ecuador, and coordinated by the Provincial Planning and Development Office. Additionally, funds were raised to provide ongoing support for affected families.

A Salesian noted, “The #UnitedforEsmeraldas campaign demonstrated the Salesian community’s capacity to respond to social crises with generosity and commitment. The impact on local communities has been catastrophic. Many families lost their primary sources of income due to water contamination, mass fish deaths, and an initial fishing ban. Both children and adults are now exposed to serious health risks from contact with oil and inhalation of toxic fumes. It was important for our Salesian communities to do whatever they could to help mitigate the impact for those affected.”

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

ANS – Ecuador – 430 Food and Medical Supply Kits Delivered to Esmeraldas Thanks to Salesian Solidarity

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ARGENTINA

(MissionNewswire) Salesians continue to support those impacted by flooding in the city of Bahía Blanca, Argentina. The worst weather-related disaster in its history left entire neighborhoods under water, power outages and disrupted communications. Families suffered devastating losses, with homes destroyed, furniture and personal belongings washed away, and urban infrastructure severely damaged.

Salesians immediately organized to help affected families. In a letter to all communities, Sister Silvia Boullosa, provincial of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Argentina, highlighted the dedication of students, alumni, and staff who came together to draw water from the school and cook meals for those hit hardest.

Days after the disaster, Father Guillermo Tanos, director of the Emmaus Salesian House and rector of the Salesian University of Argentina, shared a message about the Salesian Family in Bahía Blanca. He noted, “We are accompanying and sharing the suffering of our people, deeply affected by this tragedy.” Since the day of the flooding, communities across the area have opened soup kitchens in neighborhoods served by the Don Bosco–La Piedad parish. The response — especially from young Salesian volunteers — has been overwhelming.

Coordinating donations and distributing aid remained a major challenge, but Salesians continued to show unwavering solidarity and support. Donations have poured in from across the country, and volunteers of all ages have offered their time to help support the efforts.

“We are proud and grateful for the solidarity and dedication of so many young people in our communities,” said Fr. Tanos “They were the first to step up and meet the most vulnerable — not just bringing warm meals, but also offering closeness and hope in the most devastated corners. We feel sorrow for the suffering of our people in Bahía, but we have deep faith in our Salesian mission.”

Adrián Mandará, general director of the Salesian Houses of Higher Education, concluded, “Once again, Argentina has responded with incredible generosity to the urgent needs of those suffering most.”

More than a quarter of the people in Argentina live in conditions of poverty with no formal employment and poor-quality education, according to the World Bank. The country’s high school dropout rate is close to 37% and youth account for a third of those unemployed. Almost 12% of children ages 5-17 are working instead of being in school and 20% need government assistance. Many face malnutrition, a lack of clean water and sewage, and inadequate housing.

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

ANS – Argentina – The Salesian Family of Bahía Blanca Stands by the People After Devastating Floods

Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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HAITI

(MissionNewswire) More than 2,300 youth in Haiti received nutritious food 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 shipments of meals were received by the Salesians of Don Bosco and then distributed to the three Salesian centers of Don Bosco Technique, Lakay Don Bosco and the Vincent Foundation in the second half of 2024.

Vincent Foundation, located south of the city of Cap-Haïtien in the suburbs of Vertières, is the only space in the neighborhood that opens its doors to youth in the area to allow them a safe place for play, leisure and a meeting point. The foundation was able to distribute the meals to youth in the center who do not receive regular meals at home. Salesians report that there was a peaceful climate among the youth because they knew that a hot meal would be provided by the center.

At Lakay Don Bosco, Jeannot, age 15, was one of the recipients. He had been living with his grandmother after his mother died when he was age 5. Because of their poverty, he left his grandmother to join the armed gangs to find money and food. After meeting the Salesians, Jeannot is now one of the Catholic Scouts and is in school learning motorcycle mechanics. He is becoming healthy thanks to Rise Against Hunger meals, which allow him to eat twice a day.

Lourdena Bien-Aime Pierre, an educator and food manager, said, “Since receiving the Rise Against Hunger meals, the change within the community is very palpable because we see that the youth develop physically and also improve academically. Before, it was difficult to teach them since ‘a hungry belly has no ears.’ We have seen improvements for all of our students, especially Jeannot. The meals help him study and learn better. We are proud of him because he is committed, very responsible and he has determination.”

Salesian missionaries began working in Haiti in 1935 in response to the Haitian government’s request for a professional school. Since then, Salesian missionaries have expanded their work to include 11 main educational centers and more than 200 schools across the country.

The 11 main centers each include several primary and secondary schools, vocational training centers, and other programs for street children and youth in need. Salesian programs are located throughout Haiti, including in the cities of Port-au-Prince, Fort-Liberté, Cap-Haïtien, Les Cayes and Gressier. Today, Salesian missionaries in Haiti provide the largest source of education outside of the Haitian government.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – Haiti

World Food Programme – Haiti

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Cayambe, Ecuador, celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) Maternity Clinic. The Salesian clinic has positively impacted thousands of women, children and families by offering quality medical care with compassion.

A Salesian noted, “Since its founding, the clinic has been much more than a health care facility — it has been a haven where women receive not only medical treatment but also emotional support and respect. With backing from the Salesian community, the health care workers, volunteers, and local leaders have nurtured a mission rooted in service and solidarity.”

The celebrations of the clinic began with a Catholic Mass presided over by Father Javier Herrán, director of the Salesian Cayambe community and founder of the clinic. Tributes were paid to individuals and institutions that supported the clinic’s growth. A special plaque was awarded to Fr. Herrán in recognition of his leadership and vision over 25 years.

Additionally, the Medal of Mary Help of Christians was given to all clinic staff — doctors, nurses, administrators and volunteers — for their tireless work in maternal and child health care.

Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth who are poor gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities.

Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Programme, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% in Indigenous communities.

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

ANS – Ecuador – 25 Years of the “Mitad del Mundo Maternity Clinic”: A Legacy of Service, Love, and Hope

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) Nicole Vital, a new law student at Don Bosco Catholic University in Campo Grande, Brazil, has her faithful guide dog, Olinda, a two-year-old Labrador, with her at school. Olinda is the first guide dog to attend the university, supporting Vital throughout her law studies. Vital was born with reduced vision due to optic nerve atrophy and lost her sight completely 10 years ago.

“A guide dog is essential for my mobility,” Vital explained. “It allows me to move with greater agility. The dog is classified as a working tool, but it is also crucial for my socialization.”

Vital was selected through a free program organized by the Catarinense Federal Institute, which pairs visually impaired individuals with trained guide dogs.

Legislation guarantees visually impaired individuals the right to enter and remain in any public-access environment with their guide dog. At the Salesian university the Psycho-pedagogical Support Center assists students with special needs, providing educational support and inclusive strategies in the classroom. Vital’s classmates have welcomed Olinda’s presence and adapted well.

“It’s a very positive experience because Olinda is calm and does not disrupt classes. She lies next to Nicole and helps her. It is an important form of inclusion,” explained student Laura Pedro.

Salesian missionaries in Brazil provide education, workforce development and social services throughout the country and specifically focus on children with disabilities within several programs. Missionaries help to meet the basic needs of poor youth, including street children, and provide them with an education and life skills to gain employment, break the cycle of poverty and lead productive lives.

According to the World Bank, the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on Brazil with poverty tripling in 2021. Nearly 17 million people fell into poverty in the first quarter of the year and the poverty rate now is higher than it was a decade ago. Researchers estimate that 12.8% of Brazil’s population, some 27 million people, are now living below the poverty line.

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ANS – Brazil – The First Guide Dog to Attend Don Bosco Catholic University: Labrador Olinda Supports Nicole Vital in Her Studies and Life Journey

Don Bosco Catholic University

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are responding to the needs of people after a devastating oil spill occurred in Los Vergeles, in the Quinindé district of the Esmeraldas province, Ecuador. The spill was caused by the rupture of the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System and caused severe environmental and social damage, contaminating rivers, mangroves, and beaches, and severely impacting marine flora and fauna. In response, Salesians quickly mobilized to provide aid.

A Salesian explained, “The impact on local communities has been catastrophic. Many families lost their primary sources of income due to water contamination, mass fish deaths and an initial fishing ban. Both children and adults are now exposed to serious health risks from contact with oil and inhalation of toxic fumes. The environmental crisis has grown into a full-blown humanitarian emergency, compromising access to clean water and food security.”

Given the scale of the disaster, critical aid for affected communities was needed, including clean drinking water, health care services and means of livelihood. Environmental clean-up efforts and effective rehabilitation strategies are also urgently needed to restore the damaged ecosystems.

The Salesian North Coast Foundation, which supports more than 400 children living along the Esmeraldas River, began work immediately. Father Robert García, director, and Father Marco Paredes, who leads pastoral care in the river region, coordinated the delivery of donations and humanitarian aid.

These donations were made possible through the support of Ms. Sisi from Germany, the Salesian Community of Riobamba, the Catholic University and the Santa Maria supermarket in Esmeraldas. Donations of non-perishable food and water were distributed with help from the Caritas group from Santa Cruz Island and Madre del Salvador, along with young members of the Salesian Youth Movement. Thanks to this effort, 383 families have received food kits.

“We are grateful for the solidarity of Father Marcelo Farfán, provincial of Ecuador, and all the Salesian institutions in the province who are actively responding to this cause and continuing to deliver aid to the affected families,” said Salesians from the foundation.

The entire Salesian network across Ecuador has rallied together in support of the affected families, launching the #UnidosPorEsmeraldas (United for Esmeraldas) campaign. Among the first to respond were members of Don Bosco La Tola. Students, parents, teachers, staff and school authorities came together to collect bottled water, non-perishable food, cooking oil, cookies and wet wipes.

All donated supplies were sent to the Salesian Polytechnic University, which has been designated as the collection and coordination center for the direct delivery of aid to affected neighborhoods and families.

The Salesian added, “At Don Bosco La Tola, we continue to believe in the power of solidarity to transform lives. Now more than ever, we are one Salesian Family, acting with heart.”

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ANS – Ecuador – Salesian Solidarity for the People Affected by the Environmental Disaster in Esmeraldas

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries facilitated free legal assistance and citizenship access for people in Indigenous communities across 14 villages in the municipalities in Água Boa and Nova Nazaré, Brazil. Salesian Deacon José Alves served as a bridge between the communities and the public defenders during the meetings known as “Advocacy is Up to You – Indigenous Edition” because of the Salesians’ long-standing work in the area.

International human rights defender Nicolas Laino and state public defender Fábio Barbosa visited various villages and listened to local leaders on issues such as health, education, housing and sustainability. In the municipality of Nova Nazaré, they discussed challenges related to education, health care and infrastructure. In the Paraíso and Tritopá villages, they engaged with teachers, students, nurses and Indigenous leaders. In Cocalinho, they followed the Guarani’s community’s struggle for land rights after being displaced from their territory. Alves participated in the visits, facilitating dialogue between the parties.

During the mission, 113-year-old Germana Perãamo, from the Xavante  group, received news from the public defender that her pension had been reinstated. Clodoaldo Queiroz, executive secretary of the Public Defense Administration, highlighted the importance of the initiative, while Pamela Watanabe, coordinator of Community Actions and Interactions, emphasized the value of partnerships in the project.

According to the World Bank, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on Brazil with poverty tripling in 2021. Nearly 17 million people fell into poverty in the first quarter of the year and the poverty rate now is higher than it was a decade ago. Researchers estimate that 12.8% of Brazil’s population, some 27 million people, are now living below the poverty line.

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ANS – Brazil – Salesian Deacon Accompanies Public Defenders on Legal Mission to Indigenous Villages

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries within the Salesian Mission of Bomboiza in Ecuador celebrated the opening ceremony of a new Artisan Training Center. Salesians of Don Bosco, Daughters of the Divine Savior and Salesian collaborators came together in March to launch the project. During the ceremony, the facilities, equipment, instructors and students were blessed.

Father Marcelo Bravo, rector, emphasized the importance of providing opportunities to community members to reduce social gaps and promote entrepreneurship. He also highlighted that the Artisan Training Center is designed to equip participants with practical skills, enabling them to improve their quality of life and develop their talents.

The training center will offer several courses for youth including bakery and pastry, information technology, carpentry, and hairdressing and aesthetics. The center has started with 92 students who will learn employable skills.

“Ensuring youth have access to job training is critical for a successful life,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesians understand the local employment market and teach skills they know will help youth match what’s needed in their community. This creates an easier school to work transition. We want Salesian youth to leave our educational facilities ready to obtain long-term stable employment and to contribute back to their communities.”

Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Programme, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% in Indigenous communities.

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ANS – Ecuador – Salesian Mission in Bomboiza Inaugurates Artisan Training Center with 92 Participants

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) Students from the Salesian Agronomic Institute’s missionary club have taken their service beyond the school and are helping people in their community in the Paute canton in Ecuador. Every Saturday, these students visit the Antonio Granda Centeno Nursing Home, where they share moments of joy and companionship with the elderly residents.

During these visits, students paint with the residents, play bingo, serve food and assist people who have with disabilities in eating. Youth listen to and emotionally support the residents, many of whom experience loneliness.

Danna Romero, a member of the club, has found the experience deeply enriching. “I have always felt the calling to serve, and I believe that the best work one can do is sharing with those in greatest need.”

For Romero, the missionary club has been instrumental in following her vocation. She added, “Serving at the nursing home in Paute has been one of the best things I’ve done. The love and wisdom our elders share with us are immense, and everyone should have the chance to experience that.”

Eduardo Parra, another student, emphasizes that this activity has helped him reflect on the importance of empathy and solidarity with others. He noted, “Understanding that there are elderly people who feel gratified just by having someone visit and listen to them has opened my eyes.” He also highlighted the enthusiasm of the residents, who participate in every activity and express their happiness.

Inspired by Don Bosco’s legacy, the Salesian Agronomic Institute emphasizes the importance of empowering youth to be committed to service and community care. Through these initiatives, students not only gain valuable lessons in responsibility and empathy but also actively contribute to the social development of Paute canton.

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ANS – Ecuador – The Missionary Club of the Salesian Agronomic Institute Expands Its Social Commitment in Paute

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) Teachers from the Salesian Technical School’s ETSA Intercultural Bilingual Educational Unit, located in Bomboiza, Ecuador, organized an event to reflect the fundamental role women play in society and their historical struggle for equal rights. The day, celebrating International Women’s Day, began with a powerful message highlighting the importance of recognizing and valuing women’s contributions in all areas of life, emphasizing their resilience, dedication, and pursuit of equity and justice throughout history.

A spokesperson for the event said, “The gathering underscored the urgency of eliminating gender-based violence in all its forms, promoting a culture of respect, dignity, and equal opportunities for all. A floral tribute was offered to female teachers and students, reaffirming the responsibility each individual holds in building a more just and inclusive society, where women can thrive free from violence and discrimination. The ETSA Educational Unit reiterated its commitment to strengthening values of equity and respect among future generations.”

Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help poor youth gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities.

Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Programme, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% in Indigenous communities.

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

ANS – Ecuador – Bomboiza Educational Community Observes Women’s Day with a Strong Commitment to Equality and the Eradication of Gender-Based Violence

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian House in Salinas de Guaranda, Ecuador, is increasing its capacity thanks to the supporters and friends of the Salesian mission in Ecuador and the generosity of the 2024 Missionary Campaign. The house now has an upgraded infrastructure and has been expanded to increase its hospitality capacity. The renovations include replacing plaster walls with concrete ones, reinforcing the roof and floor, adding four bedrooms with private bathrooms, and adapting the dining and community spaces.

The house has been a pillar for the holistic development of Indigenous communities in the Bolívar province of Ecuador since 1971. Over the years, Salesians have carried out their work with the support of national and international volunteers, non-governmental organizations, benefactors, and local communities.

A Salesian explained, “The mission house is a symbol of hope and transformation, offering education, job opportunities, and personal growth. It has given rise to initiatives such as a candy factory, an essential oil processing plant and a food processing workshop — all projects that not only generate employment and income for the local population but also strengthen their sense of identity and pride, improving the quality of life in Salinas.”

The renovation will also include improvements to the ground floor, allowing for the operation of an oratory that serves 300 people, a handicraft shop benefiting 200 Indigenous women from Simiatug, a café and a co-working space for youth entrepreneurship.

The Salesian added, “A particularly meaningful element of the renovation was the preservation of the kitchen table, considered the essence of the house. This table was built using pieces from the altar of an old church in the area, crafted by the first Italian volunteers of the Salesian missionary project ‘Operation Mato Grosso.’ To honor this history, the first gathering in the newly renovated spaces took place around this very table, where participants shared words of encouragement, a meal, and the joy of dreams fulfilled.”

Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Programme, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% in Indigenous communities.

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

ANS – Ecuador – The Mission House of Salinas de Guaranda Upgrades Its Facilities to Strengthen its Pastoral Service and Social Work

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) Students in grades 7-8 at the Nossa Senhora da Glória Institute in Brazil are learning about the environment through clean-up efforts and a walk held at Praia dos Cavaleiros in Macaé. The event enabled youth to connect theory and practice in environmental education while contributing to an environment research project.

The walk was developed by science, geography and physical education teachers to help students reflect on the importance of environmental preservation. During the walk, students were able to learn more about the importance of preservation and the impacts of construction on the coast. Students also learned about the correct disposal of solid waste.

The walk also featured a clean-up effort in partnership with the Maré Consciência Project, an initiative of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro that develops research and actions aimed at reducing waste in the oceans.

William Guimarães de Lima, a biological sciences undergraduate student at the Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability and one of those responsible for the Maré Consciência Project, explained the work done with the students. He said, “They did this clean-up effort, and the results of the collection will contribute to the collection of data for our scientific research, which will later be part of comparative analyses with other research of the same nature, developed in Europe, North America and Asia. In this way, the data that the students are collecting will make up something much bigger.”

“They had the opportunity to take part in important environmental education and were able to see how this care can be effective and strengthened in everyday life,” explained Priscilia Sousa, pedagogical coordinator. “This connection with the scientific work gave the teenagers a new perspective on the role of science in caring for the environment.”

Sophia Marotta, a 7th grade student, said, “It is great to know that we are helping a research project and that this can change the world.”

Students will continue to follow the Maré Consciência Project research until it is published. The data will be presented and teachers will explain its relevance, comparing the results with previous years. The research will broaden the students; scientific perspective.

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Students experience learning about environmental preservation during Ecological Walk

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Center for Ongoing Formation America in Ecuador has a new generator thanks to funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. One of the challenges the center faced was a lack of electricity due to storms and other issues. Often power could be cut for up to six hours, causing a disruption in services.

The Salesian center has five Salesian specialists and researchers in Salesianity. The center has a complete bibliographic center in Salesianity and a building with the capacity to accommodate 25 trainees.

A Salesian explained, “We anticipate more storms in the coming years, similar to those impacting areas around the globe. We needed the generator for emergencies to ensure that we can continue operations. Electricity powers everything from the internet to our kitchen. We are grateful for the help in installing this generator in our center.”

Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help poor youth gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities.

Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Programme, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% in Indigenous communities.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ARGENTINA

(MissionNewswire) Salesians are responding to help those in need after massive flooding in the city of Bahía Blanca, Argentina. The worst weather-related disaster in its history has left entire neighborhoods under water, power outages, disrupted communications and many areas still isolated. Families have suffered devastating losses, with homes destroyed, furniture and personal belongings washed away, and urban infrastructure severely damaged.

The crisis has impacted both central and outlying areas, further straining the community, which had already been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and a December 2023 storm. The latest reports indicate that 963 people have been displaced, while the death toll remains at 16. While floodwaters have started to recede in some areas, neighborhoods like Ingeniero White and Cerri remain inundated, and the danger is far from over.

A Salesian said, “Bahía Blanca continues to endure moments of hardship, but its people stand strong and united in the face of adversity. The road to recovery will be long and difficult, and the city still urgently needs assistance, as the emergency is far from over.”

Salesian institutions in the city — Emmaus, Don Bosco, La Piedad, Juan XXIII Higher Institute and the Salesian University — immediately mobilized to assist those in need. While prioritizing aid for the most vulnerable families, Salesians also focused on supporting students, teachers, families and staff. The most urgent needs include food, drinking water, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, and, above all, emotional and psychological support in a time of profound distress.

Salesian facilities received some damage from the flooding. Juan XXIII Higher Institute experienced total flooding of its basement, damaging the library, administrative offices, cafeteria and several classrooms. Water also entered the classrooms of the Don Bosco and La Piedad schools, as well as the university, causing damage to furniture and disrupting normal operations. Emmaus House’s ground floor was completely flooded.

The Salesian noted, “Despite these challenges, the response was immediate. Emergency relief efforts were activated, evacuation centers were set up and donations were collected to support the most severely affected neighborhoods.”

To aid in the relief efforts, the Salesian University remains open to receive donations of food, drinking water, footwear and cleaning supplies. Additionally, students, teachers and non-teaching staff are actively participating in relief efforts at San Dionisio Chapel and Club Danubio, supporting the neighborhoods where Salesian volunteers provide educational and pastoral assistance.

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ANS – Argentina – Bahía Blanca Hit by Flooding: Salesians Work to Help People in an Unprecedented Disaster

Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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EL SALVADOR

(MissionNewswire) FUSALMO, located in the municipality of Soyapango in the San Salvador department of El Salvador, recently celebrated the completion of the Office Automation training course for youth who are facing socioeconomic, migratory or disability-related challenges. The training provides youth with digital skills, equipping them with essential competencies to expand their opportunities in the digital economy.

This initiative, carried out in collaboration with Experience France, is part of the Technical Assistance for Office Automation Training for Vulnerable Youth project, developed under the LAMARR Project, which is funded by the European Union.

The most recent course provided training to 12 youth aged 16-29 with a focus on mastering Microsoft Office. Youth also accessed life skills training to prepare them to successfully navigate the workforce and society.

A Salesian explained, “FUSALMO remains committed to developing new training opportunities, creating programs and projects that enable young people to grow professionally and contribute actively to society.”

FUSALMO offers traditional and non-traditional educational opportunities for youth who are at risk. Through recreational programs, enrichment opportunities in the arts and music, vocational training, and more, youth are encouraged to stay off the streets, learn to cooperate and co-exist, and gain the skills they need to become productive, contributing members of a more peaceful society.

Close to 22% of El Salvador’s population lives in poverty, according to the World Bank. Youth in El Salvador are confronted not only with poverty but with instability, high levels of violence and inadequate access to educational opportunities. Despite ranking high for economic indicators, the need for practical education in El Salvador is more important than ever with 12% of youth aged 15-24 unemployed and 41% underemployed.

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ANS – El Salvador – FUSALMO Promotes Digital Access for Vulnerable Youth

FUSALMO

Salesian Missions – FUSALMO

Salesian Missions – El Salvador

World Bank – El Salvador

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MEXICO

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Children’s Project, located in León, Mexico, is targeting youth addiction through collaboration with the Salesian province’s planning and development office and Don Bosco Mondo on the “Social Rehabilitation of Systemically Vulnerable Young People” project. The project is aimed at teens aged 14-17 who are at high risk of addiction and other issues related to tobacco, alcohol, marijuana and crystal meth.

Specialized centers have been designed to meet the specific needs of youth after a 2023 feasibility study highlighted the growing demand for initiatives that address addiction. CEJUSA Valdocco Don Bosco will provide services to young men while Patio Don Bosco will offer support to young women. Both centers will be equipped to provide a safe environment in which youth can begin their journey to recovery.

Under the guidance of a qualified multidisciplinary team, the planned activities include individual, group and family therapy, along with artistic and sporting activities, all aimed at alleviating the effects of withdrawal and fostering personal development.

A Salesian noted, “The implementation of the project has also been made possible thanks to strategic agreements with the Municipal Institute of Youth and the Municipal Presidency of León. These alliances seek to coordinate efforts to offer comprehensive care. The Municipal Institute of Youth is committed to providing resources and managing support for the certification of the centers under the standards of the National Commission against Addictions, thus promoting a quality service.”

The Salesian added, “Through the feasibility study, we were able to see that the consumption of these substances and addictive behavior in youth is deeply related to two main factors — the influence of organized criminal groups and a dysfunctional family environment. Youth are also facing situations of poverty, have little access to education and are in families where there is domestic violence. Faced with this situation, this project will provide professional, ethical and alternative supports that not only treat these behaviors but also promotes the social reintegration.”

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ANS – Mexico – The Social Rehabilitation of Systemically Vulnerable Young People Project is promoted in León

Salesian Missions – Mexico

UNICEF – Mexico

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have laid the cornerstone for the new Lakou Bosco Village in Guadeloupe, a French overseas region in the southern Caribbean. The new village will provide support to youth and families in need.

The new Lakou Bosco Village will be a 280-square meter meeting place, including a large house with a living room, kitchen and workshop for handicrafts, a Lakou space (home in local Creole), a sports field and two multi-activity rooms that will house a multimedia space, work space, playroom, and place for sports. The building will be constructed with environmental impact in mind using thermal insulation and solar panels while ensuring comfort.

The association has a team of nine employees and 40 volunteers supporting more than 40 families and 70 youth. It is funded by the French Fund for Family Benefits, and since September 2023, the European Social Fund.

“We intervene in our neighborhoods and through the school and the family to provide continuous support,” explained Rose Berthe Sapotille, president of the association. “Our approach is not limited to young people. We also work with their parents to offer them adequate support and strengthen their educational role.”

During the cornerstone ceremony, Bishop Guiougou expressed his satisfaction with the presence of the Salesians in his diocese, which, he said, “demonstrates the Church’s support for the initiatives developed to help children and young people in disadvantaged neighborhoods.”

After the speeches by authorities, several people who are accessing services from the association expressed what it means to them. Particularly touching was the account of Pierrick, who has just turned 12. The community is looking forward to the expanded space and the new programs that will be offered.

Salesians from the Saint Francis de Sales Province of France-Belgium South have been in the region since September 2020.

A Salesian explained, “After a call from Bishop Philippe Guiougou, Salesians arrived in Guadeloupe. They took over the parish of Baimbridge in the municipality of Les Abymes. With a desire to serve young people, they created the Lakou Bosco Association to provide support for the most disadvantaged youth and families. Salesians provide education and support youth in their search for new opportunities.”

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ANS – Guadeloupe – Lakou Bosco Village: the Salesian work gets bigger

Fondation Don Bosco

Salesian Missions

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Project Ecuador provides services and support to positively impact more than 6,000 people in need in seven cities in the country. Salesians operate 28 care facilities focusing on people who are marginalized in Ambato, Cuenca, Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, Quito, San Lorenzo and Santo Domingo.

Programs include support for people seeking work, children engaged in child labor, and people who are Indigenous and Afro-descendants. Salesians also offer ongoing psychological support, school reinforcement, parenting skills workshops, dining services, and human and spiritual development.

In Esmeraldas, San Lorenzo, Santo Domingo and Guayaquil, Salesian staff work along with the Afro-descendants communities, promoting access to quality education and the defense of their rights in environments marked by poverty, social risks and armed conflicts. Through street educators, Salesian staff identify and support youth who are living in vulnerable situations while ensuring they can access education.

Similarly, the P. Antonio Amador Basic Education Schools in Guayaquil and San Patricio in Quito support youth who are behind in school, in child labor situations and who are working with their families in informal work. There are also four vocational training centers that are part of the project empowering youth to gain the skills they need for later employment.

A Salesian said, “Today, more than a century after his death, Don Bosco is still present in these spaces and places where every person is listened to, every young person finds opportunities and every family receives support to move forward. His dream continues through the Salesian Project Ecuador which ensures rights are guaranteed to all and are not the privilege of a few. We continue to build paths of dignity and justice for the most vulnerable young people.”

Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Programme, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% in Indigenous communities.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Ecuador – The face of Don Bosco in the almost 6,500 people accompanied by the Salesian Project Ecuador

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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VENEZUELA

(MissionNewswire) The Maria Auxiliadora Popular Technical School, located in Altamira in the Chacao municipality of Caracas, Venezuela*, has improved the learning environment for students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Funds were used for similar initiatives at the Madre Mazzarello School, located in the state of Amazonas, to strengthen the students’ development of practical skills and competencies necessary for the workforce.

At the Maria Auxiliadora Popular Technical School, upgrades included the purchase of equipment for specific tools for nursing, including anatomical models.

Funding also supported technology equipment for classes in accounting and administration, such as administrative accounting programs. These acquisitions have had a positive impact on 355 students, expanding their technical and digital skills. Additional funding was allocated for the adaptation of spaces for students to connect with the labor force under the supervision of specialist teachers.

These investments made it possible to implement internship hours in a new curricula, which significantly expanded professional training for youth. Previously, internships began in the 4th year through shadowing activities in companies in the community. With the new approach, training begins from the age of 11, adapting to the maturity of the students and respecting the legal frameworks that regulate their early incorporation into the workplace.

At the Madre Mazzarello School, located in the state of Amazonas, more than 565 people were impacted by the donation. The vast majority are families cared for by a single family member. Many of the youth come from families with parents who, due to the country’s situation, do not have the possibility of giving their children a quality education.

In addition, through a secondary donation to the Madre Mazzarello School, students between the ages of 10-18 were impacted. Many of the students are from Indigenous groups, whose communities have migrated to the Amazonian capital in search of better living conditions.

One of the youth impacted by the donation was Edilmar, aged 17, who lives in Petare, Caracas, one of the largest neighborhoods in Latin America. She comes from a family with very limited economic resources and is under the care of her older sister, a graduate of the same technical school.

A Salesian explained, “Thanks to her sister’s support, Edilmar decided to study management assistance, a comprehensive training that develops skills in financial management, resource administration and administrative processes. The spaces for employment implemented through the project allowed her to complement her last months of training with real and innovative practices. In addition, the inclusion of accounting and management programs gave her additional skills, expanding her employment opportunities.”

The Salesian added, “Today, Edilmar is in her last year of training and has been accepted to do her internships thanks to her dedication and commitment. Her experience in the employment classrooms has not only allowed her to acquire practical skills, but has also motivated her to strengthen her vocation for service. She dreams of excelling in her internships and obtaining a permanent contract in the company where she will begin her internship, with the aim of paying for her university studies and financially supporting her mother.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Venezuela

UNHCR – Venezuela situation

*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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URUGUAY

(MissionNewswire) The Tacurú Movement, in Montevideo, Uruguay, supports vulnerable youth, offering them tools for personal development, and positively impacts more than 1,500 youth each year. The center is part of a network of Salesian initiatives in an area with the highest rates of unmet basic needs in Uruguay.

The center operates an oratory, educational programs, vocational training center, work-related training programs, school support, a sports school, early childhood care and more. These initiatives provide a comprehensive approach that combines strengthening values, emotional support, and access to educational and employment resources.

A Salesian explained, “These are spaces designed to help youth have the opportunity for transformation. This approach not only impacts youth directly, but also generates positive changes in their family and community environments.”

Throughout more than 40 years of existence, the Tacurú Movement has helped youth who have reintegrated into the education system, entered the workforce and regained confidence in their abilities. These transformations are possible thanks to the support network built up by educators, volunteers and religious people who dedicate their lives to the service of others.

The Salesian noted, “The name of the organization takes its name from a type of ant that builds very large and resistant anthills, as the center originally began with youth who were on the streets. Inspired by Don Bosco, the center works to transform lives through education, work, sport, spiritual development and support.”

Salesians have been in Uruguay since the end of the 19th century. Salesians have focused their efforts on promoting the rights of the most vulnerable. Over the years, Salesians have developed broad-reaching educational, recreational and pastoral projects in various communities, always focused on providing opportunities and creating spaces of welcome and hope.

The Salesian added, “Salesians in Uruguay are a testament to our commitment to the most vulnerable sectors of society. Tacurú continues to be a place of hope and transformation by strengthening lives and communities.”
Salesian missionaries offer many programs in Uruguay including shelters, primary and secondary schools, and technical and vocational education centers that help youth prepare for the future and learn the skills to be independent.

Uruguay has managed to decrease its poverty rate by almost half since 2007. Today, the poverty rate is close to 10% with the majority of poor residents concentrated in rural towns and villages. In addition to a lack of education and employment opportunities, access to affordable housing is a concern for many poor families. Many do not have the resources to purchase homes or land to build on, and schools are often so far away children cannot attend.

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Sources:

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

ANS – The social projects that keep Don Bosco alive today: The Tacurú Movement, in Uruguay

Salesian Missions – Uruguay

World Bank – Uruguay

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

(MissionNewswire) The Network of Boys and Girls with Don Bosco provides educational and pastoral services for youth in situations of vulnerability and exclusion in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Cuba*. Founded in 1985 in the Salesian Province of the Antilles, the institution is marking its 40th anniversary serving youth and their families.

Youth in these centers have been living on the street, are unaccompanied migrant minors, have dropped out of school or have low levels of schooling, live in extreme poverty, and have been victims of violence. Salesians support and educate youth through a series of programs in education, sport, culture, art, technical and vocational training, school monitoring, faith education, the promotion of human rights, employment, and the environment, among other programs that help them have hope for the future.

A Salesian explained, “The institution began with the initiative of Father Juan Linares to support youth who were engaged with the María Auxiliadora youth center. The organization was working with youth who were working instead of being in school. They called themselves Newsboys with Don Bosco and were able to access support and education through the center.”

Currently, the institution has 12 youth centers located in four provinces in the Dominican Republic. Of these, five are residential homes, two of which are for girls. These centers are run by the Salesian Family and the Parish Missionaries of Mary Help of Christians.

The Salesian said, “We developed a staged educational process that seeks the human, social and spiritual development of these youth in a suitable family environment. These stages help to welcome youth into the program, socialize them with other youth, provide support and education, and help them connect with their community. The goal is to help them lead healthy and productive lives.”

Nearly half of youth under the age of 18 live in poverty in the Dominican Republic, according to UNICEF. Although the country’s economy has been steadily improving, the country’s poor people still struggle to get enough food to eat and to access safe drinking water and adequate housing. Only 30% of youth finish primary school and only 18% finish secondary school on time. Schools are in poor shape with nearly half having no access to safe drinking water and more than 60% lacking adequate bathroom facilities.

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Sources:

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

ANS – RMG – Social works that bring Don Bosco to life today: the Don Bosco Network, 40 years transforming lives and building a better future

Salesian Missions

UNICEF – Dominican 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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ARGENTINA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian community in Formosa, Argentina is strengthening the work for youth done through Radio Manantial thanks to funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The goal of the radio station is to provide support to those living in the city, especially youth, and to promote youth voices.

As a result of the funding, Salesians were able to increase youth participation in the radio station. Salesians added six new programs, three of which are led by youth. The programs address issues relevant to youth and encourage their participation in radio activities. Salesians have also been able to expand the presence of the radio station in traditional community spaces and on new platforms to help bring more awareness to its activities.

In addition, Salesians completed building renovations including modifications and refurbishment of the recording and broadcasting studio. They were also able to purchase new equipment to increase the quality of sound and streaming, as well as hold training to improve the skills of the technical team.

A Salesian explained, “Since the launch of this project, we have seen a significant increase in the number of visits to the radio station’s website and social media. There have also been 13 outdoor broadcasts in the city and one in the countryside. We have held activities with four schools, promoting the participation and collaboration of the radio community.”

The project benefited people both within the team at the radio station and the community. There are four people on the technical team along with nine students trained in radio operations. There are also 22 radio program hosts and 981 people from the Salesian educational communities involved in the project. Additionally, through broadcasts, Salesians were able to engage 10 parish communities, reaching 150,000 people who receive the FM radio signal.

To help build revenue for the radio station and keep it sustainable, Salesians launched a campaign to find new sponsors, offering advertising on multiple platforms. They are also able to rent the radio spaces for audiovisual productions. Both of these actions will reduce dependence on external contributions and ensure the continuity of broadcasts.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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CHILE

(MissionNewswire) The Patio Don Bosco Punitaqui, a Salesian oratory run by the Don Bosco Foundation in La Florida, Chile, is working to transform the lives of youth in situations of great vulnerability. Patio Don Bosco is part of the foundation’s commitment to the community that includes programs for children living on the street, prevention of drug use and support for youth at risk of falling into delinquency or drug networks.

The space has recently been renovated to include multi-purpose rooms, a refectory, a library, study rooms, a courtyard, a covered patio and a prayer space. Open every day, the safe and welcoming environment is geared toward children and adolescents with recreational activities, and be a place where they can strengthen their values, self-esteem and dreams.

A Salesian noted, “More than a recreational space, the oratory is an instrument of social transformation. Faced with the problems of school drop-outs, substance abuse and the lack of safe spaces, this project reinforces the Salesian preventive approach while offering opportunities that keep youth out of dangerous situations.”

During 2024, more than 2,440 people benefited from the foundation’s initiatives, and more than 63% of the youth served remained engaged in supportive services. In addition, 366 youth have successfully completed their path through school reintegration, vocational training or the strengthening of family networks.

The Salesian explained, “The oratory provides outreach in critical neighborhoods where structural poverty, delinquency and drug trafficking have created environments of extreme risk for children and young people. Through direct work in these neighborhoods, Salesian teams identify risk situations early on and start providing support immediately.”

He added, “The aim of the oratory is to offer alternatives before the street, delinquency or drugs become the only option. It is not a matter of providing help at the right time, but of supporting youth in a process of transformation, strengthening the capacities and opportunities of each one so that they can have a productive future.”

Salesian missionaries provide education and social development programs for poor youth in Chile. Once finished with primary and secondary school, students can advance for higher education. Salesian technical schools cater to students who have dropped out of school and are seeking a second chance. In many programs, students complete their education while engaging in internships with local employers. This increases the students’ hands-on work experience and ability to gain livable wage employment after their studies are completed.

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

ANS – RMG – The social works that bring Don Bosco alive today: the Patio Don Bosco Punitaqui: a place of love, prevention and hope

Salesian Missions – Chile

World Bank – Chile

The post CHILE: Youth at-risk take part in early intervention programs first appeared on MissionNewswire.

COLOMBIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco City, located in Medellín, Colombia, works to improve the lives of vulnerable and at-risk youth who have often had their rights violated. Youth find a welcoming home where they are protected, and they receive support for their development and personal growth.

A Salesian noted, “At Don Bosco City, youth have access to quality education, technical training and social service support, all aimed at providing them with the necessary tools to achieve a future full of opportunities. It’s not just traditional school work. Art, culture and the healthy use of free time are fundamental tools for change. Spaces for fun, sports and folklore act as real agents to combat hostile social contexts and vulnerability.”

Don Bosco City has several specific programs for youth. The Building Dreams program, under the specialized protection house, is for youth ages 14-18 who have been removed from organized illegal armed groups and criminal gangs. Most of them come from rural areas of the country. These youth often experience socio-cultural delays, slower learning rates, behavioral difficulties and emotional problems.

The Salesian noted, “As a firm commitment to justice, peace and reconciliation, and in coordination with the state, the center also promotes socializing meetings in an atmosphere of true joy. The main objective of these events is to strengthen the family ties in a safe space while providing an environment for family cohesion as a basis for their reintegration and integral development.”

Don Bosco City also offers the Michele Magone program, which is a boarding school for young men. The program works to restore their rights with an approach that emphasizes school growth, the strengthening of skills and preparation for the transition to adulthood.

The Seeds of Life program ensures the rights of children under age 12 who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. The program offers tools for personal development, building networks and access to services and opportunities. The goal is to help these children define an alternative life that allows them to recognize themselves as people with rights and duties, with the ultimate goal of achieving their social inclusion.

Finally, the Leaving Footprints program helps with the development of youth through education in the municipalities in Angelópolis and Amagá. Through an approach that includes education, emotional support and recreational activities, this program provides tools to build a safer and more stable future. In addition, it encourages the active participation of families in the process.

Close to 33% of Colombians live in poverty, according to the World Bank. One in five children in the country has no access to education and 800,000 children reside in refugee camps. The number of street children has reached epidemic proportions and thousands of at-risk youth have been recruited as child soldiers. Some children remain living with a single parent, struggling to survive and are often pulled out of school to earn income for the remaining family. Other youth live in shelters or on the streets.

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Sources:

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

ANS – RMG – The social works that give life to Don Bosco today: “Ciudad Don Bosco” Medellín

Don Bosco City

World Bank – Colombia

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UNITED STATES

(MissionNewswire) Representatives from the Salesian Lay Missionary volunteer programs of the United States and other members of the Salesian Family recently attended the SEEK 2025 Conference, facilitated by FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students). The conference was held from Jan. 1-5 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Washington, D.C. At SEEK 2025, more than 21,000 students who want to make a difference came together to share in faith and find ways to serve.

The Salesian volunteer programs included the Salesian Lay Missioners and Salesian Volunteers alongside Salesian sisters and Salesian priests and brothers. Together, they shared the joy and mission of Don Bosco with everyone who visited their booths.

A Salesian noted, “The conference focused on service and helping others. Students had opportunities to attend daily Mass, spend time in Eucharistic adoration, and listen to talks designed to inspire young men and women. At the Salesian booths, students learned about the work Salesians do worldwide and how they could get involved in this mission of faith and love.”

SEEK 2025 provided a platform where faith and service came together. The Salesian Family’s participation helped many students see how to live their faith in action. From the conference, 270 youth are interested in becoming lay missionaries and giving back to those in need.

The Salesian said, “The presence of the Salesians brought an extra layer of inspiration. They shared stories of missionary work and showed the students how Salesian spirituality is centered on joy, community, and service to the young and marginalized. Their enthusiasm made a lasting impression on everyone who stopped by.”

The Salesian concluded, “SEEK 2025 reminded us of the importance of this mission. We are excited to see how these connections grow and how the spirit of Don Bosco inspires more people to serve. Together, we can continue spreading faith, hope and love worldwide. Now, it is our time to accompany these young adults who desire to serve God as missionaries. Maybe they will choose to serve with us.”

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

ANS – United States – Igniting a Missionary Spirit: Salesian Presence at SEEK 2025, the biggest conference of young adults in the USA

Salesian Lay Missioners

Salesian Missions

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UNITED STATES

(MissionNewswire) As Los Angeles, Calif. faces devastating fires that have displaced families and strained local resources, the Salesian Family Youth Center has stepped up to support people in need. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the center quickly mobilized to support organizations on the front lines of the crisis.

One of the center’s contributions has been partnering with A Place for Youth, an organization assembling food and clothing donations for families affected by the fires. The Salesian center’s young volunteers are working side by side with community members to sort, pack and prepare essential supplies for distribution.

The center has also continued its outreach to some of the city’s youth who are homeless. A Salesian noted, “This ongoing initiative has taken on even greater significance during this crisis. The harsh conditions in Los Angeles have further exposed the daily struggles of those without shelter. The youth center has been actively visiting and supporting homeless youth, offering not just basic necessities but also compassion and human connection.”

The Salesian explained, “At the heart of every one of our initiatives is the belief that young people are powerful agents of change. By involving youth in relief efforts, we are teaching them the value of empathy, leadership and community engagement. Whether it’s packing supplies, delivering goods to first responders, or lending a hand to local organizations, these experiences empower young people to become active contributors to their community’s well-being.”

The center is calling on the community to help in anyway they can. Whether it’s volunteering time, donating supplies or offering words of encouragement and prayers, the Salesian center is committed to continuing its work and invites the community to join in these efforts.

“Together, we are stronger. Together, we can rise above this crisis and rebuild with compassion and unity,” said Juan Carlos Montenegro, the executive director of the Salesian Family Youth Center.

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

ANS – United States – Rising Together: How the Salesian Family Youth Center is Supporting Los Angeles During the Fires

Salesian Family Youth Center

Salesian Missions

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PARAGUAY

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the Chaco Mission in Paraguay have a residence for students and visitors thanks in part to funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding from Salesian Missions helped complete the residence in 2023, after construction had been paused in 2021. Funding also helped support the mission with health care and nutrition.

The residence has served various purposes in the mission’s work. A Salesian explained, “Since the end of 2023, the residence has been rented by youth, from the interior of the country, who come here to study. It is a safe space for them to stay. We have hosted youth from abroad, and now have a space for the bishop and the missionaries who come to the capital for medical check-ups. The residence is also used for meetings in the Episcopal Conference.”

The project allows Salesians to help support the mission by providing a monthly rental income. In addition, a small space in the building is designated as a culture store for the exhibition and sale of crafts made by the local Indigenous communities. Indigenous artisans are now able to bring their crafts to Asunción, which provides an important means of income for them.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Paraguay since establishing a church in Asunción in 1896. Paraguay is among the poorest countries in South America. According to UNICEF, almost 23% of its population of 6.5 million people lives in poverty earning less than $1 per day. The gap between the small upper class and the large lower class is extreme and offers virtually no social mobility.

Conditions of poverty drive youth into early labor and a lack of literacy, in addition to a weak educational foundation, compounds the problem. Those in poverty face overcrowding, low quality housing and a lack of access to basic household services. Paraguayans who only graduate from primary school are twice as likely to live in poverty as those who have access to and complete secondary school.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Paraguay

UNICEF – Paraguay

World Bank – Paraguay

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