BOLIVIA

(MissionNewswire) Through Bosco Global’s “Deconstructing inequality on behalf of the rights of Indigenous women in the province of Muñecas” project, 80 Indigenous women have taken part in training courses in Bolivia. The project is supported by Generalita Valenciana, the government institutions of the Spanish autonomous community of Valencia.

The project, which is taking place in the municipalities of Ayata, Chuma and Aucapata, focuses on empowering women. Two training workshops were organized in February. One workshop focused on “Leadership, self-care and social spaces” and the other on “Shared responsibility in the home.”  The trainings were with the collaboration between Bosco Global and Machaqa Amawta Foundation, along with the Federation of Bartolina Sisa Indigenous Peasant Women.

The training respected the women’s customs and culture and tried to deconstruct stereotypes women face regarding self-esteem and self-care that they perceive as inherent to their situation.

Álvaro Meruvia, technician from the Machaqa Amawta Foundation, said, “We had active participation by the participants in the workshops. They have shown great interest and are able to take what they have learned back to their communities. Given the patriarchal cultural model of their communities, many of the women have not had opportunities for professional or technological development, instead seeing their role reduced to taking care of household chores, livestock or the gardens of their homes.”

Training in leadership, self-care and social spaces contributes to their role as leaders and their participation within communities while strengthening their self-esteem and social skills for the education of future generations. In addition, the workshop on shared responsibility at home analyzed the role that each person plays in their families and communities in order to identify and correct unjust and abusive attitudes resulting from deep-rooted customs and prejudices. In addition to the training activities, the participants were also equipped to establish a self-care space in the Municipality of Aucapata.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities. The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – Special training for indigenous women to achieve gender equality

World Bank – Bolivia

Salesian Missions – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Indigenous women gain leadership skills first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BOLIVIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries provided 150 youth from Indigenous communities in Kami, Bolivia, education thanks to the “Technical and comprehensive training of young Bolivians in the educational districts of the Municipality of Independencia and Tapacarí, in the Department of Cochabamba” project. The project was developed by Bosco Global and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.

Through the project, youth were able to take technical training in electricity, industrial mechanics, automotive mechanics and agro-industria skills. In addition to these technical skills, students also received life skills education, professional guidance and leadership courses.

A Salesian said, “Access to education for young people remains a challenge in the remote Indigenous rural communities of the Department of Cochabamba, Bolivia. The lack of resources hinders their integral development and limits their future prospects. Initiatives such as the project developed by Bosco Global take on particular importance as they provide youth with technical training and the encouragement needed for them to take a leading role in their communities.”

Begoña Simal, project manager at Bosco Global, said, “Seeing the direct impact these actions have on the lives of these young people and their communities is incredibly rewarding. We are committed to continuing to work to ensure that more and more young people have access to education and formation opportunities that enable them to realize their dreams.”

To access the training, youth traveled from their communities to the town of Kami, where they were hosted by the local Salesian center. Through the project, Salesians were able to renovate the dormitories, construct bathrooms, and purchase mattresses, wardrobes and blankets. In addition, the canteen has been modernized and equipped with the necessary kitchen utensils.

The project also invested in professional development for teaching staff through training on technologies applied to education and professional guidance. Emphasis was also placed on the inclusion of content on gender equality and the environment.

The Salesian added, “Both students and teachers have expressed praised about the impact of this project on their lives and communities. Initiatives such as these not only realize young people’s potential but also contributes significantly to sustainable development and strengthens Indigenous rural communities.”

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – Ensuring education and future opportunities for indigenous youth in the highlands

Salesian Missions – Bolivia

World Bank – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Indigenous youth build skills first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BOLIVIA

(MissionNewswire) Students attending the Madre Cándida Center, located in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, have new computer equipment thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding provided 14 new computers to improve the computer laboratory which had obsolete and outdated equipment.

With the donation, students are now more comfortable in class and are working with equipment that helps prepare them for the job market and their careers. There are 125 students who access technical training offered by the center. They take courses in cutting and dress making, comprehensive beauty skills, executive secretarial work, machine embroidery and computer systems. Twenty students in the computer systems course will benefit most from the donation.

A Salesian said, “Our students come from low-income families from the municipalities of Yapacaní in the Ichilo province. They do not have sufficient financial resources to enter the university or emigrate to the city to be able to pursue a degree at the undergraduate level, which is why they choose to study a technical degree near their communities. We are hoping with these new computers we also will be able to increase enrollment into the computer systems course.”

Alicia Segarra Sullca, age 17, is in the sixth level of secondary school, and her sister Gabriela is in the fourth level. Both study at the Don Bosco School in San German. In the afternoons, they study computer systems at the Madre Cándida Center. The Sullca sisters also live at the Madre Cándida Center boarding school because they come from a small community far from San German.

The Salesian added, “Alicia and Gabriela are grateful for the computers. They would also like to have internet at the boarding school to access information for their homework. They aspire to be professionals to have a better quality of life for themselves and their family.”

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to the World Bank, the poverty rate was 35% in 2018. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities. The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure.

###

Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

World Bank – Bolivia

Salesian Missions – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Students build skills with 14 new computers first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BOLIVIA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Project in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, protects the rights of children and older youth who are at high social risk. Mónica Fernández de Bobadilla Aya, a volunteer from the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid, spent six months as a volunteer at Hogar Don Bosco, one of Don Bosco Project’s homes, helping children build their future.

Hogar Don Bosco is one of four of the project’s homes for youth in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The program was founded in 1991 and houses 75 youth ages 5-17. They are divided into three groups and receive 24-hour care. Fernández said, “They are minors in vulnerable situations, orphans or those who have not seen their parents for a long time.”

In its 32 years of existence, Don Bosco Project has provided comprehensive care, protected children’s rights and specialized its interventions to meet the needs of youth in its care. Youth have faced abandonment, physical and psychological violence, or an unsafe family environment. A few children joined the program after living on the streets.

“When entering the house, one is struck by the happiness,” explained Fernández. “Being children with such complicated lives, the joy with which they face all situations is amazing. It’s like living in a big family with so many siblings. I prepared breakfasts, accompanied them to class, ate with them, helped them dress, organized entertainment activities, just like any other mom.”

Youth do not lack affection or attention. Fernández noted, “They eat five times a day and are surrounded by love. They have clothes, school supplies and no shortage of birthday gifts. The educators and volunteers are very attentive to them, and many benefactors also support the home. The children are learning life lessons and are an ongoing example.”

During her volunteer time, Fernández was responsible for a group of children under age 9. “It wasn’t easy to do activities with them, precisely because they were so young, but we had a lot of fun and it all helped them emotionally.”

She recalled two situations that especially touched her heart. “One of the children, because of diction problems, did not pronounce some letters well. I suggested he read aloud only with me and he never made a mistake. In a short time, he improved a lot and started coming with the other children who were waiting their turn to read aloud.”

The other situation is much more emotional for her. “Twins who were living in the Hogar Don Bosco were taken up for adoption. The first night there were many tears from the rest of the children, but after the shower and dinner, one of the children came to me and asked where they were. And right away, he answered his own question with, ‘Well, wherever they are, I’m sure they miss us.’”

The Don Bosco Project acts as a hub to help coordinate activities among several local Salesian-run programs including Hogar Don Bosco, Mano Amiga, Patio Don Bosco and Techo Pinardi. The project provides comprehensive rehabilitation and vocational training programs that bring social inclusion and meaningful employment to its students.

Every year Santa Cruz attracts youth who leave the difficult life of the rural highlands in search of new opportunities. The Don Bosco Project ensures these youth and others have access to emergency shelter, clothing and nutritious meals. The project also brings together psychologists, social workers, health care staff and teachers who work together to address the needs of almost 2,000 children who access primary and secondary schooling and vocational education.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to the World Bank, the poverty rate was 35% in 2018. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities. The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – Salesian Missionary Volunteering at “Hogar Mano Amiga”

World Bank – Bolivia

Salesian Missions – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Volunteer shares experience first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BOLIVIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries offer schools and social development programs across Bolivia to ensure youth have access to education and hope for a brighter future. In Cochabamba, Salesians operate Hogar Maria Auxiliadora, where young girls seek shelter and an education. The long-term residential home provides a safe, structured setting where young girls can grow into independent and self-sufficient young women. As many as 45 girls ages 2-17 live there at any given time.

Eden Gordon, a Salesian lay missioner who has served twice at Hogar Maria Auxiliadora, was determined to help one young girl who had been abandoned. Veronica arrived when she was just 6 years old, abandoned by her parents without understanding why.

Gordon knew she needed to reassure Veronica of her worth, so she played a daily game with the little girl in the weeks leading up to her move into the residence. Gordon would ask Veronica when she was coming to live at the Hogar and tell her that she was excited and waiting for her arrival. It became a happy game the two played when they spoke.

The game instilled such confidence that on the day of her move, Veronica marched in with a big grin on her face. Gordon even nicknamed her Querida, from the Spanish “to love.” Every time she hears it, Veronica understands its truth.

“Many of the girls do have families, and staff work to reunite them whenever possible,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Widespread poverty and lack of employment opportunities throughout Bolivia often mean that parents can’t afford to feed or care for their children. If reunification isn’t possible, these girls truly do grow up at the Hogar, where everyone there becomes their new family.”

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to the World Bank, the poverty rate was 35 percent in 2018. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities. The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – A Welcome Home for Abandoned Girls

World Bank – Bolivia

Salesian Missions – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Girls welcomed into supportive home first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BOLIVIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are working to develop more supportive services for people in Cobija, Bolivia. The area has seen continued growth and has nearly 70,000 people. The growth is the result of migration from areas like La Paz, Oruro, and Cochabamba, as well as from the neighboring department of Beni. There is also migration from local Indigenous communities.

Salesians face challenges in the area, including low economic levels and a mediocre educational system.

A Salesian representative said, “We want to offer children and young people a meeting place with a family atmosphere where we can give them services of school support and human formation. Faced with this situation, we just want to be bearers of God’s love to these young people so far forgotten. This motivates us to give ourselves and we feel that it’s worth it.”

Salesian missionaries are already providing programs and services for poor children and families in communities across Bolivia. In Santa Cruz de la Sierra, for example, the Don Bosco Project acts as a hub to help coordinate activities among several local Salesian-run programs including Hogar Don Bosco, Mano Amiga, Patio Don Bosco and Techo Pinardi. Don Bosco Project provides comprehensive rehabilitation and vocational training programs that bring social inclusion and meaningful employment to its students.

Santa Cruz attracts youth who leave the difficult life of the rural highlands in search of new opportunities. The Don Bosco Project ensures these youth and others have access to emergency shelter, clothing and nutritious meals. Psychologists, social workers, health care staff and teachers work together to address the needs of almost 2,000 children who access primary and secondary schooling and vocational education.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to the World Bank, the poverty rate was 35 percent in 2018. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities. The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – Salesian presence in Cobija begins to take shape

Salesian Missions – Bolivia

World Bank – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Services grow to meet needs in community first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BOLIVIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian students in primary and secondary school in the San José de la Floresta Parish in Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, received scholarships thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. A total of 23 children and older youth were supported with the scholarship funding.

The youth who received scholarships are from low-income families and large families with parents who could not afford school fees. Some children lost their father or mother due to COVID-19 and were left in the care of a relative or in a single parent family. Most of the parents work in an informal business or as street vendors. Some have a small business but only earn enough to feed their families for the day.

A Salesian missionary said, “La Floresta Parish can only help children and young people with the collaboration of good-hearted people, since as a parish it does not generate any type of income, and the collection only serves to cover parish expenses. Thanks to the help of donors, we can support families in need so that their children can continue studying.”

Yoselin Sánchez Chávez, age 8, receives a school scholarship with donor funding from Salesian Missions.

One of the scholarship recipients was Yoselin Sánchez Chávez, age 8. She has five siblings with two of them studying in high school and three attending primary school. Her father is a farmer and her mother sells food to support the family. In addition, they buy medicines Sánchez Chávez needs due to a medical condition.

At age 5, Sánchez Chávez began to not feel well and noticed a change in the color of her skin. She did not eat or sleep well. Her family managed to gather some financial resources and consulted with a specialist in gastroenterology. After several studies, which included a liver biopsy, an alteration of hepatocellular enzymes was identified. Despite her health situation, Sánchez Chávez lives happily with her parents and works hard to be a good student.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to the World Bank, the poverty rate was 35 percent in 2018. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities. The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure.

###

Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Bolivia

World Bank – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Children continue studies with scholarships from donor funding first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BOLIVIA

(MissionNewswire) Youth attending Hogar Don Bosco, facilitated by the Don Bosco Project in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, had access to recreational activities thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding was utilized for camps, retreats, sports activities and games. In addition, educational materials, sports materials, prizes, food and transportation were provided.

There were 87 children and older youth who participated in the recreational activities, which are important for their development. This is particularly true during the pandemic when children have been out of their normal routine and isolated from school and their peers.

The children are sheltered temporarily at Hogar Don Bosco, some due to abandonment, physical and psychological violence, or an unsafe family environment. A few children entered the program enter after living on the streets.

One of the recipients is Messi Acha Aguilar, age 10. He has finished the fourth grade and enjoys spending time with his peers, especially camping with friends. Aguilar would like to be a doctor when he grows older.

“We appreciate the donor funding that has allowed these youth to take part in recreational activities,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “This has been a challenging time for many youth who have already lived through such hardships. Providing them fun and educational activities and time with their peers is good for their well-being.”

The Don Bosco Project, which launched in November 1991, acts as a hub to help coordinate activities among several local Salesian-run programs including Hogar Don Bosco, Mano Amiga, Patio Don Bosco and Techo Pinardi. The project provides comprehensive rehabilitation and vocational training programs that bring social inclusion and meaningful employment to its students.

Every year Santa Cruz attracts youth who leave the difficult life of the rural highlands in search of new opportunities. The Don Bosco Project ensures these youth and others have access to emergency shelter, clothing and nutritious meals. The project also brings together psychologists, social workers, health care staff and teachers who work together to address the needs of almost 2,000 children who access primary and secondary schooling and vocational education.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to the World Bank, the poverty rate was 35 percent in 2018. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities. The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure.

###

Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

World Bank – Bolivia

Salesian Missions – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Youth at Hogar Don Bosco access recreational activities thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BOLIVIA

(MissionNewswire) The Association of Damas Salesianas in Cochabamba, Bolivia, in collaboration with other volunteers, has launched a campaign to collect oximeters, nebulizers and thermometers in the fight against COVID-19. The initiative was brought about thanks to the National Council of Associations of Damas Salesianas and Sister Asun Moreo, who worked with COVID-19 patients.

The campaign is seeking donations of nebulizers, oximeters or cash to buy medical instruments and devices. “Our objective is to help as many people as possible. There is no greater satisfaction than relieving the pain of others,” said Sylvia Padilla de Porro, vice president of the Association of Damas Salesianas in Bolivia.

There have been nearly 450,000 people infected with COVID-19 and 17,000 people who have died in Bolivia. Padilla de Porro added, “Today we have the opportunity to show our love for humanity by contributing through institutions where you will find an account of your donations.”

The Association of Damas Salesianas was founded in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1968 by Salesian Father Miguel González. It is a nonprofit organization, made up of Catholic women of different origins, ages and cultures who are united by a vocation to service in the Salesian spirit. They voluntarily dedicate their efforts to those most in need. This effort in Bolivia is one among many undertaken to help those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities. The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – “Damas Salesianas” show their love for humanity

Salesian Missions – Bolivia

World Bank – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Volunteers seek medical instruments  first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BOLIVIA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Center for Malnourished Children in San Carlos, Santa Cruz, Bolivia, received funding from donors of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, to help support children and families in need. Currently, 150 boys and girls access the services of the Don Bosco Center for Malnourished Children each year. The length of stay at the center is determined by the degree of malnutrition that the child faces.

As part of a new treatment model for children, mothers are involved in the recovery process. To make this easier, the center has set up temporary accommodations for the mothers and clearly defined their roles and responsibilities during their stay.

The mothers participate in training workshops on malnutrition and its prevention, caring for their children, growth, health, and preventive medicine. They are then able to apply what they have learned until it becomes a daily habit.

María Choque, the mother of Estefany, is taking part in a program at the Don Bosco Center for Malnourished Children in Bolivia.

One of the mothers taking part in the program is María Choque. Her daughter Estefany arrived at the Don Bosco Center for Malnourished Children at the end of 2020 with severe malnutrition. Estefany received the necessary care until she fully recovered. The center has become her second home. It took her close to three months to regain the appropriate body mass index for her age.

The training for Choque has been critical for Estefany’s long-term success. Choque said, “In the center, I have been able to learn many things about nutrition and proper food for my daughter. The center has been like my home, and the sisters have treated us very well. Having clean water every day for personal cleaning and cooking has been essential to Estefany’s recovery. When I return home to the community where I live, I will replicate everything I have learned and teach other mothers.”

The Don Bosco Center for Malnourished Children also recently made improvements to its clean water access. It was able to be connected to the municipal drinking water network. The center is now able to provide clean water access 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities. The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure.

###

Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Bolivia

World Bank – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Malnourished children and mothers receive support through donor funding first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BOLIVIA

(MissionNewswire) Bosco Global, supported by the Agency for Development Cooperation of Extremadura, facilitates an eco-sustainability project to improve life for those living in rural communities in Cochabamba, Bolivia. The project’s agro-pastoral training engages farmers and ranchers to be involved in the mechanisms and policies of food production and distribution. It also fosters the involvement and empowerment of women.

Through training, farmers and ranchers learn more about growing potatoes and vegetables in greenhouses, pest management and control, opening field nurseries for pine production, community breeding of pigs, and community breeding of fish, especially trout, in special tanks.

Beneficiaries of the project have shared their experiences. One recipient noted, “At the course, we learned how to manage the cultivation of potatoes, and we shared the knowledge with our base camp. This is important for us, to be able to learn something.” A farmer said, “We have improved our nutrition compared to our previous life.” A young woman in the program added, “They helped us to create the fields and construct trout tanks.”

The use of improved seeds in potato cultivation, in addition to the correct use of fertilizers and fungicides, has made it possible for farmers to obtain much higher yields. They have reached an average of 25 tons per hectare, while with the use of traditional seeds, their yields were only 6 and 12 tons per hectare. In 2019, the potato harvest benefited 54 families while in 2020 it directly reached 91.

Ten families from seven different communities have benefited from the pig farm. The center sells Serrano-type ham, smoked ham, pork salami, llama salami, and grilled chorizo to the Hipermaxi and Ticti markets, north of the city of Cochabamba. The money raised helps to support the families and ongoing efforts of the Salesian farm.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities. The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – A Salesian project in Kami to promote food sovereignty

Bosco Global

Bosco Global Facebook

Salesian Missions – Bolivia

World Bank – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Agricultural project provides food, income to improve life in rural communities first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BOLIVIA

(MissionNewswire) Techo Pinardi, part of the Don Bosco Project in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, offers a center for adolescents living on the  city streets. Most of the youth who come to the center have left their homes because they suffered violence or abandonment by their parents and sought an alternative family environment. Many found themselves facing challenges and dangerous circumstances while living on the streets.

Paolo Trevisanato, the head of Techo Pinardi, said, “What we are trying to build is this welcoming family and a place of opportunity.” The center welcomes teenagers ages 13-17 and offers a family atmosphere where youth can feel free from the dangers of the street and take part in opportunities for personal improvement.

Youth are able to access psychological, social and medical intervention, learn their rights, and feel empowered. In addition to traditional education, youth also are able to participate in spiritual, sports and recreational activities.

“We give youth enough opportunities for reintegration with their families or even their extended families, such as an aunt or a grandmother. When it is not possible, we find them a suitable center to live long-term so they can focus on their education,” added Trevisanato.

One of the biggest challenges with similar shelters is that youth age out of the program at 17. The Salesian center is different in that when a youth turns 17, support is not interrupted. Youth are able to stay until they complete the program and find work.

The Don Bosco Project, which launched in November 1991, acts as a hub to help coordinate activities among several local Salesian-run programs including Hogar Don Bosco, Mano Amiga, Patio Don Bosco and Techo Pinardi. The project provides comprehensive rehabilitation and vocational training programs that bring social inclusion and meaningful employment to its students.

Every year Santa Cruz attracts youth who leave the difficult life of the rural highlands in search of new opportunities. The Don Bosco Project ensures these youth and others have access to emergency shelter, clothing and nutritious meals. The project also brings together psychologists, social workers, health care staff and teachers who work together to address the needs of almost 2,000 children who are receiving primary and secondary schooling and vocational education.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to the World Bank, the poverty rate was 35 percent in 2018. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities. The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – “Pinardi Roof”: help space for street kids

World Bank – Bolivia

Salesian Missions – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Homeless youth receive education, psychological support first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BOLILVIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Popular Schools Network laid a foundation stone for a new building for the Centro Virgen Niña Association, which is part of the network. The funding for this project was provided by the Swiss Salesian organization Jugendhilfe Weltweit and fundraising efforts of the network staff.

Centro Virgen Niña Association is a special education center located in the city of El Alto, Bolivia, that serves many children and adolescents with disabilities. It was founded by Sister Grazia Micaelli and is run by a group of Bolivian lay people. The center started its activities 28 years ago with six children. Today, it serves 189 children and older youth.

The center focuses on human, social and educational development of children and families within the community. The new building was needed because the older building had architectural barriers that hindered people with disabilities who go to the center. The new infrastructure will consist of four floors with several classrooms and training workshops, administrative rooms, bathrooms, and corridors with ramps and steps to access the upper levels.

After demolishing the old infrastructure, the new construction began on April 6. The ceremony was attended by the staff of the Centro Virgen Niña Association, the staff of the Don Bosco Popular Schools Network and the staff of the DyCOC construction company.

Manuela Quenta, director of the network, said a prayer of thanks to all the people who contributed to making this project happen. She also asked for the safety of the workers and the successful completion of the work, while adding thoughts for the children who will benefit from this center and see their dreams begin to take shape.

“Children living in poverty with a disability are even less likely to attend school when compared to their peers,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Youth with disabilities have the same ability to achieve as their peers if given the opportunity. Salesian missionaries in programs around the globe initiate projects that pave the way for advanced research, learning and innovation that aid inclusion of people with disabilities.”

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities. The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – “Don Bosco Popular Schools” continue to grow

Centro Virgen Niña Association Facebook

Salesian Missions – Bolivia

World Bank – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: New center serving youth with disabilities holds groundbreaking ceremony first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BOLIVIA

(MissionNewswire) Two new classrooms and a corridor have been added through a construction project at the Topater School in the city of El Alto, Bolivia. The project was part of the “Strengthening the Topater Educational Unit” initiative launched by Salesian Father Luis Adolfo Tórrez Sanjinés, national director of the Don Bosco Popular Schools in the country.

The project was financed by the Dr. Werner and Helga Göppel Foundation, in cooperation with the Don Bosco Mission Bonn. The Topater School serves more than 1,000 students in kindergarten, elementary and middle school. The new classrooms will provide more space to meet the needs of a growing student population.

Dr. Omar Ramos Huayllani, director of the Topater School, thanked donors and supporters of the project for the new classrooms. During the event, a small group of first graders attended the handover ceremony in compliance with all COVID-19 safety measures.

“Many poor and disadvantaged youth fall through the cracks and lack the basic education they deserve,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian schools help level the playing field and ensure that all children have equal access to education. Expanding the Topater School ensures that more youth will be able to attend school and start on a solid path of achieving their goals.”

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities. The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – Two new classrooms for El Alto “Topater” Educational Unit

World Bank – Bolivia

Salesian Missions – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: School expands to serve growing number of students first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BOLIVIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries offer schools and social development programs across Bolivia to ensure youth have access to education and hope for a brighter future. In Santa Cruz, the largest city and capital of the Santa Cruz department, Salesian centers have been developed and expanded to meet the needs of the local population.

The Don Bosco Project, which launched in November 1991, acts as a hub to help coordinate activities among several local Salesian-run programs including Hogar Don Bosco, Mano Amiga, Patio Don Bosco and Techo Pinardi. The project provides comprehensive rehabilitation and vocational training programs that bring social inclusion and meaningful employment to its students.

Every year Santa Cruz attracts youth who leave the difficult life of the rural highlands in search of new opportunities. The Don Bosco Project ensures these youth and others have access to emergency shelter, clothing and nutritious meals. The project also brings together psychologists, social workers, healthcare staff and teachers who work together to address the needs of almost 2,000 children who access primary and secondary schooling and vocational education.

There are several ways youth connect with the programs provided through the Don Bosco Project. A free overnight shelter brings youth in off the streets and connects them with adults who show genuine concern and offer support. The shelter provides a safe environment, nutritious meals and a support network that can be life changing.

A daytime program is also available for youth who are ready to escape their current situations and explore new opportunities. Salesian staff offer tutoring to help youth catch up on basic studies and return to school as well as information on specific trades. In addition, there are opportunities for participation in sports and other constructive group activities.

Nearly every child that comes to Hogar Don Bosco has experienced challenging life circumstances. Hogar Don Bosco ensures youth receive a good education and live in an environment that’s conducive to focusing on their studies. The center also helps young people build a solid foundation of values and morals in life, as well as provides a sense of family support.

Salesian missionaries have other programs in Santa Cruz including the La Muyurina Agriculture School and La Floresta Parish. In San Carlos and Sagrado Corazón, Salesian missionaries have many smaller communities within the vast territory, which is rural and focused mainly on agriculture. In Yapacani, there is also a boarding school run by five Colombian volunteers, founded by a Colombian priest who was inspired by Don Bosco.

Despite all the work that needs to be done and the many problems that the country is experiencing, the commitment of Salesian missionaries remains. Father Vicente Brunelli, who has worked for 33 years as a Salesian missionary in Bolivia, said, “It has been a difficult 33 years, in which there have been sorrows and failures. Every now and then, I get discouraged. But then I recover, holding a precious keepsake. It is a piece of paper with the writing of a child that says, ‘That I lack everything, but not you.’ I listen again to the usual refrain of my good guardian angel to never renounce or give up on your dreams of giving a smile and hope to so many unfortunate children, everywhere, from one continent to the other.”

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to the World Bank, the poverty rate was 35 percent in 2018. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities. The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – At the heart of the Salesian missionary commitment, a child’s appeal: “That I lack everything, but not you”

World Bank – Bolivia

Salesian Missions – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Salesian missionaries provide education and support to youth at Hogar Don Bosco first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BOLIVIA

(MissionNewswire) The village of Kami, nestled high in the Andes Mountains in Bolivia, faces extreme isolation from the rest of the country. A persistently cold climate, coupled with negative health effects faced by residents due to the tungsten mining industry that drives the local economy, make for harsh living conditions. Residents of Kami have an average life expectancy of just 40 years. Before Salesian missionaries first arrived in the village in 1977, illiteracy rates were extremely high.

With the exception of mining, the sole source of income and sustenance for families in Kami was through farming. And while water in the village was mostly available, electricity was not. Without electricity to power the local school or hospital or to support new business enterprises, the village seemed destined to remain in poverty.

In 2016, Salesian Father Serafino Chiesa, in collaboration with other nongovernmental organizations and volunteer groups, worked to connect the village of Kami to Bolivia’s national power grid. They did this by using refurbished turbines to supply light and technology to students, improve medical care to patients and power to a new sawmill facility and other businesses. They even had enough excess energy to enable residents to sell it back to the Bolivian Electricity Board. Kami is now beginning to finance its own sustainable development projects and faces a much brighter future

Today the plant employs several people and has grown to supply energy to the Salesian mission and the village, and even enables Salesians to sell the surplus production to the Bolivian state itself. The final part of the hydroelectric network is now nearing completion, thanks to the tenacity of Fr. Chiesa who has spent his life gaining the many skills necessary to develop such an incredible project.

The final part of the project consists of the construction of a tunnel but challenges persist. In a recent letter, Fr. Chiesa explained how the construction of a tunnel is challenging because on one side there is water that floods the tunnel, and on the other, there is the constant risk of falling rocks. Fr. Chiesa explained, “In short, we are late with the finalization of the network, but we are alive and stubbornly convinced of moving forward.”

In the meantime, however, an encampment has been set up with a kitchen, bathrooms and dormitories for the workers. Work is also being done on the maintenance of the machines and trucks. Some vehicles, such as a bulldozer with 25 years of service already on record, always have new troubles.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to the World Bank, the poverty rate was 35 percent in 2018. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities. The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – Kami, a mission in the clouds

World Bank – Bolivia

Salesian Missions – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Salesian hydroelectric plant brings energy and jobs to the remote village of Kami first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BOLIVIA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run Radio-Television Ichilo, based in the municipality of Yapacaní in the Department of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, was attacked on Nov. 10 by a violent group linked to the government of former President Evo Morales.

The attack occurred in the early morning hours after the announcement of the president’s resignation. During the attack, radio facilities were looted, equipment was destroyed and the offices on the first floor were burned.

Radio Ichilo, as it’s known, has been operating for 38 years and is one of the most important radio stations in the region. It’s known for its social commitment and service to those living in conditions of poverty, along with working-class organizations. Since 1992, the radio station has also been broadcasting a television channel, which complemented the radio broadcast.

The radio station was founded by Salesian Father Aquilino Libralon, working in collaboration with six youth from the local parish. The radio station did a great deal of pastoral work in the community and was able to foster social connections and help immigrant families arriving in the region from other provinces in Bolivia.

The destruction of the Salesian radio and television station is a violent response in opposition to the Salesian community and how it provides information in the most truthful and objective way possible. It is an attack that goes directly against the indigenous communities of the region.

The General Councilor for Social Communication of the Salesians, Father Filiberto González, said in a statement: “We deeply regret this vandalism which destroyed Salesian Radio Ichilo. We reject all acts of violence that hinder dialogue and threaten social peace and the right to democracy. We express our solidarity to all of the Salesians and the staff of Radio Ichilo and to the network of Salesian radio stations in Bolivia, whose professional ethics are well known. They are authentic informants of truth and justice in the service of those who have no voice. Thank you for your testimony and your conviction as communicators in the service of peace and democracy.”

Salesian missionaries provide education and social programs across Bolivia that are tailored to meet the needs of poor youth and their families. From primary and secondary education to technical and vocational skills training, Salesian educational centers are ensuring youth are able to gain the skills needed to find and retain stable employment.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to UNICEF, 60 percent of Bolivians live below the poverty line with 40 percent of those living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate is higher in rural areas where the rate increases to 75 percent of the population. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities.

The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place, negatively impacting the indigenous farming populations who typically live there.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – Attacked in Yapacaní, Salesian “Radio-Televisión Ichilo”

Salesian Missions – Bolivia

UNICEF – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Salesian-run Radio-Television Ichilo facility looted and destroyed first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BOLIVIA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian educational center Don Bosco El Prado in La Paz, Bolivia, has been impacted by the recent political and social protests in the region. On Nov. 6, the Salesian center had to close after police detonated five tear gas grenades inside the school, putting the safety of everyone, including the close to 1,000 students, teachers and administrative staff, at risk.

The students, who were going about their normal educational activities, experienced moments of anxiety and confusion caused by the tear gas. Hours later, the Red Cross and the local fire brigade arrived to address what looked like a possible fire inside the educational institution.

“It is something incredible, unbelievable. Anything could have happened due to the chaos that then arose, in addition to the damage caused by the gases. We had to wonder who the security forces were giving security to,” said Father José Iriarte, director of the center.

The social protests in Bolivia are increasing and heightening in intensity, report Salesian missionaries on the ground. The protest started after the disputed Oct. 20 elections, which established the incumbent President Evo Morales as the winner. But the opposition rejected the result, denouncing the elections as manipulated.

The protests started in the country’s main cities and have continued on in other smaller cities and towns. On Facebook, the Catholic Archdiocese of La Paz left a statement: “Before the tense situation in the city center, we launch a call for special attention from educational institutions, especially regarding the use of chemical agents. This afternoon this happened in the Don Bosco Educational Unit El Prado. We don’t want violence, we are grieved to show these images that affect our children, where they normally follow the lessons. We pray for peace in Bolivia.”

The archdiocese is facing backlash now from the Bolivian government and is defending itself against accusations that it is promoting protests. The situation in Bolivia is not very different from the wave of protests that are affecting various Latin American countries. Salesians missionaries, in addition to always being close to the people who are suffering, are seeking to promote paths of dialogue and peace.

Salesian missionaries provide education and social programs across Bolivia that are tailored to meet the needs of poor youth and their families. From primary and secondary education to technical and vocational skills training, Salesian educational centers are ensuring youth are able to gain the skills needed to find and retain stable employment.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to UNICEF, 60 percent of Bolivians live below the poverty line with 40 percent of those living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate is higher in rural areas where the rate increases to 75 percent of the population. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities.

The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place, negatively impacting the indigenous farming populations who typically live there.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – Social outbreaks also affect Salesian works

Salesian Missions – Bolivia

UNICEF – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Salesian educational center Don Bosco El Prado in La Paz impacted by recent political and social protests first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Throughout the Santa Cruz region, several Salesian centers have been developed and expanded to meet the needs of the local population. The Don Bosco Project acts as a hub to help coordinate activities among several of these local Salesian-run programs including Hogar Don Bosco, Mano Amiga, Patio Don Bosco and Techo Pinardi. The Don Bosco Project provides comprehensive rehabilitation and vocational training programs that bring social inclusion and meaningful employment to its students.

Extending beyond emergency shelter, clothing and nutritious meals, the project brings together psychologists, social workers, healthcare staff and teachers who work together to address the needs of close to 2,000 children who access primary and secondary schooling and vocational education.

There are several ways in which youth connect with the programs provided through the Don Bosco Project. A free overnight shelter brings youth in off the streets and connects them with adults who show genuine concern and offer support. The shelter provides a safe environment, nutritious meals and a support network that can be life-changing.

A daytime program is also available for youth who are ready to escape their current situations and explore new opportunities. Here, the Salesian staff offers tutoring to help youth catch up on basic studies and return to school, as well as information on specific trades. In addition, there are opportunities for participation in sports and other constructive group activities.

Recently on International Literacy Day, which falls annually on Sept. 8, the Don Bosco Project relaunched its commitment to fostering child literacy, the first step toward a longer-lasting educational journey. It is collecting funding for the purchase of educational materials, including books, backpacks, uniforms, pencils and cases, which will be allocated to 250 children and older youth who have suffered abuse and neglect and rely on Salesian missionaries for protection and support.

“The Don Bosco Project has been working with at-risk youth in Santa Cruz for 28 years,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian missionaries help to meet basic needs like food, clothing and shelter and then work to connect youth with the education they require to have a successful future. The goal is always to provide an education so youth are able to be self-sufficient later in life.”

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to UNICEF, 60 percent of Bolivians live below the poverty line with 40 percent of those living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate is higher in rural areas where the rate increases to 75 percent of the population. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities.

The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place, negatively impacting the indigenous farming populations who typically live there.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – International Literacy Day: the work of “Don Bosco Proyecto”

UNICEF – Bolivia

Salesian Missions – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Don Bosco Project provides programs that meet the basic needs of at-risk youth and provide access to education to prepare them for future employment first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The project takes place in Kami, Cochabamba, and will impact more than 200 people including young people and those living in rural areas as well as the Andean population. Through agriculture training, the project aims to help families in rural communities who are living according to an economic model of mere subsistence, move into a more developed productive system of farming.

The village of Kami, nestled high in the Andes Mountains, faces extreme isolation from the rest of the country. A persistently cold climate coupled with negative health effects faced by residents due to the tungsten mining industry that drives the local economy, make for harsh living conditions. Residents of Kami have an average life expectancy of just 40 years. Before Salesian missionaries first arrived in the village in 1977, illiteracy rates were extremely high.

With the exception of mining, the sole source of income and sustenance for families in Kami is farming. The new project will help contribute to improved farming methods including better ways to raise animals and increase fish production in the village. Residents will learn new ways to farm potatoes and catch freshwater fish, especially trout, and to improve the quality of pig meat, both for the community’s own consumption and for retail sale. In addition, a producer association will be created to support the development of sales strategies and a marketing plan to improve their competitiveness.

At the same time, the technical training of the workers of the Kami Salesian Center in the field of agricultural machinery repair will be improved so that families do not have to go to the city every time machinery breaks down.

Solidaridad Don Bosco has developed the project with the Salesian Planning and Development Office and in collaboration with the Salesian San José Obrero Center of Kami which was opened in 1980 to provide secondary education, vocational training and health care to area residents. The two-year project is also supported by the Agency for International Development Cooperation of Extremadura.

“Through the project, Solidaridad Don Bosco aims to reduce poverty in the area and promote gender equality through joint training,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “This kind of collaborative project ensures people will have access to quality training to help them gain the skills needed to improve their lives and their community.”

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to UNICEF, 60 percent of Bolivians live below the poverty line with 40 percent of those living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate is higher in rural areas where the rate increases to 75 percent of the population. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities. The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – Project started to improve production in rural communities

UNICEF – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: New project provides farming and fishing training to residents of remote village of Kami first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The village of Kami, nestled high in the Andes Mountains, faces extreme isolation from the rest of the country. A persistently cold climate coupled with negative health effects faced by residents due to the tungsten mining industry that drives the local economy, make for harsh living conditions. Residents of Kami have an average life expectancy of just 40 years. Before Salesian missionaries first arrived in the village in 1977, illiteracy rates were extremely high.

With the exception of mining, the sole source of income and sustenance for families in Kami was through farming. And while water in the village was mostly available, electricity was not. Without electricity to power the local school or hospital or to support new business enterprises, the village seemed destined to remain in poverty.

In 2016, Salesian Father Serafino Chiesa, in collaboration with other non-governmental organizations and volunteer groups, worked to connect the village of Kami to Bolivia’s national power grid. They did this by using refurbished turbines to supply light and technology to students, improve medical care to patients and power to a new sawmill facility and other businesses. They even had enough excess energy to enable residents to sell back to the Bolivian Electricity Board.

Kami is now beginning to finance its own sustainable development projects and faces a much brighter future. It was for two of these projects that Días was able to lend his expertise.

“I came for a project that involved the automation of a water inlet gate of the Kami Hydroelectric plant,” explains Días. “The task was completed in a month of work. Then, one of the biggest surprises was when Father Serafino Chiesa and Father Miguel Ángel let me taste a plate of Serrano ham which came from their production plant. I realized that I could contribute not only with hydropower, but also with the production of hams.”

During his time in Bolivia, Días went from working on the automation of a hydro dam gate to the promotion of ham in one of the most important Bolivian supermarket chains. He explains, “I’m an industrial engineer, but the branch that I like most is production. Then, when I saw the opportunity to work in the food sector with the hams and the production of sausages, I knew I contribute with my knowledge. We did a market study, a cost study and from there the numbers were positive. They gave the guarantee that the project could work. It was impossible to imagine that in my last week in Bolivia I’d see the products for sale in the Hipermaxi supermarket.”

Días is very grateful for the time he spent in Bolivia and appreciative of all the work that Fr. Chiesa and Fr. Ángel do to help the people of Kami.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to UNICEF, 60 percent of Bolivians live below the poverty line with 40 percent of those living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate is higher in rural areas where the rate increases to 75 percent of the population. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities. The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – “An impression etched in my heart forever”: interview with volunteer Daniel Cano

Bolivia: Salesian Missionaries Restore Water, Electricity to Village Improving Living Conditions and Local Economy

UNICEF – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Salesian volunteer spends time in Kami helping Salesian programs with hydro plant and ham production first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The Don Bosco Project, which launched in November 1991, acts as a hub to help coordinate activities among several local Salesian-run programs including Hogar Don Bosco, Mano Amiga, Patio Don Bosco and Techo Pinardi. The project provides comprehensive rehabilitation and vocational training programs that bring social inclusion and meaningful employment to its students.

Every year Santa Cruz attracts youth who leave the difficult life of the rural highlands in search of new opportunities. The Don Bosco Project ensures these youth and others have access to emergency shelter, clothing and nutritious meals. The project also brings together psychologists, social workers, healthcare staff and teachers who work together to address the needs of almost 2,000 children who access primary and secondary schooling and vocational education.

There are several ways in which youth connect with the programs provided through the Don Bosco Project. A free overnight shelter brings youth in off the streets and connects them with adults who show genuine concern and offer support. The shelter provides a safe environment, nutritious meals and a support network that can be life changing.

A daytime program is also available for youth who are ready to escape their current situations and explore new opportunities. Here, Salesian staff offer tutoring to help youth catch up on basic studies and return to school as well as information on specific trades. In addition, there are opportunities for participation in sports and other constructive group activities.

Fermín Galarza Cardozo is a recipient of services at the Hogar Don Bosco Center. He says, “I arrived at Hogar Don Bosco when I was 5-6 years old. I came from a painful situation because the village we lived in had been flooded by the Rio Grande.”

Nearly every child that comes to Hogar Don Bosco has experienced challenging life circumstances. One of the organization’s leaders says, “Many of them cannot live with their families either because they are orphans or because they are from very poor families who can no longer take care of them.”

Cardozo’s situation is similar. He adds, “My parents separated and the Teresian nuns took care of me and my brother. They set out to find a place where we could be educated and became aware of the great work of Father Ottavio Sabbadin at Hogar Don Bosco. Initially I had difficulty adapting, but over time I took to considering it as my real home.”

Hogar Don Bosco ensures youth receive a good education and live in an environment that’s conducive to focusing on their studies. The center also helps young people build a solid foundation of values and morals in life as well as provides a sense of family support.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to UNICEF, 60 percent of Bolivians live below the poverty line with 40 percent of those living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate is higher in rural areas where the rate increases to 75 percent of the population. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities.

The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place, negatively impacting the indigenous farming populations who typically live there.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – “Hogar Don Bosco” center speaks clearly through his story: Fermín Galarza Cardoza

UNICEF – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Youth who come from challenging family situations excel at Hogar Don Bosco first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The Don Bosco Project in Santa Cruz acts as a hub to help coordinate activities among several local Salesian-run programs including Hogar Don Bosco, Mano Amiga, Patio Don Bosco and Techo Pinardi. The Don Bosco Project provides comprehensive rehabilitation and vocational training programs that bring social inclusion and meaningful employment to its students.

Extending beyond emergency shelter, clothing and nutritious meals, the project brings together psychologists, social workers, healthcare staff and teachers who work together to address the needs of close to 2,000 children who access primary and secondary schooling and vocational education.

There are several ways in which youth connect with the programs provided through the Don Bosco Project. A free overnight shelter brings youth in off the streets and connects them with adults who show genuine concern and offer support. The shelter provides a safe environment, nutritious meals and a support network that can be life changing.

A daytime program is also available for youth who are ready to escape their current situations and explore new opportunities. Here, Salesian staff offer tutoring to help youth catch up on basic studies and return to school as well as information on specific trades. In addition, there are opportunities for participation in sports and other constructive group activities.

“The Don Bosco Project has had more than 25 years of success working with at-risk and poor youth in Santa Cruz,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian missionaries help to meet basic needs like food, clothing and shelter and then work to connect youth with the education they require to have a successful future.”

In Montero, just 40 km outside of Santa Cruz, Salesian missionaries operate La Muyurina Agricultural School. The school offers more than just agricultural training as it is part of a larger program that also offers traditional secondary education and vocational training in addition to feeding programs for area children.

Many of the children attending the school come from an agricultural background but many of their families have never received formal agricultural education and training. The academic preparation provided at La Muyurina Agricultural School enables youth to implement farming methods that are more efficient which increases crop yields and delivers a food supply more readily accessible to their families and communities.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to UNICEF, 60 percent of Bolivians live below the poverty line with 40 percent of those living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate is higher in rural areas where the rate increases to 75 percent of the population. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities.

The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place, negatively impacting the indigenous farming populations who typically live there.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – Being a father for the neediest young people: a mission inherited from Don Bosco

UNICEF – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Salesian programs meet the basic needs of at-risk youth and provide access to education to prepare them for future employment first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Scholas Catedras was founded when Father Jorge Mario Bergoglio was the archbishop of Buenos Aires. The goal was to transform education so that all children were integrated and learning in peace. Today, Scholas Occurrentes, an initiative of Scholas Catedras supported by Pope Francis, seeks the commitment of all social organizations to cultivate a culture of peace and works with schools of all religious and secular affiliations to reestablish this educational pact.

This initiative also aims to help facilitate these ideals at the university level. The goal is for universities to launch various projects to help aid vulnerable populations. One of these university-launched projects is the Arco Iris Project which trains teachers to work together with children who are 8-9 years old on self-learning processes, preparing them to face tasks and helping them work with greater quality and depth all while cultivating a culture of peace among students and in the classroom.

Professor Rosario invited the Salesian University to be a part of the Arco Iris project to help youth in Bolivia integrate concepts of peace into the learning environment. In a conference organized for teachers and managers at the Salesian University, Professor Rosario said that the challenge for the university was to train youth to be “better for others” and not just “to be better” in competing with or against others.

After the conference and initial training given on the project, the Salesian University will work to bring these concepts into its teaching both at the university and within projects it facilitates for the community so that all Bolivian children can be a part of this worldwide commitment to peace.

The Salesian University specializes in teacher training at the national level for both public and private sectors with a goal of improving the quality of education. Nearly 3,000 teachers educate 80,000 youth in 230 Don Bosco schools and educational programs across Bolivia. These Salesian schools and programs were founded to educate poor and disadvantaged youth and seek to counter the socioeconomic factors that negatively impact education such as low wages, politicization of educational guidelines, high rates of absenteeism and high dropout rates.

“Teachers are the backbone of the Salesian educational system and we are dedicated to providing the support and training they need,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “The value of strong teachers can be seen in the accomplishments of youth that graduate from their classes. Salesian missionaries believe that access to education is critical to help youth learn job skills, improve their lives and find a path out of poverty.”

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to UNICEF, 60 percent of Bolivians live below the poverty line with 40 percent of those living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate is higher in rural areas where the rate increases to 75 percent of the population. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities.

The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place, negatively impacting the indigenous farming populations who typically live there.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Bolivia – “Scholas Occurrentes”: the university must educate to be “better for others”

UNICEF – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: New project highlighting peace within education introduced at Salesian University first appeared on MissionNewswire.

EPDB is an organization that is dependent on the Salesian congregation and has an inter-institutional agreement to manage public educational institutions and programs for quality education through the values of Catholic and Salesian formation. The EPDB is currently educating more than 123,000 students with the support of 3,000 teachers in 250 education centers in seven departments of Bolivia including La Paz, Oruro, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Beni, Chuquisaca and Potosí.

Convenio Don Bosco Institute begin in 1998 when Juan Rospilloso Mita, general director and owner of the Don Bosco Private School of Potosí, launched an afternoon public elementary school in agreement with the Departmental Bureau of Education and with the support and patronage of EPDB.

Both educational institutions shared the same structures with the private school until the growth of the school population called for a new infrastructure. There was an addition built to the school from 2001-2005. But the ever-increasing number of students required even larger structures, so in mid-2012, the Principal Monica Triveño and the parents of the students planned an expansion under the program “La Bolivia changes-Evo does.”

The first stone of this brand-new facility was laid in March 2017, and work proceeded regularly until the inauguration. Today, the two schools, private and public, contribute greatly to the education of thousands of children and young people of Potosí in the style of Don Bosco.

“This kind of collaboration benefits all children of all backgrounds and religions, ensuring quality education for youth living in considerations of poverty,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and also has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to UNICEF, 60 percent of Bolivians live below the poverty line with 40 percent of those living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate is higher in rural areas where the rate increases to 75 percent of the population. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities.

The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place, negatively affecting the indigenous farming populations who typically live there. Only half of rural children complete primary school and many others leave school to help support their families, according to UNICEF. There are others who are left homeless by parents who cannot afford to care for them and those who leave their homes to escape violence.

###

Sources:

ANS – Bolivia – President of Bolivia delivers a new infrastructure at “Convenio Don Bosco”

UNICEF – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: People’s Schools of Don Bosco educates more than 123,000 students first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The educational initiative presented a series of films dealing with family and sexual abuse issues. The goal was to engage youth in cinema. The result was that youth were able to have open discussions with group leaders about love, respect, forgiveness, trust, family unity and hope. They learned through movies presented and the discussion. Youth also felt empowered with ideas and feelings. One of the fundamental educational elements of the training program was the participants’ ability to initiate debates and analysis.

“The Don Bosco Project is a dynamic set of programs that provide a harmonious environment where children and older youth who are living on the streets and are at-risk are able to access services tailored specifically for them,” says Father Pio Octavio Sabbadin, head of the Don Bosco Project.

The Don Bosco Project provides comprehensive rehabilitation and vocational training programs that bring social inclusion and meaningful employment to the students. Extending beyond emergency shelter, clothing and nutritious meals, the project brings together psychologists, social workers, healthcare staff and teachers who work together to address the needs of close to 2,000 children who access primary and secondary schooling and vocational education.

There are several ways in which youth connect with the programs provided at the Don Bosco Project. A free overnight shelter brings youth in off the streets and connects them with adults who show genuine concern and offer support. The shelter provides a safe environment, nutritious meals and a support network that can be life changing. A daytime program is also available for youth who are ready to escape their current situation and explore new opportunities. Salesian staff offers tutoring to help youth catch up on basic studies and return to school as well as information on specific trades. In addition, there are opportunities for participation in sports and other constructive group activities.

For young people age 15 and older who have demonstrated a commitment to leaving the streets behind, there is the opportunity to study at the Michael Magone House. Youth learn trades such as carpentry, auto mechanics and hair dressing that lead to stable employment and provide the opportunity to escape poverty and give back to the students’ communities. The Don Bosco Project helps youth in Bolivia to see all that life has to offer. It also provides them with the practical skills to leave life on the streets behind and connect with the educational and social resources to lead a more productive life.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to UNICEF, 60 percent of Bolivians live below the poverty line with 40 percent of those living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate is higher in rural areas where the rate increases to 75 percent of the population. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities.

The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place, negatively impacting the indigenous farming populations who typically live there. Only half of rural children complete primary school and many others leave school to help support their families, according to UNICEF. There are others who are left homeless by parents who cannot afford to care for them and those who leave their homes to escape violence.

###

Sources:

ANS – Bolivia – “ValorArte” Cineforum: a proposal to accompany and educate young people

UNICEF – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Don Bosco Project Facilitates Educational Programming Through Cinema and Discussion first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Salesian missionaries working with the Salesian University take the words of Pope Francis to heart when he speaks of “peripheries of the world.” Not only do the Salesian missionaries in Bolivia have various centers and programs in the suburbs, the Salesian University has now come to the periphery in search of young people with specific needs.

“We are one of the country’s first universities to have opted for the periphery, for areas far from the center, with headquarters and branch offices that distinguish us as Salesians,” says Provincial Fr. Rodríguez. “The university was created to serve the disadvantaged. We have grown, but we must not stop here as there is always a need to do something new, to look for and give answers for development, and always being mindful of those who need it most.”

The Salesian University specializes in teacher training at the national level for both public and private sectors. Teacher training is important for quality education. Nearly 3,000 teachers educate 80,000 youth in 230 Don Bosco schools and educational programs across Bolivia. These Salesian schools and programs were founded to educate poor and disadvantaged youth and seek to counter the socioeconomic factors that negatively impact education such as low wages, politicization of educational guidelines, high rates of absenteeism and high dropout rates.

“Teachers are the backbone of the Salesian educational system and we are dedicated to providing the support and training they need,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “The value of strong teachers can be seen in the accomplishments of youth that graduate from their classes. Salesian missionaries believe that access to education is critical to help youth learn job skills, improve their lives and find a path out of poverty.”

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and also has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to UNICEF, 60 percent of Bolivians live below the poverty line with 40 percent of those living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate is higher in rural areas where the rate increases to 75 percent of the population. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities.

The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place, negatively affecting the indigenous farming populations who typically live there. Only half of rural children complete primary school and many others leave school to help support their families, according to UNICEF. There are others who are left homeless by parents who cannot afford to care for them and those who leave their homes to escape violence.

###

Sources:

ANS – Bolivia – The country’s first suburban university established

UNICEF – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Salesian University Provides Advanced Education for Disadvantaged Youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.

“We used to listen only to Peruvian radio because the province is located on the border with Peru. Therefore, given the need to provide a service to the population, two Salesian missionaries, Father Dino Oselladore and Father Miguel Ángel Aimar, started what is now called Radio Sariri,” explains Ramiro Carlo, a radio journalist with Radio Sariri.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to UNICEF, 60 percent of Bolivians live below the poverty line with 40 percent of those living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate is higher in rural areas where the rate increases to 75 percent of the population. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities.

The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place, negatively impacting the indigenous farming populations who typically live there. Only half of rural children complete primary school and many others leave school to help support their families, according to UNICEF. There are others who are left homeless by parents who cannot afford to care for them and those who leave their homes to escape violence.

Thanks to the Salesian missionaries’ work in the region and with help from the radio station informing the local population, programs in Escoma progressed. Salesian missionaries founded several institutions including a university, the Agro-Pastoral Training Center, the Educational Unit, the Catechetical Center, and other centers focused on social and workforce development programs.

The radio station has achieved several important goals. It has given voice to the people to allow them to feel they are the architects of their own destiny. It has become a means of communication and unity between different communities, highlighting both diversity and the ability to collaborate and work together. Finally, the radio station has helped to integrate Salesian pastoral work with the promotion of Salesian programs for youth in the community.

“This means of communication has been very good for the parish and in particular for all those who live far away from it, because during the past 25 years the radio has been providing formation, evangelization, entertainment and communication between the different communities. Currently the radio has an audience of 10,000 listeners in Camacho province,” adds Carlo.

Radio Sariri is part of the radio network which broadcasts in the Aymara language and is part of the ERBOL network that consists of 180 radio stations.

###

Sources:

ANS – Bolivia – Radio “Sariri”: 25 years – a voice that will not be turned off

UNICEF – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Salesian Radio Station Has Been Informing and Connecting Rural Communities for 25 Years first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The youth then spent the following two weeks volunteering with children playing games, facilitating leisure activities and working at the Salesian-run organizations of Hogar Don Bosco. Mano Amiga, Patio Don Bosco and Techo Pinardi.

“Volunteering provides a great way for youth to take skills they have learned in the classroom and apply them in the real world,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Young volunteers also provide great role models for younger children in Salesian programs. With the high number of street children in Salesian programs in Bolivia, it’s a good example for young children to see how much older youth who came from the same circumstances have been able to accomplish.”

The Don Bosco Project provides comprehensive rehabilitation and vocational training programs that bring social inclusion and meaningful employment to their students. Extending beyond emergency shelter, clothing and nutritious meals, the project brings together psychologists, social workers, healthcare staff and teachers who work together to address the needs of close to 2,000 children who access primary and secondary schooling and vocational education.

There are several ways in which youth connect with the programs provided at the Don Bosco Project. A free overnight shelter brings youth in off the streets and connects them with adults who show genuine concern and offer support. The shelter provides a safe environment, nutritious meals and a support network that can be life changing. A daytime program is also available for youth who are ready to escape their current situation and explore new opportunities. Here, Salesian staff offers tutoring to help youth catch up on basic studies and return to school as well as information on specific trades. In addition, there are opportunities for participation in sports and other constructive group activities.

For young people age 15 and older who have demonstrated a commitment to leaving the streets behind, there is the opportunity to study at the Michael Magone House. Youth learn trades such as carpentry, auto mechanics and hair dressing that lead to stable employment and provide the opportunity to escape poverty and give back to the students’ communities. The Don Bosco Project helps youth in Bolivia to see all that life has to offer and provides them the practical skills to leave life on the streets behind and connect with the educational and social resources to lead a more productive life.

“The Don Bosco Project is now beginning a new phase in its history building off the accomplishments of the last 25 years,” says Father Octavio Sabbadin, a Salesian priest involved with the Don Bosco Project. “We have specific objectives that still need to be achieved with the support of our Salesian community in order to best provide programs and services to youth in need.”

Don Bosco House also brought together 1,300 youth who were hosted in the 32 centers within the Don Bosco Project network. The theme of the event “Don Bosco makes us Family” served to promote the family spirit among youth who have been deprived of their biological family, but who found a sense of family in the Salesian program.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to UNICEF, 60 percent of Bolivians live below the poverty line with 40 percent of those living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate is higher in rural areas where the rate increases to 75 percent of the population. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities.

The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place, negatively impacting the indigenous farming populations who typically live there. Only half of rural children complete primary school and many others leave school to help support their families, according to UNICEF. There are others who are left homeless by parents who cannot afford to care for them and those who leave their homes to escape violence.

###

Sources:

ANS – Bolivia – 25 years of the Don Bosco Project: “Commitment of young people towards the poorest”

ANS – Bolivia – “Don Bosco makes us Family”: “Hogares Don Bosco” gather hundreds of Adolescents and Young People

UNICEF – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Youth Volunteers Help Support the Activities of the Don Bosco Project first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Each year, International Women’s Day focuses on a theme. This year the theme #BeBoldforChange calls on everyone to help develop more equal employment opportunities and working environments for women. In 2015, world leaders adopted the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development placing gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls at the heart of these new goals.

UN Women notes in order to ensure women’s economic empowerment in employment, the global community must bridge the gender pay gap, which stands at 24 percent globally, recognize women’s unpaid care and domestic work, and address the gender deficit in care work. In addition, world leaders must address the gender gaps in leadership, entrepreneurship and access to social protection as well as ensure gender-responsive economic policies for job creation, poverty reduction and sustainable, inclusive growth.

Salesian missionaries living and working in more than 130 countries around the globe are focused on achieving gender equality through programs targeted specifically for young women and girls. These programs strive to empower young women and girls by providing opportunities for education and training that lead to livable wage employment.

“Salesian missionaries around the globe empower young girls and women through education and ensuring that they have equal access to schools and skills training for later employment,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Young women and girls face many disadvantages and barriers to accessing education and achieving financial independence despite their huge potential. Those who are able to access education are more often able to achieve financial independence and make better and healthier choices that affect not only themselves, but their families and communities as well.”

In honor of International Women’s Day, Salesian Missions is proud to share some of its programs around the globe that empower young women and girls.

BOLIVIA

Started in 1992, the Casa Maín girl’s home in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, provides shelter, nutritious meals and schooling for girls and young women with little access to education and those who were once living on the streets. Currently, there are more than 160 girls living and being educated at the home. Casa Maín is comprised of three houses and the girls are divided among them by age. The youngest girls, attending elementary school, live together in one house supported by several volunteer students from the secondary school.

A second house provides shelter and peer support for girls attending secondary school while a third house is for young women attending the local university. The university students enjoy a setting that allows them to finish their degrees in higher education in a stable environment while learning how to live independently.

EL SALVADOR

The Salesian-run Don Bosco University, located in San Salvador, works to provide opportunities for advanced education and employment for disadvantaged women. The university is one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in the country, particularly in the technical and technological sector. In the past, the technology programs were attended mainly by young men but in 2013 the university started an initiative called the Science Camp for Girls, which is supported through funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The Science Camp is a long-term project for the university. To date, 123 young women in their last year of high school have participated in the camp. Young women who have finished school, are convinced they can do well in the technical and science fields and are passionate about this study are encouraged to enter the program for higher learning.

INDIA

The Don Bosco Development Society, in partnership with AXA Business Services Private Limited, launched the women empowerment project in the slums of Pimpri and Chinchwad, located in the city of Pune in the western Indian state of Maharashtra.

The project will directly benefit 2,500 women and children and is aimed at promoting gender equality and empowerment of women through income generation, skill development, health education, free health camps and free educational support classes for the children from marginalized families. As part of the initiative, 10 self-help groups will be formed to improve the educational status and health of 250 children.

MADAGASCAR

More than 25 percent of women in Madagascar become first-time mothers between the ages of 15 and 19, often trapping them and their children in a cycle of poverty. These women and children are particularly vulnerable to poor health care, chronic malnutrition and lack of educational opportunities.

Through projects like TAIZA, a Salesian-led child’s right network present in each borough in the capital city of Antananarivo, young, impoverished mothers and their babies can access social services as well as health education and clinics, and participate in peer support groups and literacy programs.

SIERRA LEONE

Salesian missionaries at Don Bosco Fambul in Freetown, Sierra Leone, have been running a Girls Shelter for the past two years. Here, professional social workers and pastoral workers provide crisis intervention and follow-up care for girls and young women who have been the victims of sexual assault. Those that access services at the shelter are also able to enroll in educational programs that are a part of the broader Don Bosco Fambul network. These programs train young women in the skills necessary to find and retain employment,

As part of the rehabilitation program at the Girls Shelter, young women take coursework in hotel management, hairdressing and tailoring. This training helps to empower them to overcome the discrimination they have faced, gain a greater awareness of their rights and boost their work prospects. It also helps to build character while allowing the young women the freedom to make decisions that affect their lives and their health. Recently, both the trainers and the students in these programs were able to present their skills and products to the general public at an exhibition in Freetown.

###

Sources:

International Women’s Day 2017

UN Women – International Women’s Day 2017

Salesian Missions

The post INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: Salesian Missions Highlights Programs That Empower Girls and Young Women Through Education first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Extending beyond emergency shelter, clothing and nutritious meals, the project brings together psychologists, social workers, healthcare staff and teachers who work together to address the needs of  youth who access the program.

“This work is more important now than ever,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “The number of children living on the streets of Bolivia has reached crisis levels. Without our help, poor youth fall through the cracks of a society bent on pushing them aside and the cycle of poverty and hopelessness continues.”

There are a variety of ways to access services at the Don Bosco Project. A free overnight shelter brings youth in off the streets and connects them with adults who show genuine concern and offer support. The shelter provides a safe environment, nutritious meals and a support network that can be life changing.

“There is a reason why youth come to the shelter and the reasons are usually terrible,” says Lenny Perez, coordinator of Mano Amiga (Helping Hand), one of several youth shelters comprising the Don Bosco Project. She recalls the story of 10-year-old Hector, who arrived at Mano Amiga five years ago with no apparent relatives or record of his past. With no family or home of his own, he had wandered in and out of shelters his entire life, unwilling or unable to even speak.

“We did not know what he had suffered in his short years, just that it was too much,” adds Perez.

A daytime program known as Patio Don Bosco is also available for those youth ready to escape their current situation and explore new opportunities. Salesian staff offers tutoring to help youth catch up on basic studies and return to school as well as information on specific trades. In addition, there are opportunities for participation in sports and other constructive group activities.

For young people age 15 and older who have demonstrated a commitment to leaving the streets behind, there is the opportunity to study at the Michael Magone House. Here, youth learn trades such as carpentry, auto mechanics and hair dressing that lead to stable employment and provide the opportunity to escape poverty and give back to the students’ communities.

“We will be seeing Hector in one of these programs soon,” explains Perez, who is happy to report that Hector is thriving in his basic studies, especially reading. “We are his family now, and we will make sure he succeeds.”

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and also has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to UNICEF, 60 percent of Bolivians live below the poverty line with 40 percent of those living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate is higher in rural areas where the rate increases to 75 percent of the population. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities.

The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place, negatively impacting the indigenous farming populations who typically live there. Only half of rural children complete primary school and many others leave school to help support their families, according to UNICEF. There are others who are left homeless by parents who cannot afford to care for them and those who leave their homes to escape violence.

###

Sources:

Salesian Missions – Brighter Futures for Homeless Youth in Bolivia

UNICEF – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Don Bosco Project Reaches More Than 700 Homeless and At-Risk Youth Each Year first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Women living in the Andes live in a predominantly patriarchal society where men have ultimate authority and exercise their power over women, which often leads to unequal and abusive relationships. Bolivia is high on the list of 13 countries in Latin America with regard to cases of physical violence against women and is second on the list in terms of sexual violence. One woman taking part in the project noted that she feels she is only there to serve men and that by speaking out she risks her life.

The Machaqua Amawta Foundation has identified the need to respond to the discrimination and violence that many of these women experience in their homes. The project has three main objectives. First, to promote more equitable gender relations in the educational community. Then, to try to strengthen the social organizations engaged in working toward the eradication of inter-family violence and political discrimination. And finally, to strengthen local legal services and aid them in developing concrete strategies to prevent and address violence against women, as well as provide adequate and effective assistance.

“A woman wants to participate in the meetings but jealousy and distrust of her husband makes it difficult. Many women say they have no choice but to endure the abuse and remain with their husband until he kills them,” says Veronica Ojeda, of the provincial government of Muñecas, in speaking about some of the women’s experience who participate in the project.

The women participating hope to be able to achieve a positive change in the attitude of men. This will strengthen the family harmony and lead to teaching their children the values of respect for women, tolerance and working together ​​for generations to come.

“There are many disadvantages and barriers to achieving equality that women in these communities face including access to education and work that can help them achieve financial independence,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “It is very important for women to have access to information about their legal rights and to be able attend school and gain an education. Women that are empowered through education are more often able to achieve financial independence and make better and healthier choices that affect not only themselves, but their families and communities as well.”

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to UNICEF, 60 percent of Bolivians live below the poverty line with 40 percent of those living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate is higher in rural areas where the rate increases to 75 percent of the population. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities.

The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place, negatively impacting the indigenous farming populations who typically live there. Only half of rural children complete primary school and many others leave school to help support their families, according to UNICEF. There are others who are left homeless by parents who cannot afford to care for them and those who leave their homes to escape violence.

###

Sources:

ANS – Bolivia – Reduction in violence against women in rural areas

UNICEF – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Women Empowerment Project Aims to Reduce Physical Violence in Families first appeared on MissionNewswire.

“The human development of this community, which didn’t even have roads and had always been abandoned to its own fate, is extremely important even more so than the stone and cement buildings of the power plant,” says Fr. Chiesa.

Kami, nestled high in the Andes Mountains, faces extreme isolation from the rest of the country.  Harsh living conditions coupled a persistently cold climate and the health effects residents face from the local tungsten mining that drives the economy, the average life expectancy of Kami’s residents is just 40 years old. Before Salesian missionaries first arrived in Kami in 1977, illiteracy rates were extremely high. With the exception of mining, the sole source of income and sustenance for families was through farming. And while water in the village was mostly available, electricity was not. Without electricity to power the local school or hospital or to support new business enterprises, the village seemed destined to remain in poverty.

Salesian missionaries, led by Fr. Chiesa, understood Kami’s potential and set out to transform the community. With no access to clean water, children and families had been drinking from contaminated water sources that left them chronically susceptible to a variety of illnesses. One of the first projects that Salesian missionaries undertook was to build an aqueduct that brought safe water directly into Kami, and in the process, earned the loyal trust of the people they served.

During the following years, Fr. Chiesa and his team systematically introduced educational and social programs designed to improve the living conditions of Kami’s people. Then in 2010, missionaries discovered an abandoned and defunct hydroelectric station that had once serviced the mining community.

“Fr. Chiesa was overjoyed,” explains Humberto Camacho, a native Bolivian and past Salesian student who is now the national coordinator of a non-governmental organization that supports Salesian-run programs. “He realized that the abandoned plant could help increase the value of Kami’s agricultural sector and create a local, clean and sustainable economic resource, one that would support the community in becoming self-sufficient and autonomous Fr. Chiesa is fearless so he seized the opportunity.”

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to UNICEF, 60 percent of Bolivians live below the poverty line with 40 percent of those living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate is higher in rural areas where the rate increases to 75 percent of the population. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities.

The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place, negatively impacting the indigenous farming populations who typically live there. Only half of rural children complete primary school and many others leave school to help support their families, according to UNICEF. There are others who are left homeless by parents who cannot afford to care for them and those who leave their homes to escape violence.

###

Sources:

PHOTO: SalesianMissions.org

Salesian Missions – A Remote Village, Powered by a Vision

UNICEF – Bolivia

The post Bolivia: Salesian Missionaries Restore Water, Electricity to Village Improving Living Conditions and Local Economy first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The 2016 theme for International Women’s Day is “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality.” This year the U.N is reflecting on how to accelerate and build momentum for the effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its new commitments under the UN Women’s Step It Up initiative. This new initiative asks governments to make national commitments that will close the gender equality gap – from laws and policies to national action plans and adequate investments.

Some key targets of the 2030 Agenda include: ensuring that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes; ending all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere; eliminating all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation; and eliminating all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

“On this International Women’s Day, I remain outraged by the denial of rights to women and girls – but I take heart from the people everywhere who act on the secure knowledge that women’s empowerment leads to society’s advancement. Let us devote solid funding, courageous advocacy and unbending political will to achieving gender equality around the world. There is no greater investment in our common future.”— UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon’s statement on International Women’s Day.

Salesian missionaries living and working in more than 130 countries around the globe are focused on achieving gender equality through programs targeted specifically for young women and girls. These programs strive to empower young women and girls by providing opportunities for education and training that lead to livable wage employment.

“Young women and girls face many disadvantages and barriers to accessing education and achieving financial independence despite their huge potential,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions. “It is very important for girls to attend school and gain an education. Girls that are empowered though education are more often able to achieve financial independence, marry at an older age and make better and healthier choices that affect not only themselves, but their families and communities as well.”

In honor of International Women’s Day, Salesian Missions is proud to share some of its programs around the globe that empower young women and girls.

BOLIVIA

Started in 1992, the Casa Maín girl’s home in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, provides shelter, nutritious meals and schooling for girls and young women with little access to education and those who were once living on the streets. Currently, there are more than 160 girls living and being educated at the home. Casa Maín is comprised of three houses and the girls are divided among them by age. The youngest girls, attending elementary school, live together in one house supported by several volunteer students from the secondary school. A second house provides shelter and peer support for girls attending secondary school while a third house is for young women attending the local university. The university students enjoy a setting that allows them to finish their degrees in higher education in a stable environment while learning how to live independently.

In addition to academic classes, the young women and girls at the home learn skills in communication and conflict management. Additional classes in dance, gymnastics and crafts are provided in the evenings and on weekends. Recently, the organization offered a three-week technology workshop to teach the girls basic computer skills including typing, word processing and drawing.

INDIA

Women from the slums of Mumbai, a densely populated city on India’s west coast, graduated from a Salesian-run 45-day skills training course. The women took courses in basic computing, English, tailoring, garment making, beauty care, hair dressing and mehndi (henna) application. The goal of the training was to help participants become better prepared for employment.

The Don Bosco Development Society in Mumbai which works to empower women in poverty to gain the skills and confidence they need to seek work, facilitated the training. For many of the participants, this was the first time they received educational training since the basic education they received when they were young. Salesian missionaries conducting the program modeled it after Skill India, an initiative by the Government of India’s Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. After the course was completed, many of the students noted that through the course they gained a sense of self-worth that they had not had before. They also felt that the skills and confidence they gained would enable them to earn a living and support their families.

SENEGAL

Center Kër Don Bosco officially opened at the end of January in Dakar, the capital and largest city in Senegal. The new center provides education, vocational training and apprenticeship opportunities to disadvantaged youth and women living in the Yoff district on the outskirts of the city.

Focused specifically on helping women gain opportunities in the workforce, the center is offering two literacy classes as well as a safe space for studying. Women in Senegal are often heads of households but lack the training and confidence to try to enter the workforce or advance into higher paying jobs. The center’s goal is to help women connect with their peers and provide access to employment training to boost confidence and improve employment prospects.

SIERRA LEONE

Salesians at Don Bosco Fambul in Freetown, Sierra Leone, have been running a Girls Shelter for the past two years. Here, professional social workers and pastoral workers provide crisis intervention and follow-up care for girls and young women who have been the victims of sexual assault. Those that access services at the shelter are also able to enroll in educational programs that are a part of the broader Don Bosco Fambul network. These programs train young women in the skills necessary to find and retain employment.

As part of the rehabilitation program at the Girls Shelter, young women take coursework in hotel management, hairdressing and tailoring. This training helps to empower them to overcome the discrimination they have faced, gain a greater awareness of their rights and boost their work prospects. It also helps to build character while allowing the young women the freedom to make decisions that affect their lives and their health. Recently, both the trainers and the students in these programs were able to present their skills and products to the general public at an exhibition in Freetown.

###

Sources:

International Women’s Day 2016

UN – International Women’s Day 2016

The post INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: Salesian Missions Highlights Women’s Education, Empowerment Programs first appeared on MissionNewswire.

In February, Salesian educators from across the country met at the Salesian House in Cochabamba, a city in central Bolivia, to discuss educational priorities and training needs, assess the current educational resources available and to develop new programs for pastoral work, schools for families and pedagogical work. More than 130 Salesian educators participated in the meeting.

“Teachers are the backbone of the Salesian educational system and we are dedicated to providing the support and training they need,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “The value of strong teachers can be seen in the accomplishments of youth that graduate from their classes. Salesian missionaries believe that access to education is critical to help youth learn job skills, improve their lives and find a path out of poverty.”

One successful Salesian program in the capital city of Santa Cruz is the Don Bosco Project which offers a safe haven for homeless children with nowhere else to turn. The goal of the project is to provide comprehensive rehabilitation and vocational training opportunities that bring social inclusion and meaningful employment to students. Extending beyond providing emergency shelter, clothing and nutritious meals, the project brings together psychologists, social workers, medical staff and teachers to address the needs of the more than 700 youth who access the program.

“This work is more important now than ever,” says Fr. Hyde. “The number of children living on the streets of Bolivia has reached crisis levels. Without our help, poor youth fall through the cracks of a society bent on pushing them aside and the cycle of poverty and hopelessness continues.”

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to UNICEF, 60 percent of Bolivians live below the poverty line with 40 percent of those living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate is higher in rural areas where the rate increases to 75 percent of the population. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities.

The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place, negatively impacting the indigenous farming populations who typically live there. Only half of rural children complete primary school and many others leave school to help support their families, according to UNICEF. There are others who are left homeless by parents who cannot afford to care for them and those who leave their homes to escape violence.

###

Sources:

ANS – Bolivia – Don Bosco Schools serve thousands and thousands of young people

UNICEF – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Salesian Missionaries Educate 80,000 Youth in 230 Salesian Schools and Educational Programs in Bolivia first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The program at the university offers both lectures and online sessions that provide students a platform for participating in group discussion and idea exchange. Courses are taught by Latin American professors and European academics with support from leading child rights professionals from major international organizations like UNICEF. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the program brings together experts in law, education, psychology, sociology and history while offering in depth analysis of legal, cultural and practical applications. The degree program is seven months in length and consists of 19 proficiency tests.

The curriculum was designed specifically to address issues facing children in Bolivia. Coursework emphasizes the right to education and play in contrast to the issue of child labor, a very delicate topic in the country. The right to family is of great concern since Bolivia is plagued by low adoption and foster care rates that result in many children spending long periods of time in orphanages.

The program also focuses on a child’s right to be safe and free from violence, an issue important in Bolivia where children often face abuse, maltreatment, neglect and severe bullying. In addition, specific attention is devoted to issues faced by children with disabilities and the rights of children who have committed a crime, especially pertinent given that the country still lacks appropriate laws for juvenile offenders.

“The master’s program also strongly emphasizes the principle of participation and recognizes that children have a right to express themselves on issues that concern them,” says Lorenzo Marfisi, project coordinator and one of the teachers of the program.

Due to the rigorous demands of the program, not all graduate students successfully reach completion. Close to 80 percent of students were admitted to the final test this year.

“This work is more important now than ever,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Children face a number of obstacles in Bolivia that can prevent them from leading healthy productive lives. The number of children living on the streets has reached crisis proportions. Without help from Salesian missionaries in the country, poor youth fall through the cracks of a society bent on pushing them aside and the cycle of poverty and hopelessness continues.”

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and also has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to UNICEF, 60 percent of Bolivians live below the poverty line with 40 percent of those living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate is higher in rural areas where the rate increases to 75 percent of the population. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities.

The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place, negatively impacting the indigenous farming populations who typically live there. According to UNICEF, Only half of rural children complete primary school and many others leave school to help support their families. There are others who are left homeless by parents who cannot afford to care for them and those who leave their homes to escape violence.

###

Sources:

ANS – Bolivia – Master’s in Rights of the Child

UNICEF – Bolivia

Universidad Salesiana de Bolivia

USB’s Facebook page

The post BOLIVIA: Salesian University of Bolivia Adds Master’s Degree in Rights of the Child first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The goal of the workshop was to help young girls learn some basic computer and technology skills to benefit them in their current studies and help them prepare for future employment.

“Educating young girls in current technology is more important now than ever,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Women and young girls face disadvantages and many barriers to accessing education and achieving financial independence.”

“Because Salesian missionaries are already living and working directly in many communities they are able to effect change from the inside rather than being viewed as outsiders. They are able to educate community leaders about the importance of gender equality and the benefits of girls’ education for the whole community,” adds Fr. Hyde.

Started in 1992, the Casa Maín girl’s home provides shelter, nutritious meals and schooling for young girls with little access to education and those who were once living on the streets. Currently, there are more than 160 girls living and being educated at the home. Casa Maín is comprised of three houses and the girls are divided among them by age. The youngest girls, attending elementary school, live together in one house supported by several volunteer students from the secondary school. A second house provides shelter and peer support for girls attending secondary school while a third house is for young women attending the local university.

The university students enjoy a setting that allows them to finish their degrees in higher education in a stable environment while learning how to live independently. In addition to academic classes, the young women and girls at the home learn skills in communication and conflict management. Additional classes in dance, gymnastics and crafts are provided in the evenings and on weekends.

“There may be many barriers to overcome in providing girls and young women the same educational and workforce advantages as boys, but there is also huge potential,” says Fr. Hyde. “Young girls that are able to gain an education are empowered and can lead a life of financial independence, often marry at an older age and tend to make better and healthier choices that affect not only their lives but their families and communities as well.”

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and also has the most unequal income distribution on the continent. According to UNICEF, 60 percent of Bolivians live below the poverty line with 40 percent of those living in extreme poverty. The poverty rate is higher in rural areas where the rate increases to 75 percent of the population. It is common for Bolivians to struggle to find adequate nutrition, shelter and other basic necessities.

The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place, negatively impacting the indigenous farming populations who typically live there. Only half of rural children complete primary school and many others leave school to help support their families, according to UNICEF. There are others who are left homeless by parents who cannot afford to care for them and those who leave their homes to escape violence.

Through a combination of outreach, tutoring, technical training and school programs, Salesian missionaries living and working in Bolivia work to support the many homeless and poor youth throughout the country.

Sources

UNICEF – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Salesian Casa Maín Girl’s Home Provides Technology Training to Girls first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The geography of Bolivia contributes to the overwhelming poverty of its residents. Large swaths of the country remain undeveloped with a lack of roads and infrastructure in place, negatively impacting the indigenous farming populations who typically live there. Only half of rural children complete primary school and many others leave school to help support their families, according to UNICEF. There are others who are left homeless by parents who cannot afford to care for them and those who leave their homes to escape violence.

With a combination of outreach, tutoring, technical training and school programs, Salesians in Bolivia have been working to support many homeless and poor youth throughout the country. One successful program in the capital city of Santa Cruz is the Don Bosco Project where Salesians offer a safe haven for homeless children with nowhere else to turn.

The goal of the Don Bosco Project is to provide comprehensive rehabilitation and vocational training programs that bring social inclusion and meaningful employment to their students. Extending beyond emergency shelter, clothing and nutritious meals, the project brings together psychologists, social workers, healthcare staff and teachers who work together to address the needs of the more than 700 youth who access the program.

“This work is more important now than ever,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “The number of children living on the streets of Bolivia has reached crisis levels. Without our help, poor youth fall through the cracks of a society bent on pushing them aside and the cycle of poverty and hopelessness continues.”

There are a variety of ways to access services at the Don Bosco Project. A free overnight shelter brings youth in off the streets and connects them with adults who show genuine concern and offer support. The shelter provides a safe environment, nutritious meals and a support network that can be life-changing. A daytime program is also available for those youth ready to escape their current situation and explore new opportunities. Here, Salesian staff offer tutoring to help youth catch up on basic studies and return to school as well as information on specific trades. In addition, there are opportunities for participation in sports and other constructive group activities.

For young people aged 15 and older who have demonstrated a commitment to leaving the streets behind, there is the opportunity to study at the Michael Magone House. Here, youth learn trades such as carpentry, auto mechanics and hair dressing that lead to stable employment and provide the opportunity to escape poverty and give back to the students’ communities.

“Sometimes all youth need is an opportunity to see that life can be different,” adds Fr. Hyde. “The Don Bosco Project helps youth in Bolivia to see all that life has to offer and provides them the practical skills to leave life on the streets behind and connect with the educational and social resources to lead a more productive life.”

###

Sources

Salesian Missions – Bolivia – Brighter Futures for Homeless Youth

UNICEF – Bolivia

The post BOLIVIA: Don Bosco Project Brings Youth in Off the Streets and Provides Hope for the Future first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Salesian Missions has been providing agricultural education in Muyurina for over fifty years, according to Matt Welsh, program officer with Salesian Missions. Although the school’s academic and technical programs had grown in size, scope and diversity, many of the original structures that were built in the late 1950s and early 1960s were in desperate need of repair.

When Salesian Missions approached USAID’s American Schools and Hospitals Abroad Program regarding the possibility of assisting with this project in 2006, Muyurina had grown by leaps and bounds since its early days of operation. Today,it is a school of nearly 800 students, offering a range of degree programs, including a post-secondary program that is recognized by the Catholic University of Bolivia.

The new Multi-Use Center provides meeting space for the school and is available for a fee for local clubs and community groups to hold events and retreats in the space.  The fee is used as infrastructure support and to subsidize tuition for students.

In addition, this project provided much needed renovation to the school’s electric and water systems and the purchase of agricultural equipment helps to provide a better educational experience for the youth in attendance.

“The agricultural school offers more than just agricultural training,” said Welsh. “This is part of a larger program that also offers traditional secondary education and other vocational training, in addition to feeding programs for area children.”

“Many of the children attending the school come from an agricultural background but often their families have never received formal agricultural education and training,” said Welsh.

“The academic preparation provided enables youth to implement farming methods that are more efficient, which increases crop yields and delivers a food supply more readily accessible to their families and communities.”

Salesian Missions currently operates more than 90 agricultural schools around the world and has been providing educational, vocational and health programs for youth in Bolivia for more than 100 years.

Salesian Missions provides not only educational opportunities in more than 130 countries around the globe, they address core needs.

“The core of our mission is to provide educational opportunities to the poorest of the poor. When the youth receive training, they stay and contribute to the local economy and the needs of their communities,” said Welsh. “This delivers benefits for years after they leave our institute.”

The post BOLIVIA: Muyurina Agricultural School, Multi-Use Center Opens first appeared on MissionNewswire.