ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) The Mamma Margarita School canteen, run by the Salesian Project North Coast Foundation in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, provides daily balanced meals to 60 youth who are at risk of social exclusion. The meals contribute to their well-being, school performance, and social support in a safe environment where they can also strengthen their personal skills and social relationships.

Since its launch in August 2025, the canteen has been offering a nutritious and balanced lunch that promotes physical and cognitive development. Youth who are part of the feeding program are connected to the Mother of the Savior Reference Center and live in conditions of poverty.

A Salesian explained, “The center’s educational team identifies the needs of youth, supports their growth, and offers concrete responses to families to ensure youth continue to attend school, improve their academic performance, and participate in the project’s educational spaces.”

The canteen relies on the support of local and international institutions for operation. With their intervention, the necessary resources for infrastructure, equipment and food supplies have been made available. The Salesian foundation provides coordination, fundraising, and monitoring and evaluation in order to ensure sustainability over time.

Salesians also offer food education that promotes healthy habits and hygiene with the aim of enabling youth to share these good practices in their homes. The participation of families, through awareness-raising and support activities, reinforces the community impact.

The Salesian added, “With this canteen, Salesians reaffirm their commitment to the protection of children and adolescents, especially in the poorest areas. The decent nutrition, educational support and comprehensive assistance that children receive help to build an environment of hope that transforms their reality and opens up opportunities for the future.”

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

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

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ANS – Ecuador – Daily balanced meals for 60 children at the Mamma Margarita school canteen in Esmeraldas

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Project Guayaquil Foundation in Ecuador is highlighting its recent impact for youth and families in situations of vulnerability and exclusion in its 2025 report. During 2025, the foundation assisted 950 youth and 580 families through integrated programs focused on technical training and education, psychosocial support, and the promotion of rights.

These programs were developed in priority areas such as Monte Sinaí, Socio Vivienda 2, Isla Trinitaria, Bastión Popular, Vía Daule and neighboring areas, where the Salesian institution maintains an active and constant presence.

With these programs, Salesians are responding to complex situations for these families. Data has found that 36.72% of families live in informal settlements, 22.81% are considered vulnerable due to their Afro-descendant status, 12.07% are unemployed or not in the process of professionalization, 8.77% are behind in school, and 8.96% are single mothers and fathers.

A Salesian noted, “This data highlights the need to strengthen social supports with the creation of opportunities and comprehensive programs. Youth deserve an opportunity to gain an education and have hope for the future. Meeting basic needs and providing them with social support is vital in helping them to achieve that goal.”

Salesians presented the 2025 report at the Salesian Polytechnic University in Guayaquil, which was attended by authorities, cooperators and strategic partners. The foundation expressed its gratitude to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of Ecuador, the university and national and international cooperators, whose commitment makes it possible to support and expand this work.

The Salesian added, “The 2025 report presented not only quantitative results but also stories of overcoming adversity and processes of transformation that reflect the human impact of a mission committed to respecting the dignity of all and to the education and integral development of those most in need.”

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

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ANS – Ecuador – 950 lives supported in 2025: the Proyecto Salesiano Guayaquil Foundation reaffirms its social commitment

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian School of Work, located in Ananindeua, Brazil, celebrated the opening of the Padre Lourenço Bertolusso Vocational Formation Center, which expands the Salesian educational and social mission in the region. The new center will offer education courses in automotive skills, motorcycle and refrigeration mechanics, electrical systems for buildings, and the installation of photovoltaic systems.

A Salesian said, “Our goal is to ensure that youth, living in conditions of poverty, are able to access high-quality education that teaches them skills for employment. Salesians help ensure these youth become self-sufficient and contributing members of their community.”

The Salesian School of Work has a 63-year history dedicated to educating youth who are in situations of social vulnerability.

The opening program included a Mass of thanksgiving attended by partner companies and Victor Dias, the secretary of the State Secretariat for Science, Technology, Higher, Professional and Technological Education of Pará. These entities contribute significantly to the strengthening of the initiative.

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

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ANS – Brazil – Salesian School of Work opens new Centre for Vocational Formation

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ARGENTINA

(MissionNewswire) Salesians held the 10th edition of Patio Bosco in Corrientes, Argentina, with more than 110 youth and adults taking part in this missionary summer experience. About 70 local volunteers from Salesian centers collaborated on the event. The theme for the event was “A decade on the streets”, recalling the journey Salesians have taken in the region.

Paz Meana, who was part of the team that carried out Patio Bosco 2026, shared her joy after the event. She said, “I experienced it with a lot of love, supporting where necessary. This service allowed me to visit local Salesians oratories. I am very grateful to be part of this story and of my beloved Domingo y Laura community.”

The first few days allowed the leaders to get to know each other and form groups for each oratory. Moments of education and reflection were shared, as well as Masses in honor of Laura Vicuña and St. Francis de Sales. Activities were also held that included games, educational workshops, catechesis and shared snacks.

Francisco Balmaceda summarized what he experienced during these days. He said, “Patio Bosco was a very enriching experience for my education, not only as a volunteer but also as a person. I thank God for allowing me to live this experience that nourishes me and makes me more human.”

The Salesian Province of Argentina North expressed its gratitude for the commitment of every leader and volunteer who made the 10th edition possible.

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

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ANS – Argentina – ‘Patio Bosco’: a decade on the streets of Corrientes

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CHILE

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Foundation, in a joint effort with various institutions and communities, delivered humanitarian aid to families who lost their homes after fires in Greater Concepción, Chile. Hundreds of people took part in the campaign to collect food, water, blankets, mattresses, toys and basic necessities, including diapers. In addition, money was raised and allocated for the creation of aid kits for families whose homes suffered serious damage.

A Salesian noted, “All of this was very organized. The collection was held at the Don Bosco Foundation in Santiago and the Teresian Institution School in Las Condes. From these collection centers, the aid was transported to the south thanks to the solidarity and support of trucks provided by families from the circus world, the Municipality of La Florida and the Compañía de Teatro del Biobío.”

Father Víctor Mora, president of the Don Bosco Foundation, coordinated the distribution in conjunction with the rector of the Salesian School in Concepción, the Municipality of Penco and community organization in Lirquén. He said, “This campaign is a concrete example of how solidarity, when organized, can be transformed into real hope.”

Don Bosco Foundation also expressed gratitude to the employees of the company Emaresa, who organized an internal collection, and to Commercial M&M Limitada, which collaborated for the donation of Tevere mattresses, a priority item.

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

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ANS – Chile – Don Bosco Foundation campaign delivers aid to families in Concepción

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BRAZIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BRAZIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ARGENTINA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ARGENTINA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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COLOMBIA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ARGENTINA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BRAZIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BRAZIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ARGENTINA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Communities now assured access to drinking water supply

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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PARAGUAY

Concert benefits educational center which supports over 2,000 youth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ARGENTINA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CHILE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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PERU

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BRAZIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BRAZIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BRAZIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BRAZIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Brazil

UniSalesiano

World Bank – Brazil

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

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CHILE

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Chile

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PARAGUAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Paraguay

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ARGENTINA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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PARAGUAY

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Paraguay

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World Bank – Paraguay

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ARGENTINA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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World Bank – Argentina

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BRAZIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Brazil

UniSalesiano

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CHILE

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

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

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

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

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

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

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World Bank – Chile

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BRAZIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

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

Salesian Missions – Brazil

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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COLOMBIA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BRAZIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BRAZIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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World Bank – Argentina

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BRAZIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health Cannot Wait Initiative

Salesian Missions – Brazil

UniSalesiano

World Bank – Brazil

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BRAZIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ARGENTINA

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

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

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

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

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

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Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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CHILE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

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

Salesian Missions – Chile

World Bank – Chile

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PERU

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Peru

World Bank – Peru

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BRAZIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Brazil

UniSalesiano

World Bank – Brazil

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ARGENTINA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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BRAZIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don Bosco Catholic University

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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BRAZIL

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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BRAZIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

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

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ARGENTINA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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ECUADOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ARGENTINA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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CHILE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salesian Missions – Chile

World Bank – Chile

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COLOMBIA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don Bosco City

World Bank – Colombia

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PARAGUAY

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

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

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

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

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

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Paraguay

UNICEF – Paraguay

World Bank – Paraguay

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) UniSalesiano, the Salesian University in Araçatuba, Brazil, through its Faculty of Medicine, expanded its Human Milk Bank and purchased state-of-the-art equipment for its new headquarters to significantly improve the quality of the services offered for infants in need.

The milk bank is a service that collects, screens, processes and distributes human milk from donors for infants. The service is connected to the Global Network of Milk Banks, which guarantees high standards of quality control and specialized training. The recipients of the donated milk are babies who are premature or underweight and admitted to the neonatal intensive care wards. There is also support provided for new breastfeeding mothers.

The new facility, the result of a collaboration among UniSalesiano, the Municipality of Araçatuba and the Rotary Club – District 4470, offers significant progress in accessibility, quality of outpatient care, visibility and organization of the workflow.

Jesiela Passarini, coordinator for the Human Milk Bank, stressed the importance of the changes. “Today we reached the top for the Araçatuba Human Milk Bank. In 18 years of activity, we have accumulated successes such as the expansion of the team from three to 10 professionals, the acquisition of modern equipment and the creation of a breastfeeding clinic.”

The Human Milk Bank in Araçatuba serves the women of the municipality free of charge. According to the data collected, in the last eight years the volume of milk collected has grown by 367%, from 3,100 to 14,474 liters, while the number of donors has increased by 460%, from 1,714 to 9,600. Home visits also increased significantly, from 6,263 to 21,144, with an increase of 237%.

UniSalesiano was instrumental in the construction of the new headquarters. During the inauguration of the new facility, Father Paulo Vendrame, rector, said, “This is a project that takes care of life that begins. We are very happy to participate in this project and we wish the Human Milk Bank every success.”

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

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Photo courtesy of UniSalesiano

ANS – Brazil – UniSALESIANO invests in the renewal and purchase of equipment for the new Human Milk Bank Headquarters

Salesian Missions – Brazil

UniSalesiano

World Bank – Brazil

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CHILE

(MissionNewswire) Students at the Salesian Educational Center Talca in Chile installed a technology-based irrigation system for trees planted earlier in the Ceferino Namuncurá Native Forest, located in Villa Pinardi, Callejones. The installation of the system was led by Professor Patricio Cáceres from the electronics department and brought together 10 electronics students.

The new system includes piping, a drip system and an electronic controller, which enables scheduling and automating irrigation. The project was designed by students Bastián Martínez and Benjamín Morales, who found the necessary equipment to develop the system at a more affordable cost. Cáceres explained that this solution not only optimizes irrigation, but also promotes the efficient use of water resources, a crucial aspect for environmental conservation.

Martínez found the work gratifying. He noted, “Through teamwork and working together in service of our community, we were able to contribute to the care of the environment.”

The project did more than produce a positive environmental impact. It was also used as a learning module for the students. Cáceres explained, “Guiding our students in this type of project not only focuses on theory but also generates a positive impact on the community. We are offering students new spaces for learning while contributing to the care and conservation of the environment.”

The native forest project is in its final stage of implementation and is expected to be open soon to the educational community and residents of Callejones. According to Professor Nicolás Ulloa, head of the environmental committee, all that remains to inaugurate the space is building the road and placing the weed guards. From there, the second stage of the project will begin, scheduled for 2025.

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

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Installation of Technified Irrigation in the Inclusive Native Forest of Villa Pinardi

Salesian Missions – Chile

World Bank – Chile

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Hand of Solidarity group assists people who are poor and most vulnerable in the Cristo Rey Parish community, located in La Tola district of Quito, Ecuador. Every month, the group utilizes the St. Francis of Assisi post-novitiate facility to volunteer their time to meet those in need while sharing experiences and praying together. A dedicated team of psychologists joins this effort.

Participants also receive a bag of food and essential items that helps to meet their basic needs and serves as a reminder that they are not alone. A Salesian noted, “This is concrete help symbolizing the community’s commitment to those in difficult situations, providing not only physical sustenance but also emotional and spiritual strength.”

Members of the group make home visits to each participant on Fridays. During these visits, bonds of friendship are created and the sense of community is strengthened.

The Salesian explained, “This work, which flourishes in the heart of the parish and the community, is a living example of the love and mercy of God manifested in the world. Through concrete actions and willing hearts, the Hand of Solidarity group brings the embrace of Christ to the most needy. The group not only contributes to alleviating material difficulties, but also sows hope and faith.”

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

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Photo courtesy of Salesians in Ecuador

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

ANS – Ecuador – “Mano Solidaria” Group, a ray of hope in the Cristo Rey parish of La Tola

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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CHILE

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Educational Center (CEST) in Talca, Chile, has formed an Ecological Brigade focused on recycling and environmental protection. The brigade is made up of students from first to sixth grade who collect and sort recyclable materials, such as paper, cardboard and plastic.

Waste materials are deposited in recycling points strategically located throughout the school. Students are in charge of supervising the use of eco-boxes, installed in each classroom, to ensure that recyclable waste is collected in an orderly and efficient manner.

Professor Carla Farías, head of the North Campus Environmental Committee, explained that the Ecological Brigade also facilitates awareness programs with students. She said, “In this way, the brigade members not only act as collectors, but also as agents of change who promote a culture of care and respect for the environment within the school.”

Farías added, “Thanks to the effort and dedication of the brigade, CEST has managed to significantly reduce the non-recyclable waste generated at the school, actively contributing to protecting the environment. However, there is still work to be done to strengthen an environmental culture among students and continue moving toward an increasingly sustainable school.”

The center has also established alliances with external collection centers, such as the Municipality of Talca, so that recyclable materials collected are managed appropriately.

A Salesian said, “The commitment of the Ecological Brigade is a clear example of how education and collective action can generate a positive impact on the community and the environment, cultivating a generation that is more conscious and responsible with the planet.”

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

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – CEST Ecological Brigade: A Commitment to Recycling and the Environment

Salesian Missions – Chile

World Bank – Chile

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Artisan Bakery social project, which trains youth and adults who are in socially vulnerable situations in Brazil, is expanding to three additional locations. Training is free of charge and offers participants an opportunity for a new source of income and personal transformation.

A Salesian noted, “The Artisan Bakery project is now expanding to different parts of the country, with the aim of training families in socially vulnerable situations. We want to ensure people have an opportunity to make a good living. To date, the project has been responsible for the creation of 10,000 artisan bakeries and training more than 100,000 people. It continues to be a successful project.”

The project is run out of the St. John Bosco Province of Brazil-Belo Horizonte in Brasília and was established 20 years ago. The three new centers will be in the cities of Belo Horizonte, Pará de Minas and Palmas.

To help with the expansion, Salesians held a training for staff of the three newly participating centers to provide information about bread-making and essential hygiene practices. This was followed by a practical session in which 10 types of bread, such as whole meal, herb and beetroot, were produced. The staff who attended are back at their centers, training additional staff and then members of the community.

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

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

ANS – Brazil – The ‘Artisan Bakery’ Social Project extended

CESAM – DF

St John Bosco Province of Brazil-Belo Horizonte

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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CHILE

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Agricultural School, located in Catemu, Chile, participated in the Environmental Fair for Water and Biodiversity. Organized by the Environmental Department of the Municipality of Catemu in collaboration with the Terram Foundation, the event brought together local institutions committed to the care of the environment and the promotion of sustainable practices.

Students displayed several agro-ecological initiatives happening at the school. The first was the use of luffa as a biodegradable and environmentally friendly substitute for synthetic sponges. The second was the use of natural biopreparations, such as nettle, used to fertilize crops and as organic pest control, reducing the use of chemicals.

Students also highlighted the cultivation and use of humus, noting its multiple benefits as a natural fertilizer in the improvement of agricultural soils. Finally, students showcased sustainable solutions for the efficient management of water resources.

A Salesian noted, “The students represented the institution with knowledge, commitment and passion for sustainability. Through their explanations and samples, they captured the interest of the attendees, who valued the positive impact that these practices have on agro-ecology and the environment.”

He added, “These types of events not only make visible the work we do in our school, but also reinforce the commitment of our students as agents of change in the construction of a greener and more responsible future.”

The Salesian Agricultural School is committed to sustainable agricultural education in the region. This initiative, among others, provides students with an educational model that integrates theory with practice in caring for the environment.

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

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Participation in the Environmental Fair for Water and Biodiversity

Salesian Agricultural School

Salesian Missions – Chile

World Bank – Chile

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Yankuam Jintia Soccer School benefits youth in the Achuar community of Wichimi, in the Amazon of Ecuador. Currently, there are eight Salesian schools which educate more than 700 youth. In the last year, under-12 soccer leagues have been organized to strengthen the bonds of fellowship between the communities.

Father Agustín Togo explained, “Through soccer, which is so important in the lives of the Achuar population, children learn values such as respect, discipline, responsibility and teamwork. But it is also an invitation for young people to meet God.”

The operation of the Salesian schools is possible thanks to the collaboration of monitors, who are people in the community who volunteer to guide everything related to training. Through the support of the Salesian centers, the monitors have mobile phones or tablets, which help them remain in contact with Fr. Togo to carry out the planning and evaluation of the activities.

One of Fr. Togo’s goals is to provide technical soccer training for the monitors. Salesians will do this through an agreement with Salesian Polytechnic University of Ecuador physical and sports activity faculty. Fr. Togo would also like to establish connections with soccer teams or schools in other provinces of the country.

Fr. Togo said, “Youth dream of becoming great soccer players, of playing in the national team. My dream is to create a national team for the Achuar people and participate in championships in other cities of the country.”

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

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

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Photo courtesy of Misiones Salesianas

ANS – Ecuador – Salesian education and evangelisation in the Ecuadorian Amazon thanks to the Yankuam Jintia football school

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) Students in sixth grade at the Salesian Colégio Castelo in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, participated in a short film project known as the CINE Castelo Project. The project included production of a short film, and its launch helped to raise awareness about recycling and care for animals. Students developed skills in planning and problem solving during the process, which was coordinated by teachers Mariúcha Correa and Thaynara Brasil.

A Salesian noted, “Admission was charged in plastic bottle caps, encouraging the participation of the school community and raising awareness about the importance of recycling. The bottle caps collected were donated to the Tampinhas do Bem Project, which transforms this material into resources for spaying or neutering abandoned animals, thus controlling the pet population.”

At an awards ceremony, the project leaders Élida Alves, a veterinary assistant, and Cida Ferreira, a teacher and social worker, thanked the students and emphasized the importance of this initiative. They highlighted the effects of reducing animal suffering and the population of stray animals. Ferreira said, “It is a great satisfaction to carry out these actions because we know how spaying and neutering helps prevent other forms of mistreatment, such as abandonment.”

In addition to emphasizing the importance of caring for animals, Ferreira explained how this care is also linked to people’s well-being. She explained, “We are not only helping animals and the environment, but we are also helping people, because there is always a human being involved in this process. In this way, the project representatives demonstrated to the students that small individual actions can generate a great positive impact on society.”

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

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – 6th grade students at Colégio Castelo carry out a solidarity action by collecting bottle caps

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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CHILE

(MissionNewswire) Salesian students participated in a service-learning project to help with the recovery of La Proto, an urban wetland on the west bank of the Piduco canal in Talca, Chile. The students cleaned and restored the wetland, which is a vital space for the city’s biodiversity. The overall goal was to bring about awareness that human action, such as pollution, can cause destruction of natural ecosystems.

A Salesian explained, “The recovery of the wetlands not only improves the local ecosystem but also the quality of life in the community. Youth expressed their amazement at the place, which is located in the heart of the city, almost hidden, where urban flora and fauna live and interact.”

Professor Jessica Rojas emphasized that through this experience students acquired a greater awareness of how they can impact their environment and learned new skills through their work. This reinforces their social responsibility and commitment to sustainability.

The activity was also supported by Professor Juan Pablo Molina from the graphics department. He worked with students to make posters and leaflets to spread the word about the care of the wetland.

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

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – 3°D TP students help to recover Urban Wetland “La Proto” in Talca

Salesian Missions – Chile

World Bank – Chile

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) Salesian programs in Vitória, Brazil received over a ton of food that was distributed to families of children attending oratories and apprentices attending technical school. The donations were collected during the Salesian Interclass Games organized by the Salesian Jardim Camburi School, which is a primary school for students from grades 2 to 4.

After the delivery of more than 100 food baskets, Fernanda Aparecida Chisté de Andrade, the pastoral coordinator of Salesian social works in Vitória, visited participating classes to talk about the Salesian center in Vitória and its history of social action. He said, “It’s very important for these children to understand how sharing helps others. Thanks to the children and families initiative, we have been able to provide food for those who lack it. It’s transformative, and it’s great for them to learn this from a young age. We want to thank the families for their support, the volunteers who helped with transportation, and especially the children, who participated so wonderfully.”

The initiative also received support from Christian Family Movement volunteers who helped transport the donations to the Salesian Fort São João location, the headquarters for the Salesian center in Vitória.

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

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

ANS – Brazil – Over a Ton of Food Donated to Salesian Social Works in Vitória

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) The María Auxiliadora Reference Center in Mount Sinai, one of the most vulnerable areas of Guayaquil, Ecuador, helps more than 120 youth with their basic needs and ensuring they gain an education. The Guayaquil Salesian Project Foundation, which runs the center, receives funding from the German Salesian Jugendhilfe Weltweit Juwe organization.

A Salesian explained, “Youth receive comprehensive assistance that allows them to develop all their skills. In two daily sessions, morning and afternoon, youth are given school support, balanced nutrition and a wide range of workshops that promote their skills and talents. From guitar, soccer, chess, dance and arts classes, youth find a safe space to learn, have fun and grow.”

In addition, the foundation offers technical courses for parents, such as baking, which allow them to generate their own income and improve the quality of life in their homes. This offers better outcomes for the entire family.

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

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

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

ANS – Ecuador – The Guayaquil Salesian Project Foundation transforms the lives of children and young people in one of the most vulnerable areas of the city

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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COLOMBIA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian León XIII College, located in Bogotá, Colombia, held its first Entrepreneurial Association Fair for youth to put entrepreneurial skills into practice and hone their talents in running a business. The fair is the result of a Salesian work group that promotes teamwork and service.

The organizers said, “From the beginning, we promoted Salesian youth leadership, encouraging our students to develop their talents in projects with Salesian values. Each group participated enthusiastically, applying collaborative work, critical thinking and communication skills to respond to the needs of the community.”

They added, “Entrepreneurship in the Salesian spirit is more than creating companies, it is a tool of service. Being a Salesian entrepreneur means having creativity, resilience and passion to transform the environment. Each group presented its own entrepreneurial projects, demonstrating that in this house ‘We educate with our hearts’.”

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

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

ANS – Colombia – First Business Association Fair at the León XIII Salesian College

Salesian Missions – Colombia

World Bank – Colombia

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) As part of the Don Bosco Green Alliance, the Dom Bosco Institute, located in São Paulo, Brazil, has launched several environmental campaigns through Rede do Bem, a health and wellness organization. Don Bosco Green Alliance is an international collective of youth from Salesian institutions and organizations that contribute to global environmental action, thought and policy. It was launched in April 2018 in India, with the Dom Bosco Institute joining in 2019. Membership is open to all Salesian institutions and organizations worldwide, and there are currently 633 registered members from 88 countries.

Since 2023, the Dom Bosco Institute has been carrying out a campaign to collect plastic bottle caps, aluminum seals, cooking oil, and used motor oil, receipts, and discarded batteries. The main objectives of the campaign are to raise environmental awareness, facilitate correct disposal and raise funds that are then invested in other projects. To date, the project has collected one ton of recycled materials.

Pâmela Fernanda, who is involved in the project, said, “The campaign begins at the beginning of the semester, with the intention of motivating our students to participate and bring the items voluntarily. We show them that by adopting conscious practices, we help to create a healthier and more balanced future for everyone. Environmental awareness not only educates, but also inspires others to adopt more responsible attitudes and to take care of the environment.”

Priscila Watanabe, who works in the administration of Rede do Bem, added, “Our deep gratitude to everyone who participated. The commitment of each of you makes a huge difference. We live in a world with limited resources and an environment that needs our protection. Every small action counts in preserving our planet for future generations. It is great to see our students and employees adopting sustainable practices.”

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Don Bosco Green Alliance Project in Brazil collects more than 1 ton of recycled materials

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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ARGENTINA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Blessed Ceferino Namuncurá Province of South Argentina launched an environmental project to raise awareness about sustainability in eight Salesian centers. The project, funded with the support of the Swiss Salesian organization Jugendhilfe Weltweit (JuWe), has reached 5,000 youth directly and another 2,000 people indirectly.

Teachers and other staff have been trained in sustainable practices, and local government policies have been influenced through the project. Salesians have also strengthened the environmental teams in participating Salesian centers. In addition, three manuals were produced for the continuity of environmental commitment in each Salesian center. The manuals will provide a framework for other Salesian centers and communities.

The project provided tools to generate new jobs and promote new habits. The Salesian province communication office noted, “As a province, we are convinced that there is no way out of the environmental crisis except in community.”

Father Gabriel Doddi, provincial economer and director of the province planning and development office, explained, “This project excites and challenges us, not only for these eight centers that have worked and continue to work on sustainability, but also the support we can now provide other Salesian houses and centers in the province in the future. This is the commitment that Pope Francis has asked of us, and we, as Salesians, have taken on.”

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

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

ANS – Argentina – Salesians with children and young people towards a sustainable environmental mentality

Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in the Amazon are better able to travel to remote villages to provide people pastoral support thanks to outboard motors that were purchased with donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. More than 1,000 youth and their families living in the Alto Rio Negro region of Brazil have been impacted by this donation.

Salesians aid the communities of São Gabriel da Cachoeira and Santa Isabel do Rio Negro, which are far from the Salesian headquarters and hard to access. With the new transportation, Salesians are more easily able to access these communities to visit families, identify problems they face, guide and inform them, and refer them to services. Salesians are also able to offer training to pastoral leaders and prepare youth and adults to receive the sacraments.

Salesian missionaries have been supporting this Indigenous region to provide pastoral support, meet basic needs and ensure access to education. The region faces several challenges that hinder the work being done, including the lack of roads due to its geography. As a result, the necessary support is carried out using small boats that transport Salesians to various remote locations. The acquisition of outboard motors has brought safety, practicality and reliability to travel for the various activities carried out by the Salesians in this area.

A Salesian said, “The local leaders of the communities have expressed positive feedback regarding the frequency of the visits. The Salesian priests are also feeling more confident in carrying out their missions, as previously, without an adequate and new motor, their journeys were challenging.”

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

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Salesian Institute, located in Parnamirim, Brazil, opened the Don Bosco Gymnasium in September. The opening ceremony for the new sports facility launched the Interclass Games, part of the 15th anniversary celebration of the school’s foundation.

Father Ilmário Pinheiro, rector, said, “In addition to expanding recreation and sports options for students, the new space reaffirms the institute’s commitment to the integral formation of young people through an environment that encourages physical well-being, social interaction and sports practice, in line with the ideals of Don Bosco.”

The gym is a significant investment in sport and education. It offers a capacity for 824 spectators in fixed stands with the possibility of accommodating an additional 452 mobile seats in and around the entrance area.

There is an official multi-sport field, bathrooms and changing rooms suitable for people with disabilities. The new space also features an administrative room, a warehouse and a parking lot with 235 parking spaces. The technological innovations include thermal and acoustic insulation panels, the use of natural lighting, and an intelligent automation system that allows remote control of lights, gates and air conditioning. The contemporary architecture emphasizes the connection between interior and exterior space with doors opening to the gardens around the structure.

“The work was completed in just seven months, after 11 months of project planning and development,” explained Thiago Pinto, the lead engineer. “With the official dimensions for the various sports disciplines, thermal comfort and fire-fighting system, the gym offers a complete structure for school and sports events.”

Sports play a significant role in Salesian education. Playing sports and being a part of team teaches youth team work, discipline, punctuality and responsibility. The lessons learned on the field can also be used in the classroom.

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

ANS – Brazil – Opening of a new sports facility at the Don Bosco Salesian Institute in Parnamirim

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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ARGENTINA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Salesian House in San Luis, Argentina, facilitates the “Don Bosco Creativo” project, which promotes learning, artistic expression, and growth through various artistic activities and workshops. The project is open to all youth in the city with particular attention to at-risk and vulnerable youth living in conditions of poverty.

Don Bosco Creativo offers a safe, inclusive and stimulating space where more than 90 youth can explore their talents, skills and potential. The project, which began two months ago with only three workshops, currently has grown to nine each week. These include painting, a computer/content creation laboratory, folklore, singing, magic, drawing, guitar, reading and support for logical thinking. Recently, the project has begun to expand to other Salesian oratories in different areas of the city.

Hernan Gonzalez, representative of the project, said, “In Don Bosco Creativo we are proud to be a place where youth from the entire community, from different schools, meet to develop their talents. These types of initiatives encourage us to follow the path of Don Bosco, always looking for a way to get in touch with young people according to their interests while offering them alternatives that excite them and bring them closer to God.”

The Salesians of Don Bosco are considered the largest private provider of vocational and technical training in the world. Programs focus on helping vulnerable youth by providing access to educational opportunities that match the local employment needs. Around the globe, there are nearly 1,000 Salesian vocational, technical, professional and agricultural schools. Students receiving training in Argentina have a greater opportunity for success with long-term stable employment with the help of the Salesians.

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

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

ANS – Argentina – Don Bosco Creativo: accompanying young people through art

Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) Youth attending programs at the Salesian Madre del Salvador Center, in the Santa Marta neighborhood in the Parish of La Merced, Ecuador, have a new recreation and sports area thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Youth and their families in the area live in situations of vulnerability, poverty and danger from violence due to gangs and drug trafficking. Located on the Esmeraldas River, the area also suffers from flooding and high pollution.

Youth need a refuge and a place to feel safe, and the donation impacted the lives of 143 youth. Salesians were able to use donor funding to make the recreation area of the center more welcoming, secure, and accessible so youth have a proper environment to play sports and engage in recreational activities with their peers.

A Salesian missionary explained, “This project permitted the construction of a synthetic soccer field and additional recreational areas. The joy of the children and youth is evident. The new spaces have changed the environment, and youth feel a sense of belonging and dignity. This investment reinforces our commitment to providing a more dignified quality of life.”

In addition to recreational activities, Salesians offer educational supports that help youth with school attendance. Youth coming to the center attend public school, and about 60% of them do not have access to the internet or other technological tools. All of them are at risk due to violence encountered through drug cartels in the region.

The Salesian noted, “The activities carried out at the center reduce youth’s exposure to violence and crime. It is expected that through the promotion of recreation, sports and citizen training activities we will strengthen community networks and generate a positive impact on youth and families in the neighborhood.”

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

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

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

ECUADOR: Youth find safety in relaunched recreation area

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ARGENTINA

(MissionNewswire) Students attending the Salesian Ceferino Namuncurá School, located in Salta, Argentina, are participating in the “Eco-school and school garden” project. This project facilitates activities and experiences that reinforce the value of care and protection for the environment. Students are engaged in using renewable energy, the reuse of materials and the maintenance of a school garden.

As part of the project, the Ceferino Namuncurá School faced several key challenges including the use of renewable energy. In collaboration with the National Institute of Agricultural Technology and the San José Vocational Training Center, a solar hot water tank was installed for school use.

A Salesian said, “Students are heavily involved in working to protect the environment. They are reusing materials and working in the garden to promote the production of vegetables for school and family consumption. They are also supporting of the ‘Bottles of love’ project in which students produce eco-bricks to create a room for games and snacks in the Floresta district of Salta.”

The school educates 1,250 youth who live in situations of vulnerability. It has several environment projects that were started in response to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ to raise awareness and increase action on the values ​​of integral ecology. Salesians are working to create an environment that is safe and caring for all life on the planet while building up a new generation of environmentally committed citizens and leaders.

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

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

ANS – Argentina – An EcoSchool is possible

Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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CHILE

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Agricultural School, located in Catemu, Chile, has won the “With You at Every Drop 2024” Competitive Fund from ESVAL, a Chilean utility company that provides water and wastewater services. The funding from the win will enable the Salesian Agricultural School to install a didactic photovoltaic panel, furthering the school’s environmental endeavors and education.

The Salesian Agricultural School’s project, selected from applications from more than 400 organizations, will focus on the implementation of a renewable energy system that will contribute to the reduction of the school’s environmental impact and also serve as an educational tool for students. The photovoltaic panel will showcase for students the importance and operation of clean energy.

Nataly Araya, rector of the school, expressed her gratitude to ESVAL for the opportunity. Araya said, “This project not only helps us to be more sustainable, but also enriches our students’ learning, preparing them to face the challenges of the future with an ecological and responsible perspective.”

The Salesian Agricultural School is committed to sustainable agricultural education in the region. This initiative, among others, will go a long way in providing students with an educational model that integrates theory with practice in caring for the environment.

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

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Photo courtesy of the Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Salesian Agricultural School of Catemu receives award – ESVAL’s “Contigo en Cada Gota 2024” Fund for the Installation of a Photovoltaic Panel’

Salesian Missions – Chile

World Bank – Chile

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COLOMBIA

(MissionNewswire) John Bosco the Worker Center in Ciudad Bolívar, Colombia, offers educational opportunities and a safe haven for local youth in a region impacted by violence and poverty. Established in 1994, the center is today recognized as a leader in technical training and known for teaching the circus arts.

Ciudad Bolívar is one of the most disadvantaged and dangerous areas south of Bogotá. The informal settlements house nearly 900,000 people, and 18% of families are not able to meet their primary needs of food, services, housing and education. Migrants from Venezuela coming to the area have built precarious homes made of plastic, boards, metal and recycled materials. They often face violence and abuse.

A Salesian explained, “The community continues to expand on the slopes of the mountains and is made up principally of youth and mothers with limited resources. Lately, the area has also seen in the influx of thousands of migrants arriving from Venezuela in search of opportunities for a better life. To all of them, the John Bosco the Worker Center offers a way to escape poverty through education and to escape violence through specific courses in values and material aid.”

The center offers 13 technical training programs, cooking classes, sports and artistic activities. Young migrants are also welcomed through the Reception House for Venezuelan Youth. The center aids families as well, including 120 adults and 40 young mothers. On Saturdays, recreational activities are organized in the streets.

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

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

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

ANS – Colombia – The John Bosco the Worker Centre, a Salesian reference point in the poorest and most violent area south of Bogotá

Salesian Missions – Colombia

World Bank – Colombia

The post COLOMBIA: Local youth and migrants can find path out of poverty first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run educational institution CESAM-DF, located in Brasilia, Brazil, has started a new one-day artisanal bakery training project. The short training to help families was conceived by Lu Alckmin, who is the wife of Vice President Geraldo Alckmin. The opening day of the project was attended by 20 people who directly benefit from the training offered. Alckmin was at the conclusion ceremony and presented certificates of participation to the graduates.

The course is free with up to 20 people attending. It is held monthly throughout the year. Students will learn hygienic practices and be immersed in the kitchen as they handle ingredients and produce a variety of breads such as whole-meal, loaf and beetroot bread.

The one-day course is part of the “Artisanal Bakery” project, which began in 2000. It has been responsible for creating 10,000 artisan bakeries and training over 100,000 people. A Salesian noted, “This new one-day training is an expansion with the goal of helping families in situations of social vulnerability, offering a new source of income and opportunities for personal and community transformation.”

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

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

ANS – Brazil – “Artisan Bakery” Project at CESAM DF: an opportunity for professional formation and social transformation of the community

CESAM – DF

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

The post BRAZIL: Students develop artisanal baking skills to improve income first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) UniSalesiano, the Salesian University in Araçatuba, Campo Grande province of Brazil, collaborated with the Santa Casa Hospital and the Municipality of Araçatuba to inaugurate new facilities for the Medical Specialty Clinic.

The event was attended by local authorities and employees of the institutions. Father Paulo Fernando Vendrame, rector of UniSalesiano, stressed the importance of the new facilities. He said, “This space means taking care of life. We will welcome many fragile people who need attention, care and affection, and above all the gift of health. UniSalesiano is honored to be part of this story.”

The new Medical Specialty Clinic is twice as large as the previous one and is equipped with advanced technologies and a more comfortable environment for patients. The project includes the building and the purchase of specialized machinery for examinations and interventions — including colposcopies, electrocardiograms and orthopedics.

Professor Petrônio Pereira Lima, director of the Santa Casa Hospital, explained, “Here we will provide specialties that municipalities do not have. It is about greater humanity, which is the hallmark of this collaboration. Humanization consists in promoting and guaranteeing the dignity of the care provided to those who come here to take care of their health.”

Dilador Borges, mayor of Araçatuba, commented, “I personally believe very much in partnerships and UniSalesiano is a great partner, if not the biggest partner, of the municipality in such a delicate sector as health. My thanks go to them.”

After the official speeches, Fr. Vendrame, together with other Salesians, blessed the new facilities and services provided by the new Medical Specialty Clinic. The authorities then unveiled the plaque of the inauguration and participated in a first tour of the new outpatient center.

Professor André Ornellas, dean of UniSalesiano for teaching, research and postgraduate studies, stressed the advantages for student training and for the community. He noted, “Our teachers and students now have the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practice, making a significant contribution to the improvement of public health services, in a collaboration that strengthens the local health system.”

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

Inequalities also exist in access to education and educational efficiency. These inequalities are greatest for children and youth who are poor, live in rural areas or who have an incomplete compulsory education. Salesian missionaries working with poor youth and their families in Brazil develop programs and provide youth opportunities for furthering their education and skills.

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

ANS – Brazil – UniSALESIANO inaugurates a new medical specialty clinic for the holistic care of patients

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

The post BRAZIL: New clinic strengthens local health services in Brazil first appeared on MissionNewswire.

ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Polytechnic University (UPS), located in Guayaquil, Ecuador, held the 10th International Congress of Science, Technology and Innovation for Society (CITIS 2024). The event brought together more than 1,000 participants, including exhibitors, teachers, students and guests. It offered workshops, conference sessions, a technological innovation fair and technical sessions, highlighting the commitment of its participants to build a more sustainable future.

CITIS 2024, recognized internationally for its contribution to scientific development, aims to promote the exchange of knowledge and experiences among participants. This year, the congress focused on key themes such as sustainability and the environment, information and telecommunications, and industry and mobility emphasis on new technological trends that are transforming and improving each of these sectors.

In his welcome address, Father Juan Cárdenas, rector of the university, said, “In the last 10 years, like UPS, this academic space seeks to offer a set of alternatives according to the changing needs of society. I invite you to dream and imagine global solutions to the social problems of engineering, articulated with other areas of knowledge. Let’s imagine together not only a new Ecuador but a new world. Faithful to the principle if we do not live to serve, we are not useful for living.”

The event was attended by renowned international experts who shared their research and experiences. Teachers and student researchers gathered to showcase their work at lectures and poster presentations.

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

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

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

ANS – Ecuador – New perspectives in science and technology emerge as drivers of sustainable development in the 10th edition of CITIS 2024

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

The post ECUADOR: Innovation and sustainability focus of Salesian conference first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries held the first Xavante Youth Day on July 24, at the Salesian center in São Marcos, Brazil. The day, which had the theme “Your dreams have gone much further”, brought together 30 youth from Indigenous villages.

Salesians Cleiton Cecílio da Silva and Pablo Henrique Gomes Silveiro presented the Rector Major’s Strenna 2024 “The dream that makes you dream.” The meeting was also attended by the Father Douglas Chrystiano, director of the Salesian mission, and Father Beatus Volkmar Tola, the pastoral coordinator who administered sacraments to the youth.

A Salesian explained, “The relationship between the Xavante community began when Salesians arrived in the region to provide social and educational services to the Indigenous populations. Since then, Salesians have built schools, clinics and community centers, offering formal education and medical assistance.”

The Salesian added, “As a sign of respect, Salesians immediately committed themselves to promoting Xavante culture, respecting and enhancing local traditions, helping to integrate the Xavante into the broader context of Brazilian society and preserving important aspects of their cultural identity. The Salesian presence in São Marcos remains an example of this collaboration.”

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

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Sources:

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

ANS – Brazil – The First Xavante Youth Day in the Salesian presence of São Marcos

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

The post BRAZIL: 30 Indigenous youth come together for first Xavante Youth Day first appeared on MissionNewswire.

CHILE

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Planning and Development Office for the Chile Province has received a donation of 100 native trees to reforest Peñihue Park, located in Lo Cañas near Santiago. The Salesian park was inaugurated in November 2023. The donation is thanks to the “Donation of nursery plants from Guayacanes” appeal from Biocys, a consulting company specializing in environmental rehabilitation. The Salesian Chile Province was selected to receive the donation, along with other institutions.

Elizabeth Vivanco, representative of the Salesian project office, has received several species of plants that will reforest the Salesian park. “The commitment to care for creation is already an integral part of our institutional work, which should motivate the entire Salesian Family to take care of our common home, generating green spaces that contribute to this environmental sustainability. Generating these alliances will allow us to take care of the environment.”

Biocys also expressed the desire to continue collaborating with Salesians for ecosystem restoration through support, advice and dissemination to facilitate common well-being and natural spaces.

Salesian organizations around the globe are focused on environmentally friendly activities and education. Part of this was driven by Pope Francis’ 2020 Laudato Si’, which underlined the importance of education and training that will help youth foster environmental responsibility. Previously, Salesians launched the Don Bosco Green Alliance, an international collective of youth from Salesian institutions and organizations. Membership is open to all Salesian institutions and organizations worldwide.

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

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

ANS – Chile – The Planning and Development Office in the Salesian Province receives one hundred trees for reforestation of Peñihue Park

Salesian Missions – Chile

World Bank – Chile

The post CHILE: 100 native trees donated to reforest park first appeared on MissionNewswire.

BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) Salesians have launched the latest edition of the Salesian Missionary Academic Volunteering project, which is part of UniSalesiano, the Salesian University in the Campo Grande Province of Brazil. The project brought together 50 participants including professors, students, coordinators and pastoral support staff from the university. This is the largest number of volunteers the project has had at one time.  

The group conducted research and offered services in the Indigenous villages of Meruri, home to the Bororo people, and São Marcos, home to the Xavante people. The data will be used by volunteers in the coming years, contributing to the continuity of and further academic and community actions. 

Volunteers looked at a range health information, including levels of physical activity, access to laboratory tests related to parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract, children’s vaccination schedules and more. Physiotherapy students analyzed people with physical disabilities, collecting data on age, gender, motor disabilities and locomotion aids.

Medical students in three groups mapped the epidemiological profile of the patients, identifying the degree of schooling and leisure activities, eating habits, tobacco use, and whether the patients lived with animals. They also looked at what professionals the population sees related to health care, the ease of access to treatment and use of medication.  

In addition, law students carried out a detailed investigation of the qualification of marriage and the effects of marriage, while advertising and public relations students mapped the media habits in the villages by analyzing the interaction with traditional media and the internet to identify what influences them related to education and schooling. 

Father Paulo Jácomo, vice-rector for pastoral care at UniSalesiano, said, “Previously most of the data had been collected by Salesians, but now the university is taking on a crucial role in the development and expansion of this work.”  

Fr. Jácomo added, “The integration and familiarity built over time will translate into significant progress and create a model for how education can generate concrete actions with a strong social impact.”  

The research is also important for continuing education at the university. Prof. André Ornellas, vice-rector for teaching, research and postgraduate studies, said, “The project promotes significant personal and professional growth of our students and the activities carried out in Indigenous communities generate valuable data, contributing to academic and social progress.”  

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

ANS – Brazil – Salesian Missionary Academic Volunteering (VAMS) reaches record  

Salesian Missions – Brazil 

World Bank – Brazil 

The post BRAZIL: Volunteers conduct research in Indigenous communities first appeared on MissionNewswire.

ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Madre del Salvador Center, located in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, has reopened with a new roof, synthetic field and children’s playground. Youth are now able to enjoy the renovated spaces and use the center during their free time while far from the dangers that impact the city. The center was relaunched with an opening ceremony, after which youth were able to celebrate in the space they consider a second home.

The opening event was co-chaired by Father Marcelo Farfán, superior of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of Ecuador. Together with the youth, he visited the new spaces and then blessed the facilities. Javier Buitrón, governor of Esmeraldas, was also present. Buitrón praised the work and the programs offered by the Salesians for youth in the community.

The renovations were made possible thanks to funding raised during the 2023 Missionary Campaign, a yearly initiative that supports projects benefiting the most vulnerable groups served by Salesians in the different regions of the country.

During his visit to the region, Fr. Farfán also visited the Salesian Chicos de la Calle Costa Norte (North Coast Street Children) project. The organization offers education, nutrition and support to more than 1,100 youth in San Lorenzo, Santo Domingo and Esmeraldas.

Fr. Farfán said, “I am very happy for the dedication and commitment of the Salesians and the lay people in supporting youth in this organization. They are doing an admirable job in providing an opportunity for change and hope to these boys and girls who live in such difficult environments and situations. I know there is still a long way to go, but this project is sowing seeds of hope, and we must continue to dream like Don Bosco.”

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

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

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Sources:

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

ANS – Ecuador – The Salesian Provincial of Ecuador and the Governor of Esmeraldas preside over the opening of the works at the “Madre del Salvador” Centre

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

The post ECUADOR: Youth find safety in relaunched recreation area first appeared on MissionNewswire.

ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian St. Philip Neri community recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Chicos de la Calle, or “street children,” project in San Lorenzo Canton within the province of Esmeraldas, Ecuador. The project has transformed the lives of hundreds of youth by providing them with an education and opportunities for reintegration into society.

The anniversary celebration was attended by Salesians from the St. Philip Neri community, teachers, and youth, as well as several parents and members of the local authority. During the event, Salesians reaffirmed their commitment to continue working with young people living in San Lorenzo.

“Salesians are working through this project to ensure that vulnerable youth have a chance at a better life,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “For 20 years, this project has ensured that youth who were once living on the street have the shelter, education and support they need to develop skills to become self-sufficient. This improves their lives, families and communities.”

Salesians offer social development and educational programs to youth experiencing poverty in Ecuador. The skills they acquire through these programs enable them to obtain employment later in life so they can care for themselves and their families while contributing to their communities.

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

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Sources:

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

ANS – Ecuador – The Salesian “Chicos de la Calle” Project: 20 years transforming the lives of girls, boys and young people in San Lorenzo

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

The post ECUADOR: Community programs have provided youth empowerment for two decades first appeared on MissionNewswire.