SAMOA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco High School and Vocational Center, located in Alafua, Samoa, has received new laptops and a projector from a local donor to improve the student’s education. Enrollment continues to grow at the school, and the need for technical education in the region is in great demand, far exceeding the capacity of the center.

A Salesian explained, “New classrooms are required to facilitate the growing numbers of students from underprivileged backgrounds and to ensure they do not miss out on the skills they need to find successful employment. It is a hope from the leadership team that one day the school will have a library to enhance the learning experience for both students and teachers.”

The center has continued to expand to accommodate the growing needs of students. In 2022, Salesians constructed classrooms for a hospitality program to ensure students have equipment that replicates a commercial kitchen and café.

The facilities were developed after research and consultation with the community. Salesian missionaries discovered that resorts in Samoa were having difficulty acquiring suitable employees with the appropriate hospitality skills. As qualified local staff are preferred rather than hospitality staff from overseas, Don Bosco Technical College has been working to fill the void.

“Courses offered at the center enable students to find and retain employment in the community, addressing the high youth unemployment rate,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “The goal of Salesian education is for students to learn a skill that enables them to become self-sufficient and contributing members of their community. To do this, Salesians must offer coursework that fits the local employment needs.”

Although Samoa has made impressive progress in social development, many rural communities in the country grapple with an unequal distribution of wealth and benefits. Communities in remote parts of the islands are particularly vulnerable, especially in areas most likely to be affected by cyclones or other natural disasters. Gender inequality is apparent as women strive and often fail to find the same work and income opportunities as men. Youth find it increasingly difficult to find livable wage employment in the country.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions Australia

Australian Salesian Missions Overseas Aid Fund

Salesian Missions Australia News June 2024

Salesian Missions – Samoa

SAMOA: Students fill community employment needs

World Bank – Samoa

The post SAMOA: Students gain technical education with new resources first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SAMOA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Technical Center in Samoa has developed a successful fine arts program for its students. The program was one of three introduced in 2020. Students are developing skills in carving furniture, creating stained glass windows, designing stencils for fashion designers, carving wood and stone, producing artistic pictures, and much more.

In a recent newsletter article about the fine arts program, Mane Su’a, principal of the Don Bosco Technical Center, said, “As only five major programs were taught in the school, I saw the need for more programs to be added to the curriculum for student selection and the sustainable development of the school.”

The school provides customized furniture for customers. Prior to the addition of the program, the school would need to hire out for someone to decorate this furniture. Su’a decided to bring someone on staff who could both do this work and teach the students. The fine art program instructor joined the construction team and began working with final-year construction students, carving furniture and painting artworks.

By the end of the year, the program had broadened students’ skills and creativity, fostering positive relationships with customers. At the beginning of the 2021 academic year, the program was separated from the construction department and a new trainer was recruited to assist with the delivery of the program. It was also integrated into the first-year students’ curriculum and interested students were able to select the program as their area of specialization.

Su’a noted, “The skills taught in the program are rare, but much needed in the community, and therefore very expensive. I confidently anticipate that this program will not only give the school a competitive advantage but will benefit the students in the long run. The skills can be commercialized, and today they have become one of the most respectable, high-paying jobs a student could get.”

As the program continued to develop, they needed a larger space. Su’a is grateful to supporters who donated through the Australian Salesian Missions and the staff and students at Salesian College Chadstone for assisting with the development of a new building. The building has been completed and the students are thriving in their new space.

Su’a added, “Overall, this program is playing an important role in the holistic development of our students in making plans for their projects and promoting creativity and innovation. There will be an opportunity to market students’ work and the school simultaneously, thus increasing the chances of employability. Today, both students and the school are able to build relationships with other professionals and customers. This will allow us to share work, find potential clients and promote the students’ future careers.”

Although Samoa has made impressive progress in social development, many rural communities in the country grapple with an unequal distribution of wealth and benefits. Poorer communities in remote parts of the islands are particularly vulnerable, especially in areas most likely to be affected by cyclones or other natural disasters. Gender inequality is apparent as women strive and often fail to find the same work and income opportunities as men. Youth find it increasingly difficult to find livable wage employment in the country.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Australian Salesians Bulletin Autumn 2023

Australian Salesians Bulletin Autumn 2023

Australian Salesian Missions Overseas Aid Fund

Salesian Missions – Samoa

World Bank – Samoa

The post SAMOA: Fine arts program boosts employment, creativity first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SAMOA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions Australia has begun a campaign to support the work of teachers in Samoa. Teachers and schools in the country lack resources to assist them in educating students. The campaign to “Sponsor a Teacher, Educate a Nation” will raise funds to provide resources, materials and training required for teachers to provide high-quality education for youth.

As part of the campaign, a video series has been produced. The first in the series features two young Salesian brothers discussing their lives and their role as educators. The video is available on YouTube. In the video, Brother Damien Taofinuu, religious education teacher at Don Bosco College and Educational Center Salelologa, said, “The thing I love most about teaching is that when I’m teaching, not only am I educating the students, but I learning something from them. Every day is a new experience and I learn something from it.”

Salesians in Samoa are committed to ensuring they are able to continue to provide quality education to poor and at-risk youth, and the schools are an important part of the community.

“We are so lucky that we have so many supporters that are invested in ensuring that our young people in Samoa have access to a good education,” said Lauren Hichaaba, delegate for Mission Animation and director of The Cagliero Project. “One really beautiful aspect of having a province that encompasses four countries — Australia, New Zealand, Samoa and Fiji — is that we are able to create strong relationships and bonds, particularly with our young people, despite the distance of the four nations.”

Although Samoa has made impressive progress in social development, many rural communities in the country grapple with an unequal distribution of wealth and benefits. Poorer communities in remote parts of the islands are particularly vulnerable, especially in areas most likely to be affected by cyclones or other natural disasters. Gender inequality is apparent as women strive and often fail to find the same work and income opportunities as men. Youth find it increasingly difficult to find livable wage employment in the country.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Australia – Supporting our schools in Samoa: “Sponsor a Teacher, Educate a Nation”

Australian Salesian Missions Overseas Aid Fund

Salesian Missions – Samoa

World Bank – Samoa

The post SAMOA: Campaign launches to help teachers first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SAMOA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Technical College in Alafua, Samoa, has constructed classrooms for the hospitality program to ensure students have equipment that replicates a commercial kitchen and café. This will provide students with a better quality and more cohesive educational experience. The development of these classrooms was made possible thanks to NCOBF Pty Ltd. and St. John Bosco Parish Engadine.

The new facilities were developed after research and consultation with the community. Salesian missionaries discovered that resorts in Samoa were having difficulty acquiring suitable employees with the appropriate hospitality skills. Qualified local staff are preferred rather than hospitality staff from overseas. Don Bosco Technical College is working to fill the void.

The hospitality program aims to introduce students to a variety of skills, while increasing their literacy, math, interpersonal and communication skills. After completing the program, students will come away with a variety of skills including preparation and serving of food, beverages, and alcohol; business technology; customer service and communication; and environmentally sustainable tourism.

Students are also preparing food that is available for sale for students and teachers. The funds collected are used to buy food and supplies for the course. When the facility is not utilized by the school, the space can be rented in conjunction with the college’s existing event space for private functions. This also provides an income stream for the course and school to ensure sustainability.

“Youth unemployment in Samoa is high, and this course enables students to find and retain employment as they fill a need within the community,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “The goal of Salesian education is for students to learn a skill that enables them to become self-sufficient and contributing members of their community.”

Although Samoa has made impressive progress in social development, many rural communities in the country grapple with an unequal distribution of wealth and benefits. Poorer communities in remote parts of the islands are particularly vulnerable, especially in areas most likely to be affected by cyclones or other natural disasters. Gender inequality is apparent as women strive and often fail to find the same work and income opportunities as men. Youth find it increasingly difficult to find livable wage employment in the country.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of the Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund

Australian Salesian Missions Overseas Aid Fund

Don Bosco Technical College Alafua

Salesian Missions – Samoa

World Bank – Samoa

The post SAMOA: Students fill community employment needs first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SAMOA

(MissionNewswire) Two Salesian educational centers in Samoa are ensuring that youth in poverty are able to access the education they need to have hope for the future. This is important given 50 percent of Samoa’s population is under the age of 20, and youth unemployment stands at nearly 18 percent. Don Bosco Technical College in Alafua and Don Bosco College and Technical and Vocational Center in Salelologa provide education and training focused on teaching employable skills so that all students have the ability to retain long-term employment.

Don Bosco College and Technical and Vocational Center provides a high school education that offers an integrated curriculum with academic and technical subjects. Through the school’s work experience program, students meet potential employers and are able use skills they have learned to gain employment. Dominic College Glenorchy has provided scholarships for poor students who otherwise would not have the opportunity of an education.

Don Bosco Technical College offers a three-year vocational education course for students who finish high school. All first-year students gain an education in a combination of trades including plumbing, motor mechanics, carpentry and hospitality. In following years, students specialize in a trade of their choosing and receive an accredited certificate in their chosen field. After graduation, many students secure employment and are able to help support their families while developing their careers.

The college has its highest enrollment with 40 girls among 180 first-year students. The college also promotes personal, moral and spiritual growth, leadership skills development, and teamwork through cultural and sporting activities. In recent years, enrollment has doubled, but not all students are able to complete their education due to financial difficulties. The school welcomes those who wish to donate to a scholarship fund.

“Salesian missionaries provide education for poor youth who might not otherwise be able to gain the skills for later employment,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “It’s more than just educating students though. Salesians adapt and add new programs to meet local needs and develop skilled labor for the local economy.”

Although Samoa has made impressive progress in social development, many rural communities in the country grapple with an unequal distribution of wealth and benefits. Poorer communities in remote parts of the islands are particularly vulnerable, especially in areas most likely to be affected by cyclones or other natural disasters. Gender inequality is apparent as women strive and often fail to find the same work and income opportunities as men. Youth find it increasingly difficult to find livable wage employment in the country.

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Sources:

Australian Salesian Missions Overseas Annual Report 2021

Australian Salesian Missions Overseas Aid Fund

Don Bosco Technical College Alafua

Don Bosco College and Technical and Vocational Center Salelologa

Salesian Missions – Samoa

World Bank – Samoa

The post SAMOA: Youth gain job skills first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SAMOA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Technical College in Alafua, Samoa, currently has its highest enrollment with 40 girls among 180 first-year students. Since 1988, Don Bosco Technical College has been known for offering quality skills-based education to disadvantaged youth. Many of the students have not been able to complete mainstream educational due to poverty, family and social issues. This is a second chance at education for them.

Over the years, the college has become well-known throughout Samoa and the Pacific for its excellent technical training and focus on integral student development. Originally established as a school for young men ages 16-22, the college opened enrollment to girls in 2020.

Ms. Farene, a second-year student, is happy with her choice to specialize in plumbing. She said, “I felt that plumbing is my calling. I want to get a job to help my family as they’re not well off and I want to help them in any way I can.” Farene encourages young girls who want to become plumbers in the future to not hold back.

The college provides both classroom and hands-on learning to ensure students are prepared for the workforce. In 2019, the college extended the duration of the work experience for students from two weeks to four weeks.

The importance of a work-study experience has been backed by a study conducted by the Samoan Qualification Authority, which also found that the Salesian college has the highest number of graduates that go on to be enrolled in the private sector. The college places an emphasis on building confidence, self-esteem and teamwork, as well as a love of culture through singing and dancing.

Most recently, with the assistance of the Australian High Commission Office in Samoa, 20 sewing machines were purchased, and the college introduced a successful 10-week evening sewing course open to the local community.  The first course was organized after school hours and had a large number of participants. This was followed by two additional 10-week courses which recently finished. More than 40 women have already signed up for the next course.

Although Samoa has made impressive progress in social development, many rural communities in the country grapple with an unequal distribution of wealth and benefits. Poorer communities in remote parts of the islands are particularly vulnerable, especially in areas most likely to be affected by cyclones or other natural disasters. Gender inequality is apparent as women strive and often fail to find the same work and income opportunities as men. Youth find it increasingly difficult to find livable wage employment in the country.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of the Australian Salesian Missions Overseas Annual Report 2020

Don Bosco Technical Center Alafua

Salesian Missions – Samoa

World Bank – Samoa

The post SAMOA: Plumbing student encourages other young women first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SAMOA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco College and Vocational Technical Center Salelologa, located on the Savai’i island in Samoa, provides training so local youth have an opportunity to gain skills for employment. Beyond education, the center is used for multipurpose community events, and it plays an important role  providing space to bring the community together.

The island is primarily made up of subsistence farmers, but there is a growing tourism business. In response, Don Bosco College launched the hospitality course to expand job opportunities for youth.

Don Bosco College is also offering an accredited certification in trades skills. The course is in its first year of implementation. Upon completion, graduating students are ready to enter the workforce. Students had the opportunity to showcase their products consisting of dressers, coffee tables, beds and cabinets to their families and community.

Although Samoa has remained relatively free of COVID-19, the pandemic has had a detrimental impact on the already fragile Samoan economy. Border closures have crippled the tourism industry, which many families rely on for their livelihood. Many students are finding it difficult to pay schools fees, and in turn, schools struggle to meet operating costs. A number of donors stepped up to help support both students and the school.

“We would like to thank those who sponsored this project, our Australian supporters. We are grateful that our students have accomplished and learned new skills and gained knowledge which was our goal,” said Father Nukuluve, principal of Don Bosco College and Vocational Technical Center Salelologa.

Although Samoa has made impressive progress in social development, many rural communities in the country grapple with an unequal distribution of wealth and benefits. Poorer communities in remote parts of the islands are particularly vulnerable, especially in areas most likely to be affected by cyclones or other natural disasters. Gender inequality is apparent as women strive and often fail to find the same work and income opportunities as men. Youth find it increasingly difficult to find livable wage employment in the country.

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Sources:

Australian Salesian Missions Overseas Annual Report 2020

Australian Salesian Missions Overseas Aid Fund

Photo courtesy of the Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund

Don Bosco Samoa

Salesian Missions – Samoa

World Bank – Samoa

The post SAMOA: Hospitality course expands job opportunities for youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SAMOA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Technical Center in Alafua, Samoa, started a sewing course so students can learn to make clothing. Given its success in the first year, Don Bosco Technical Center and sewing teacher, Tasileta Tagiilima, extended the course to members of the local community so they could increase their skills and generate income. The first course was organized after school hours and had a large number of participants. This was followed by two additional 10-week courses which recently finished. More than 40 women have already signed up for the next course.

“Salesian missionaries in Samoa work directly with those who are poor and disadvantaged and need employable skills,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “This sewing course has shown that people in the community are willing to advance their education and gain new skills if given the opportunity. This course will help people to become more self-sufficient and provide them an opportunity to earn extra income.”

The Don Bosco Technical Center was established in 1989 as a second chance for education for many poor youth who were at risk because they were excluded from formal education. Over the years, the center has become well-known throughout Samoa and the Pacific for its excellent technical training and focus on  student development.

The center provides both classroom and hands-on learning to ensure students are prepared for the workforce. The importance of a work-study experience has been backed by a study conducted by the Samoan Qualification Authority, which also found that the Salesian technical school has the highest number of graduates that go on to be employed in the private sector. The center places an emphasis on building confidence, self-esteem, and teamwork, as well as a love of culture through singing and dancing.

Although Samoa has made impressive progress in social development, many rural communities in the country grapple with an unequal distribution of wealth and benefits. Poorer communities in remote parts of the islands are particularly vulnerable, especially in areas most likely to be affected by cyclones or other natural disasters. Gender inequality is apparent as women strive and often fail to find the same work and income opportunities as men. Youth find it increasingly difficult to find livable wage employment in the country.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Samoa – Community Sewing Program

Don Bosco Technical Center Alafua

Salesian Missions – Samoa

World Bank – Samoa

The post SAMOA: Community members increase sewing skills, self-sufficiency first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SAMOA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Technical Center in Alafua, Samoa, is continuing education for poor youth. Samoa has no COVID-19 cases after a strict lockdown of the country started in March. Both boys and girls can access education at the Don Bosco Technical Center and all courses are open to both.

The Don Bosco Technical Center was established in 1989 as a second chance for education for many poor youth who were at risk because they were excluded from formal education. Over the years, the center has become well-known throughout Samoa and the Pacific for its excellent technical training and focus on integral student development. Originally established as a school for young men ages 16-22, the center opened enrollment to girls, who have now completed their first semester.

The center provides both classroom and hands-on learning to ensure students are prepared for the workforce. In 2019, the center extended the duration of the work experience for students from two weeks to four weeks. This has already brought success. Four students who have been studying plumbing and sheet metal impressed the Samoan Water Authority with their know-how and dedication, and they were offered work immediately.

The importance of a work-study experience has been backed by a study conducted by the Samoan Qualification Authority, which also found that the Salesian technical school has the highest number of graduates that go on to be enrolled in the private sector. The center places an emphasis on building confidence, self-esteem and teamwork, as well as a love of culture through singing and dancing.

“Salesian missionaries in Samoa work directly with poor and disadvantaged youth to provide hope for a positive future through education and training as well as sporting, recreational and cultural activities,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian missionaries live in the communities they work which provides them the unique experience of understanding first-hand the hardships and challenges faced by residents. This allows missionaries to adapt and add new programs to meet local needs and develop skilled labor for the local economy.”

Samoa boasts one of the most stable and healthy economies in the Pacific region, according to the World Bank. Although Samoa has made impressive progress in social development, many rural communities in the country grapple with an unequal distribution of wealth and benefits. Poorer communities in remote parts of the islands are particularly vulnerable, especially in areas most likely to be affected by cyclones or other natural disasters. Gender inequality is apparent as women strive and often fail to find the same work and income opportunities as men. Youth find it increasingly difficult to find livable wage employment in the country.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Samoa – First students of “Don Bosco” Technical Center in Alafua

Don Bosco Technical Center Alafua

Salesian Missions – Samoa

World Bank – Samoa

The post SAMOA: Don Bosco Technical Center in Alafua continues education for poor youth who want a second chance to learn first appeared on MissionNewswire.

SAMOA

(MissionNewswire) Both the Don Bosco Technical Center in Alafua and the Don Bosco Co-educational High School and Vocational Center in Salelologa, continue to provide education and training to the local youth in Samoa. Both schools provide educational opportunities for students whose parents are unable to finance their education.

Now in its 30th year, the Don Bosco Technical Center in Alafua provides education for young men aged 16-22 who have not been able to complete mainstream schooling due to poverty, prior drop-outs, or other serious family and social problems. Recently, the center extended the duration of the work experience students take from two weeks to four weeks. This has already brought success. Four students who have been studying plumbing and sheet metal so impressed the Samoan Water Authority with their know-how and dedication that they were offered work immediately.

The importance of a work-study experience has been backed by a study conducted by the Samoan Qualification Authority, which also found that the Salesian technical school has the highest number of graduates that go on to be enrolled in the private sector. The center places an emphasis on building confidence, self-esteem and teamwork, as well as a love of culture through singing and dancing.

The Don Bosco High School and Vocational Center at Salelologa offers education to 300 students. Many come from remote villages on a school bus made available through the school. The center offers an integrated curriculum with academic and technical subjects designed to provide students with employment and human relations skills, as well as self-reliance.

The school boasts excellent facilities, which are also used by the community and as a sporting venue for competitions held against other schools in the area. Recently, the Samoa Observer newspaper held its Samoan Schools Short Story competition, which has prize divisions for each level of high school in both Samoan and English languages. In the article about the event, it was noted, “It was evident from a massive block of yellow and green uniforms that students from Don Bosco dominated in numbers at the prize giving.”

The teachers were pleased with the results and pointed out that at last year’s competition nine students received placement in the standings and this year it was 13 students. Two students placed first in their respective categories.

“Salesian missionaries in Samoa work directly with poor and disadvantaged youth to provide hope for a positive future through education and training as well as sporting, recreational and cultural activities,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian missionaries live in the communities they work which provides them the unique experience of understanding first-hand the hardships and challenges faced by residents. This allows missionaries to adapt and add new programs to meet local needs and develop skilled labor for the local economy.”

Samoa boasts one of the most stable and healthy economies in the Pacific region, according to the World Bank. The poverty rate, once just over 26 percent, has dropped closer to 20 percent as the country strives to meet the UN Millennium Development Goals, a blueprint driving efforts to meet the needs of the world’s poorest.

Although Samoa has made impressive progress in social development, many rural communities in the country grapple with an unequal distribution of wealth and benefits. Poorer communities in remote parts of the islands are particularly vulnerable, especially in areas most likely to be affected by cyclones or other natural disasters. Gender inequality is apparent as women strive and often fail to find the same work and income opportunities as men. Youth find it increasingly difficult to find livable wage employment in the country.

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Sources:

Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund Annual Report 2018

Don Bosco Technical Center Alafua

Salesian Missions – Samoa

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Samoa

The post SAMOA: Salesian missionaries provide education and workforce development programs for poor and at-risk youth at two educational centers first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The Don Bosco Technical Center in Alafua has 22 instructors and teachers, two office staff and five Salesian missionaries who work collaboratively to operate the school. The first year the school was launched it had 74 students and has since grown by 74 percent to reach 198 students in 2019.

This increase of students is due to the proactive use of social media as well as joint action and information sessions in the Upolu and Savai’i islands with government and mission colleges in 2018. In addition, Salesian missionaries are growing a partnership with the Samoa Qualification Authority which accredits vocational training programs and also offers scholarships and subsidies for equipment and school upgrades.

Since most of the students attending Don Bosco Technical Center come from families who experience financial hardship, scholarship programs are vital. The partnership with the Samoa Qualification Authority is important for this reason as well as for its international certification standard for graduates and accreditation of program quality which ensures that Salesian education is up to the standard necessary for youth to find job placements after graduation.

“To sustain our school facility, we are working on projects that involve carpentry and welding and trying to maintain our school building with school fundraising activity. Government grants are also a good help. Since 1979 we have been grateful to the AUL Salesian province center in Melbourne and its Mission Office for the continuous support,” says Mr. Mane, principal of Don Bosco Technical School.

The Don Bosco High School/Vocational Center at Salelologa is now in its eighth year and has 224 students and 22 teachers. Many students come from remote villages on a school bus made available through the school. The center offers an integrated curriculum with academic and technical subjects designed to provide students with employment and human relations skills as well as self-reliance.

Salesian missionaries are looking at how they can better incorporate outdoor education, including games and sport, into the overall program. In November 2016, a new facility, Father Elio Proietto’s Hall, was officially opened after receiving funds from the Salesian Rector Major, the Don Bosco Mission in Turin, Italy and Salesian Missions in Madrid, Spain. With this additional facility, Don Bosco Salelologa continues to serve as an important center of education, meetings, conferences, youth gatherings and sport on the island of Savai’i. In addition, the new hall aids in self-sustainability because it will be rented out for events. In July 2019, it will host boxing matches that are part of the 2019 Pacific Games.

Samoa boasts one of the most stable and healthy economies in the Pacific region, according to the World Bank. The poverty rate, once just over 26 percent, has dropped closer to 20 percent as the country strives to meet the UN Millennium Development Goals, a blueprint driving efforts to meet the needs of the world’s poorest.

Although Samoa has made impressive progress in social development, many rural communities in the country grapple with an unequal distribution of wealth and benefits. Poorer communities in remote parts of the islands are particularly vulnerable, especially in areas most likely to be affected by cyclones or other natural disasters. Gender inequality is apparent as women strive and often fail to find the same work and income opportunities as men and youth find it increasingly difficult to find livable wage employment in the country.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Samoa – Salesian presence soon to celebrate its 40th anniversary

Don Bosco Technical Center Alaufa

World Bank – Samoa

The post SAMOA: Salesian missionaries highlight growth of programs for upcoming 40th anniversary celebration first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Recently, a group of young Australians representing the Cagliero Project and the Salesians of Don Bosco in Australia visited Samoa to work directly with local programs. The Cagliero Project is an immersion program that runs once a year and sends volunteers for six to 12 months to give younger Salesian youth an opportunity to experience a different culture and understand what the life of a missionary might be like.

“Salesian missionaries in Samoa work directly with poor and disadvantaged youth to provide hope for a positive future through education and training as well as sporting, recreational and cultural activities, and this volunteer opportunity is a great chance for young Salesian students to give back,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian missionaries live in the communities where they work which provides them the unique experience of understanding first-hand the hardships and challenges faced by residents. This allows missionaries to adapt and add new programs to meet local needs and develop skilled labor for the local economy.”

Don Bosco Technical Center in Alafua was established in 1998 and currently has 245 students – all young men from Samoa and Tokelau. Students have the opportunity to choose from general or specialized trade training. The technical training is complemented by courses in Samoan and English, mathematics, technical drawing, computer studies and religion.

In addition, the center promotes personal, moral and spiritual growth, skills leadership development and teamwork through cultural and sporting activities. The students at Don Bosco Technical Center learn skills that are in demand in Samoa. Upon graduation, many secure work almost immediately which is a significant achievement in a country with high unemployment.

The Don Bosco High School/Vocational Center at Salelologa is now in its eighth year and has more than 300 students. Many come from remote villages on a school bus made available through the school. The center offers an integrated curriculum with academic and technical subjects designed to provide students with employment and human relations skills as well as self-reliance.

Salesian missionaries are looking at how they can better incorporate outdoor education, including games and sport, into the overall program. In November 2016, a new facility, Father Elio Proietto’s Hall, was officially opened after receiving funds from the Salesian Rector Major, the Don Bosco Mission in Turin, Italy and Salesian Missions, Madrid, Spain. The local school community also came together to host a fundraising walk around the island of Savai’i. With this additional facility, Don Bosco Salelologa continues to serve as an important center of education, meetings, conferences, youth gatherings and sport on the island of Savai’i.

Samoa boasts one of the most stable and healthy economies in the Pacific region, according to the World Bank. The poverty rate, once just over 26 percent, has dropped closer to 20 percent as the country strives to meet the UN Millennium Development Goals, a blueprint driving efforts to meet the needs of the world’s poorest.

Although Samoa has made impressive progress in social development, many rural communities in the country grapple with an unequal distribution of wealth and benefits. Poorer communities in remote parts of the islands are particularly vulnerable, especially in areas most likely to be affected by cyclones or other natural disasters. Gender inequality is apparent as women strive and often fail to find the same work and income opportunities as men and youth find it increasingly difficult to find livable wage employment in the country.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Samoa – Cagliero Project Immersion

Don Bosco Technical Center Alaufa

World Bank – Samoa

The post SAMOA: Salesian students from Australia visit Salesian vocational and technical training programs first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Each year, UN-Water sets a theme for World Water Day corresponding to a current or future challenge. This year’s theme “Wastewater” focuses on the fact that the majority of wastewater from homes, cities, industry and agriculture flows back to nature without being treated or reused – polluting the environment, and losing valuable nutrients and other recoverable materials. UN-Water encourages the reduction of wastewater and its reuse of it. In cities, wastewater can be treated and reused for green spaces, and in industry and agriculture, wastewater can be treated and recycled for things like cooling systems and irrigation. Through this reduction and reuse, the natural water cycle will work better for every living thing.

UN-Water estimates that worldwide there are more than 663 million people living without a safe water supply close to their home and must spend countless hours queuing or trekking to distant sources to look for water and cope with the health impacts of using contaminated water. For those who have no access to clean water, water-related disease is common with more than 840,000 people dying each year from water-related diseases.

In response to this crisis, Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has made building wells and supplying fresh, clean water a top priority for every community in every country in which Salesian missionaries work.

“Having access to clean water and proper sanitation brings a sense of dignity to the children and families we serve in our programs,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions. “Improving water and sanitation facilities also ensures that teachers and students are working and learning in an environment that promotes proper hygiene and has safe drinking water, reducing the number of waterborne illnesses that can affect those in our schools and keep them away from important study time.”

In honor and celebration of World Water Day 2017, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight Salesian programs around the globe that provide clean, safe water to those most in need.

CAMBODIA

Salesian-run Don Bosco Kep, located in Kep Province, Cambodia, has just completed a water system and sanitation project on its school grounds. The project entailed drilling a new well, installing a water filter, new irrigation and a water treatment plant, in addition to new sanitation facilities. The water project is providing appropriate sanitation and fresh drinking water for 350 students and teachers on campus as well as providing clean water for farming, the fishing ponds and for cooking. The addition of the new water treatment facilities is also preventing ecological contamination.

THE CONGO

Salesian missionaries at the Salesian Center of St. Charles Lwanga, located in Makelekele, a suburb of Brazzaville, the capital and largest city of the Republic of the Congo*, operate a parish, youth center and primary school. The center recently raised funds through the help of the Salesian Missions office in Madrid, Spain and  donors to develop a hydraulic system and water tower to collect and distribute water from the existing well for the more than 900 people who pass through the center daily. This is needed because interruptions to the water service are frequent in Makelekele and the surrounding areas.

The local Salesian parish in Makelekele has close to 5,000 people attending mass and other services. The Salesian youth center, open to local youth groups, offers a well-equipped library and a computer room. Nearly 250 youth access the center every day either to study or to have fun in a healthy educational way during their free time. The Salesian primary school is also open every day and 600 students attend morning or afternoon classes. The new water system will help to provide fresh, clean water to the students and families who take part in Salesian programs and for the surrounding communities.

RWANDA

Salesian missionaries at the Don Bosco Oratory in the village of Kabgayi, located south of the city of Gitarama in the Muhanga District in the southern province of Rwanda, just completed a water well project in cooperation with Logic Engineering. The project included drilling for a new water well and installing an electric pump. A new water tank was also built to store large amounts of water. The new well provides water for youth who participate in the oratory’s activities as well as the surrounding community that often faces water shortages.

The project was funded by Salesian Missions and has drastically improved the sanitation and hygiene of youth in the Salesian program. Students and their families are able to have access to clean drinking water and water for washing their hands and taking a shower. The water is also available for cleaning the program’s sports facilities and equipment. New bathroom facilities provide better sanitation as well.

SAMOA

Don Bosco College and Vocational Center in Salelologa, a village district at the east end of Savai’i Island in Samoa, has a new water tank system thanks to funding provided by Salesian Missions. The funding helped to provide water tanks and pumps for water storage necessary for the school, especially during Samoa’s dry season.

The college is located downhill from seven new water tanks so that the school water will be gravity-fed without the expense of additional water pumps. The college located three new water tanks at the new Don Bosco Hall, which is currently under construction. This will provide a separate water supply to a location situated away from the existing water pipes and avoid additional expense to the college. The new water tanks and associated pumps and pipes will be maintained by college maintenance staff as a part of their normal duties.

ZAMBIA

The government of Zambia asked Salesian missionaries to start an agricultural school in Lufubu with the goal of establishing an alternative to fishing. The local community was over-fishing the lakes and needed a new source of food security that would combat hunger while preserving the environment. The school includes a working farm where the students gain hands-on experience with animal husbandry and the cultivation of vegetables and maize on a personal plot of land designated for each student. The farm includes 400 hectares of land, five of which are currently cleared. There is a river near the farm that provides a reliable source of water year-round.

While the Salesian campus, which includes the agricultural school, farm and youth center, does have a bore hole that provides fresh water, it was limited. A stream about 200 meters away brings in fresh, clean water for washing, watering and even drinking, but unfortunately much of the water did not reach the Salesian storage tank because of the many leaks. Salesian Missions provided the funding for Salesian missionaries in Lufubu to replace the 200 meters of PVC piping to deliver the fresh water from the stream to the storage tank, providing a positive impact on the school and its students.

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Sources:

World Water Day 2017

UN-Water

Salesian Missions – Cambodia

Salesian Missions – Zambia

Salesian Missions – Rwanda

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

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Samoa is located close to the equator and experiences climatic extremes each year. The wet season typically has heavy rainfall over an extended period of time. The corresponding dry season can result in extended periods without any significant rainfall at all. Interruptions to the water supply to homes and schools during the dry season can occur frequently. This has caused problems for Don Bosco College and Vocational Center due to the reliance on the town water supply.

The provision of a suitable alternative water supply will assist with the day-to-day operations of the college and allow for a substantial reserve supply of water throughout the year. An assessment was conducted to determine the likely water storage requirements for Don Bosco College and Vocational Center, which has an enrollment of 300 students with expected increases over the next few years. A local contractor was engaged to provide advice on the project and determined that ten 10,000 liter water tanks would provide a supply of water sufficient for the college requirements.

The college is located downhill from the location of seven new water tanks so that the school water will be gravity-fed without the expense of additional water pumps. The college located three new water tanks at the new Don Bosco Hall, which is currently under construction. This will provide a separate water supply to a location situated away from the existing water pipes and avoid additional expense to the college. The new water tanks and associated pumps and pipes will be maintained by college maintenance staff as a part of their normal duties.

“The absence of a reliable water supply had consequences for the college’s ability to provide safe and hygienic facilities for staff and students,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Improving water and sanitation facilities ensures that teachers and students are working and learning in an environment that promotes proper hygiene and has safe drinking water, reducing the number of waterborne illnesses that can affect those in our schools keeping them away from important study time.”

Samoa boasts one of the most stable and healthy economies in the Pacific region, according to the World Bank. The poverty rate, once just over 25 percent, has dropped closer to 20 percent as the country strives to meet the UN Millennium Development Goals, a blueprint driving efforts to meet the needs of the world’s poorest.

Although Samoa has made impressive progress in social development, many rural communities in the country grapple with an unequal distribution of wealth and benefits. Poorer communities in remote parts of the islands are particularly vulnerable, especially in areas most likely to be affected by cyclones or other natural disasters. Gender inequality is apparent as women strive and often fail to find the same work and income opportunities as men and youth find it increasingly difficult to find livable wage employment in the country. Salesian programs in Samoa are working to provide youth with an education and training as well as the necessary resources to find and keep employment.

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Sources

Don Bosco College and Vocational Center

World Bank – Samoa

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Although Samoa has made impressive progress in social development, many rural communities in the country grapple with an unequal distribution of wealth and benefits. Poorer communities in remote parts of the islands are particularly vulnerable, especially in areas most likely to be affected by cyclones or other natural disasters. Gender inequality is apparent as women strive and often fail to find the same work and income opportunities as men and youth find it increasingly difficult to find livable wage employment in the country.

Salesian programs in Samoa are working to provide youth with an education and training as well as the necessary resources to find and keep employment. Don Bosco Technical Center in Alafua, a town just outside the capital city of Apia in the north central part of the country, provides vocational education and trade skills programs to prepare students ages 15 to 23 for employment.

“Salesian missionaries in Samoa work directly with poor and disadvantaged youth to provide hope for a positive future through education and training as well as sporting, recreational and cultural activities,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian missionaries have established a presence in local communities allowing them to experience firsthand the issues residents face. This way, they are able to adapt their programs to meet each community’s individual needs.”

The Don Bosco Technical Center provides a second chance for close to 270 young men, many of whom have struggled to successfully complete or continue their education in mainstream schools. Both two-year and four-year training programs are offered with specialties in welding, motor mechanics, woodwork, electronics and plumbing. In addition, students study Samoan, English, mathematics, technical drawing and life skills.

Significant emphasis is placed on workshop and practical experience to help students apply skills learned in the classroom to real life work environments. Because of the quality of education provided and the lack of trained tradespeople in Samoa, more than 85 percent of graduates secure employment in the country. Some graduates have chosen to emigrate to New Zealand or Australia and have had success finding employment in those countries as well.

The center also offers sporting and recreational activities including fautasi (long-boat), games and traditional singing and dancing in addition to promoting personal development. In an effort to expand and meet the needs of students, the school plans to introduce solar electricity and complete a computer laboratory and internet facilities for staff and students.

“Salesian missionaries living and working in Samoa are able to tailor educational programs to ensure the best employment opportunities for students after they graduate,” adds Fr. Hyde. “The addition of life skills training and personal development opportunities help students make good life choices and become better employees.”

Sources

Don Bosco Technical Center Alaufa

World Bank – Samoa

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Although Samoa has made impressive progress in social development, many rural communities in the country lack access to opportunity and grapple with an unequal distribution of wealth and benefits. Poorer communities in remote parts of the islands are particularly vulnerable, especially in areas most likely to be affected by cyclones or other natural disasters. Gender inequality is apparent as women strive and often fail to find the same work and income opportunities as men and youth find it increasingly difficult to find livable wage employment in the country.

Salesian programs in Samoa are working to provide youth with an education and training as well as the necessary resources to find and keep employment. Don Bosco High School and Vocational Center at Salelologa is one of the newest of the many Salesian educational facilities that have been serving Samoans for more than 25 years.

The Salesian Province of Australia formally opened the Don Bosco High School and Vocational Center at Salelologa on the island of Savai’i in 2011. Currently, close to 120 students are enrolled there, most of whom come from local subsistence farming families. The school operates both a traditional academic high school program and a vocational training center.

This past year the school made some significant improvements to its science laboratory. The laboratory is now equipped with furniture, newer tables, chairs and lab equipment, all improvements that will help students in their studies while creating new educational opportunities through hands-on learning and lab experience. In addition, construction of a septic tank for the disposal of chemicals and the installation of additional electrical outlets for student use were completed.

“The Salesians in Samoa work directly with poor and disadvantaged youth to provide hope for a positive future through education, training, sporting, recreational and cultural activities,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Having a local presence in communities and seeing the issues residents face firsthand helps the Salesians to adapt their programs to meet each communities’ individual needs. This is one of the reasons the Salesians are so successful in helping youth break the cycle of poverty.”

As Don Bosco High School and Vocational Center at Salelologa continues to grow, the Salesians seek out new ways to improve the educational experience of youth attending their programs. The next task is a continued fundraising effort to purchase a school bus that will provide transport for students to and from the distant villages where they live.

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Sources:

Don Bosco High School and Vocational Center Salelologa

World Bank- Samoa

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The school’s Principal Father Chris Ford was thrilled to have his students be a part of what was a Rotary Club of Apia initiative.

As a part of the initiative Rotary donated new tools and resources so the students could complete their task to the best of their abilities.

This donation led to six fourth year students being trained by volunteers of Ashburton, Ashburton Plains, Greymouth and Riccarton Rotary Clubs to use modern power tools and other equipment in the workshop.

This training made for some impressive work with the pupils constructing more than 350 book shelves in four days.

Father Ford said he was pleased for his school to be included in the project saying that an initiative like this instills a spirit of unity in the community.

“We are thankful to Rotary Club for selecting our students to work with,” he said.

“We are happy to receive the donations and the opportunity granted to further develop the experience and skillset of our carpentry class.”

Don Bosco student Kilisi Telenise described how useful it was to have been part of this Rotary project.

“These were all new tools to us – like the cordless battery operated drills we used,” he said.

“We not only got the chance to learn how to use this new technology but also the opportunity to work outside of the classroom in a real work environment.”

The vocational training and work experience will both enhance the students’ CVs and also better their chances at finding work when they graduate.

Read the entire article >

Written by Phaedra Moores / Samoa Observer

The post SAMOA: Salesian Students Give Back by Building Libraries for Don Bosco Schools first appeared on MissionNewswire.

“All the Salesians and the Salesian Sisters are doing well,” reports Father Chris Ford, who works at Leauva’a, near the capital Apia—an area that was hard-hit by the cyclone. “None of the Salesian facilities were severely damaged. In most cases there has been some damage due to the floods and wind but nothing serious in nature.”

The overall outlook for the local residents is not as encouraging. Electricity is lacking almost everywhere and damage to the electricity network is extensive. Even water is in short supply. Residents were told officially that water services will not be restored for at least two weeks.

The worst hit were local crops, especially bananas and breadfruit. The vast majority of the population relies on agriculture for its livelihood and while farmers were able to save part of the crop, they are more worried about what the next few months will bring. Fishing has also been affected since shoals of fish have moved away during the cyclone.

“The greater risk now is that many young people will not be going back to school in February, at the start of the new school year,” adds Fr. Ford. “For this reason the Don Bosco Samoa Project Development Office is developing a sponsorship plan for educational activities.”

According to UNICEF, close to 25 percent of Samoans already live in poverty and the cyclone is expected to bring a general price hike to goods in the area. Don Bosco Samoa works directly with poor and disadvantaged youth to provide hope and a positive future through education, training, and sporting, recreational and cultural activities. The Salesian St. Michael’s parish in Leauva’a has a thriving youth program offering a multitude of recreational, musical, cultural, religious, sporting and recreational activities for young people.

The Salesians have been providing education and services to poor youth for well over 25 years. In June 2011, the Salesian Province of Australia formally opened the new Don Bosco High School and Vocational Center at Salelologa on the island of Savai’i, Samoa. Currently there are about 120 students in the school. This new educational facility is in addition to several other Salesian-run facilities in Samoa.

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Sources:

ANS Photo

ANS – Cyclone Evan’s damage

Salesian Missions – Samoa

UNICEF – Samoa

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