INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Industrial Training Institute, located in Kurla, a suburb of East Mumbai, India, signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding to strengthen the Indo-German vocational collaboration. With the goal of preparing youth for green and digital sectors such as solar energy and e-mobility, the agreement brings together the Don Bosco Institute, Germany’s HWK Region Stuttgart and German Society for International Cooperation under the Indo-German Green Skills Program.

A 16-member German delegation received a traditional welcome and engaged with the institute’s leadership on industry-linked training. The visitors also interacted with students pursuing German language preparation, emphasizing technical excellence alongside intercultural readiness.

A Salesian explained, “The agreement prioritizes curriculum adaptation to German standards, structured migration pathways and greater participation of women in technical trades. Bridge courses and B1/B2-level language training form part of the preparation framework. Effective until December 2027, the partnership establishes sustained institutional cooperation. The initiative strengthens global opportunities for the institute’s trainees and reinforces its mission. True to its motto, the institute continues to help youth ‘Learn a Trade, Earn a Living.’”

Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India. India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.

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ANS – India – DBITI Kurla Partners with German Institutions to Boost Green Skills Training

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Kankata village, located in the Bidar District of Karnataka State, India, have recently opened the St. Thomas Church. The new chapel is thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

The new chapel was developed to strengthen the faith of the Catholic community by providing a dignified and suitable place of worship and by promoting pastoral and missionary activities among the faithful. Prior to the project, the community lacked an adequate space for Sunday Eucharistic celebrations and feast day gatherings. Through the collective efforts of the villagers, missionaries, and benefactors, a dedicated worship space was developed where the faithful could gather regularly for prayer and liturgical celebrations. This is impacting 97 Catholic families in the village.

The village is located at the foothills of the Himalayan range and is predominantly rural. With semi-hilly terrain and limited infrastructure, many villages remain geographically isolated. Most families depend on small-scale farming, tea garden labor and seasonal employment for their livelihood. Income levels are generally low, and economic opportunities for stable employment are limited. Youth often migrate in search of employment.

Previously, the lack of a proper worship space created a sense of neglect and discouragement among the villagers. The new chapel has restored pride and unity within the community. Families now gather together regularly, strengthening communal bonds, and fostering mutual support, cooperation, and shared responsibility in maintaining the chapel.

Youth have benefited greatly from the project. The chapel now serves as a center for catechism classes, youth meetings, prayer gatherings and oratory activities. This has encouraged active youth participation in church life and has nurtured their moral and spiritual values.

Marcel Tigga, a respected elder in the village, said, “Our life here is simple. We work in the fields and depend on daily labor, but our faith keeps us united and hopeful. Earlier we had no proper church. We prayed wherever space was available. Sometimes we felt sad seeing other villages having churches while we had none.”

When the church project began, he recalled feeling both excitement and curiosity. The community welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm, though some villagers initially wondered whether such a project could truly be completed due to financial limitations. Tigga noted, “We were happy but also worried whether the church would really be completed. Slowly, when we saw the work progressing, our hope grew. Now we feel respected and blessed. Our children are happy to come to church. This church has brought new life to our village.”

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have a new chapel in Naegaon Garo Village of St. John Bosco Parish Kokrajhar, Assam, India, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The chapel was completed in November 2025.

A Salesian noted, “The faithful of the village were very helpful in the construction. The inauguration was a celebration for all those in the village and the Salesians. After the Catholic Mass, those in the village hosted lunch for all the people who had come from other villages to participate and encourage them. We are grateful to Salesian Missions and the donors for the generous contribution toward the construction of this chapel.”

Levi Sangma is the son of Naresh Marak, who brought Christianity to the village in 1997. Sangma was involved in bringing the construction of the chapel to the village and encourages local families to live their faith. He is also motivating the children to study and hopes that one day someone from the village will get a government job in order to help improve local conditions.

He added, “We thank Salesian Missions and their donor for providing us such a beautiful church. Now there is a sufficient place for worship and everyone can sit down in the church for prayer.”

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

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco English Medium School and Don Bosco Piloo Modi High School in India jointly hosted a three-day AI STEAM (science, technology, engineering, math and arts) learning workshop in February, engaging more than 700 students, parents and teachers.

Organized in collaboration with International S.T.E.A.M Research, the program introduced participants to artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, drones, Internet of Things and extended reality technologies.

A Salesian noted, “Learners engaged in hands-on sessions, coding robots, flying drones and working with sensor-based applications. Teachers and parents also participated, many experiencing advanced technologies for the first time. Students described the workshop as transformative and confidence-building.”

Father Elson Baretto, rector, called the initiative a step to help make students future-ready through experiential education. Father Daresh, principal, said the institution aims to set a benchmark for holistic, technology-driven learning in Panchmahal district. The schools plan to establish a permanent AI STEAM Lab with International S.T.E.A.M Research’s support, strengthening access to futuristic education in rural Gujarat.

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

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Bosco Boys Home, located in Mumbai, India, is working to address urgent health needs of migrants and disadvantaged families. The organization’s efforts are part of the broader Suraksha Project – Migrant Desk, in collaboration with the Spark Foundation and the NIIT Foundation. A free health camp was held to provide the community with essential medical care and access to government health programs.

A Salesian explained, “Ganpat Patil Nagar, where the camp was held, is a congested settlement where residents struggle daily with poor living conditions. The narrow streets remain muddy, especially in wet weather, and the lack of an adequate drainage system has created an unhygienic environment. Many families live in vulnerable conditions, with an increased risk of contracting diseases and limited access to affordable health care facilities.”

Suraksha Migrant Desk, an initiative by Don Bosco Snehalaya, supports people who migrate to cities and small towns in search of employment, as well as entire families who move together in search of a better future. Once in their new locations, migrants face injustice, mistreatment, harsh living conditions, poverty, exploitation, bonded labor and other challenging circumstances. The migrant help desk aims to address these challenges head-on by providing resources.

A Salesian explained, “It is our collective responsibility to address these challenges and work toward empowering our migrant communities so they too can enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted. We must also assist them in accessing their rightful share of government programs, empowering them to stand on their own feet. Suraksha Migrant Desk remains committed to reaching out to migrant families and individuals, providing support that fosters their upliftment, safety, security and development.”

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The village of Sorokpara, located in the West Garo Hills district in Meghalaya, India, has a new chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project was implemented by Father Albert Thyrniang, the pastor of Mary Help of Christian Church.

The community consists of 51 households who belong to the Garo Community. It is one of the oldest Catholic communities in the area. The village is surrounded by paddy fields and people are generally poor. The primary challenges in the community are health and sanitary issues due to flooding a few times a year.

Kamalraj Sangma is one of the recipients who will benefit from the project. With the new chapel, he hopes that the faith of the people will be strengthened. Before the project, people did not have enough space on the previous church compound. However, the owner of the adjacent plot donated a bit of his land to make it sufficient for the church to be built.

Sangma said, “Now that the project is nearing completion, we in the village are happy with the church. We will now have a proper place to have Sunday services and celebrate Mass when pastors come.”

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

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SRI LANKA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have responded after Cyclone Ditwah tore through Sri Lanka, and the country now grapples with one of the most severe humanitarian crises in its recent history. Entire communities have been uprooted, essential infrastructure crippled, and thousands of families left without homes. Salesians sprung to action, offering relief, protection, food and hope to those who have lost everything.

National disaster authorities report that there are more than 600 confirmed deaths and more than 330 people still missing. Nearly 1.5 million residents — including more than 275,000 children — have been affected. Over 233,000 people are currently staying in 1,441 temporary shelters, while thousands more are living with relatives after their homes were destroyed or severely damaged. More than 565 houses lie in ruins, and over 20,000 are partially damaged. Vast regions remain inaccessible due to collapsed roads, broken bridges and disrupted water systems.

Salesian parishes, schools, boarding houses, and community centers across the country have opened their doors, providing emergency shelter, food, clean water, clothing, and hygiene kits. Youth groups, parish volunteers and international partners have joined the mobilization, ensuring that aid reaches even remote communities.

Particular care is being given to youth, the elderly and those suffering trauma — groups most vulnerable in the aftermath of disaster. Salesian teams are offering psychosocial and pastoral support, helping families cope with loss, fear, and uncertainty.

Father Roshan Miranda, superior of the vice province, expressed concern and resolve as the crisis deepens. He said, “Our people are going through unimaginable suffering, and we must respond with the heart of Don Bosco. I want every Salesian house to be open as a place where families can find shelter, where children and young people are protected, and where no one feels abandoned. This is our mission, especially in times like these.”

One Salesian cooperator summed up the spirit of the response: “We cannot solve everything, but we can be a place of hope.”

Sri Lankans are affected by a significant lack of infrastructure including roads, electricity, irrigation systems and communication channels. In several areas of the country, seven out of 10 people have no access to electricity and almost half of the population does not have access to safe drinking water. Malnutrition among children is also common.

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ANS – Sri Lanka – Devastation from Cyclone Ditwah Met with Rapid Salesian Response

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Four students from the Salesian College Siliguri in India have created innovative heart attack prediction software. At a recent event, the team showcased the technology in a live demo and were encouraged to get a patent for their work.

The software was built from scratch by the first-year bachelor of computer applications students in collaboration with the Radio Club’s tech members. Designed to analyze health data and predict potential risks of cardiac arrest, the project is a major product achievement.

The core development team was led by Anand Kumar and supported by Ronish Minj, Othniel Samuel and Rahul Kumar Sah. Each brought unique strengths to the project, shaping it into a working prototype that blends innovation with compassion.

Kumar explained his vision, “I wanted this project to prove that technology can feel human.” Minj added, “It’s more than a model — it’s our small step toward saving lives.” Samuel reflected, “Innovation in health care should start where compassion meets data.” Sah shared, “Every test run made the system stronger and us more curious.”

To refine the prototype, a dedicated beta testing team worked closely with the developers. Crist Minj contributed as a researcher, conducting literature reviews and performance comparisons across machine learning models. Priyam Kerketta looked at reliability.

Faculty mentors have lauded the initiative as a milestone in Salesian College’s mission to foster innovation, inclusivity and community-oriented technology. The vice principal of sciences remarked that the project embodies the spirit of Salesian education, empowering young minds, especially from tribal communities, to harness technology for social good.

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ANS – India – Rajya Sabha MP Shringla Lauds Salesian Students’ Heart Attack Prediction Software, Urges Patent and Startup Vision

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SRI LANKA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are responding to urgent needs as Sri Lanka faces one of its worst natural disasters in decades as days of intense rain, fueled by Cyclone Ditwah, triggered massive floods and landslides across the island. The cyclone pushed unusually heavy rainfall over almost every district, causing major rivers to overflow, hillsides to collapse and entire towns to be covered by water. Across the island, Salesian missionaries and the broader Salesian Family have mobilized rapidly to respond to the needs of the affected population.

According to official disaster management in the country, around 1.3 million people have been impacted with over 15,000 homes destroyed or severely damaged. More than 350 people have been confirmed dead and more than 360 are missing. In addition, more than 200,000 people have been displaced and moved into 1,275 shelters

Large parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Southern provinces remain submerged, while rescue teams continue searching for the missing in landslide-prone regions. The flooding and landslides caused extensive destruction to public infrastructure.

A Salesian noted, “Many roads, bridges, and village access routes have been washed away or blocked, leaving several communities isolated. Power cuts, water contamination and communication failures have been reported in multiple districts. Emergency crews from the military and police continue clearing roads, restoring utilities, and delivering food and medicine to stranded families. Some Salesian communities have opened their houses to displaced families and are coordinating relief activities with parish groups, youth movements and volunteers.”

Salesians are distributing cooked meals, dry rations, clothing, and hygiene supplies. They are also providing emergency shelter for families who lost their homes; supporting children, youth and elderly affected by trauma; and helping rescue teams by offering manpower, transport and logistical support

One Salesian commented, “People come with only the clothes they are wearing. We cannot solve everything, but we can be a place of hope.”

The suffering is immense, and long-term recovery will require months of rebuilding homes, roads, and livelihoods. Salesian communities are asking for prayers and solidarity and support for the thousands who have lost loved ones, homes, and security.

Salesian missionaries have been operating in Sri Lanka since 1956. In 1963, missionaries set up their first technical institute. Since then, they have established 17 more in locations across the country, as well as youth centers and other programs to help youth in need.

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ANS – Sri Lanka – Cyclone-Driven Floods Bring National Emergency

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian schools from North Bengal, India, emerged as winners at the Telegraph Awards for Excellence – North Bengal Chapter, held at the Birla Divya Jyoti School auditorium in November. Don Bosco School Oodlabari led with five distinctions across diverse categories, while Don Bosco School Siliguri followed closely with four accolades. Each award the schools received reflected the Salesian commitment to academic rigor, social responsibility and vibrant student life.

Don Bosco Oodlabari’s recognitions included honor certificates for excellence in maintenance and eco-friendly initiatives, social service, extra-curricular activities and the “School That Cares” citation. The school also received a merit certificate for academic excellence. Most notably, it was declared the title winner for excellence in social service, a tribute to its sustained efforts in nurturing compassion, civic engagement and a culture of care among its students.

Don Bosco School Siliguri was honored with the TTEF Certificate of Honor for social service, the IIHM Award for academic excellence, a certificate of merit for maintenance and eco-friendly initiatives, and the Vidya Mandir Trust’s Certificate of Merit for extra-curricular activities. The school was also declared the title winner for IIHM Award for academic excellence.

A Salesian said, “The two-day celebration of excellence brought together schools from across the region, recognizing achievements in academics, sports, music, environmental stewardship, and community outreach. Hundreds of students were provided certificates, while scholarships were awarded to support deserving learners from economically challenged backgrounds. The event reaffirmed the Salesian educational vision — rooted in reason, religion, and loving-kindness — as a beacon of transformative learning in North Bengal.”

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

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ANS – India – North Bengal Salesian Schools Shine at Telegraph Awards for Excellence

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Alumni Association, located in Kolkata, India, provides a model of alumni-driven social service and community outreach. The association has expanded its impact in recent years, with several projects offered under its umbrella to serve people in need.

Bosco on Wheels is one of the flagship initiatives aimed at addressing hunger among people who are poor and vulnerable. Every first and third Sunday of the month, a mobile food van travels to hospitals, orphanages and settlement camps to distribute freshly prepared meals. Members serve 400 beneficiaries 2,000 prepared breads, along with vegetables and dessert.

Bosco Cares addresses medical needs. A long-running free dispensary was revitalized into a monthly full-scale clinic organized on the first Sunday of every month at the school premises. Managed by alumni doctors, the clinic provides free consultations, medicines and discounted diagnostic tests to more than 100 patients each month. Annual blood donation camps encourage alumni and parents to contribute toward saving lives, and specialized eye camps provide free check-ups, eyewear, and cataract surgeries for those in need.

In addition, the association continues to run its adult literacy project, which has been providing education and training for young women for the past 27 years. The education empowers young women with basic education and vocational skills.

A Salesian noted, “The association does more than just provide direct service, it’s also involved in initiatives that connect past pupils worldwide. DB Global is a powerful network that unites past pupils of Don Bosco Kolkata across the world. With 16 active chapters in countries and cities such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, the initiative enables former students to support one another through professional, social, and humanitarian collaboration.”

The association is also involved with Bosco Connects. With hundreds of members from various Don Bosco institutions, the network helps individuals with employment opportunities, business guidance, academic support, medical assistance, crisis needs, blood donation, and legal or administrative help. It has also proven to be an effective space for mobilizing funds and addressing urgent personal or community problems.

The Salesian added, “The Don Bosco Alumni Association Kolkata continues to demonstrate how collective goodwill and organized effort can create sustained, meaningful social impact.”

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Nava Nirman, located in Muniguda, India, provided scholarships for 32 girls thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The school was developed in 2010 after the Kandhamal violence in the region in 2008. One of the greatest contributions Salesians make in the region is through their education, especially for youth who are poor and marginalized.

A Salesian noted, “We have been concentrating on the education of girls and young women, which is an urgent need in this area. Generally, girls are marginalized by the parents as well as the society at large as they are not seen as potential earners in the workplace. Our entry into the education of the girls is in a way an attempt to transform this general perception. Today, through support provided to us, we are able to educate many girls through our scholarship program.”

Donor funding helped to offset the cost for hostel fees, as well as academic fees and book purchases. Although the school received funds for 26 scholarships, it was able to make scholarships available for additional children. In total, 32 children received financial support for their education.

The Salesian said, “We thank Salesian Missions for the generous help donors have given to girls who seek an education. We look forward to supporting these children’s scholarships every year without hindrance, ensuring they can complete their studies uninterrupted.”

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

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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INDIA

Half of youth in attendance selected for positions throughout India

(MissionNewswire) Two Salesian organizations, AIDA-Don Bosco, a job placement network in Dimapur, India and Konkan Development Society, the Don Bosco Vocational Guidance and Placement Service in Curtorim, recently held job events to help Salesian students find long term employment and be ready for the workforce.

Supported by the Don Bosco Job Placement Network, AIDA-Don Bosco organized the first ever job fair at Don Bosco College in Maram, India. The event was well received with many youth taking part in interviews and in talks with the five companies in attendance. By the end of the event, half of the youth had already been selected for positions throughout India, marking a promising start for regional employment initiatives.

Father Roy George, executive director of AIDA-Don Bosco expressed his enthusiasm for the event, congratulating the organizers and calling this collaboration “an important step towards realizing the professional aspirations of young people.”

The Konkan Development Society the Don Bosco Vocational Guidance and Placement Service, in collaboration with Reginaldo Lourenco, a member of the Legislative Assembly, organized a career guidance workshop for more than100 students and some parents. The event emphasized the crucial role of family support in shaping career decisions.

A workshop included dynamic sessions led by renowned experts, who offered students a holistic perspective on education and career paths. Noah Rodrigues, regional coordinator of the Don Bosco Job Placement Network, opened the workshop with a session with a talk about choosing the right career path. He guided the students through a self-assessment tool.

In another session Colonel Jesus Benino Furtardo spoke to the students about the possibility of working in the army and how to evaluate different careers after the end of their studies.

“Learning the skills for employment is only half the process,” said a Salesian. “We want to make sure youth are able to take the skills they learned and access the employment that will allow them to be self-sufficient. Events like these are a step in ensuring that’s possible.”

Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India. India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.

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ANS – India – Big job fair at Don Bosco College in Maram

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INDIA

Campaign follows national initiative Child Marriage-Free India

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Gujarat collaborated with Just Rights for Children to launch a 100-day campaign against child marriage in three districts of Gujarat, India — Anand, Vadodara, and Chhotaudepur. The campaign was officially initiated on October 13, 2025, by Don Bosco Kawant and Don Bosco Kapadvanj, Salesian organizations that have been working tirelessly to protect the rights and dignity of youth.

This campaign follows the national initiative Child Marriage-Free India, which was launched by the Honorable Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annapurna Devi in Nov. 2024. The movement has already made a remarkable impact across several states of India, including the districts of Chhotaudepur, Anand, and Vadodara in Gujarat, through the collective efforts of government officials, civil society organizations and community leaders.

Under this initiative, Don Bosco Kawant and Don Bosco Kapadvanj have played a significant role in spreading awareness and preventing child marriages at the grassroots level. Nationwide, the campaign has helped prevent child marriages, saving countless young girls and boys from losing their childhood and opportunities for education and growth.

In Gujarat, more than 300 parents from the three districts have signed written pledges promising not to marry off their underage children. These written guarantees are powerful testimonies of change and commitment towards building a safer future for every child.

As the campaign completes its first year, Don Bosco Gujarat is preparing for a 100-day intensive awareness drive from November 1, 2025, to January 26, 2026. The goal is to create mass awareness, strengthen community participation and build strong collaboration among all stakeholders to eliminate child marriage completely.

During these 100 days, the campaign will reach out to key community influencers who play an important role in the marriage process. The goal is to spread awareness and to help these community influences create and declare child marriage-free districts through coordinated community action.

Father Mayank Parmar, director of Don Bosco Kawant, emphasized, “This campaign is the need of the hour. The government, civil society, and people of goodwill must come together to protect children and completely eradicate the evil of child marriage.”

Shailesh Parmar, program officer for Don Bosco Kapadvanj, added, “Being part of a nationwide campaign like this will not only create change in India but also inspire action across the globe.”

Through these efforts, Don Bosco Gujarat continues its mission of educating, empowering, and protecting young lives. The 100-day campaign is a strong reminder that every child deserves the right to grow, learn, and dream free from the burden of early marriage.

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ANS – India – Don Bosco Gujarat Launches 100-Day Campaign Against Child Marriage

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INDIA

Programs to spotlight on youth age 16 and above 

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco’s Prafulta Psychological Services, located in Mumbai, India, has several programs that promote understanding, protection, and prioritization of mental wellness. While Mental Health Awareness month is in October, the organization recognizes that prioritizing mental health goes beyond a day or a month-long focus.

A Salesian noted, “Mental health, which profoundly shapes how we think, feel, and act, is essential for coping with stress, building meaningful relationships, and making sound decisions. We believe that awareness and action around emotional well-being has become increasingly urgent.”

Prafulta organizes a wide range of programs, including workshops, social media campaigns, and community outreach activities, designed to engage individuals across age groups. These initiatives aim to empower people with practical tools for maintaining emotional balance and resilience in their daily lives.

This year, the spotlight is on youth aged 16 and above, a demographic facing increasing psychological pressures in a fast-paced, high-stress world. To address their unique needs, Prafulta has launched an innovative program titled “Vibe Check – Master Your Mood.”

This free, interactive 90-minute session invites young participants to explore their emotions, develop self-awareness, and learn effective strategies to manage stress and build resilience. With several youth groups already engaged, Prafulta aimed to reach at least 1,000 Through these initiatives, Don Bosco Prafulta reinforces the message that mental health is not just the absence of illness but the presence of balance, purpose, and joy. The center invites the community to join hands in breaking stigma, fostering empathy, and celebrating life as an adventure rooted in emotional strength and wellness.youth through this initiative by the end of October.

The organization held other initiatives in October including short videos, offering practical tips on overcoming everyday challenges like anger, anxiety, and mood disorders and Dance Movement Therapy sessions, using movement as a tool for emotional healing and expression. The organization also had Silver Talkies, a reflective series focused on the mental well-being of senior citizens. Psychologist also gathered to share information while workshops on career and mental well-being guided individuals to align their professional goals with psychological balance.

As Don Bosco Prafulta continues to champion mental health awareness, they remind the community that every step toward understanding and prioritizing mental well-being is a step toward a healthier, more compassionate world.

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ANS – India – Don Bosco Prafulta Leads the Charge for Mental Health Awareness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

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

Salesian Missions

Sierra Leone: Over 600 girls rescued through program

World AIDS Day

Global AIDS Update 2024

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INDIA

50 women start mushroom growing training to become entrepreneurs

(MissionNewswire) Fifty women have embarked on a transformational journey towards economic independence and sustainable nutrition through the Nanma program launched by Don Bosco Veedu and Salesian Cooperators. The program is focused on mushroom cultivation training and is designed to help women gain access to skill-based training to go on to become entrepreneurs.

A Salesian explained, “This grassroots initiative promotes women’s skills and empowers them toward sustainability and self-reliance in Trivandrum. With the guidance of Don Bosco Veedu and the continued support of the community, the project aims to become more than a livelihood initiative. It is creating a culture of empowerment, resilience and shared goals among the women.”

The training is led by Father Sojan, an expert with over twelve years of experience in mushroom cultivation. The training combines awareness that the mushroom market is viable and includes mechanisms to motivate the students, teach them practical skills and help them start a business.

Don Bosco Veedu has been educating and empowering children who are homeless and living in conditions of poverty since May 1991. The center has eight programs to support children and women. There are areas at the center for teaching short-term skills, a resource center, boarding facilities, a training center and residence for the Salesians.

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

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ANS – India – “Nanma” supports women through mushroom cultivation in Trivandrum

Don Bosco Veedu

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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INDIA

Pitch made possible by contribution of family of young football fan

(MissionNewswire) The Opera Don Bosco Onlus Foundation recently launched a new synthetic football pitch at the Don Bosco Center in Madurai in Tamil Nadu. The new pitch was made possible by the generous contribution of the family of Riccardo, a young Italian boy who died prematurely and who was a great football fan.

Stefano Arosio, coordinator at the foundation who went to India for the inauguration, said, “For almost ten years, the foundation has been collaborating with Salesians in Tamil Nadu to carry out various projects on behalf of the youngest and poorest. The occasion of this visit took the form of a particularly significant moment for us.

In a country like India, where cricket and hockey are the most popular national sports, football is experiencing growing popularity, especially among youth. Many youth at the Don Bosco Center play it with passion.

To celebrate the opening and dedicate the new playing pitch to the memory of Riccardo, the boy’s mother and aunt also came to India, accompanied by photojournalist Enrico Mascheroni, a collaborator at the foundation. The ceremony, which lasted an entire day, opened with the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony and ended with the first edition of the Riccardo Trophy, a tournament that showcased the competition of 16 teams from schools and youth centers.

At the entrance to the field, a bilingual plaque commemorates the young man with these words: “Dedicated to Riccardo, a boy with a good heart, who loved football and dreamt of a kinder world. This pitch is his smile that lives on.”

In the days after the opening of the new pitch, Arosio visited several Salesian centers throughout Tamil Nadu. The Salesian centers are not only educational centers, but provide social programs where street children are welcomed, orphans and HIV-infected minors receive care and support, and where at-risk youth have the opportunity to attend professional training so they can find and retain stable employment.

In the region, Salesians also promote micro-credit projects for women in rural areas, sustainable agriculture initiatives with educational farms, environmental education and ecological awareness programs.

Arosio noted, “Everywhere we have been, we have found the same warm welcome and the same educational passion. What is striking is the ability of Salesians to look beyond caste or religious differences, always putting the person at the center. It can truly be said that in Tamil Nadu Don Bosco is for everyone and helps everyone.”

The Opera Don Bosco Onlus Foundation will continue its commitment to support these missions in the future thanks to the generosity of the many donors who share the same vision of hope and solidarity.

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ANS – India – A trip to Tamil Nadu with sport, memory, solidarity and visits to the Salesian missions that welcome the youngest and most fragile every day

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to construct the new Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in Pathangre Village, tribal village in Madhya Pradesh, India, thanks to donor funding. The funding came from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. There are 55 Catholic families in the village who will attend this new chapel.

With the funding, Salesian missionaries were able to construct the chapel and fill it will all the necessary items for Catholic mass as well as other religious services. The Chapel has sufficient number of lights and fans as well as the crucifix and statues of Mary Help of Christians, St Joseph, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as well as the Stations of the Cross.

A Salesian noted, “The new chapel has brought a complete change in the life of the faithful. Before, they had no place to gather for church or prayer. Now they have a beautiful chapel to gather for Mass, prayer meetings, the rosary, Sunday School for the children, religious instruction and catechesis for the older youth. During the months of May and October, they gather together to pray the rosary. The chapel has become the center for the faithful of the village. The chapel is a great blessing their lives. They are extremely grateful to the donors and the Salesian Missions.”

Getmilla Sangma is one of the people who has benefited from this new chapel. She is the mother of four children and one of her sons is the Salesian Aspirantate, who will be completing his call this year. Her was serving as the catechist of the village since the beginning.

Sangma said, “We are happy we have a beautiful chapel where we can gather for prayer and rosary and for mass whenever Salesian fathers come to visit us. This has also impacted our children who used to have to sit outside for catechism, which was difficult in the rainy season and winter because the old church was in disrepair and old. Now, they are inside and can focus. It gives us new hope – our prayers are answered.”

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Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with Don Bosco Navajeevan, located in the St. Joseph Province of Hyderabad, are working with poor youth living in the community’s 10 slums. The high school drop-out rates among these youth are the result of social, economic and cultural situations that require the youth to contribute to their families’ incomes rather than gaining an education, a situation which only perpetuates the cycle of poverty and illiteracy.

Child labor is widespread and exposes youth to exploitation and extremely dangerous conditions. To counter this, Salesians promote education, protection and opportunities for growth among the youth. Comprising of a team of Salesians supported by social workers, educators and lawyers, Don Bosco Navajeevan focuses on the holistic development of youth, ensuring they understand their rights and are able to gain the education they have been denied.

A recently established program helps youth for two hours every afternoon to bolster what they learned in school. Youth from all 10 slums have access to this tutoring program, one which provides snacks and also the necessary school materials. Participants also have access to recreational activities such as summer camps and youth club activities two Saturdays a month.

To ensure enrollees get the most out of the program, Salesians conduct follow-up visits with participants’ parents to reinforce the importance of education and monitor attendance and performance. The program also provides psychological support with workshops on self-esteem, anger management, creative thinking and more.

A Salesian explained, “It’s so much more than an education program. There are wrap-around services that help youth attend school and remain in school. We support the families too with nutrition support and monthly medical check-ups as well as awareness-raising activities on hygiene and health issues.”

Some of the activities of the program are aimed at the entire slum. Salesians facilitate events for everyone during the Children and Adolescents Rights Week and have formed groups such as a Children’s Parliament and an Adolescents Parliament, a Mothers’ Committee and a Local Action Committee. Salesians also routinely distribute informational material on childcare programs. All of these activities aim to promote the importance of education and ensure that families have what they need so their children can attend school.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

ANS – India – Hope in the slums

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra, located in Maharashtra, India, implemented the “Solar Home Lighting” initiative to address energy deprivation among migrant households. To facilitate the initiative, Salesians received donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Through the project, 55 migrant families were provided with solar home lighting systems. These families now have safe, reliable and affordable access to electricity and are no longer dependent on unsafe and illegal power connections.

Before the use of solar lights, the migrant community living along Arangaon Road resided in temporary, modest shelters in a semi-rural environment with limited infrastructure. They faced a lack of reliable lighting, which made it difficult to continue work or household activities after dark and affected children’s ability to study.

A Salesian noted, “Since the implementation of the solar lighting, there has been a significant reduction in energy costs, enabling increased household savings. Families are experiencing improved night-time quality of life, with better lighting for children to study and women had greater convenience for household chores and small income-generating activities. They also now have enhanced safety and security of households by reducing the use of kerosene lamps and unsafe power tapping.”

Raju Dhumal has been living with his four children along Arangaon Road for the past two years. Like many in the community, he prepares and sells roasted chickpeas and puffed rice in nearby villages to sustain his family. Before the installation of solar lights, life for Dhumal’s family was filled with challenges. Work had to stop after sunset, which subsequently reduced their income. The darkness brought constant fear of snakes and scorpions, and Dhumal’s children were unable to study at night. Insecurity and limited opportunities cast a shadow over their daily lives.

When the solar project was introduced, Dhumal welcomed it with hope and happiness, confident that the lights would bring safety and comfort. After installation, the transformation was immediate — his family could work safely into the evening, the children gained valuable study time and their environment felt far more secure.

Looking to the future, Dhumal dreams of expanding his small business and ensuring his children receive a good education, laying the foundation for a brighter tomorrow with the support of solar lighting.

He said, “With solar lights, we feel secure, our children can study, and we can grow our business.”

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run Prafulta Center for Psychological Wellness, located in Andheri, a suburb in Western Mumbai, India, marks its 27th anniversary of making professional mental health services more accessible, especially for youth. It was founded in 1998, by Father Godfrey D’Sa, a professional counselor, educator and compassionate pastor.

Over nearly three decades, Prafulta has supported individuals through counseling, psychiatry, occupational therapy, remedial education, psychometric testing and career guidance. Each year, the team of dedicated mental health professionals conducts over 800 workshops and more than a dozen training programs for mental health professionals. The team reaches 50,000 individuals annually, including youth, teachers, parents and professionals in the field.

To make mental health care more inclusive and accessible, Prafulta runs weekly group sessions for women and adolescent girls. These safe spaces encourage participants to express themselves, build resilience and strengthen relationships. Using art, games, movement, and discussions, counselors also provide education on mental health and child development. Individual counseling is available whenever required.

A Salesian explained, “In low-income communities, mental health is often overlooked. To bridge this gap, Prafulta has combined therapy with handcraft work. Every Monday, a psychotherapist skilled in macramé and crochet conducts sessions where women weave while engaging in meaningful conversations around self-esteem, parenting, and relationships. The sale of handcrafted items provides women with not only economic empowerment but also confidence and emotional strength.”

Since October 2021, in partnership with The Banyan (Chennai), Prafulta has also been running a weekly mental health clinic at the Aghai Village Clinic in Aghai. Around 50 patients benefit each week from free psychiatric consultations, psychological therapy and essential medication. Social workers ensure continuity of care through psychoeducation, caregiver support and follow-ups. This initiative is restoring dignity, reducing stigma and bringing trusted care to a region that previously had no mental health services.

The Salesian added, “These are just a few of the many programs that are offered through the organization. As we celebrate 27 years, we pause to thank God for the countless opportunities we have had to touch lives and nurture emotional well-being. We remain deeply grateful to our staff, partners, supporters, and above all to our founder-director Fr. Godfrey D’Sa.”

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

ANS – India – “Prafulta: Outreach to the Marginalised”: Celebrating 27 Years of Service in Mental Health

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World Bank – India

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries held a two-day teacher training on career guidance at Don Bosco schools in Tripura, India. The training was held at Xavier’s Higher Secondary School and was coordinated by the school’s principal, Father Babu Stephen. It brought together 80 teachers from eight schools across the state.

A Salesian explained, “Over the two days, the sessions focused on the concept and significance of career guidance, higher education pathways, employment opportunities, university systems, and challenges in the present job market.”

Teachers engaged in interactive discussions, case studies, and group activities, supported by handouts and multimedia presentations. The resource person’s ability to combine theory with real-life experiences was highlighted, making the training practical and relevant to the job market in Tripura.

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

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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ANS – India – Don Bosco Teachers in Tripura Trained on Career Guidance

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Development Society, the social service arm of the Salesian Province of Kolkata in India, has built 34 permanent houses in Narkeldanga, after a February fire destroyed the homes of families who lived near the Sealdah railway station. The homes mark the end of months of displacement, offering residents a secure dwelling and significant step toward a better quality of life.

“This is not just a house, it’s giving us our dignity back,” said one of the people impacted.

The project, led by Father Mathew George, former assistant professor at Salesian College Sonada and Siliguri, also provided essential household items.

This is not the only housing project Salesians have undertaken in the region. To date, the Don Bosco Development Society has built 564 low-cost houses along Kolkata’s canals, supporting hundreds of families who are marginalized.

In May, the Don Bosco Development Society celebrated a major milestone of 500 homes built for people living in Kapali Bagan, located in the Tangra area of Kolkata. Kapali Bagan is home to numerous families living precariously along a major drainage canal. Residents often reside under makeshift shelters of plastic sheets and bamboo poles on the canal banks. The area is also close to dumping grounds, where many locals earn their livelihood by scavenging for recyclable materials.

Established in 1997, Don Bosco Development Society is committed to uplifting underprivileged communities by tackling poverty, ignorance and malnutrition. This low-cost housing initiative provides a dignified living space for families residing in the challenging conditions of Kapali Bagan.

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

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

ANS – India – Salesians Rebuild Homes for Fire Victims in Kolkata

Don Bosco Development Society

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World Bank – India

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(MissionNewswire) The Peter Zago Youth Center, a project spearheaded by the Don Bosco Past Pupils Local Unit Quetta in Pakistan, was officially inaugurated at the Don Bosco Housing Scheme. The center provides a space for youth in Quetta that is dedicated to their growth and well-being.

A Salesian explained, “The Peter Zago Youth Center is envisioned as a hub for activities and services that promote the physical, emotional, and social growth of local youth. Its establishment underscores the commitment of the Salesians and the local leadership to empower young people and strengthen community bonds.”

The inauguration ceremony began with a prayer and a warm welcome for the attendees. Guests were greeted with gifts, bouquets and garlands, reflecting the community’s gratitude for their contributions. The highlight of the event was the blessing of the newly constructed community hall, conducted by Father William Matthews, the East Asia-Oceania regional councilor.

Salesian institutions are open to youth of all faiths. The schools provide economic benefits, scholarships and accommodations for students from the families most in need so that education is not only accessible but also an incentive for parents to send their children to school.

Pakistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in South Asia at less than 50%. Although the country’s constitution acknowledges free and compulsory education between the ages of 5-16, the rule is often not followed in rural areas for those over age 13.

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ANS – Pakistan – Inauguration of Peter Zago Youth Center: A Beacon of Hope for Quetta’s Youth

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World Bank – Pakistan

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SRI LANKA

(MissionNewswire) A team of young innovators from Don Bosco Infotech, Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka, developed and launched an AI-powered wellness app designed to support students worldwide. The Revyv app is a result of collaboration between Don Bosco Infotech and the Salesian Province of Chennai in India. The project received support from the Father Guezou Foundation and the Salesian Mission Office in Spain.

A Salesian explained, “The initiative reflects the Salesian goal of empowering marginalized youth. Revyv will be offered for free to schools across the Chennai Province. The app was shaped with guidance from Niraivagam, a leading institution for holistic well-being, ensuring its relevance to student wellness. Moving forward, Niraivagam will oversee the app’s implementation across India.”

The Salesian added, “While education is the primary goal for Salesians, we care about our students’ whole person and promote holistic well-being. When students are healthy, they have a better opportunity to focus on their education.”

Salesian missionaries have been operating in Sri Lanka since 1956. In 1963, missionaries set up their first technical institute. Since then, they have established 17 more in locations across the country, as well as youth centers and other programs to help youth in need.

Nine out of 10 people who are poor in Sri Lanka live in rural areas, according to the World Bank. More than 40% of the country’s rural poor are small-scale farmers. Farm production is often hampered by neglect and low investment levels resulting from poor financial services and limited technology.

Sri Lankans are affected by a significant lack of infrastructure including roads, electricity, irrigation systems and communication channels. In several areas of the country, seven out of 10 people have no access to electricity and almost half of the population does not have access to safe drinking water. Malnutrition among children is also common.

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ANS – Sri Lanka – Youth Innovators Launch AI-Powered Wellness App, Revyv

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World Bank – Sri Lanka

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(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Sisters of Mary Immaculate operate six clinics in the remote areas of the dioceses of Mymensingh, Sylhet and Chittagong, Bangladesh, to help reduce maternal and infant mortality, according to an article in Global Sisters Report. The sisters have been working to combat these issues for decades in dispensaries, clinics and hospitals.

“We perform an average of three healthy deliveries every month, and we also have an average of at least 10 pregnant women come every month for advice and regular checkups,” said Salesian Sister Baptista Rema in the article. She has spent more than 25 years providing health care to Indigenous communities in rural areas. Most of her patients are poor, lack basic education and must travel long distances to seek her care.

In the article, Sr. Rema noted, “When I graduated from nursing in 1999 and started working at the Mary Immaculate Dispensary in the Diocese of Sylhet, the infant mortality rate in that area was over 10%, but now it is one or two in 1,000.”

Most of the women she provides medical care for are poor and have no choice but to continue working, risking their pregnancies. Others have lost their pregnancies due to abusive husbands. The challenges for these women in rural areas are severe. But still, the Salesian sisters continue to be a source of support.

One of the women helped by Sr. Rema is Mary Hembrom, who gave birth to her second child after eight years of marriage. She told Global Sisters Report, “I went to the sister for health checkups twice a month, and she delivered my child naturally.” Hembrom is an Indigenous mother of two whose husband is a day laborer and supporting the family on a modest income.

More than 100,000 children in Bangladesh died before their fifth birthday in 2023, and almost two-thirds of these deaths occurred within the first 28 days of life, according to UNICEF.  Despite these statistics, government health authorities recognize the sisters’ contributions toward reducing infant mortality, according to the article.

Rabindranath Pramanik, who works for the Bangladesh government’s health department, said in the article, “Most of the work that the government needs to do is being done by their missionary organizations, and the sisters provide services in remote areas as well.” Pramanik also expressed his gratitude to the sisters for their work.

Sr. Rema is advocating for widespread public health campaigns to reduce child mortality in rural areas. However, government health services are not available in remote areas, private health services operate strictly for profit, and the Indigenous communities remain largely forgotten.

In the article, she concluded, “I will call on donor organizations to come forward to support these rural communities so that they receive proper medical services.”

Bangladesh suffers from poor infrastructure, political instability, corruption and insufficient power supplies. Close to 80% of the country’s population lives in rural areas. Many people who live in remote and rural areas lack access to education, health care and adequate roads. An estimated 36% of the rural population lives below the poverty line and owns no land or assets, experiences persistent food insecurity, and often has very little education.

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Photo courtesy of Global Sisters Report (GSR photo/Stephan Uttom Rozario)

Global Sisters Report – Bangladeshi sisters work to reduce infant mortality in Indigenous communities

Salesian Missions

UNICEF – Bangladesh

World Bank – Bangladesh Poverty

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries had the funding to construct a new chapel in Monchong village, located in Shallang in the state of Meghalaya, India, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The construction of the new chapel has been a significant milestone for the community.

A Salesian noted, “The chapel provides the faithful with a dignified and permanent place to gather for the Holy Eucharist, prayer, receiving Sacraments and community celebrations. But it’s so much more than that. It also serves as a center for youth meetings and gatherings, family prayers, and catechism classes, offering youth and families a nurturing environment to grow in Christian values.”

The construction brought together the villagers and parishioners in a spirit of collaboration while contributing labor and resources. With the chapel in place, the parish priest and catechists can now more effectively reach out, providing catechesis, sacraments, and faith formation programs.

The Salesian added, “The chapel stands as a visible sign of God’s presence in the village, inspiring not only Catholics but also members of other faiths to appreciate the values of peace, unity and prayer. It has also strengthened the bonds of community and faith, in line with the mission of Don Bosco to bring God closer to the young and the poor.”

Subit Sangma, head catechist, said, “Before, we did not have a proper place for worship. We used temporary sheds or people’s houses, which could not always hold everyone, especially during big feasts. It was difficult to keep the faith life organized without a proper chapel. I was excited, but also a little worried about whether it could be completed, since we are a poor village. But seeing everyone come together — priests, benefactors and villagers — gave me courage and joy.”

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Tech Skill Training Program in India has launched a new initiative to teach youth drone and solar technologies, two growing fields with potential for employment and sustainable development. Sponsored by SBI Foundation, the program will empower youth and connect them with careers.

A Salesian noted, “The program reflects Don Bosco Tech’s commitment to aligning its training modules with emerging industries. By focusing on advanced technology, the collaboration with SBI Foundation aims to prepare youth not just for jobs, but for meaningful careers that respond to both economic and environmental needs.”

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Father Garlapati Michael Kishore, vice provincial of the Salesian Hyderabad Province, who commended the joint efforts of Don Bosco Tech and SBI Foundation in preparing youth for the future. He said, “This initiative opens doors to new career opportunities and empowers young people with skills that are both relevant and forward-looking.”

Other dignitaries at the event highlighted the transformative role of skills training and stressed how specialized courses in modern technologies can directly contribute to the green economy and sustainable livelihoods.

Salesian missionaries living and working in India place special emphasis on rescuing and rehabilitating children engaged in child labor. There are Salesian-run programs throughout the country that have helped hundreds of thousands of youth who were vulnerable.

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative. A multidimensionally poor child is one who lacks at least one-third of 10 indicators, grouped into three dimensions of poverty: health, education and standard of living.

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

ANS – India – DB Tech–SBI Foundation Partnership Launches Skill Training for Youth Employment

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the Parish of Damra, located in the village of Dhaigaon in the Goalpara District of the state of Assam, India, have a new chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The Dhaigaon community is primarily a farming community where people cultivate rice.

Father Francis Kalariparampil, the parish priest, joined Father Francis Lakra, the head of Don Bosco School, to bless and inaugurate the chapel which will be used for Catholic Mass, to host prayers, catechesis, and rites, and as a community space for all those who reside in the area.

Jenny Marak, a local resident, noted, “Since the new chapel was built there has been a noticeable shift in consistency and enthusiasm for weekly prayer services and Sunday worship. People report a deeper sense of belonging. We hope that there will be broader engagement and increased attendance in Sunday services and devotions. This shows that the chapel has become a visible, accessible beacon of worship that invites both regulars and newcomers into a closer relationship with God.”

The chapel has also become a hub for neighbors to gather while they share resources and offer each other practical support. Parish outreach programs have increased, reaching even more people.

Marak added, “Youth engagement and family participation has risen, with children experiencing faith as a lived, joyful part of life. More children have begun to attend the Sunday school. The chapel is resonating with families and helping to form the next generation in faith.”

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Prison Ministry at the Berhampore Central Correctional Home in India has been a lifeline for hundreds of inmates, offering vocational training, counseling, legal aid and after-care support.

The ministry operates on the principle that every life, no matter how broken, holds promise. Under the leadership of Father T.L. Francis, it caters to a diverse prison population with a comprehensive rehabilitation model, blending skill building with emotional and psychological healing.

Salesians offer courses in motor mechanics, driving, electrical work, computer literacy and tailoring so that inmates gain practical skills to support a new start after release. Activities like sports, music, and games help restore a sense of normalcy and community. Salesians have a particular focus on women inmates who receive sewing machines and financial assistance to rebuild their lives with dignity.

A Salesian explained, “The mission doesn’t stop at prison walls. The Don Bosco Prison Ministry after-care initiatives provide former inmates with continued support — emotionally, socially, and economically — helping to prevent reoffending and reintegrate them into mainstream society.”

The Salesian noted, “We face the challenge of upgrading vocational tools and technology, vital to keeping programs relevant in today’s fast-changing job market. Another growing concern is the increasing number of young offenders entering correctional facilities. The ministry has issued a clarion call to the wider Salesian community and civil society to collaborate in proactive, preventive interventions that can steer vulnerable youth away from the path of crime.”

The ministry is living testament to the Salesian mission of supporting youth, especially those at risk. As India moves toward a more restorative justice model, the Don Bosco Prison Ministry stands as a pioneering force.

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ANS – India – Don Bosco Prison Ministry: Restoring Dignity and Hope Behind Bars

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries installed a functional borewell at Don Bosco College Chapaguri, located in Assam, India, to address the growing need for a reliable water source on campus. The project was funded by the “Clean Water Initiative” of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

As a result of the project, the college and the 100 hostel students now have a consistent, on-site water supply, significantly reducing dependence on external sources and improving overall campus hygiene and sustainability.

To ensure optimal groundwater availability, a survey was conducted to identify the most suitable location for drilling. A borewell was drilled to access a sustainable aquifer and then a high-capacity submersible pump was installed, along with durable piping and electrical connections to ensure efficient water extraction.

Jimi Basumatary, a resident of Chapaguri and a student at Don Bosco College, described life in the community as peaceful and community-oriented, but marked by limits to basic infrastructure. “Most of us depend on farming and small jobs nearby,” he said. “We live close to nature, but sometimes that means we have to deal with things like water shortages and poor connectivity.”

He expressed a strong desire to see more development in the region — especially in education and employment opportunities for youth. Prior to the borewell project, he explained that the college and the surrounding area struggled with an inconsistent water supply. He said, “We often had to carry water from nearby sources, especially in dry months. It affected sanitation, especially for students in the college and hostel.”

Now that the borewell has been completed and is fully functional, Basumatary added, “There’s a clear improvement. We have a steady supply of water for daily use and cleaning. It has definitely made a difference.”

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

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in the village of West Arnibil, located in Assam, India, completed the St. Jude Chapel thanks to donor support from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

With the funding, Salesians were able to build the chapel, plaster and paint inside, complete wiring for lights and fans, and build the portico and altar for Mass. A ladder was also installed to the roof to pay homage to St. Jude and Blessed Mother Mary.

The village community worked together to complete the chapel, preparing the ground and giving their time and energy for the construction. Every day four to five families arrived to help the masons.

One of those benefiting from the new structure is Vincent Lakra, catechist of the village. He has a wife and two children and comes from a small community known as Adivasis. Before the chapel was built, people had to use a small hut to gather for lessons. There was no room to sit and pray together and no roof to keep out the rain. Lakra is now confident that people will come together more comfortably for the lessons that he teaches.

A Salesian explained, “The people are happy to see a beautiful chapel for them to come and sit and pray. It brings togetherness and people are proud to have a solid structure.”

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Bangalore Rural Educational and Development Society (BREADS) in India, in collaboration with Bosconet and supported by Nestlé India’s CSR initiative, distributed 5,000 essential food kits to flood-affected families across the Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Kottayam districts of Kerala. The initiative, conducted through the Don Bosco Centers in the three districts, provided relief to communities after heavy monsoon rains and flooding.

Each food kit contained rice, pulses, oil, spices and other staples to help meet the urgent needs of families. In Thrissur, 2,000 kits were distributed across two heavily affected areas, and in Ernakulam, 1,000 families benefited from the aid. In Kottayam, 2,000 kits were provided in Kadaplamattom in the Kottayam municipality and Vijayapuram.

Local leaders, municipal officials, and community volunteers collaborated with BREADS and Don Bosco staff to ensure efficient distribution, identifying the most vulnerable families. Representatives from Nestlé India and local government bodies were present at several distribution sites.

A Salesian from BREADS said, “This effort is a testament to what can be achieved when civil society, corporate partners, and local communities come together in the spirit of compassion and service. It’s not just about delivering food — it’s about delivering hope and restoring dignity.”

BREADS extended its  appreciation to all collaborators, especially Bosconet for coordination, Nestlé India for funding support, and the countless volunteers and civic authorities who helped translate a vision of relief into reality. Through initiatives like these, BREADS continues to support communities in need and strives to rebuild their lives of those impacted.

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

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ANS – India – Extending Solidarity: BREADS Delivers 5,000 Relief Kits to Flood-Hit Families in Kerala

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco School CBSE, located in Gunadala, Vijayawada, India, hosted the Vanam Manam program, an initiative aimed to foster environmental consciousness and promote a greener, pollution-free environment. The program included participation from students, parents, teachers and staff.

Held within the school campus, the event featured the planting of saplings, along with community engagement and a collective pledge to care for the planet. The Vanam Manam initiative is part of the school’s broader mission to instill ecological responsibility in youth, especially at a time when the world faces the growing challenges of global warming and environmental degradation.

Speaking at the event, Father Bhaskar, principal, highlighted the importance of afforestation and environmental stewardship. He said, “Every sapling planted is a promise for a healthier planet and a better future.”

Parents were invited as guests of honor, symbolizing the spirit of shared responsibility. They participated alongside their children in planting a variety of saplings.

A Salesian noted, “The school grounds came alive with energy and purpose as students, under the guidance of teachers and parents, engaged in the tree-planting activity. The hands-on experience not only connected them with nature but also reinforced the message that small, consistent actions can bring about significant environmental change. The Vanam Manam initiative stands as a testament to how educational institutions can lead the way in environmental activism, nurturing both trees and the young minds who will protect them.”

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Veedu, located in Thiruvananthapuram in the state of Kerala, India, has graduated seven women from a three-month tailoring course under the Tigress Program, which stands for resiliency and emancipation. The graduates learned new tailoring skills while gaining a strong sense of solidarity and self-esteem. The initiative was jointly organized by the Salesian Cooperators and Don Bosco Veedu.

Students learned sewing skills by creating a variety of garments, including blouses, tops and baby clothes. Of the 10 women enrolled, seven completed the course and were honored during the closing ceremony, which celebrated both skills development and community empowerment.

A Salesian explained, “The impact of the program goes beyond the classroom. Inspired by the success of the pilot group, new candidates have registered for the next session, which is scheduled to start later this month. The program not only promotes self-reliance, but also strengthens the Salesian commitment to supporting marginalized communities through education and empowerment.”

Don Bosco Veedu recently opened to provide skills training and development activities in Thiruvananthapuram. It will also extend the existing interventions in the city and the state of Kerala for people who are marginalized, as well as act as a social work coordinating center for the state.

Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India. While India has the world’s largest youth population, it has yet to capitalize on this, leaving some 30% of this population without employment, education or training.

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Dhisha, located in Hyderabad, India, in collaboration with the Salesian Diocese of Khammam, successfully facilitated employment for 467 young job seekers at a job fair. The event attracted more than 780 participants and featured 27 companies across sectors such as IT, banking, health care, and manufacturing.

Bishop Prakash Sagili, who spoke at the event, told youth, “Today you are job seekers. Tomorrow, strive to become job givers.” The job fair served as a beacon of hope, emphasizing the Salesian focus to empower youth through education and opportunity.

A Salesian noted, “Salesian education is tailored to the local job market. Salesian schools work hard to understand what employment sectors need qualified staff and we work to fill those gaps. Our students, most of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds, learn skills that are highly sought after in the local economy. This allows them to make a smoother school-to-work transition, enabling them to find and retain long-term employment and ensuring their self-sufficiency.”

Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India. India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.

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SRI LANKA

(MissionNewswire) Sixty Buddhist students from the Arambegama mission territory, Sri Lanka, took the Cambridge Final Exam, marking a historic achievement for the Don Bosco Cambridge English Academy. This milestone is the result of six years of groundwork and the perseverance to overcome numerous challenges. Special recognition goes to Father Thomas, rector, and to Father Jesudashan, Father Paul, Brother Sanjeewa and Brother Jipson.

A Salesian noted, “By imparting not only knowledge but also life-changing inspiration, Salesians have empowered these students with a new vision for their future. This achievement stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring spirit of the Don Bosco mission.”

Salesian missionaries have been operating in Sri Lanka since 1956. In 1963, missionaries set up their first technical institute. Since then, they have established 17 more in locations across the country, as well as youth centers and other programs to help youth in need.

Nine out of 10 people who are poor in Sri Lanka live in rural areas, according to the World Bank. More than 40% of the country’s rural poor are small-scale farmers. Farm production is often hampered by neglect and low investment levels resulting from poor financial services and limited technology.

Sri Lankans are affected by a significant lack of infrastructure including roads, electricity, irrigation systems and communication channels. In several areas of the country, seven out of 10 people have no access to electricity and almost half of the population does not have access to safe drinking water. Malnutrition among children is also common.

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Father Dr. Mathew George, in the Salesian Kolkata Province in India, is leading a mission for aiding patients with leprosy in West Bengal. Under Fr. George’s leadership, Don Bosco HRD Mission Dhobasole has provided critical aid to patients at the Leprosy Hospital in Bankura, the largest leprosy treatment center in Eastern India.

While leprosy has been declared eradicated, thousands of people still suffer in neglected regions, facing extreme social stigma. There are 350 men and 150 women who are patients, many lacking basic necessities, from mobility aids to proper storage for belongings.

Fr. George explained, “Our discussions with hospital authorities helped us identify urgent needs beyond what the government could provide. To address these gaps, we supplied 500 bedside lockers, ensuring patients had secure storage for personal items. Recognizing mobility challenges, we provided 50 wheelchairs, 20 tricycles and 50 pairs of crutches, restoring a sense of independence.”

Father Manoj, assistant director, and the team distributed 105 hearing aids to improve communication, along with 120 large umbrellas and 120 ceiling fans to ease living conditions. To enhance medical care, crucial equipment — including ECG machines, stethoscopes, BP monitors, and glucometers — was supplied to ensure better diagnostics and treatment.

Another donation, from Petra Theiner of Sudtirol, provided two battery-operated auto rickshaws to help with transportation for patients. He also donated two large washing machines, and essential personal care items including mattresses, stools, buckets, towels, soap, oil, and clothing.

Don Bosco HRD Mission has supported rehabilitation villages where patients work to reintegrate into society. Initiatives include housing improvements, vocational training and food assistance, offering dignity and hope to former patients.

Marking one year of service, the mission stands as a beacon of compassion, proving that sustained action can uplift even the most marginalized lives.

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Center for Social Action Yadgir and Don Bosco Makkalalaya Mysore in India have been honored by Karnataka district authorities for their outstanding efforts in championing child rights. The recognitions were part of the World Day Against Child Labor celebrations organized across the state on June 12.

The Don Bosco Center for Social Action, under Director Father Francis Shabu, has been at the forefront of safeguarding child rights and promoting education in vulnerable communities. To mark the occasion, the center organized a rally with over 1,400 participants. It was held in collaboration with government departments, spreading a powerful message against child labor and highlighting every child’s right to education.

Don Bosco Makkalalaya, headed by Father Jim Jose, also received a special award for its work with children at risk. The organization also led a rally involving more than 300 participants, joining the Labor Department to advocate for children’s rights and highlight the urgency of ending child labor.

A Salesian noted, “These recognitions underscore the deep commitment of the Salesians of Don Bosco to the cause of children, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized. At the core of these initiatives is BREADS Bangalore, the planning and development office of the Salesian Province, which continues to offer strong support, strategic direction, and resources ― empowering its partner centers to build safer, more just futures for children across Karnataka.”

Salesian missionaries living and working in India place special emphasis on rescuing and rehabilitating children engaged in child labor. There are Salesian-run programs throughout the country that have helped hundreds of thousands of vulnerable youth through the years, and this work continues today.

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative. A multidimensionally poor child is one who lacks at least one-third of 10 indicators, grouped into three dimensions of poverty: health, education and standard of living.

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ANS – India – Don Bosco Centres Honoured for Championing Child Rights

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Society in Raia, India, highlighted the work of Father George Quadros during an event to launch the rainy season crop growing period known as Kharif. The Salesian priest is affectionately known as the “Paddy Man of Goa” for his decade-long contribution to reviving paddy cultivation.

In his address, Chief Minister Dr. Sawant congratulated Fr. Quadros and the Don Bosco Society for their work. He noted, “It is inspiring to witness how Fr. Quadros, who began with just 10,000 square meters of land a decade ago, has now revitalized over 40 lakh square meters, spanning the entire state of Goa.”

Sawant outlined an ambitious goal of cultivating 400 hectares of land over the next decade. Confident in Fr. Quadros’ dedication, Sawant expressed optimism that this target would be achieved ahead of schedule.

Father Clive Telles, provincial of the Salesian Province of Panjim, also praised Fr. Quadros’ dedication, comparing his work to the legacy of St. John Bosco. Fr. Telles commended Fr. Quadros for assembling a team of young professionals, training them in modern farming techniques and empowering them to provide cost-effective farming services to Goa’s agricultural community. He remarked, “Fr. Quadros has brought farmers back to their fields, ensuring that paddy cultivation is efficient and sustainable.”

The event also featured a live demonstration of mechanized farming equipment. Sawant piloted a drone used for spraying crops and operated a paddy sapling transplanter under the guidance of Fr. Quadros. The demonstrations highlighted the role of technology in making farming more efficient and sustainable.

To mark the occasion, new paddy seeds and pressure spraying equipment were distributed to deserving farmers, reaffirming Don Bosco Society’s commitment to empowering farmers, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged. Salesians continue to focus on training youth in modern farming techniques, providing them with access to machinery and promoting cost-effective cultivation methods to boost productivity and income.

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with Don Bosco College in Bangalore, India, are establishing a new canteen thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The canteen will provide a clean space with nutritious food for students, faculty and staff on campus, where there currently is none. The new space will also offer an opportunity for employment for local youth and vendors.

Work is currently underway and on track. The wall masonry work is almost complete, and preparations for the roofing have begun. Future construction will focus on plastering walls and laying the flooring.

Established in 2022, Don Bosco College currently has 570 students enrolled. The students come from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Many students need affordable food options and must seek outside vendors  due to the lack of an organized food service on campus. This is challenging for students and has been impacting their well-being and productivity over time.

“We want our students to be able to eat on campus,” explained a Salesian. “If they are able to access nutritious, affordable food on campus, they won’t have to leave and find it elsewhere. They will be more focused on their studies and enjoying time on the campus with their peers.”

Salesians provide a range of education and social development programs for youth and their families. They work to mitigate the devastating effects of poverty for these families. Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India. While India has the world’s largest youth population, it has yet to capitalize on this, leaving some 30% of this population without employment, education or training.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) John Paul Oraon, a member of the Oraon Indigenous group, field researcher, and interviewer, has released a new documentary “Your sweat nurtures, the tea garden flourishes” featuring tea garden workers and their fight for dignity in Sonali, India. The film premiered for villagers at the Sonali Tea Garden’s Bara Line. Oraon is proud alumnus of Don Bosco Oodlabari and the Department of Social Work at Salesian College Siliguri.

“Sonali’s story is my story,” Oraon told the audience.“Through this film, we show the world what happens when livelihoods vanish in a tea garden, but also how our community fought back.”

The 95-minute documentary looks at the history of Sonali Tea Garden’s closure on Sept. 24, 1973 as a result of a conflict over festival bonuses. Within a year, workers established a cooperative, marking a new milestone with progressive labor practices. In 1977, they distributed a 20% bonus and ensured equal wages, even before the Equal Remuneration Act was enacted in 1976, a historic feat documented by Oraon.

As the field researcher, Oraon’s interviews figures like Mattu Oraon, former vice-chair of the cooperative. During the premiere, Mattu’s words, “We did it. Others can too.” moved many.

The film, produced in Sadri and Kurukh, with subtitles planned in Bengali, Hindi, Nepali, and English, aims for broad accessibility. Directed by Dooars-based filmmaker and social activist Rupam Deb and assisted by Shard Mahali, it champions the cooperative model as a lifeline for other closed tea gardens.

For Oraon, the project was deeply personal. Formed by Don Bosco’s ethos of service and strengthened by his social work education, he views the film as a tribute to his ancestors. “Sonali’s blood and sweat built this garden,” he added. “I’m honored to help tell its story.”

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NEPAL

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco School, located in Chhinchu, Nepal, participated in a demonstration against air and plastic pollution organized by the Chhinchu municipal office. The young students carried a sign, shouted slogans and walked the half-kilometer distance in the heat, pledging to keep the environment clean and prevent plastic pollution.

The students’ participation was organized by the Don Bosco Center in Chhinchu and hosted by the local administrative office of the Bheriganga municipality. Members of the administrative office, members of the area committee, the local primary school, and a host of prominent citizens and elders participated in the event, sending a strong message about the urgent need to act now to preserve nature.

A Salesian noted, “This was a wonderful event for these young students. It gave them an opportunity to learn more about how pollution impacts the environment while understanding the importance of our collective environment impact. The young students, the first group of kindergarten students at the school, also participated in the planting of trees as part of the day’s program.”

The Don Bosco Center in Chhinchu has been providing education, pastoral care and social development since it opened in 2021. The center was started to provide support for people living in the sparsely populated region where few services are available. At the center, Salesians offer classes for nearly 180 students from nursery school through technical and vocational training. Many youth who finish skills training leave the area for work or further education in India.

Salesian missionaries arrived in Nepal in the 1890s and started a secondary school in Siddhipur, a village in the Lalitpur district. Today there are 20 secondary schools and nine Salesian centers in the central-eastern and far-western regions of the country. Salesians provide education and social development programs to aid poor youth and their families.

Nepal is among the least developed countries in the world, with about one-quarter of its population living below the poverty line. Salesian missionaries are still hard at work with long-term reconstruction efforts after a devastating 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, with a second striking on May 12, 2015.

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ANS – Nepal – Don Bosco School children also participated in the demonstration against air and plastic pollution

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Drug Rehabilitation Education and Mentoring Project (DREAM) released an impact study report related to the fight against drug abuse at the Press Club, Thiruvananthapuram, India. Since its launch in November 2021, the DREAM Project, an initiative by Bangalore Rural Educational and Development Society (BREADS), has empowered thousands of youth across 10 districts of Kerala through awareness, counseling, addiction services and rehabilitation, spreading hope and resiliency among vulnerable communities.

The study was conducted by Rajagiri College of Social Sciences in Kalamassery, and it was officially released to the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. An event to mark the occasion was attended by Father Shalbin Kalanchery, vice provincial of the Salesian Province of Bangalore, alongside other distinguished guests.

The program commenced with a welcome address followed by an session on substance use and mental health. The release of the study was introduced by Father Philip Parakatt, state director of the DREAM Project, and a detailed presentation of the study’s findings was delivered by Dr. Reena Merin Cherian and her team from Rajagiri College.

In his keynote address, Fr. Kalanchery highlighted the Salesian commitment to empowering youth, while Father P. S. George, executive director of BREADS, emphasized the collective responsibility of society in combating substance abuse. A discussion panel followed.

A Salesian noted, “We have a collective commitment of civil society, government departments, and development organizations to build a drug-free future for Kerala’s youth. The DREAM Project continues to inspire hope and resilience, proving that strategic collaboration and unwavering dedication can transform lives and communities.”

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

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ANS – India – DREAM Project: A Milestone in Kerala’s Fight against Drug Abuse

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in 18 communities in Hyderabad, India, organized summer activities for youth that are out of school during this time. More than 1,800 youth attend these summer sessions. Many youth are left home alone because school is out but their families still have to work. These families have no options with few financial resources.

The Salesian summer programs, held during April, May and June, offered a supportive solution by providing youth with the opportunity to participate in creative activities and personal development sessions, working on holistic growth and social skills in a pleasant environment.

A Salesian noted, “Salesians strongly believe in the power of group activities to promote collaboration and respect among peers, which is fundamental in the development of children. The goal is to provide a safe and stimulating environment during the summer holidays through educational course to teach foreign language skills and computer literacy, creative workshops in art, dance and music, and sports. Salesians also plan small trips and picnics to visit places of cultural interest in the area.”

Salesian summer camps not only contribute to improving the general well-being of youth but also plays a crucial role in preventing the potential abandonment of youth by their families and child labor exploitation during these school holidays.

Salesians encourage local communities to participate as volunteers, which help to reduce operating costs and foster a sense of belonging. The Salesian Mission Office in Turin, Italy is sponsoring these activities and have launched a campaign among its benefactors to support it.

Salesian missionaries living and working in India place special emphasis on rescuing and rehabilitating children engaged in child labor. There are Salesian-run programs throughout the country that have helped hundreds of thousands of vulnerable youth through the years, and this work continues today.

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative. A multidimensionally poor child is one who lacks at least one-third of 10 indicators, grouped into three dimensions of poverty: health, education and standard of living.

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Students at the Don Bosco Skill Development Center in Parvathipuram, Andhra Pradesh, India, concluded a three-month course aimed at equipping youth who are unemployed — especially those from tribal communities — with essential skills in accounting and financial management.

The training with 45 participants took place from January to March as part of the efforts against unemployment and the promotion of self-sufficiency in the region. Father Medi Sleevaraj, director of the center, emphasized the importance of acquiring skills in today’s ever-evolving job market. He encouraged participants to view education and vocational training as key tools for personal and professional growth, as well as for becoming self-reliant.

A Salesian said, “At the end of the training, all participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity and shared their happiness at having gained new skills that can help them build a better future.”

This initiative is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the local economy. With their newly acquired skills, some students now aim to launch their own businesses, offering accounting services and financial consulting.

Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India. While India has the world’s largest youth population, it has yet to capitalize on this, leaving some 30% of this population without employment, education or training.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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ANS – India – Don Bosco Skill Development Center Promotes Self-Sufficiency to Combat Unemployment

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: 45 students graduate with accounting, financial management skills first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Development Society, the social service arm of the Salesian Province of Kolkata, has built its 500th home for people living in Kapali Bagan, located in the Tangra area of Kolkata, India. The houses offer residents a secure dwelling, which helps provide a significant step toward a better quality of life.

Kapali Bagan is home to numerous families living precariously along a major drainage canal. Residents often reside under makeshift shelters of plastic sheets and bamboo poles on the canal banks. The area is also characterized by its proximity to dumping grounds, where many locals earn their livelihood by scavenging for recyclable materials.

At the recent ceremony, Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Calcutta blessed and presented the keys to the family, marking the culmination of six years of dedicated effort by the Don Bosco Development Society. The event marked the completion of 40 newly constructed homes, bringing the total number of houses built by the organization to 500.

A Salesian noted, “Established in 1997, Don Bosco Development Society is committed to uplifting underprivileged communities by tackling poverty, ignorance and malnutrition. This low-cost housing initiative provides a dignified living space for families residing in the challenging conditions of Kapali Bagan.”

The initiative was launched by Father Mathew George, former assistant professor at Salesian College Sonada and Siliguri, during his tenure as secretary of the Kolkata Provincial. Salesian plan to continue the construction of low-cost houses as there are several hundreds of families that are in need.

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ANS – India – Don Bosco Development Society Celebrates 500th Low-Cost Home for Kolkata Slum Dwellers

Don Bosco Development Society

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: 500th house built for family in need first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Youth from Don Bosco Anbu Illam in Coimbatore, India, had their dreams come true with their first plane ride thanks to the support of Round Table India, Ladies Circle India, and GEM Hospital. The 25 youth flew from Coimbatore to Chennai in an adventure filled with learning and inspiration.

A Salesian explained, “Accompanied by three staff members, the children boarded the plane for what was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Upon arriving in Chennai, they embarked on an enriching city tour, visiting the planetarium and aquarium. The young travelers expressed immense joy and gratitude, cherishing an experience that will remain etched in their hearts forever.”

Don Bosco Anbu Illam works primarily with youth who are at risk and who were once living on the streets. It provides care, protection and empowerment of children and youth who are vulnerable. Salesians established street contact centers in prominent spots in Coimbatore in 1995 to protect children from becoming child laborers. Currently, Salesians have established street contact centers in the Ukkadam railway station, Singanallur bus stand, Gandhipuram bus stand and Pollachi bus stand.

Salesian missionaries living and working in India place special emphasis on rescuing and rehabilitating children engaged in child labor. There are Salesian-run programs throughout the country that have helped hundreds of thousands of vulnerable youth through the years, and this work continues today.

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative. A multidimensionally poor child is one who lacks at least one-third of 10 indicators, grouped into three dimensions of poverty: health, education and standard of living.

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ANS – India – “Flight of Fantasy”: A Dream Takes Wings for the Children of “Don Bosco Anbu Illam”

Don Bosco Anbu Illam

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: Youth experience their first flight first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries had the funding for renovating the Mission Hostel, located in Gobarhati, Murshidabad, India, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. With the funding, Salesians upgraded the dormitory hall, bathrooms and plumbing, kitchen, and staircase. Salesians also repaired windows, doors, fans, and lighting, as well as painted and built a new food storage room.

The hostel provides accommodations for 60 youth who are poor and in grades 1-12. A Salesian noted, “These youth are from families who migrate across states in India in search of work opportunities and a better life. They often don’t have the funding for a stable living environment and education for the children without support.”

Rajdeep Tudu is one of the youth who benefited from this project. Currently studying in Class I, Tudu lost both of his parents in an accident. He was initially cared for by his grandmother but has since found a new home at the Mission Hostel. He is now attending school and enjoying a safe, supportive environment where he can grow and learn.

The Salesian noted, “This project has not only changed Rajdeep’s life but has also positively impacted the wider community. The improved facilities — such as renovated washrooms and a more comfortable hall — are now used by both the hostel residents and for orientations, meetings, and other gatherings.”

Dev Mardi in Class 9 is another student who benefited from this project. During his stay at the hostel, Mardi has learned many valuable life skills. He regularly serves during daily Mass in the church, assists in the kitchen, cares for the younger boys, and takes the lead in prayers and singing. He is also very active in games and participates in all hostel activities.

Salesians provide a range of education and social development programs for youth and their families in India. They work to mitigate the devastating effects of poverty for these families.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: Salesians renovate hostel for youth thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Suraksha Migrants Desk, an initiative by Don Bosco Snehalaya that supports migrants in Vadodara, India, was recently recognized as the best social service organization working for the city’s migrant community. The initiative serves youth who migrate to cities and small towns in search of employment, as well as entire families who move together in search of a better future.

Once in their new locations, migrants face injustice, mistreatment, harsh living conditions, poverty, exploitation, bonded labor and other challenging circumstances. The migrant help desk aims to address these challenges head-on by providing resources.

The award, which comes from the Sakshamthad Foundation of Parul University, reinforces the importance of the desk’s continued efforts. Father Baptist Monteiro, director, along with the team members of the migrants desk, received the award from Hon. Praful Pansheriya, minister for Education and Tribal Development within the government of Gujarat.

A Salesian explained, “It is our collective responsibility to address these challenges and work toward empowering our migrant communities so they too can enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted. We must also assist them in accessing their rightful share of government programs, empowering them to stand on their own feet. Suraksha Migrants Desk remains committed to reaching out to migrant families and individuals, providing support that fosters their upliftment, safety, security and development.”

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative. A multidimensionally poor child is one who lacks at least one-third of 10 indicators, grouped into three dimensions of poverty: health, education and standard of living.

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

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ANS – India – Suraksha Migrants Desk Vadodara Honored as Best Social Organization for Migrants Services

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: Migrants empowered through award-winning initiative first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Learning Center in Quetta, Pakistan, celebrated 23 years of providing education for students of all ages who are poor or marginalized. To mark the occasion, students and teachers organized a special event attended by Father Pervez Raza, parish priest of Christ the King Parish and vicar general of the Apostolic Vicariate of Quetta.

A Salesian said, “To make the day even more special, a new skills training center for youth and women and youth was inaugurated. Many young people and community members participated in the event and celebrated the arrival of the new fully equipped center. Salesians want to ensure that youth and women are empowered to access education.”

During the celebration, Komal Munir, a 10th-grade student, gave an emotional account of Don Bosco’s presence in Quetta, while Zarbano Muhammad Ali highlighted the current services of the center. Father Samuel Adnan, rector of the center, described the event as an act of gratitude to God and the community, especially honoring Father Pietro Zago, the Salesian who dedicated his life to educating young minds and nurturing their potential.

Last year, the center launched an early learning program for children ages 3-4, laying the foundation for educational development. In addition to promoting individual growth, the program seeks to have a positive impact on the local community by forming young students who are confident, socially aware and curious. The goal is to empower a generation that contributes significantly to Quetta’s progress.

Salesian institutions are open to youth of all faiths. The schools provide economic benefits, scholarships and accommodations for students from the families most in need so that education is not only accessible but also an incentive for parents to send their children to school. Pakistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in South Asia at less than 50%. Although the country’s constitution acknowledges free and compulsory education between the ages of 5-16, the rule is often not followed in rural areas for those over age 13.

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ANS – Pakistan – Don Bosco Learning Center in Quetta Celebrates 23 Years of Commitment to Youth Education

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Pakistan

The post PAKISTAN: Center celebrates 23 years providing education for youth in need first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Vazhikaatti, a Salesian institution that provides career guidance, training and job placement within the Salesian Province of Tiruchy, India, conducted a mentoring program for older youth at Don Bosco Care Home in Nilavarapatti.

This program aims to assist youth who, upon turning 18, leave child care institutions but still need guidance to secure education, employment and stability. The initiative focused on supporting students as part of the aftercare program.

A Salesian explained, “Many of these youth face significant challenges. Salesian institutions play a crucial role in mentoring and empowering youth to help them develop independent and dignified lives.”

Father Ricopar Rayan, director of Don Bosco Care, launched the program with an emphasis on the importance of discipline and perseverance in building a successful career.

The Salesian added, “Youth expressed deep gratitude, acknowledging that this program is not just an initiative but a lifeline, providing them with opportunities they never thought possible. With thousands of students preparing for government job placements, access to proper career guidance remains a challenge — especially for underprivileged youth who lack resources and structured preparation. This project aims to bridge that gap by offering expert coaching, career counseling and mentorship.”

Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India. While India has the world’s largest youth population, it has yet to capitalize on this, leaving some 30% of this population without employment, education or training.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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Sources:

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

ANS – India – Mentoring and Empowering Young Adults Toward an Independent and Dignified Life: The “Don Bosco Vazhikaatti” Project in Tiruchy

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: Mentorship program prepares older youth for future first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Niraivu Psychological Empowerment Program held a graduation ceremony at the Don Bosco Evening Study Center in Thalavadi, India. The graduation marked the culmination of a year-long program for 87 tribal children from 15 villages and also highlighted the work of their teachers.

A Salesian said, “The graduation served as a platform to celebrate the achievements, acknowledge the efforts, and encourage the continued progress of these children and their teachers. The function aimed to foster a sense of pride and belonging, while reinforcing the importance of holistic personality development within the tribal community.”

Throughout the graduation, youth were encouraged to pursue their dreams. Speeches by educators and well-wishers, the distribution of participation certificates and mementos, and appreciation of the sponsors were part of the ongoing support for tribal communities.

The Salesian added, “The event served as a testament to the dedication of the organizers and the resilience of the tribal community. It is hoped that the momentum generated will contribute to the continued progress and empowerment of tribal children by Don Bosco mission in the Nilgiris region.”

Salesians understand that mental health is as important as physical health. Programs like this encourage youth to understand themselves better and support them in challenges that they might be facing now and in the future.

In India, Salesians provide a range of education and social development programs for youth and their families. They work to mitigate the devastating effects of poverty for these families.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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Sources:

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

ANS – India – Psychological Empowerment Programme for Tribal Children – a joint venture by Niraivagam and a group of Families

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: Students graduate from psychological empowerment program first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Bosco Education & Skill Training Center for Women, part of the Konkan Development Society in the Gadag district, Karnataka, India, offered skills training to vulnerable women thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. There were 290 women who took part in the training.

The women, aged 18-35, took tailoring and computer classes to help improve their life circumstances. The initiative is part of the self-help groups that Salesians developed to help women become financially self-sufficient and be able to better care for their families.

One of the beneficiaries is a woman with four children, including one child with physical disabilities. Her husband’s earnings are low and she has to be home to care for the children. Through the training, she has been able to work from home stitching clothing and now earns enough money to contribute financially to the household.

Salesian missionaries living and working in India and in more than 130 countries around the globe are focused on achieving gender equality through rights training, education and workforce development programs targeted specifically for women and girls. These programs strive to empower women and girls by providing opportunities for education and training that lead to livable wage employment and their independence from violence and exploitation.

“Salesian missionaries provide educational programs to help ensure that women and girls in poverty and with little access to education have the skills needed for employment,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “The goal is to help people become self-sufficient, which aids their families and communities.”

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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Sources:

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: Salesians empower women with skills training thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Network in India, part of BREADS – Bangalore Rural Education and Development Society, joined with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights in a nationwide campaign to combat child labor. The Pan-India Rescue and Rehabilitation Campaign 2.0, which ran from Jan. 10 to March 31, aimed to rescue and rehabilitate children working in hazardous environments.

In the Karnataka State, Don Bosco PYAR, along with officials from the railway police, rescued eight laborers ages 14-16 from the Gulbarga railway station limits. The youth were found barefoot and in torn clothes, working in a highly exploitative system. They are from a tribal community in Madhya Pradesh and were brought to the area by a contractor to work on railway track maintenance for more than 12 hours daily without enough food and a place to sleep. Those rescued were brought before the District Child Welfare Committee and admitted to a Boys Shelter Home. First Information Reports have been filed against those contractors and middlemen under various laws.

This team also rescued another 12 children under the Pan-India Rescue and Rehabilitation Campaign.

A Salesian explained, “The 12 girls are housed in a child labor center and preparations for their re-enrollment in school are underway while counseling and house visits are carried out to educate their parents about the need for sending children to school. Don Bosco Devadurga runs a home for the rescued girls, and through a bridge course program, they will be ready to join mainstream school education.”

In Devadurga Taluk, transport vehicles loaded with adults and children being taken to the fields for labor are a common sight. Youth are used as seasonal laborers, which means they lose significant time away from school and often end up dropping out because of the resulting learning gaps.

The Salesian added, “The Don Bosco team is vigilant during every harvest season to track and rescue child laborers. This year, they played an integral role in 16 raids on transport vehicles, rescuing 42 child laborers, 30 of whom were boys who are now re-enrolled to mainstream schools after a few motivational classes and counseling.”

Child labor is a complex systemic problem that requires multi-pronged efforts and collaboration to solve it. These interventions during the campaign reinforced the collective responsibility of government, non-government agencies, private agencies and individuals to eradicate child labor.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Don Bosco South Asia

ANS – India – Crack Down on Child Labour; Rescues Several Children in Karnataka

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: Salesians rescue children and youth forced into labor first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Dhisha organized a free mobile repair service camp at St. Joseph School in Parvathipuram, Andhra Pradesh, India, in partnership with GMR, a large Indian infrastructure conglomerate. The initiative showcased the technical skills acquired by Don Bosco Dhisha students while offering a valuable service to the local community.

At the event, Father Sleevaraj, director of Don Bosco Dhisha, highlighted the importance of skill development and self-employment opportunities for the region’s youth. Mr. Nagaraju, program manager at GMR, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and praised the initiative’s impact on the trainees and the community.

A Salesian noted, “A total of 30 trained students participated in the camp, diagnosing and repairing mobile phone issues ranging from screen replacements to software troubleshooting of over 200 customers free of charge. Their expertise, gained through Don Bosco Dhisha’s skill development program, was put to practical use as they assisted residents throughout the day. The students were aided by faculty.”

At the end of the event, Father B. Suman, assistant director, thanked the GMR team, faculty members, and students for their dedication and hard work. He emphasized the power of skill-based learning and encouraged more youth to take advantage of similar training programs for a brighter future.

Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India. While India has the world’s largest youth population, it has yet to capitalize on this, leaving some 30% of this population without employment, education or training.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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Sources:

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

ANS – India – Free Mobile Repair Camp Empowers Youth and Serves Community

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: Students run mobile repair service camp to benefit community first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Jaigopal Garodia Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School in Choolaimedu, India, has a new STEM lab thanks to alumni from Don Bosco Egmore and Grundfos Pumps India Pvt Ltd. A group of 1997 alumni wanted to ensure that the school had an enhanced learning environment for its students.

According to an article in the Hindu Newspaper, the school has designed a three-year hands-on program for 50 students in grades 6 and 7, focusing on basic to advanced STEM concepts, including physics, electronics, robotics, AI and aerospace. Students will have sessions with industry experts and participate in industry visits as part of the program. They will also be given career guidance in grades 10 and 12 and be eligible to apply to LMES Foundation’s college education scholarship program.

This initiative is a step toward achieving the state government’s mission of bridging the gender ratio gap in the STEM workforce. The sponsors, Grundfos Pumps India and the Don Bosco alumni, as well as the LMES Foundation, believe that this initiative will have a measurable impact on the number of girls who enroll for in science in grade 11 and beyond to college.

Deepu Anthony, one of the Don Bosco alums, said in the article, “This program is an experiment we are carrying out with Jaigopal Garodia Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School. Analyzing the measurable outcomes, we will see how this program can be taken to other state government schools. We decided to bring LMES Foundation on board as the implementation partner, as its parent company, LMES Academy, is engaged in establishing STEM labs in private schools. The foundation has also been conducting a one-day STEM education orientation for the schools.”

Anthony added, “In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when education went online, our alumni donated 150 laptops for students of an Adi Dravidar School. After that, when education returned to physical classrooms from 2022 to 2024, we also built classrooms in government schools. We aim to tackle at least one social project every year.”

Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India. While India has the world’s largest youth population, it has yet to capitalize on this, leaving some 30% of this population without employment, education or training.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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Sources:

Hindu Newspaper article by Prince Frederick

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

ANS – India – Don Bosco Alumni ‘Gift’ a STEM Lab to Government School

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: Don Bosco Egmore alumni donate STEM lab to girls’ school first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Central School in Kattappana, India, has installed the Health ATM, which is a self-service kiosk that offers health check-ups and is available to students, parents and the local community.

Equipped with advanced medical technology, the Health ATM allows users to monitor vital health parameters such as blood pressure, blood sugar levels, body mass index, oxygen saturation, temperature and more — all within minutes.

According to Father Varghese Edathichira, the school’s principal, this preventive health care initiative is part of a holistic approach to ensuring the well-being of students, teachers, parents and the wider community. He explained, “By addressing both physical and mental health, we aim to create a healthy and supportive learning environment.”

Salesian missionaries offer more than 150 medical clinics and hospitals in mostly rural areas around the globe that serve a wide range of medical care needs of youth and their families. Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, said, “Salesians ensure that poor youth and their families have access to critical health services. Through hospitals, dispensaries, and mobile medical clinics, and technology like what’s being used in India, Salesians are addressing the medical needs of those in often remote areas that have little access to care.”

Salesians provide a range of education and social development programs for poor and at-risk youth and their families in India. They work to mitigate the devastating effects of poverty for these families.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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

ANS – India – The “Health ATM” at Don Bosco Central School in Kattapana

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: School uses technology for free health check-ups first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Academy, located in Nalgonda in the state of Telangana, India, is able to help youth access education through the purchase of a school bus thanks to Mission Don Bosco, the Salesian Mission Office in Turin, Italy. The bus has a significant impact on the lives of many youth and their families.

Don Bosco Academy is located in an area where nearly half of the population lives in poverty. One of the major challenges the school faced was the lack of an efficient public transportation system, which made it difficult for both students and qualified teachers to reach the school.

Since getting the bus, school enrollment has risen from 315 students to 450. There is greater attendance for both students and teachers. School dropout rates have also been reduced, with more youth completing their education. Students are able to take the journey to and from school more safely, and staff have greater mobility, improving teaching quality and overall school operations.

Don Bosco Academy is dedicated to supporting children and young people from challenging backgrounds. Nalgonda is a town of approximately 110,000 inhabitants, situated in the heart of an agricultural district long affected by poverty and underdevelopment. Today, the situation has worsened due to climate change. There are prolonged droughts at times then destructive floods, threatening crops and making the livelihoods of local communities increasingly precarious. Most families, composed mainly of farmers who are poor and often don’t have an education, struggle to meet their basic needs such as food, education, and health care.

A Salesian explained, “The benefits of this project extend beyond just the school. They positively impact families and the entire community. Families have experienced reduced financial and logistical burdens related to school transportation, while the community has witnessed educational progress and the development of a more supportive environment for youth growth and learning.”

Salesians have extended their thanks to Mission Don Bosco, “Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and thanks to you, many children in Nalgonda will receive an education that will guide them for life. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Mission Don Bosco

ANS – India – A School Bus That Represents Hope and a Future at “Don Bosco Academy” in Nalgonda

Mission Don Bosco

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: New school bus improves access to education for youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Students at Don Bosco University in Assam, India, recently took part in the Campus Bird Count, a unique citizen science initiative aimed at documenting bird species found in educational institutions, research campuses, nongovernmental organizations’ premises and other green spaces. It is an integral part of the Great Backyard Bird Count, a global effort that engages thousands of birdwatchers in recording and monitoring bird species annually.

On Feb. 14, students conducted the Campus Bird Count 8.0 led by Dr. Biswajit Chakdar, assistant professor in the department of zoology, along with alumni of the department. Before the bird count, Chakdar provided a detailed briefing on how to use the eBird application for real-time data entry and checklist submission. He also explained the importance of the initiative and how regular bird observations help in understanding long-term population trends and habitat preferences. A total of 88 participants took part in the event including five alumni.

A Salesian noted, “During the event, 20 bird checklists were uploaded on eBird. The survey recorded a total of 55 bird species, including both wetland and terrestrial birds, showcasing the rich avian diversity of the mosaic habitat of Tapesia Campus. The Campus Bird Count 8.0 was a resounding success, engaging students, faculty, and alumni in birdwatching, biodiversity conservation, and citizen science participation.”

This event is among many environmentally driven initiatives that Salesian colleges, schools, and centers in India and around the globe have undertaken in the last few years. Many of these efforts are in response to Pope Francis’ 2020 Laudato Si’, the theme of which was “Good Christians and Upright Citizens.” In the document, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of education and training in helping youth foster environmental responsibility.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Campus Bird Count at Assam Don Bosco University

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: Students track birds as part of global initiative first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Bangalore Rural Educational and Development Society (BREADS) has opened Don Bosco Veedu in Thiruvananthapuram in the state of Kerala, India, to provide skills training and social support for youth who are marginalized. It will also act as a social work coordinating center for the state. BREADS received financial assistance from JuWe in Switzerland.

Since 2001, BREADS has supported efforts of Don Bosco Manacaud, including rescue and rehabilitation interventions, community health, skills training for youth and women empowerment, slum development, migrant services, and addiction prevention programs.

Don Bosco Manacaud, founded in 1991 in Trivandrum, has been reaching out to children and youth on the street through various services including Childline hotlines, an exclusive Railway Childline to protect children at railway stations, and two rehabilitation centers that offer education and skills training. Salesians expanded their work with education classes for others living in poverty and to promote skills training among youth and women.

To impact even more people, the Don Bosco Veedu hub will promote development activities and skills training programs in Thiruvananthapuram. The work will also significantly extend the existing interventions to more areas in the city as well as the state of Kerala.

A Salesian explained, “As a coordinating center of social work for the state of Kerala, the center will facilitate all the networking programs as a social service center to empower youth and women through various initiatives, including vocational skill training, a counseling center and a migrant help desk.”

JuWe’s partnership and the dedicated involvement of the local Don Bosco community has been important in making the center a reality. In partnership with the local Don Bosco community, BREADS plans to expand services that will positively impact thousands of youth in need in Kerala.

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

ANS – India – Salesian Province of Bangalore Opens Social Service Centre for vulnerable in society

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: Social work hub opens to reach more people with services first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Tech Society in India has launched new hospitality skills training for 2,500 women and youth who are disadvantaged. In partnership with Marriott International and Accenture India, the training will be carried out across 11 Indian states to help bridge a skills gap in the hospitality industry.

The training is designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills and hands-on experience, preparing them for entry-level roles in the hospitality industry.

A Salesian said, “The partnership forged with Marriott International, Accenture, and Don Bosco Tech Society signifies a major step toward bridging the skill gap in the hospitality sector.”

Father George Mathew, executive director of Don Bosco Tech Society, gave the welcome address at the inauguration ceremony. This was followed by a welcome song performed by the students of Don Bosco Skill Mission, featuring the Don Bosco Tech Anthem, and a dance performance. Twenty-two officials from Accenture and Marriot attended the program. The event concluded with an interactive session between the leaders and students, allowing them time to engage with industry experts and gain insights into career opportunities.

Speaking at the event, Ranju Alex, vice president of Marriott International South Area, said, “Marriott’s core values are deeply rooted in the belief that everyone deserves equal opportunities. Unfortunately, barriers often prevent many talented individuals from pursuing their aspirations. Through this initiative, we aim to empower youth by providing them with the right skills to build rewarding careers in the hospitality sector.”

Kshitija Krishnaswamy, managing director of corporate citizenship at Accenture, added, “We are excited to collaborate with Marriott International and Don Bosco Tech Society on this project, which reflects our commitment to creating impact at scale. By providing youth with the resources and opportunities needed to be employment-ready in today’s competitive environment, we are investing in both their future and the long-term sustainability of the workforce.”

Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India. While India has the world’s largest youth population, it has yet to capitalize on this, leaving some 30% of this population without employment, education or training.

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ANS – India – “Marriott” and “Accenture” partner with “Don Bosco Tech” in the Hospitality Sector

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian community in Nerul, Mumbai, India, recently launched a job placement and career services office named Don Bosco Avsar to empower and support youth who are disadvantaged. The word “avsar” means opportunity, and the name signifies the commitment Salesians have to help youth access job opportunities that will provide a stable and happy future.

Efforts are aimed primarily at youth who are struggling to find suitable employment. The new facility was blessed and opened by Father Barnabe D’Souza, rector in Nerul. Speaking during the opening, Father Allwyn Misquitta, the driving force behind Don Bosco Avsar, highlighted the challenges faced by job seekers, especially those from marginalized communities. He emphasized that the new organization would be a vital platform where individuals could find job opportunities that align with their skills and aspirations. The launch was followed by “Mega Job Fair 2025” held on Feb. 1.

A Salesian noted, “The event was an excellent opportunity for job seekers to connect with potential employers and find employment opportunities in various sectors. The were 915 youth who were seeking jobs. Salesians brought together 72 job providers, which included corporations, nongovernmental organizations and other employers. These recruiters provided information on wide range of job vacancies, which was hugely beneficial to the job seekers. It also helped the young people understand the variety of career choices available today and to build contacts with industry.”

The event was organized in collaboration with the Bombay Catholic Sabha and the Association of Muslim Professionals. The Salesian added, “Thanks to this initiative, the more than 900 youth who participated in this job fair experienced a strong sense of renewed hope in their lives.”

Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India. While India has the world’s largest youth population, it has yet to capitalize on this, leaving some 30% of this population without employment, education or training.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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

ANS – India – Bringing Hope Through Job Opportunities: the Don Bosco Avsar centre

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: New job placement organization increases opportunities for youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in the Don Bosco Mission Ponnur, in the city of Ponnur, Andhra Pradesh, India, have a new vehicle for their mission work thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The new vehicle is ensuring that Salesians have the reliable transportation they need for promoting spiritual growth, community engagement, and education through various programs and initiatives.

The donation will impact 500 families, including 320 youth, living in villages. Salesians will be able to prepare people for the celebration of sacraments and teach catechism to children and older youth. Salesians will also be able to conduct youth pastoral retreats and seminars. Without the transportation, Salesians would not be able to reach these remote areas.

Father Charan, parish priest, said, “With the new four-wheeler, we can now reach the villages smoothly and on time, which was a struggle before. Our old vehicle often broke down, making it difficult to fulfill our ministry. Now, the Salesians, Sisters, and catechists can travel together every evening for the celebration of the sacraments. This has been a huge blessing for us. I am grateful for the donation.”

A catechist in the mission explained, “For years, we struggled to travel together to the villages, but now, with the new vehicle, we can travel as a team every day. This has made a huge difference in our spiritual work with the faithful.”

Salesians provide a range of education and social development programs for poor and at-risk youth and their families in India. They work to mitigate the devastating effects of poverty for these families.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesians in Rajahmundry, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, are working to address the challenges that migrant workers face. Salesians recently held an event with Father Francis Bosco, coordinator of pastoral care for migrants in South Asia, who spoke about the issues and stressed the role of organizations in bringing these problems to the attention of the government.

The event was organized thanks to the collaboration between People’s Action for Rural Awakening, Women and Child-Friendly Rajahmundry and Don Bosco for Migrants.

A Salesian explained, “The goal of the event was to make sure that migrant workers have what they need. During the event, there was discussion about the launch of awareness-raising programs for migrant workers and posting useful phone numbers in very busy places, such as train stations and bus stops. We also discussed measures that have already been taken to ensure the well-being of workers and the commitment to collaborate with organizations to solve any problem that migrant workers face.”

Much of the population in India is under age 35 and is looking for work wherever they can find it. This often leads to internal migration to larger cities. These youth become laborers, drivers or helpers in shops and domestic labor. Many are from the Uttar Pradesh and Bihar states, where populations are rising faster than elsewhere in the country.

Salesians are working in Rajahmundry and in cities across India to provide support and services for young migrants who face challenges in finding stable work, housing, food, health care and safety.

India’s youth also face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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ANS – India – A consultation programme in support of migrant workers

People’s Action for Rural Awakening

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have released data from a study on the migration population in the Satgaon Parish in the Salesian Province of Guwahati, India. According to the survey, 1,596 individuals, 932 men and 664 women, have migrated to various parts of the country for work. In January, Salesians held an awareness workshop for 200 young migrant workers titled “Go Safe, Stay Safe” to help educate about the challenges of migration.

Father Albert Thyrniang, the parish priest, shared insights from a comprehensive survey that was conducted across all 31 villages of Satgaon Parish between May and September 2024. The survey uncovered the migration trends within the parish. Mumbai emerged as the top destination, attracting 782 workers, followed by Bangalore with 274 and Kerala with 96.

The age distribution of migrants revealed concerning patterns including the age of most of the migrants. Significantly, 255 of the survey respondents were 18-20 years old. The survey noted that 501 individuals were aged 21-25, 388 were aged 26-30, 322 were aged 36-40, and 199 were aged 31-35.

Migrants found employment in companies, as domestic helpers and in restaurants. During the event, migrant workers shared their personal experiences, shedding light on the challenges of prolonged separation from their families and the positive aspects of their work.

Father Ignatius Gari, associate director of Bosco Reach Out and coordinator for Migrant Workers of the Guwahati Province, attended the event. In his address, Fr. Gari highlighted the mission and activities of Don Bosco for Migrants, a nationwide organization that collaborates with various agencies to support migrant workers. He also discussed key issues affecting migrants, including the causes of migration, safe migration practices, challenges and risks, and the rights of migrant workers. Further, Fr. Gari stressed the importance of financial savings, skill training, and awareness of training opportunities provided by Bosco Reach Out and other agencies.

A Salesian noted, “During the event church and local leaders, while commending the migrants for their dedication to supporting their families, also expressed concerns about certain trends, such as school and college dropouts, minor migration, and the impact of family separation, with members often living in different locations.”

Salesians are working to ensure that if youth are leaving to find employment that they do so safely. They are also working to provide education and employment options so that youth are able to remain in their villages and find the opportunities they need to thrive.

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ANS – India – Satgaon Parish Survey Reveals Migration Trends: Mumbai Tops Destinations, Boldampara Leads Source Villages

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Cares for Our Common Home, part of Don Bosco College Yelagiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, India, organized the Mega Tree Plantation Drive. This initiative encouraged students, staff, and stakeholders to take responsibility for the environment and contribute toward building a sustainable future.

The entire community came together to plant 300 tree saplings including teak, water apple, mahogany and rosewood. The saplings were planted strategically on the college campus in the surrounding area to restore and protect nature.

A Salesian said, “This tree planting drive significantly enhanced the greenery of the campus and its neighboring areas, creating an immediate visual impact and setting the foundation for long-term environmental benefits. Beyond planting trees, the event was a call to action, inspiring all stakeholders to become proactive guardians of the environment.”

He added, “Through this initiative, Don Bosco College not only aims to nurture these trees but also to cultivate a lasting sense of environmental stewardship among its students and the larger community. This collective commitment underscores the college’s vision to contribute meaningfully to a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.”

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market. Salesians provide a range of education and social programs to help support youth and their families.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Nurturing Nature: Mega Tree Plantation Drive at Don Bosco College

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Prison Ministry in Kolkata, India offers people in prison the skills and new opportunities to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. Salesians provide skills development, social integration, legal assistance, social awareness programs and family welfare programs.

A Salesian explained, “Male inmates participate in education programs like mechanics, electronics and computer science while female inmates focus primarily on dressmaking. Salesians are also working to expand the training available. For the 103 inmates enrolled in the technical courses at the Berhampore Central Correctional Home in West Bengal, Salesians have partnered with DB Tech and the Schneider Project to increase the kinds of professional training available.”

The Salesian Prison Ministry has received several awards for its pioneering work. Among these, the Certificate of Appreciation of the National Authority for Legal Services was awarded in 2006 to the Presidency Correctional Home in Kolkata. The award recognized the commitment to protect the rights of marginalized individuals in correctional homes.

Father Biju Michael, regional councilor for South Asia and president of the Conference of Salesian Provincials of South Asia, praised the efforts of the prison ministry. On the 25th anniversary of the program, Fr. Michael stressed the importance of expanding its scope beyond the current Salesian province borders. Established in 1995, the ministry was founded by Father N.T. Scaria in collaboration with Father T.L. Francis.

Salesians have also organized a soccer tournament between the prison staff and inmates. The event showed the power of teamwork in promoting hope and rehabilitation. The documentary “Joy Behind Bars: Don Bosco Prison Ministry” raises awareness about the need for this kind of resource in prisons and highlights the good Salesians are doing with the ministry.

Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India and this is especially true for prisoners coming out of prison often with little skills. One of the ways to ensure that they don’t return to prison is to offer education and a hope for a better life.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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

ANS – India – Salesian Prison Ministry: offering prisoners skills and opportunities

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: Prison ministry offers critical skills training for rebuilding lives first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

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

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

A Salesian explained, “Navajeevan Bala Bhavan adopts a holistic approach to support HIV-affected communities, focusing on nutrition, education and moral upliftment. It provides low-cost, nutritious meals to promote healthy living, organizes monthly gatherings to reduce stigma, and ensures regular home visits by volunteers to assist patients with ART medication follow-ups. To empower families economically, the organization offers income-generation programs such as tailoring, kirana shops, flower vending, and garment sales. Additionally, cultural events, competitions, outings, and financial aid for education help children overcome societal stigma and work toward a brighter future.”

For as much success the program has had, there are challenges. The Salesian noted, “We lack continuous donor support and have inadequate nutrition resources and limited societal employment opportunities for affected individuals. However, through strong collaborations with government bodies, health care institutions, and other organizations, Navajeevan Bala Bhavan continues to make a meaningful impact, reducing HIV-related health issues and empowering communities.”

Navajeevan Bala Bhavan plans to expand its volunteer base, build leadership among individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and create greater societal awareness about HIV. The organization also aims to sustain its nutrition programs through increased collaboration with like-minded organizations and support from benefactors.

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ANS – India – Salesian Community in INH Honoured for Exceptional Support to HIV-Infected Individuals

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: Salesians recognized for nutrition programs serving children impacted by HIV/AIDS first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Chinchwad in India inaugurated the Don Bosco Blue Star Training Center to give youth access to high-quality skills training. Salesians have partnered with Blue Star, a leading heating, ventilation, air conditioning and commercial refrigeration company. The Theory Lab, a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance the learning experience of the trainees, was also inaugurated.

An event was held to launch the center with dignitaries from Blue Star and Don Bosco in attendance. Akshat Sharma, vice-president of technical training of Blue Star; N. Kumaresan, deputy general manager of training from Blue Star; and Father Blany Pinto, provincial councilor; cut the ribbon signifying the start of the Blue Star Training Center.

In Sharma’s speech, he emphasized that the partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration in shaping the future of youth. He encouraged the groups to work on creating a workforce that is not only skilled but also adaptable and equipped to drive innovation.

Fr. Pinto commended the collaborative initiative between Don Bosco Chinchwad and Blue Star for empowering deserving students through vocational training. Emphasizing Don Bosco’s philosophy of holistic development, he said that it is the mission of every Salesian institute to help youth grow intellectually, physically and emotionally. He also expressed his gratitude to Blue Star for establishing a state-of-the-art lab for the air conditioning refrigeration course to enhance the training infrastructure.

Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India. While India has the world’s largest youth population, it has yet to capitalize on this, leaving some 30% of this population without employment, education or training.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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ANS – India – Inauguration of Don Bosco Blue Star Training Centre at Chinchwad

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: Students access high-quality skills training first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with Don Bosco Waluj, located in Ahmednagar, India, have launched the Don Bosco Avsar Job Placement Center to empower youth to find stable employment. The new center will address a critical need in the region by connecting youth with skill development, placement opportunities and targeted networking.

In his keynote remarks, Father George D’abreo emphasized the center’s pivotal role in overcoming the mounting challenges of unemployment among both skilled and unskilled youth in Ahmednagar and nearby districts in Maharashtra. Fr. D’Abreo expressed his optimism that the center would become a beacon of hope, fostering empowerment and economic independence for youth.

“Don Bosco Avsar will not merely serve as a facility but as a bridge — a means to connect job-seeking youth with employers,” said Fr. D’abreo. “The center will serve as a hub for job fairs, training workshops, and career guidance, equipping the youth to thrive in an increasingly competitive job market.”

Looking ahead, Don Bosco Avsar envisions creating a ripple effect of positive change. By fostering economic independence, the center will contribute to the growth and well-being of the entire community. Its mission is not merely to place individuals in jobs but to empower them with the skills and confidence needed to build sustainable and fulfilling careers.

Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India. While India has the world’s largest youth population, it has yet to capitalize on this, leaving some 30% of this population without employment, education or training.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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

ANS – India – Inauguration of Don Bosco Avsar Ahmednagar

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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SRI LANKA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Institute of Higher Vocational Education, located in the village of Metiyagane, Sri Lanka, was able to improve the computer skills of students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Funding enabled the institute to purchase laptops and expand its computer lab.

A Salesian explained, “The Don Bosco Institute is now capable of providing students access to computer facilities for academic purposes and skill improvement.”

Students attend the school for training needed for employment in a variety of subjects like hotel management and nursing. Salesians work to understand the market needs and provide training in areas where students will be able to find and retain stable employment. This also helps to ensure that the workforce has a ready and skilled labor force available.

The Salesian noted, “The institution’s job-oriented training is producing young people with skills for the workforce. Many young people from underprivileged and marginalized communities are drawn to Don Bosco because of its reasonable course fees and full and partial scholarships. However, the institution had to restrict the number of students enrolled because the computers available weren’t enough. Through this donation, we are able to expand facilities and accept even more students, which has resulted in fewer young people entering the workforce as unskilled workers.”

The school also offers life skills development to ensure youth are ready to join the workforce. A “Life and Career Building” program is offered where students learn how to develop a career path as well how to appropriately address challenges in life and in their jobs.

The Salesian added, “With the life skills training, students gained important soft skills that will help them in their future professional and personal development. Through these activities, students develop teamwork skills, leadership abilities, and understand how to view problems from a different perspective and make positive contribution to society. Students will be able to advance in their life and serve the community as honest and responsible members of society.”

Nine out of 10 people who are poor in Sri Lanka live in rural areas, according to the World Bank. More than 40% of the country’s rural poor are small-scale farmers. Farm production is often hampered by neglect and low investment levels resulting from poor financial services and limited technology.

Sri Lankans are affected by a significant lack of infrastructure including roads, electricity, irrigation systems and communication channels. In several areas of the country, seven out of 10 people have no access to electricity and almost half of the population does not have access to safe drinking water. Malnutrition among children is also common.

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Salesian Missions – Sri Lanka

World Bank – Sri Lanka

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco BREADS (Bangalore Rural Education and Development Society) Employment and Skill Training (DB BEST) Academy in Lingarajapuram, Bangalore, India, recently celebrated 1,616 successfully trained youth.

The DB BEST Academy, an initiative of BREADS since 2016, offers free three-month skills training and job placements for youth who have dropped out of school, youth who are economically disadvantaged, and migrant youth from rural areas. The academy focuses on hospitality management, retail management and business process outsourcing.

Trainees engage in hands-on, industry-focused training in a supportive and nurturing environment. Youth also take life skills and communication training, along with basic computer training and learning accounting software. Students are also able to participate in extracurricular activities and receive a free, nutritious lunch each day of the course.

At the graduation, the Honorable Shri KJ George, minister for energy and a member of the legislative assembly representing Sarvagnanagar, stressed the need for skills training in India. He said in his address, “Every person cannot be employed in white-collar jobs. We need all kinds of skills. In this context, institutions like Don Bosco, who work tirelessly to uplift young people without the advantages of the rich, perform excellent service.”

Job Francis, a successful trainee, shared his experience at the DB BEST Academy. He said, “For a broke man whose life had come to a full stop at age 26, the fact that the course is free and has placement assistance was significant. The three-month course pushed me to try new things, face new people, and break my ego, finally resulting in me growing myself. Currently, I am the manager of a restobar and when I look back, I would call DB BEST my home, and those people, my family.”

A recent impact assessment report about the academy found that trained students had a 92.4% satisfaction rate and a unanimous appreciation of the positive impact of DB BEST Academy in their personal and professional lives. Trainees are employed by well-known brands and organizations, which confirms the academy’s training standards. Fostering a consistent employment rate of 79.2%, DB BEST Academy contributes positively toward the socio-economic upliftment of marginalized youth in society through personal development and financial independence.

Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India. While India has the world’s largest youth population, it has yet to capitalize on this, leaving some 30% of this population without employment, education or training.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco South Asia

ANS – India – Skilling the Unskilled in the ‘DB BEST’ Way

BREADS Bangalore

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: School celebrates 1,616 skilled graduates first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Cauveri Planning and Development Office of the Salesian Tiruchy Province in India organized an event to inspire youth about the importance of water conservation. Activities aimed to educate them on sustainable practices for efficient water use, fostering a more environmentally conscious future. There were 140 water conservation club members from six Salesian educational institutions who took part in the visit to Don Bosco Thanjavur and Sengipatti Agri-farm.

The day commenced with activities which gave students a chance to exhibit creativity and their knowledge, along with a sense of teamwork and enthusiasm. The winners were awarded prizes and a stationery kit was given to each participant as a token of encouragement.

Students also received a guided tour of the agri-field school and were shown as demonstration of water conservation techniques. Students witnessed various methods like drip irrigation, sprinkle irrigation, green house mist irrigation, and terrace and ground level rainwater harvesting systems.

A Salesian explained, “The huge rainwater harvesting pond had a solar-powered motor system through which the water is irrigated. Seeing it inspired students and left a strong impression on them. They were thrilled and captivated by the newer and innovative methods. They also explored the eco-friendly farm, discovering various tree species, herbal plants, and agricultural practices, and they enjoyed observing peacocks, other tiny birds, butterflies and beetles.”

He added, “The program was a great success, blending education with practical knowledge. Not only did it raise awareness about water conservation, but it also inspired the young participants to become champions for water sustainability in their communities.”

This event is among many environmentally driven initiatives that Salesian colleges, schools, and centers in India and around the globe have undertaken in the last few years. Many of these efforts are in response to Pope Francis’ 2020 Laudato Si’, the theme of which was “Good Christians and Upright Citizens.” In the document, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of education and training in helping youth foster environmental responsibility.

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Empowering the Young, towards Water conservation: A Day of joyful-learning in an eco-friendly Agri-farm

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in the Office of Development of the Province of Bangalore (BREADS – Bangalore Rural Education and Development Society) in India hosted several events on Oct. 10 to recognize World Mental Health Day. The focus on mental health is important in India, which has high rates of suicide.

In 2022, 171,000 people died by suicide and rates have been increasing among adolescents in recent years. The most reported risk factors were mental health problems, negative or traumatic familiar issues, academic stress, social/lifestyle factors, violence, economic distresses, and relationship factors.

As an advocate for child rights and youth well-being, BREADS has started to address these issues through its MINDS (Mental Health Initiative for Nurturing Development and Support) initiative. Spread across six districts in Karnataka, MINDS will raise awareness about the importance of mental health among children, parents, teachers and mental health professionals, working to remove the stigma to create a supportive environment. A network of counseling centers at Don Bosco institutions will offer much-needed psychological and mentoring support.

A Salesian explained, “BREADS hopes to awaken people to the need of promoting mental health in their homes and communities, to improve their quality of life, and save young people from depression and despair. On World Mental Health Day, local Don Bosco centers held various activities with the support of BREADS. These events started a conversation and brought much needed awareness to the topic.”

In the Balichakra village in the Yadgir district, 57 villagers came together to discuss mental well-being. In Chitradurga, a walkathon gathered locals to participate and watch a skit about mental health. They also enjoyed a flash mob by the local Don Bosco College students. In addition, an awareness program for women’s self-help groups was held.

A focused mental health awareness program was organized in the Raichur district to equip health workers and local community members with the knowledge and resources necessary to support mental well-being within their communities.

In Bangalore city, MINDS staff conducted a mental health awareness program in the Koramangala Primary Health Center for prenatal and post-natal women and created awareness in a local community. They also addressed the unique mental health challenges of 120 children affected and infected by HIV in the Daya Bhavan Group of Charitable Institutions.

In the Vijayanagara (Hospet) district, 100 children from nearby schools participated in a quiz competition on mental health and then went around the village in a procession to spread awareness about mental health to the community. Facilitated by the MINDS staff, 65 youth in Bidar came together to discuss and share their mental health concerns and learn about available resources that could support them. It was followed by a public program attended by hospital staff, social workers and the general public.

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ANS – India – World Mental Health Day “MINDing Mental Health”

Salesian Missions – India

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco High School and Junior College, located in Naigaon, Maharashtra, India, launched a filmmaking course to empower students to discover their creativity. About 25 students from grades 8 to 12 enrolled in the program, which consisted of 15 90-minute sessions.

During the course, students were mentored as they wrote a script and created a storyboard for their films around the theme “I Have a Dream – Youth & Climate Change – Making Mother Earth Cleaner and Greener.” Training sessions were conducted to help students create a strong knowledge base of skills, including camera handling and creating optimal camera angles. The program was led by Father Joaquim Fernandes, vice principal. He was assisted by teacher Gail Fernandes, who guided the students throughout the process, especially on script revision.

A Salesian explained, “After thought-provoking, vigorous sessions on direction and writing, cinematography and editing, photography and financial budgeting, students were urged into selecting the topic for each film and to write good content. This enabled them to unlock entirely new dimensions of filmmaking. The students had to save their pocket money and obtain contributions to fund their own films. The school pitched in to defray part of the expenses and finance some short film projects.”

Alston D’cunha, a student filmmaker, said, “I shot the same scene nearly 50 times to ensure that it came out right. Film is a visual medium that dramatizes a basic story line.”

Students produced seven short films and one documentary on the conservation of mangroves. Two short films “ Green Desk” and “Eco Caregivers” were selected for screening at the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival in Rome. The annual film festival encourages, educates and empowers youth all over the world.

This filmmaking course enabled students not only to craft their own short films but also to peek into the more pressing topic of environmental conservation. Don Bosco High School and Junior College will screen each film for the staff and students. The documentary on mangrove conservation will be used to facilitate learning in every classroom, and debates will be held at the inter-class level.

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ANS – India – Empowering Youngsters to Craft Stories on Screen

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Academy in Nalgonda, India, is a large institution that provides education ranging from kindergarten to high school for 350 disadvantaged youth in the region. Founded in 2008, the academy also offers a wide range of sports including soccer, volleyball, basketball, badminton, and cricket, as well as tutoring and summer camps.

Nalgonda is a small town in the center of an agricultural district which has always been characterized by poverty and underdevelopment. It is now also being severely impacted by climate change with alternating periods of water scarcity and devastating floods that prevent communities from growing crops needed for food. Farmers are often poor with large families, and they are finding it increasingly difficult to support themselves.

Through the academy, Salesian missionaries are ensuring the children of these farmers are able to access education with the aim of breaking the centuries-old cycle of poverty. Salesians note that in the region of 90 million inhabitants, almost 40% live in absolute poverty and about 70% have only attended elementary school.

One of the challenges in the region is that residents have had to travel long distances over bad roads just to get to school. With few family resources, education has been out of reach for many. To address this, Salesians plan to purchase a school bus to encourage and enable youth to regularly attend lessons at the academy.

A Salesian noted, “We are doing our best to extend the reach to as many children as possible. A benefactor has already generously financed the purchase of one school bus, but to ensure regular attendance for all, the local Salesian community has sought help from the Salesian Mission Office in Turin, Italy. A second school bus will make it possible to cover a second route and reach even more children who also deserve to attend school, play sports, and dream of a better future.”

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ANS – India – A Mission in an Agricultural District: the “Don Bosco Academy” in Nalgonda

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(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Technical Institute in Lahore, Pakistan has trained over 8,000 youth since it opened in 2000, according to a recent article by La Croix International. Father Noble Lal, rector of the institute, recently discussed the accomplishments of the Salesian community during a meeting at the Don Bosco Foundation in Paris.

At Don Bosco Technical Institute, youth may receive training in metallurgy, electrical work, carpentry and the automotive sector. In the La Croix International article, Fr. Lal explained, “We have trained several thousand young people, ages 15 to 22, in various technical skills. This has helped many of them, who had dropped out of school, to find jobs.”

Fr. Lal has always been driven to help youth gain an education and find stable employment. He is the first Pakistani to be ordained as a Salesian priest. The article noted Fr. Lal has served in Quetta and in Lahore.

“In Quetta, where there’s also a small boarding school for girls managed by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, we were the first school to develop a co-education model for both boys and girls. Others have since followed in Pakistan,” Fr. Lal explained in the article. “Our centers are highly respected there. Many are grateful, including members of the government, for the results of our social action.”

Salesian institutions are open to youth of all faiths. La Croix International noted that in January, the Federal Ministry of Education and Vocational Training approved a reform allowing students from officially recognized religions to take courses in their own faith. “This has made it possible to include teachings on Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism,” Fr. Lal said in the article.

Fr. Lal has ambitious plans for the future, especially with the opening of new nursing school that has just been built on the Salesian Lahore campus. According to the article, the school is awaiting final government approval to open its doors to the first class of students in the next academic year.

Salesian schools in Pakistan provide economic benefits, scholarships and accommodations for students from the poorest families so that education is not only accessible but also an incentive for parents to send their children to school. Pakistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in South Asia at less than 50%. Although the country’s constitution acknowledges free and compulsory education between the ages of 5 to 16, the rule is often not followed in rural areas for those over age 13.

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La Croix International – In Pakistan, a Salesian priest’s fight for youth employment

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Pakistan

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Job Placement Network and the Don Bosco Salesian Institute in Kokar, near Ranchi, India, organized a labor fair for the city’s youth. The event was attended by 12 companies that offered more than 1,000 job opportunities.

A Salesian noted, “The goal was to open a door to a brighter future, offering young people fundamental job opportunities. We wanted to make it easier for them to connect with employers who had jobs available in their fields while giving companies the access to well-qualified graduates.”

The fair was organized in collaboration with the District Employment Exchange office in Ranchi and with the Catholic Youth Movement of the Archdiocese of Ranchi.

“Salesian educational programs focus on helping vulnerable youth by providing access to educational opportunities that match the local employment needs,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Around the globe, there are nearly 1,000 Salesian vocational, technical, professional and agricultural schools serving vulnerable and poor youth.”

Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India. While India has the world’s largest youth population, it has yet to capitalize on this, leaving some 30% of this population without employment, education or training.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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ANS – India – Salesian Labour Fair offers opportunities for many young people from Ranchi

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Center for Social Action and Movement’s mobile clinic team in Bidar, India, provides medical care for people in need in rural villages. The mobile medical clinic is supported by the Office of Development of the Province of Bangalore (BREADS – Bangalore Rural Education and Development Society).

Clinics are available in Bidar, Kalaburagi, Davanagere, and Devadurga in the Raichur district and reach 85 remote underserved villages with primary community health services. Each month, 600 to 1,000 sick individuals benefit from this initiative in each district. Medical camps are also organized in collaboration with primary health centers and hospitals.

A Salesian said, “Advocacy is a key component, promoting government health services and educating villagers about public health care options. These efforts raise awareness of government services for prenatal and postnatal care, free vaccination and immunization programs, nutrition support for malnourished children, and adolescent health support. As a result, communities are better empowered to seek proper medical care rather than resorting to superstitious practices.”

He added, “Health education promotes awareness on the prevention of diseases and the importance of personal hygiene and clean surroundings. Awareness about HIV/AIDS and the impact of addictive habits is created among the community. Volunteers from the villages are trained to be paramedics to assist the mobile clinic team and the villagers. They also contact the team in emergencies. We appreciate our dedicated team for their service, serving thousands of underprivileged villagers.”

Recently, the team encountered an emergency on the road with three individuals from Soraly village. They were waiting for an ambulance to arrive, but had been informed it would take more than hour to reach them. Understanding the urgency, the trained medical team quickly provided first aid to the injured then transported them to the Brims Hospital in Bidar for additional treatment.

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

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ANS – India – Every Second Counts: Quick Responses Matter! Mobile Clinic Programme of BREADS

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Skill Mission Center, a youth skills development center in Bangalore, India, is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure to offer train-the-trainer programs and advanced skills training for talented youth. This term, the center welcomed 202 graduates from all over the country, specializing in subjects like cloud computing for IT professionals and distributed component object model technology for electrical engineers.

Since its start, the center has successfully trained close to 9,000 youth with a 75% placement rate. The program is completely free of charge, and the center also provides food and accommodation for its students. This ensures an enriching experience for all participants.

A Salesian explained, “The impact of the Don Bosco Skill Mission Center extends beyond the training campus. It has forged strong, long-term partnerships with international groups, such as a Japanese team tasked with training and supporting the employment of non-student, non-working Indian youth living in Japan, particularly with skills in IT and technology.”

The center has also strengthened its ties with other Salesian provinces, hosting programs across the Salesian network and optimizing its resources to benefit more people in need. These collaborations have created significant opportunities to share resources and exchange expertise, improving support for youth in many Salesian institutions.

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

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ANS – India – Don Bosco Skill Mission supports diplomats for job placement

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School, located in Thalavadi, in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu, India, has built a multipurpose open hall thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The new hall is benefiting 567 students and 50 staff members by enhancing the learning environment.

The school provides education to youth from tribes or youth who are poor. Given the increasing rates of admission, new infrastructure was needed. Prior to the new multipurpose hall, students stood outside during assemblies, often having to run back to their classrooms when the weather turned poor. This affected the health and well-being of the students. It also caused disruptions to the flow of school activities. The project created a space for assemblies that will also serve as a gathering space for youth who attend evening study centers and special functions.

A Salesian noted, “Many of the youth in our school come from marginalized communities and face significant economic hardships, making access to quality education a challenge. In addition to the school students, the project also benefits 150 children who attend evening study centers from nearby villages. These children, similar in age, also come from underprivileged backgrounds and face various socioeconomic challenges, making the project crucial for their academic and personal development. We want all of the youth in our school to have a safe and conducive environment for learning and personal growth, addressing their educational needs and supporting their overall well-being.”

Salesians engaged local community members, including parents and leaders, to foster a sense of ownership and long-term responsibility. Additionally, Salesians initiated local fundraising efforts and explored further funding opportunities to secure ongoing resources to help enhance the learning environment for the school.

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Mondo, a Salesian organization in Germany, has launched new e-mobility training at Salesian vocational schools in India. The goal is to tackle environmental and air pollution as well as high youth unemployment by providing training on electric vehicles.

Young automotive mechanic trainees in Mumbai had access to short e-mobility courses that are teaching how electric vehicles work, are maintained and are refurbished. This initiative is supported by BMZ Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development in Germany.

A Salesian explained, “With this new training and knowledge, Salesian students are sought-after experts in a growing market. Youth, who are on the fringes of society and have hardly had a chance to live a self-determined life, are becoming shining pioneers for a sustainable future for themselves, their families and ultimately for the whole world.”

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – India: With full power towards a sustainable future

Don Bosco Mondo

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco College Sulthan Bathery and BREADS, the Salesian development office in Bangalore, India, hosted an event for people affected by the recent devastating landslides in Wayanad. Around 200 people who survived the landslide participated in the “We Are with You as You Move Forward” Onam celebrations. Onam is the Kerala state festival of harvest, prosperity, harmony and unity.

Father (Dr.) Shajan Noronha, principal of Don Bosco College, welcomed the gathering that featured teachers and students who facilitated performances, party games, and songs as a moment of joy for the people attending. Each attendee received a gift and everyone shared a meal.

Fr. Shajan emphasized that Don Bosco College, supported by BREADS, would provide free admission and any extra tuition to students from the affected regions. Archana Anil from the village of Mundakkai, one of those impacted, has been admitted to the Master of Social Work program with free tuition.

At the event, Father Jenson Variyath, Father George PS, executive director of BREADS, and Aneesh Chacko supported people as they shared their difficulties. While the government provided a fixed rental allowance and groceries for people, they still face issues such as payment of rent deficits, medical expenditures, and generating an income.

Most of the people impacted by the landslides had been casual laborers in the resorts or estates and are now unemployed. Tradesmen lost their tools and workers were struggling to cope. Works with more education are also now unemployed and looking opportunities.

BREADS looks to address these issues on a priority basis. The intervention will include professional psychological support for children and adults, alternative care for orphaned or abandoned children, capacity building for teachers about disaster preparedness, and follow-up to ensure people have their basic needs met. BREADS will also provide household items and assist in building houses while promoting income generation and employment activities to help people move forward.

After a month and a half of coping with the disaster on their own, people noted they were finally able to share joy and gratitude for being alive even through the sorrow of their current situations. On behalf of others, one of the survivors Samson said, “This gathering was a refresher, motivating me and my friends to move forward, facing all the ordeals that come our way.”

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ANS – India – ‘We are With You as You Move Forward’: Celebrating Onam with landslide victims in Wayanad

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to provide comprehensive care for vulnerable youth who reside at Don Bosco Anbu Illam Homes in India thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

The project supports 105 youth, including 55 boys residing at Bosco Illam and 50 girls at Saranalayam. Youth range in age from young children to teenagers and come from backgrounds of extreme adversity, including being orphaned, abandoned or otherwise neglected. Many of them have been deprived of basic care, protection, and access to education due to various social, economic and cultural factors. Don Bosco Anbu Illam Homes ensure their safety, health, education, and overall well-being, empowering them to lead lives of dignity and independence.

Funding was utilized to purchase provisions used at the homes including vegetables and two refrigerators to store food. This has improved the children’s health by providing them with timely, balanced meals. Funding was also used to sustain the residential care, ensuring ongoing access to quality education, health services, and daily necessities.

A Salesian explained, “Don Bosco Anbu Illam was able to make significant strides in improving the lives of vulnerable youth through comprehensive residential care. The project successfully covered essential needs such as shelter, nutritious food, educational support and medical care. This support has ensured the children’s physical well-being, intellectual growth and overall quality of life.”

One of the youth supported was Harshini, a resilient 15 year old from a small town in northern Tamil Nadu. She has overcome significant challenges to pursue her dreams. After losing her father, her family’s financial struggles left her mother unable to provide for Harshini and her brother. Despite these hardships, Harshini placed first in her school in the 10th grade board exams.

The Salesian noted, “With the support of Don Bosco Anbu Illam, Harshini is now in 11th grade. Driven by her goal to become a doctor and serve the neglected and destitute, she exemplifies determination and is a leading example of the transformative power of education and support.”

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Cares for Our Common Home Center recently conducted a workshop on mushroom cultivation, which was facilitated by Don Bosco College in Yelagiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, India. The hands-on workshop equipped students with practical knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices and encouraged them to take active steps toward environmental stewardship.

A Salesian explained, “The workshop offered an excellent opportunity for students to learn the entire process of mushroom cultivation, from preparing the substrate to harvesting. Experts from the center’s team led the session, demonstrating how mushroom cultivation can be a simple yet effective way to promote food security and environmental sustainability.”

During the workshop, students learned about the types of mushrooms suitable for cultivation in the Yelagiri region as well as the process of preparing the substrate, inoculation and maintaining optimal growing conditions for mushrooms. The training allowed students to actively participate in using straw, water and mushroom spores while learning the importance of hygiene and sterilization to ensure a successful harvest. Students also gained insights into the nutritional value of mushrooms, the economic potential in cultivation and reducing food waste.

The Salesian added, “Students were enthusiastic and engaged throughout the workshop, showing great interest in learning about this eco-friendly practice. Many students expressed their desire to implement what they learned at home, turning this knowledge into action that aligns with the college’s commitment to sustainability and care for the environment.”

This initiative is part of the broader objective of promoting sustainable living practices among the students attending Don Bosco College. Mushroom cultivation offers students the opportunity to develop skills in organic farming and entrepreneurship, while contributing to the well-being of their communities.

This workshop is among many environmentally driven initiatives that Salesian colleges, schools and centers in India and around the globe have undertaken in the last few years. Many of these efforts are in response to Pope Francis’ 2020 Laudato Si’, the theme of which was “Good Christians and Upright Citizens.” In the document, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of education and training in helping youth foster environmental responsibility.

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Mushroom Cultivation Workshop at Don Bosco College: A Step Towards Sustainability

Don Bosco College Yelagiri Hills

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Don Bosco Kalvisolai Center, located in Chennai, India, has launched the “Butterfly Express” campaign to establish libraries in rural areas. The initiative promotes the transformative impact of reading with well-stocked libraries in villages that offer youth and their families knowledge and new opportunities. Through the initiative, people can donate books for the libraries or donate funding so libraries can buy new books.

A Salesian explained, “The name Butterfly Express is a metaphor that indicates the transformation that children undergo through reading. Just as caterpillars become butterflies, rural school libraries act as cocoons, where students discover the great possibilities that life offers, page after page.”

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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

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Sources:

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ANS – India – “Butterfly Express”: transforming rural education through books

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Technical and Youth Center in Lahore, Pakistan, held a ceremony to hand out more than 1,000 diplomas to students who completed technical training in 2024. The center has educated more than 8,000 youth during its history. During the ceremony, Father Noble Lal, rector of the Salesian Lahore community, spoke about what the Don Bosco Technical and Youth Center has contributed to education, technical development and improving the skills of youth over the last 24 years.

A Salesian explained, “The current incoming class has 400 students, and the center is in the process of opening a school for professional nurses. Youth who have graduated from the center have gained the skills needed to find and retain stable employment. They are empowered to live a self-sufficient life where they are helping their families and community.”

The ceremony included a prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi and the national anthem. Students created a festive atmosphere with cultural greetings and dances from different provinces. The event was attended by Muhammad Sajjad Khokhar, the president of the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority in Pakistan, and Zaki Ejaz, the vice president of the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce, along with others from politics and business, and those engaged in inter-religious dialogue.

Salesian schools provide economic benefits, scholarships and accommodations for students from the poorest families so that education is not only accessible but also an incentive for parents to send their children to school. Pakistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in South Asia at less than 50%. Although the country’s constitution acknowledges free and compulsory education between the ages of 5-16, the rule is often not followed in rural areas for those over age 13.

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ANS – Pakistan – The Don Bosco Technical Centre in Lahore has educated more than 8,000 young people over the last 24 years

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Teachers from the primary, secondary and junior college schools within Don Bosco Naigaon, located in Mumbai, India, participated in a seminar on specific learning disorders. The seminar was led by Father Edward D’Souza, an educator specializing in learning disorders. According to Fr. D’Souza, globally about 10-15% of the school population is affected, and he helped provide understanding in working with these students.

The teachers participated in a series of simulation exercises, which helped them experience the challenges faced by students. Fr. D’Souza explained how specific learning disorders are neurological disorders caused by differences in the structure of the brain, which affects the way information is processed and which can have an impact on one or more skills.

A Salesian said, “The seminar ended with teachers becoming more aware of specific learning disorders and left the seminar with a renewed commitment to extending understanding, patience, support and appropriate recovery to ensure the success of all students during their school life.”

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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

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Sources:

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ANS – India – Don Bosco Naigaon teachers participate in an innovative seminar on Specific Learning Disorders

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NEPAL

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Center, located in Chhinchu, Nepal, has been providing education, pastoral care and social development since it opened in 2021. The center was started to provide support for people living in this sparsely populated region where few services are available.

At the center, Salesians offer classes for nearly 180 students from nursery school through technical and vocational training. Many youth who finish skills training leave the area for work or further education in India. The residents of the region have shown great enthusiasm for the Don Bosco school in this area.

A Salesian noted, “Our focus was to establish a center that excels in providing quality education and empowerment for those in the region with a particular focus on youth. The real pioneer of this mission was Father Thirumalachalil, who steered the center to its present state. It’s now currently under the stewardship of Fathers Augusty Pulickal and Anil George Kujur.”

Salesian missionaries arrived in Nepal in the 1890s and started a secondary school in Siddhipur, a village in the Lalitpur district. Today there are 20 secondary schools and nine Salesian centers in the central-eastern and far-western regions of the country. Salesians provide education and social development programs to aid poor youth and their families.

Nepal is among the least developed countries in the world, with about one-quarter of its population living below the poverty line. Salesian missionaries are still hard at work with long-term reconstruction efforts after a devastating 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, with a second striking on May 12, 2015.

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ANS – Nepal – The newly opened Don Bosco Centre at Chhinchu, West Nepal, plans to provide education to the children and youth

Salesian Missions – Nepal

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Provincial House in Bangalore, India, hosted a two-day workshop on the risks of digital addiction. The workshop, organized by the Salesian Psychological Association, was attended by 65 people, including psychologists, consultants, rectors, teachers, social workers and researchers from various parts of the country.

Experts focused on topics related to mobile phone addiction and methods to get treat and combat it. Dr. Dominic Dixon, former director of UNADAP, a foreign policy and humanitarian organization in New York, spoke about pornography addiction and its impact, and evaluating effective rehabilitation methods.

The workshop also addressed the growing issues with these types of addictions, focusing on strategies and interventions to mitigate their impact on individuals and communities. The workshop was aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, which emphasizes health and well-being. It aimed to promote healthier digital habits and improve mental and physical health.

A Salesian noted, “Youth are inundated with all kinds of digital information and we are seeing addictions coming out of that. While this kind of technology surely has benefits, there are drawbacks as well when people abuse it and become dependent on it. We held this seminar to ensure that our teachers, social workers, and practitioners have the knowledge and skills to recognize these addictions and have the strategies to help combat it with the youth in our centers.”

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

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Sources:

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

ANS – India – A seminar on addiction in the digital world

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Eco Pals, part of the Don Bosco Green Alliance, organized a day-long workshop on eco-leadership for the student leaders of Jyoti Nivas College, located in Bangalore, India. Led by Father Anil D’sa, Eco Pals conducted activity-based sessions on caring for the Earth for 300 student leaders of the college. They pledged to take care of nature and capitalize on the opportunities they have as leaders in various associations.

The workshop was designed to build bonds between the leaders and create a favorable attitude toward nature and humanity. The Eco Pals tagline, “Small actions, big difference,” was echoed throughout the session. Students had the opportunity to see how small actions can create a positive impact for nature and humanity.

A Salesian noted, “The workshop culminated in all the students becoming members of Eco Pals by each planting a plant. Saplings were distributed to all the students and the Eco Pals team assisted the students while motivating them to be nature-friendly leaders.”

The Don Bosco Green Alliance is an 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. Since its launch, the organization has registered 630 members from 88 countries. Membership is open to all Salesian institutions and organizations worldwide.

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance 

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Student Leaders Pledge to be the Friends of Nature in Bangalore

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Father George Quadros from Don Bosco Agriculture Unit is ferrying modern farming equipment across flooded terrain, according to a recent article in the Herald Goa in India. The project is addressing the challenges faced by a region that has not had large-scale mechanized farming due to the waterlogged lands.

The ambitious project covers land in Corjem, at the far end of Curtorim in the Khazans, the coastal wetlands of Goa. In the article, Fr. Quadros said, “We have taken a project as a challenge more than anything else. Because nobody would dare to put machinery in the Khazan lands on a big scale, maybe 4,000 square meters as demo plots. We have done that in the past. But this time we are attacking one lakh (one hundred) square meters of Khazans and all by machinery.”

Getting the machines there was the first step, well before the planting even started. Choosing the right transportation was important.

“We had a little problem transporting the machine and then we are transporting the nursery,” Fr. Quadros explained in the article. “And that we have succeeded very well because the locals have given us a canoe, and especially when we are transporting the machinery, the locals themselves paddle the boat across to the other piece of land across.”

Salesian programs across India are primarily focused on education. Other programs help to support poor youth and their families by meeting the basic needs of shelter, proper nutrition and medical care.

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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Sources:

Herald Goa – Goa’s ‘Paddy Man’ innovates farming in Curtorim’s khazans, uses canoes to ferry machinery

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesians are providing relief after devastating landslides wreaked havoc in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India, killing more than 200, including children, and leaving several families missing. According to reports, the town of Mundakkai was completely swept away by the landslide. Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha were other villages hit and cut off by the landslides.

The landslides occurred during the early hours of July 30 and washed away houses and those inside. Destroyed houses, swollen bodies of water and uprooted trees all hampered rescue operations. According to media reports, several bodies swept away by the gushing water were recovered, several kilometers away in the Chaliyar River in Malappuram. The Indian Army and two Indian Air Force helicopters have been mobilized for rescue operations. However, rescue efforts are challenged by the adverse climate and the lack of internet connectivity in the area.

The Salesian Province of Bangalore’s Development Office (BREADS) and two local Salesian institutions are responding with immediate relief efforts.

A Salesian noted, “Salesians are working to provide support in the region with immediate relief operations including food, shelter and clothing. They are also looking at planning efforts for long-term rehabilitation to aid the affected communities.”

Don Bosco College Sulthan Bathery, which is located near where the landslides occurred, is one of the organizations coming to the aid of those affected. Its efforts include distributing essential supplies and coordinating rescue operations, along with planning for long-term recovery.

Student volunteers are supporting 15 out of the 44 relief camps set up with various essentials such as drinking water, clothes, toiletries and more. With government approval the college is set to provide relief services across all 44 camps. Several other student volunteers have been working with government rescue teams at the epicenter of the tragedy in various relief and rescue operations. Don Bosco College Sultan Bathery, in collaboration with BREADS, has collected funds which have allowed distribution of various essentials for those in the relief camps.

The Salesian added, “The college has already readied teams for cleaning of debris and for reconstruction wherever needed. The situation remains dire as rescue teams grapple with the scale of the destruction. Students steadfast in their mission to bring aid and restore hope to the residents of Wayanad.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – India – Landslide Hits Kerala’s Wayanad; Several lives lost, Hundreds feared trapped

ANS – India – Amidst Devastation, Don Bosco college Sulthan Bathery in collaboration with BREADS Bangalore Unite to Rebuild Hope in Wayanad

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco College, located in Yelagiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, India, has successfully cultivated and harvested fresh vegetables at the Thiruvalluvar Thottam vegetable garden. This achievement marks a major step forward in the college’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and healthy living.

One Salesian noted, “The dedicated efforts of our gardening team have resulted in a bountiful crop. The radishes, beans and turnips that have been carefully nurtured over the past season have been harvested. These vegetables are not only nutritious and delicious, but also a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team.”

Salesians carefully chose what was to be grown in the garden. The radishes thrived and were the first to be harvested. The beans added a versatile and nutritious component to the food selection, and the turnips were chosen for their health benefits.

The Salesian added, “The success of this harvest is a direct result of our commitment to sustainable agriculture practices. By employing environmentally friendly methods and focusing on soil health, water conservation and natural pest control, we have created a thriving garden that contributes to our overall sustainability goals.”

The harvested vegetables are now available for the community to enjoy. The initiative promotes healthy eating and self-sufficiency while aligning with the Salesian objective of fostering a sustainable and health-conscious campus environment. The involvement of students, staff and faculty in the cultivation process has also strengthened the community’s bonds and shared commitment to sustainability.

This garden is among many environmentally driven initiatives that Salesian colleges, schools and centers in India and around the globe have undertaken in the last few years. Many of these efforts are in response to Pope Francis’ 2020 Laudato Si’, the theme of which was “Good Christians and Upright Citizens.” In the document, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of education and training in helping youth foster environmental responsibility.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Vegetable Harvesting at Thiruvalluvar Thottam at Don Bosco College, Yelagiri Hills

Don Bosco College

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: Community garden provides healthy food to people in need first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Vazhikaatti team from Chennai and Trichy, India, has been recognized by the Tamil Nadu government’s Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare (ADTW) Department for its outstanding contribution providing career guidance to students in Adi Dravidar Welfare hostels and schools. Its efforts have positively impacted the career awareness and aspirations of more than 30,000 students across 38 districts in the state.

Lakshmi Priya, IAS, secretary for the ADTW Department, emphasized the importance of initiatives in uplifting marginalized communities. She said, “The Don Bosco Vazhikaatti team’s work has made a significant difference in the lives of many students. Their guidance has opened up new avenues for these students, enabling them to aspire to greater achievements.”

Through collaborative efforts with the ADTW Department, the Don Bosco Vazhikaatti team helped youth make informed decisions about their future educational and career choices. The team’s initiative is seen as a pivotal step toward enhancing the career prospects of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Don Bosco Vazhikaatti operates in 50 schools in five districts of Tamil Nadu. In 2019, it launched a new project to provide career counseling and job placement services for poor students. Part of the funding for the start-up of the project came from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Disadvantaged youth in some areas of India are historically poor and illiterate. Most are unaware that they can choose careers and improve their place in society. Many drop out of school to work and help support their families. The project provides guidance to help them discover their aptitude and interests, and explore career options for their successful future. Supportive services through the project also help youth develop a positive self-view, confidence and motivation to succeed.

“Salesian missionaries want youth to have the training and support to gain an education and find stable employment,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “Many youth don’t know all that is available to help them succeed. They are unable to see beyond their own circumstances. This project helps to show youth what resources are available and encourages them to tap into their passions.”

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Don Bosco South Asia

Don Bosco South Asia – Don Bosco Vazhikaatti Chennai and Trichy Empowers 30,000 Students; Receives Award from Tamil Nadu Government

INDIA: Don Bosco Vazhikaatti Educational and Charitable Society launches career counseling and job placement services for poor youth thanks to Salesian Missions funding

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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(MissionNewswire) The National Federation of Past Pupils in Pakistan is working to save a school in Ziarat that was founded by Father Pietro Zago, a Salesian missionary who passed away in 2017. He spent 62 years as a missionary, serving youth in India, Indonesia, East Timor, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and finally Pakistan, where he spent the last 18 years of his life.

Fr. Zago profoundly influenced the lives of countless children in Pakistan. He founded the two centers in Quetta and Lahore and contributed to the support of refugees and the poor, as well as to the reconstruction of villages after the earthquake of 2005 and the floods of 2010. Today, his legacy survives through these institutions.

The National Federation of Past Pupils visited Quetta in December 2023 to establish local elections for the organization and to visit to a school Fr. Zago started in Ziarat in the early 2000s. During the visit, past pupils learned the school was risking closure due to insufficient funds.

The goal now is for the National Federation of Past Pupils of Pakistan to develop an operational plan that will allow that organization to take responsibility for the management of this school, and to explore ways to prevent the closure of this vital institution for youth in Ziarat and throughout Quetta.

Asif Boota, national vice-president, explained, “We are now formulating and discussing the plan with the Salesian community and we are all determined to honor Fr. Zago by ensuring that this school remains operational and continues to provide quality education to the children of Ziarat. We recognize the profound importance of this center and we are committed to mobilizing resources to support it.”

The National Federation of Past Pupils will sign a contract to provide management for the school in Ziarat for one year, based on compliance with certain parameters. It will entrust the management to the local Past Pupils in Quetta and will continue to monitor all activities.

Boota added, “This agreement would not only honor the legacy of Fr. Zago, but would also guarantee the continuity of education and service to the less privileged of Ziarat and Quetta. I am sure that together we will be able to support the mission of Don Bosco and the dear memory of Fr. Zago while ensuring that his vision of education and service to the underprivileged continues.”

Salesian schools provide economic benefits, scholarships and accommodations for students from the poorest families so that education is not only accessible but also an incentive for parents to send their children to school. Pakistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in South Asia at less than 50%. Although the country’s constitution acknowledges free and compulsory education between the ages of 5-16, the rule is often not followed in rural areas for those over age 13.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Pakistan – The commitment of Past Pupils to continue offering Salesian education to young people, in memory of Fr Peter Zago

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Pakistan

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Participants gained mobile journalism (MoJo) skills through the Boscom Executive Meet & Voices 2024 two-day workshop titled “Voicing out through MoJo.” This event was held at the Don Bosco Provincial House in Matunga, Mumbai, India, and was organized by Boscom, the communication body of South Asia, together with the Salesian Social Communication Sector in Rome.

The workshop covered a wide range of essential topics in mobile journalism, including understanding the sector, storytelling, mobile video editing and post-production, live streaming and real-time reporting, social media integration, and techniques for personal brand building.

The participants were given hands-on training by interviewing people to prepare a short news report. Through professional guidance, participants learned and adapted to the challenges faced when out on the streets to conduct interviews.

Mayuresh Konnur, an experienced mobile journalist of the BBC, shared his practical experiences and tips. He also provided useful insights to help gain audience attention and create attractive content. A question and answer session followed.

The participants were also introduced to the basics of storyboard planning and execution, as well as post-production including VN editor and Canva. One of the highlights of the workshop was a practical session where each participant created their own video. This hands-on experience allowed the participants to apply the skills they learned in real time, resulting in unique content.

Joanita Sequeira, one of the participants from Panjim, Goa, said that the hands-on training in filming and editing helped enhance her creativity and boost her confidence.

A Salesian noted, “The participants lauded the workshop for its interactive and practical approach, which not only enhanced their technical skills but also inspired them to innovate and excel in the field of mobile journalism, and communicate creatively through stories. As the participants returned to their respective provinces, they carried with them new skills and a renewed passion for storytelling, ready to make a significant impact in their communities and to the congregation at large.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – India – Empowering Voices through Mobile Journalism: A Comprehensive Workshop at Boscom & Voices 2024

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: Mobile journalism highlighted first appeared on MissionNewswire.

INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesians in India held awareness events around the country for World Environment Day on June 5. They focused the events on issues of land restoration, desertification and drought resilience. Bangalore Rural Education and Development Society (BREADS) led many of these initiatives.

A Salesian said, “As the generation that inherits a host of environmental problems, it is critical that we, and especially young people, grasp the importance of restoring and preserving the land, soil, and water sources. Our futures depend on our actions.”

BREADS and its Don Bosco partners gathered in various places in Karnataka and Kerala to host events. BREADS also produced a short video about protecting the environment. Trainees from Don Bosco Best Academy in Bangalore cleaned up the neighborhood roads, planted a garden and created posters to express their commitment to a green environment.

In Karnataka, Salesians held college, school and community awareness programs on the preservation of the environment. They also planted saplings in their localities to increase green cover and protect the soil. In Hospet, all the school children received saplings to plant and nurture at home.

In Kerala, BREADS’ Drug Rehabilitation Education and Mentoring teams observed the day in their districts. In Kasaragod, while planting trees and encouraging afforestation, the team emphasized the connection between drug-free and sustainable evergreen lives. In Wayanad, the team collaborated with environmental activists and colleges to plant trees, spread the message of environment conservation and a drug-free lifestyle. In Kollam, the team planted saplings.

The Salesian added, “These initiatives were endeavors to nurture generations of young people who understand and treat the Earth with appreciation and respect. They are #GenerationRestoration and the Earth’s future depends on them.”

Salesians around the globe have had a focus on the environment. Many of these efforts are in response to Pope Francis’ 2020 Laudato Si’, which had as its theme “Good Christians and Upright Citizens.” Pope Francis underlined the importance of education and training to help youth foster environmental responsibility.

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Sources:

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

ANS – India – We are #GenerationRestoration

BREADS Bangalore

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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