Nepal - MissionNewswire

ANS – Nepal – The 7th “Don Bosco” Inter-school Football Tournament attracts four hundred young footballers

Salesian Missions – Nepal

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NEPAL: Soccer tournament brings together 400 youth

MissionNewswire — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 08:50:26 +0000

Tournament is well-known annual event in region

NEPAL

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco School in Bharoul, Nepal, hosted the 7th Don Bosco Inter-School Football (soccer) Tournament during the first two weeks of October. The competition brought together 400 youth and hundreds of fans.

A Salesian said, “The tournament, which started in 2015, is a well-known annual event in the region, bringing unity and collaboration among the schools in the area.” The matches are held in two categories, high school and higher secondary school. The event also featured a cultural program and a prominent local personality as the main guest.

Don Bosco School and the neighboring Morning Star School, also run by the Salesians, provide students with a quality education. There are five Salesians who serve in this combined community. The schools are part of the nine Salesian communities in Nepal that have been serving there for the past 31 years.

“Sports programs, like these tournaments, are important for teamwork, communication, respect and team spirit,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Learning and playing team sports encourage leadership skills as well as teach youth to work as part of a team. Students also learn important social skills and have opportunities for growth and maturity.”

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.

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Salesian Missions – Nepal

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NEPAL: Students graduate from summer training program

MissionNewswire — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 08:24:27 +0000

Program reaches 140 students from 14 districts in the country

NEPAL

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Institute (Don Bosco Thecho) in Kathmandu, Nepal, recently held a 50-day summer vocational program for 140 students from 14 districts in the country. The program, which started April 23, ended with the graduation ceremony where students received their certificate of skills training. This is the seventh time the Don Bosco Thecho has conducted the summer vocational training program.

Father Philip Xavier, director of Don Bosco Thecho, organized the training program with two directors of the local Salesian centers and other Salesian staff. The training program consisted of five training courses in basic computer science, graphics and media, electrician skills, tailoring, and beautician skills. Salesians also provided guidance about career choice and offered personality development sessions. In addition, there were extracurricular activities such as talent shows, sports and picnics.

“We commend these students for their hard work. They finished secondary education and went right into a skills training program to prepare for the workforce,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian vocational training provides students with the ability to take courses in employment sectors that are hiring and where they can find good jobs, which helps students with their overall self-sufficiency and self-esteem.”

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.

More than 8,000 people died and close to 20,000 were injured as a result of the earthquakes and their aftermath. The United Nations reported that more than 1,300 schools were destroyed during the earthquakes.

The construction of schools that can withstand earthquakes and provide access to education for the youngest and most vulnerable children is the daily commitment of Salesian missionaries in the country. The goal is to help equip youth to have the education and skills necessary to change their lives and become agents of development.

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ANS – Nepal – Diplomas awarded to 140 students in the summer vocational training program at Don Bosco Thecho in Kathmandu

Salesian Missions – Nepal

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NEPAL: Students learn about quality technical training

MissionNewswire — Fri, 12 May 2023 08:43:44 +0000

Training supports long-term success of technical and vocational education

NEPAL

(MissionNewswire) Teach for Nepal held a five-day training program called “Learning Camp” at Don Bosco Institute Thecho in Kathmandu to help end education inequality. This is the 10th anniversary of the camp. The group is working with students to provide two-year teaching fellowships at government schools when they graduate. The camp was organized for 31 students from four districts of Nepal and hosted by 10 trainers.

During the camp, students are briefed about the importance of technical education and given an orientation about technical studies. Brother Philip, director of the Don Bosco Institute, accompanied by Deepak Neupane, a trainer, gave them a guided tour through the classrooms and labs.

Participants stated the training was a good experience. Nishta Neupane said she found the training to be a good confidence-building exercise. Puja Adhikary noted that the live-in experience gave them an opportunity to learn about cooperation and team building.

“Teacher training like this is important for the long-term success of technical and vocational education,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Through technical schools, Salesians across Nepal are helping youth support themselves and their families. Having highly qualified teachers improves the level of education provided.”

More than 8,000 people died and close to 20,000 were injured as a result of the earthquakes and their aftermath. Forty of Nepal’s 75 districts were affected, 16 of them severely, with homes, schools, buildings, cattle, fields ready for harvest and other property destroyed. More than 500,000 people were displaced and in need of shelter and other assistance. The United Nations reported that more than 1,300 schools were destroyed during the earthquakes.

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ANS – Nepal – 10th anniversary of “Learning Camp” of Teach For Nepal (TFN) hosted at “Don Bosco Thecho” reveals a band of talented youngsters

ANS – Nepal – The Salesian Youth Movement unites the youth of the centres together

Salesian Missions – Nepal

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NEPAL: Youth connect with peers

MissionNewswire — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 08:33:52 +0000

Don Bosco Institute Thecho hosts Salesian Youth Movement meeting with 90 youth

NEPAL

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco centers in Nepal recently hosted a meeting of the Salesian Youth Movement. The event, held at Don Bosco Institute Thecho in Kathmandu, brought together 90 youth and Salesian staff from five centers. Youth gathered to meet and connect with their peers and adults while speaking about challenges they face in life today. They also discussed solutions and ways to make their centers more enriching. Youth took part in songs, games and a campfire during the evening part of the event.

“The Salesian Youth Movement provides an opportunity for youth to connect with their peers, share in their faith and talk about challenges they face today,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Through educational and social programs, Salesians across Nepal are helping youth became self-sufficient to support themselves and their families.”

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.

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

Salesian Missions – Nepal

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NEPAL: Tailoring and beautician students graduate

MissionNewswire — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 08:20:24 +0000

Don Bosco Institute has trained close to 600 tailoring and 310 beautician students

NEPAL

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Institute, located in Thecho, Nepal, recently held graduation for women in the tailoring and beautician training programs. Tailoring graduates received sewing machines at a discounted rate so that they can start work immediately after graduation. To date, Don Bosco Institute has trained close to 600 students in tailoring and 310 students in beautician skills.

Mayor of Mahalaxmi Hari Gobinda Shrestha addressed the students at graduation. He encouraged them to make use of their training and skills. He also expressed his happiness that the institute provides training programs at an affordable cost for local women.

“The educational opportunities provided by Salesian programs can be truly life-changing for young women,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Through educational programs, both girls and young women have an opportunity to develop the skills to become self-sufficient and support their families.”

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.

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

ANS – Nepal – Ushering local women to livelihood ambitions through Dress Making and Beautician training

Salesian Missions – Nepal

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NEPAL: Teachers, schools supported through training program

MissionNewswire — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 08:38:07 +0000

Nepal Don Bosco Society provides training for staff from reconstructed schools

NEPAL

(MissionNewswire) Nepal Don Bosco Society organized a teacher training program called “Empowering Teachers” in the city of Manthali, Nepal. The three-day program provided training to teachers and administrators from 10 schools in four districts that were rebuilt after the 2015 earthquakes. The training team included Father Stephen Biswakarma, principal of the higher secondary section of Nepal Don Bosco School in Siddhipur-Lubhu, who shared life experiences in providing quality education to students.

There were 31 participants who came to learn how to revamp policies and strategies to provide holistic education to students. Session topics included child-friendly teaching, best practices of the schools, personality of the teacher, media impact on student life and back to nature. The participants and school authorities were appreciative of the ongoing effort of Nepal Don Bosco Society to support schools with such programs.

Thought-provoking messages were shared by Hemanta Budathoki, chief guest at the training and the education officer of the Manthali municipality, and the organizing team led by Father Augusty Pulickal, director of Nepal Don Bosco Society.

Twenty Salesian missionaries at nine different centers in the country’s eastern, central and far western regions are working to rebuild the educational foundation in Nepal. A host of relief and recovery programs were undertaken in the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes and continue with the goal of providing quality and value-based academic and technical education in the country.

“Teachers are the backbone of the Salesian educational system and need our support in helping to ensure their work is valued and respected,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian teachers face many challenges educating poor youth. Many of their students have faced severe poverty and often lack basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. Some were previously living and working on the streets, and others have faced war as child soldiers or become refugees in war-torn communities. Salesian teachers, who often come from similar backgrounds, meet these challenges head-on, providing education and hope for a brighter future.”

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ANS – Nepal – Nepal Don Bosco Society empowers its volunteer teachers to improve the teaching in the reconstructed schools

ANS – Nepal – Don Bosco Institute Launches First Centre of Excellence in Nepal

Salesian Missions – Nepal

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NEPAL: Center launches for advanced vocational training in energy

MissionNewswire — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 13:04:13 +0000

Don Bosco Technical Institute and Schneider Electric Foundation launch new Center of Excellence in Lalitpur

NEPAL

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Technical Institute and Schneider Electric Foundation have launched a new Center of Excellence in Lalitpur, Nepal. The state-of-the-art facility will provide vocational training and skill development to close to 1,000 youth over the next five years in home and building installation, basic automation, home automation, safe and secure building operations, and industrial installations controls and drives.

Speaking at the launch event, Anil Chaudhry, CEO Schneider Electric India Pvt. Ltd. and zone president, greater India, said, “At Schneider Electric, we believe that access to energy is a basic human right. With this vision, we are proud to launch the Center of Excellence in partnership with Don Bosco Institute. Job creation and skill development must accompany universal energy access for maximum benefit. Through the launch of this center, we aim to contribute towards skill development in the industry and create a pool of highly skilled youth in Nepal.”

Gilles Vermont, senior vice president of corporate citizenship at Schneider Electric added, “Under the umbrella of the Foundation de France, we at Schneider Electric Foundation focus on global change and promote a fair society to ensure a better future for the younger generations. We aim to provide a fantastic opportunity to the youth of the country by helping them to acquire adequate skills and give them access to better job opportunities.”

The Center of Excellence will provide youth advanced vocational training in energy, which is beneficial to their professional development and society. Father Pulickal Augusty, rector of Don Bosco Technical Institute, said, “Our institution is doing a significant service to the society by skilling young people in various technical fields. The Schneider Electric Foundation France-sponsored lab is an added boon to the training imparted at this center.”

Nepal Don Bosco Society, which helps facilitate projects like the collaboration with Schneider Electric Foundation and is under the jurisdiction of the Salesian Province of Kolkata, India, promotes the education of poor youth in the Kathmandu Valley. Nepal Don Bosco Society began its work in 1999 with a high school in Siddhipur, a village within Lalitpur District. Schneider Electric Foundation has philanthropic initiatives focusing on training youth to improve their life and job prospects. The organization has already supported more than 150 ambitious professional training programs in the electricity sector, providing access to energy in emerging countries. The foundation aims to train a million young people and 10,000 trainers by 2025 globally.

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ANS – Nepal – Don Bosco Society donates Medical equipment to a newly established Covid Centre in Kathmandu valley for providing better and effective care

Salesian Missions – Nepal

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NEPAL: New COVID-19 Center receives medical supplies

MissionNewswire — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 08:37:46 +0000

Don Bosco Society donates medical supplies to newly established COVID-19 Center

NEPAL

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Nepal have been working to help mitigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic for hundreds of families living in communities near the seven Salesian centers across the country. Salesians have also been helping children in Salesian schools.

COVID-19 is worsening in Nepal and the virus is spreading faster than the first wave. Salesians report that in the last 15 days of May, there was an increase of 102,104 cases and 2,271 deaths. The country has been on an extended lockdown with all malls and grocery shops closed for a week. Although all were advised to gather groceries and provisions for a week in advance, daily laborers couldn’t afford to buy provisions for a whole week.

Father Augusty Pulickal, the coordinator of the Nepal Mission, has assured the mayor of Kathmandu Valley that Salesians are working to make provisions available to those in need during this trying time. In addition, Salesians with Don Bosco Society are donating supplies to a newly established COVID19 Center in the Kathmandu Valley.

Through the help of a donor, Salesians have provided medical equipment and accessories including an oxygen concentrator, oximeters, PPE kits, masks, and sanitizer to the newly opened COVID-19 Center, which currently has 19 patients. Several people have already returned home after getting over the virus.

“Salesians in Nepal and around the globe have been stepping up in their communities to help families in need and provide support to local medical care facilities,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Living within the communities they serve, Salesians know the local landscape and are able to access and provide support to those who need it most.”

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

Don Bosco Institute Facebook

Salesian Missions – Nepal

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NEPAL: New book encourages spiritual growth, donors fund distribution to 1,500 youth

MissionNewswire — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 14:06:49 +0000

NEPAL

Salesian Missions donors fund distribution of 1,500 copies of new book on the history of the Catholic Church in Nepal

(MissionNewswire) There is a new book out about the Catholic Church’s history in Nepal thanks to funding from Salesian Missions donors. The book The Cross on the Roof by Father George Thirumalachalil, former faculty member in the history department at the Salesian College Sonada in India, is being distributed to 1,500 people, focused particularly on youth to encourage their spiritual growth.

The Don Bosco Institute, located in Kathmandu, Nepal, received the funding for the book’s distribution. The Catholic Church has had a presence in Nepal for more than three hundred years, but very little was known about its history in the area. Fr. Thirumalachalil did extensive research and wrote the history of the Catholic Church in Nepal to share with Catholics in the country.

“Understanding the history of the Catholic Church in Nepal is a helpful step in educating youth about their spiritual roots and growth,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Capturing this long history is also important for its preservation and understanding the impact Catholics have had in Nepal. Salesians provide education and social programs for poor youth and their families and have been an integral part of the recovery and reconstruction efforts since the 2015 earthquakes.”

Since the pandemic struck, Salesians in the country have had to innovate how they provide services and education. Two Salesian schools in the Don Bosco Community of Bharoul in eastern Nepal are now conducting educational lessons for 1,500 students using 42 rented rooms, each called a community classroom. Each class educates only 10 students at a time and strictly follows government restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. There are 46 teachers who are facilitating this new way of learning. The lessons began on July 16. This method was preferred over online lessons because of the financial restrictions on many students.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Don Bosco Institute

Salesian Missions – Nepal

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NEPAL: Two Salesian schools provide education to 1,500 students with rented rooms to allow for small class sizes

MissionNewswire — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 13:56:43 +0000

NEPAL

(MissionNewswire) Two Salesian schools in the Don Bosco Community of Bharoul in eastern Nepal are conducting educational lessons for 1,500 students using 42 rented rooms, each called a community classroom. Each class educates only 10 students at a time and strictly follows government restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. There are 46 teachers who are facilitating this new way of learning. The lessons began on July 16.

Schools in Nepal have been closed for the last three months due to the coronavirus pandemic, and there is still uncertainty when schools will be back to normal. School premises cannot be used to conduct lessons because the students cannot all come together to learn. To continue reaching students, Salesians rented rooms to conduct lessons in nearby villages, educating smaller subsets of students. This method was preferred over online lessons because of the financial restrictions on many students.

The local government educational department has given Salesians the authorization to carry out the lessons this way. All regulations must be strictly respected, such as the use of masks, social distancing and frequent hand-washing.

Currently, lessons in major subjects such as English, Nepali, math, science and social studies are being taught. Students, parents and teachers are all in support of these new lessons. From the first day lessons started, 95 percent of students were in class.

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ANS – Nepal – Parents and students welcome new innovative teaching method

Salesian Missions – Nepal

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NEPAL: “Future Helpers” program holds summer camp for 70 youth who want to support efforts in rebuilding the country

MissionNewswire — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 17:35:29 +0000

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Center, located in the town of Thecho, Nepal, held a one-day camp for the “Future Helpers” program. The camp, facilitated by six Salesian staff, brought together 70 youth between the ages of 15 and 25 years old. The participants, mostly seniors in high school, want to be involved the Don Bosco “Future Helpers” program and help rebuild Nepal.

The “Future Helpers” program was launched as part of long-term reconstruction efforts after the devastating 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, and the second earthquake that struck just after on May 12. The program, with funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, is addressing the shortfall in qualified people to help in the aftermath of disasters, as well as the long-term education and employment needs of youth in the region.

Salesian missionaries living and working in Nepal have been engaged in long-term reconstruction efforts helping communities to rebuild homes and schools, as well as offering important training to increase the capacity of communities to deal effectively in the aftermath of disasters. In addition, the Nepal Don Bosco Society entered into an agreement with the government of Nepal for the reconstruction of 12 public schools in areas most affected by the earthquakes. To date, 10 schools have been built and equipped in small villages in the Kathmandu valley. Salesian programs are also helping to train teachers and supply school materials in order to offer quality education for children.

“This recent summer camp is one of many activities to help train future leaders in Nepal,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions. “One of the primary training efforts underway is helping to further the reconstruction efforts and put those in the community who have lost their livelihoods back to work. Salesian missionaries are using their training centers across Nepal to train young men and women in a range of subjects including the building and construction skills needed to assist in reconstruction.”

The “Future Helpers” program created training modules at four Don Bosco Centers in Biratnagar, Chakraghatti, Sirsia and Thecho. Twenty-three boys across the four Don Bosco centers are receiving training in a range of subjects through the program. They attend regular schools and colleges and also receive intensive training on intellectual, spiritual and social subjects to help them cope with the extra responsibilities on top of their daily studying. They are also given motivational sessions and spiritual and moral guidance.

Some of the training topics have included interpersonal relationships, positive outlooks, how to become a better person, leadership, care for the earth and good manners. Because the boys are from local villages, they have limited experience with spoken and written English so English language training is included in their education. The boys also learn management skills related to time and punctuality, self-esteem building and the importance of spirituality and prayer.

In addition, Salesian missionaries offer educational talks during assembly and in the evenings on topics like caring for one another, respect for people, cleanliness and learning how to stop wasting water, electricity and food. The boys are able to use the skills they are learning through interaction with their teachers, Salesian missionaries and other staff, as well as guests and visitors at the centers.

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ANS – Nepal – Reconstruct earthquake-resistant schools and assist children and young people in need

Salesian Missions – Nepal

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NEPAL: Salesian missionaries complete rebuilding and equipping 10 rural schools after 2015 earthquake

MissionNewswire — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 14:40:51 +0000

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Nepal are still hard at work with long-term reconstruction efforts after a devastating 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015 and a second earthquake struck just after that on May 12. Today, thanks to Salesian missionaries, 10 rural schools have been rebuilt and equipped.

Children and youth from Sankhu, within the district of Lalitpur, Nepal will now be able to return to school at the beginning of the new school year. The Shree Saraswoti Center has been rebuilt and equipped with everything necessary to provide children an education. In addition, new bathrooms have been installed. The school will also have a kindergarten so that even the youngest children in Sankhu can access a quality education.

The school’s inauguration brought together more than 200 people, including teachers, students and their families. Among those present were the head of the village development committee, Dhurva Ghimire, and the head of the Salesians in Nepal, Father Augusty Pulickal.

Salesian missionaries living and working in Nepal have been engaged in long-term reconstruction efforts, helping communities to rebuild homes and schools as well as offering important training to increase the capacity of communities to deal effectively in the aftermath of disasters.

In addition, the Nepal Don Bosco Society entered into an agreement with the government of Nepal for the reconstruction of 12 public schools in areas most affected by the earthquakes, 10 of which have been built. Salesian programs are also helping to train teachers and supply school materials in order to offer quality education for children.

“Salesian institutions are welcome centers where everyone feels at home and the educational programs and diplomas provided help many young Nepalese to build their future,” a Salesian teacher explained.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Nepal for more than 25 years, taking care of the most vulnerable children and young people. The construction of schools that can withstand earthquakes and provide access to education for the youngest and most vulnerable children is the daily commitment of Salesian missionaries in Nepal. The goal is to help equip youth to have the education and skills necessary to change their lives and become agents of development in their country.

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

NEPAL: Salesian missionaries’ humanitarian effort to rebuild 10 schools impacts more than 1,500 students

Salesian Missions – Nepal

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NEPAL: Nepal Don Bosco Society is educating 23 boys as “Future Helpers” to aid in the response after disasters

MissionNewswire — Wed, 08 May 2019 18:29:22 +0000

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the Nepal Don Bosco Society have continued with a “Future Helpers” program that was launched as part of long-term reconstruction efforts after the devastating 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015 and the second earthquake struck just after that on May 12. The program, with funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, is addressing the shortfall in qualified people to help in the aftermath of disasters as well as the long-term education and employment needs of youth in the region.

“Salesian missionaries living and working in Nepal have been engaged in long-term reconstruction efforts helping communities to rebuild homes and schools as well as offering important training to increase the capacity of communities to deal effectively in the aftermath of disasters,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions. “One of the primary training efforts underway is helping to further the reconstruction efforts and put those in the community who have lost their livelihoods back to work. Salesian missionaries are using their training centers across Nepal to train young men and women in a range of subjects including in the building and construction skills needed to assist in reconstruction.”

Salesian missionaries with the Nepal Don Bosco Society entered into an agreement with the government of Nepal for the reconstruction of 12 public schools in areas most affected by the earthquakes. To date, 10 schools have been built and equipped in small villages in the Kathmandu valley. Salesian programs are also helping to train teachers and supply school materials in order to offer quality education for children.

Some of the training topics have included: interpersonal relationships, positive outlooks, how to become a better person, leadership, care for the earth, good manners and more. Because the boys are from local villages, they have limited experience with spoken and written English so English language training is included in their education. The boys also learn management skills related to time and punctuality, self-esteem building and the importance of spirituality and prayer.

Nepal Don Bosco Society has also purchased new library books to encourage the boys to read more and increase their knowledge and self-reliance to help them to be better community mobilizers and leaders.

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Don Bosco Society – Forth Quarterly Report – Intensive Training and Formation of Future Helpers for Developmental Work in the Earth Quake Affected Districts of Nepal

Salesian Missions (USA) – Nepal is Calling

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INDIA: Salesian programs across Tamil Nadu are helping provide humanitarian support for victims of Cyclone Gaja

MissionNewswire — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 17:34:58 +0000

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have been responding to community needs after Cyclone Gaja devastated 12 districts in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India on Nov. 16. New reports indicate that at least 46 individuals were killed, an estimated 250,000 were displaced and more than 85,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. Loss of electricity created even harsher conditions for people who already struggle to meet their basic needs.

Two Salesian institutions in the district of Pudukottai, the Don Bosco Youth Resource Center Keeranur and the Don Bosco Aspirantate in the district of Thanjavur, were affected with damage extending to other areas as well. Additional Salesian institutions including FMA Arts and Science College at Regunathapuram and SMA Skill Training Center at Keeranur were also badly hit by the storm. At this difficult time, the entire India-Tiruchy Salesian Province stands with the victims, reaching out to provide as much help as possible.

“I most greatly appreciate our institutions who have readily, immediately and spontaneously come forward to extend their support in the relief work as well as to offer help to the victims including providing solar lights, food, clothing, blankets, medicines, drinking water, mosquito nets and other basic needs,” said Father Anthony Joseph, provincial of the India-Tiruchy Salesian Province.

Father Joseph noted that many Salesian programs within India have worked together in a coordinated effort to come to the aid of the cyclone victims. He also acknowledges the hard work of students from AMSAM Don Bosco Jawaharpuram and pre-novices from Don Bosco Dindigul for spending several days working in the affected area. Words of thanks were expressed to BOSCONET – Delhi on behalf of the province for coming forward to offer its help to the victims and to the Don Bosco National Past Pupil unit for its thoughtfulness and monetary help.

“The Good Lord shall surely bless us for the generosity and solidarity extended to our people in need. Let us continue to pray and support the affected families in all ways possible,” adds Fr. Joseph.

Because Salesian missionaries live in the communities where they are providing education, workforce development and social development services, they are perfectly positioned to respond in times of crisis. Salesian social development programs and educational and skills training initiatives across India help educate youth and ensure they have the skills needed for employment.

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22 percent of the country lives in poverty. About 31 percent of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a new 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.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44 percent of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10 percent 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 – Support and solidarity to victims of Cyclone “Gaja”

World Bank – >India

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NEPAL: Salesian missionaries are continuing to provide education and technical training to poor youth

MissionNewswire — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 21:36:34 +0000

(MissionNewswire) Thirty students recently graduated from the Don Bosco Technical Institute located in Thecho, Nepal with certificates from its tailoring and beautician courses. Each program lasted for six months and included additional support in finding employment after graduation. In total, the institute has trained 642 students in these two courses since 2011.

The Don Bosco Technical Institute started with just one computer course and today has 11 CTEVT (Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training) affiliated courses and a diploma course in electrical engineering. Since its inception, it has graduated 1768 students from all its programs. Salesian missionaries are hoping to launch more diploma courses and offer a short awareness program to be held in the government schools within the neighborhood and neighboring municipalities.

“Many Salesian graduates have had rapid integration into the labor market as employees or entrepreneurs,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Most youth at Salesian institutions come from poor communities where the Salesian school was the only opportunity to receive an education. Salesian programs assess the local employment sector and offer courses that are most desirable and needed in the local workforce.”

In addition to Salesian institutes providing vocational and technical training, Salesian missionaries have continued to help Nepal with long-term reconstruction efforts after the devastating 7.8 earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, 2015 and the second earthquake that struck just after that on May 12 as well as in regions that have been flood prone.

Salesian missionaries have built and launched a new play school for young children in the village of Mohanpur located in the Sarlahi District in the Janakpur Zone of southeastern Nepal. Mohanpur was one of the villages that was badly affected during the flood of Purbanchal in 2012. During relief distribution it was almost impossible for relief materials to reach the village as most of it was submerged under water. After the flood waters receded, Salesian missionaries wanted to do something to aid the village, especially to help poor and marginalized youth there.

Mohanpur donated a plot of land and Salesian missionaries provided teaching materials as well as galvanized iron sheets and bamboo to build the school building. The Gaunpalika, a newly formed lower administrative division in Nepal, granted the funding to construct a bathroom, level the area with mud and purchase a hand-pump for water and text books for students.

Students at the Don Bosco School Sirsia have contributed games and stationery to the children as well as volunteered to do manual labor by leveling the entry point of the village and teaching the children on the weekends.

The school, which opened in April 2018, has 35 students, begins at 10:00am each morning and ends at 2:00pm. The children love to come to the school and have proven to be very talented in their studies. The village residents are taking great pride in having a local school and have become more involved in their children’s academic lives.

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Sources:

Salesians of Don Bosco Nepal Newsletter October 2018

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NEPAL: Salesian missionaries continue Future Helpers program to educate and train 23 boys to aid in response after disasters

MissionNewswire — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 14:56:43 +0000

(MissionNewswire) As part of the long-term reconstruction efforts from the devastating 7.8 earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, 2015 and the second earthquake that struck just after that on May 12, Salesian missionaries with the Nepal Don Bosco Society have developed the Future Helpers program. The program is addressing the shortfall in qualified people to help in the aftermath of disasters as well as the long-term education and employment needs of youth in the region.

The Future Helpers program created training modules at four Don Bosco Centers in Biratnagar, Chakraghatti, Sirsia and Thecho. Twenty-three boys across the four Don Bosco centers are receiving training in a range of subjects through the program. They go to their regular schools and colleges and also receive intensive training on intellectual, spiritual and social subjects to help them cope with their extra responsibilities in addition to their daily studying. They are also given motivational sessions and spiritual and moral guidance.

Some of the training topics have included: interpersonal relationships, positive outlooks, how to become a better person, leadership, care for the earth, good manners and more. Because the boys are from local villages, they have limited experience with spoken and written English so part of their education is learning these skills. The boys also learn management skills related to time and punctuality, self-esteem building and the importance of spirituality and prayer.

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Sources:

Don Bosco Society – Second Quarterly Report – Intensive Training and Formation of Future Helpers for Developmental Work in the Earth Quake Affected Districts of Nepal

Salesian Missions (USA) – Nepal is Calling

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NEPAL: Salesian missionaries develop program to educate ‘future helpers’ in villages affected by earthquakes

MissionNewswire — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 19:39:49 +0000

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have continued to respond to long-term reconstruction and educational needs after two earthquakes in 2015 caused massive destruction in Nepal. A devastating 7.8 earthquake struck the country on April 25, 2015, followed by a second earthquake that struck on May 12. More than 8,000 people died and close to 20,000 were injured as a result of the earthquakes and their aftermath.

Forty of Nepal’s 75 districts were affected, 16 of them severely, with homes, schools, buildings, cattle, fields ready for harvest and other property destroyed. More than 500,000 people were displaced and were in need of shelter and other assistance. The United Nations reported that more than 1,300 schools were destroyed during the earthquakes.

Salesian missionaries with the Don Bosco Network entered into an agreement with the government of Nepal for the reconstruction of 12 public schools in areas most affected by the earthquakes. To date, 10 schools have been built and equipped in small villages in the Kathmandu valley. Salesian programs are also helping to supply school materials and train teachers in order to offer children quality education.

In order to address the shortfall in qualified people to help in the aftermath of disasters, as well as address long-term education and employment needs of youth in the region, Salesian missionaries created the “Forming Future Helpers” program. The program created training modules at four Don Bosco Centers in Biratnagar, Chakraghatti, Sirsia and Thecho. Twenty-three boys across the four Don Bosco centers are receiving training in a range of subjects.

The boys attending the program go to their regular school and colleges and also receive intensive training on intellectual, spiritual and social subjects to help them cope with their extra responsibilities in addition to their daily studying. They are also given motivational sessions, and spiritual and moral guidance.

Because the boys are from local villages, they do not have much background in spoken and written English language so part of their education is learning these skills. The boys also learn management skills related to time and punctuality, self-esteem building, and the importance of spirituality and prayer.

In addition, Salesian missionaries offer education talks during assembly and in the evenings on topics like caring for one another, respect for people, cleanliness, and learning how to stop wasting water, electricity and food. The boys are able to use the skills they are learning with interaction with their teachers, Salesian missionaries and other staff, as well as guests and visitors at the centers.

“Salesian missionaries living and working in Nepal have been engaged in long-term reconstruction efforts, helping communities to rebuild homes and schools, and important training to increase the capacity of communities to deal effectively in the aftermath of disasters,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions. “One of the primary training efforts underway is helping to further the reconstruction efforts and put those in the community who have lost their livelihoods back to work. Salesian missionaries are using their training centers across Nepal to train young men and women in a range of subject including building and construction skills needed to assist in reconstruction.”

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Sources:

Don Bosco Society – First Quarterly Report – Intensive Training and Formation of Future Helpers for Developmental Work in the Earth Quake Affected Districts of Nepal

Salesian Missions (USA) – Nepal is Calling

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NEPAL: Nepal Don Bosco Society provides education and essential services to poor youth and their families

MissionNewswire — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 14:10:35 +0000

(MissionNewswire) Nepal Don Bosco Society has a focus on transforming poor communities through social development programs, education and vocational training. The organization was also instrumental in the immediate aftermath and long-term recovery after two earthquakes in 2015 caused massive destruction in the country. A devastating 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, followed by a second earthquake that struck on May 12. More than 8,000 died and close to 20,000 were injured as a result of the earthquakes and its aftermath.

Nepal Don Bosco Society began in 1992 with the center of Dharan. Salesian missionaries then branched out to other cities including Sirsia in 1996 and in the capital city of Kathmandu with two centers—Lubhu in 1996 and Thecho in 2001. Later, centers in Baroul and Chakkarghatty opened in 2014 in eastern Nepal and finally Biratnagar in 2017. A total of seven houses are now operated by Salesian missionaries. Missionaries offer quality education and social development services to help poor youth and their families.

“Salesian institutions are welcoming centers where everyone feels at home and the programs provided and the diplomas awarded help many in finding work in Nepal or abroad,” says Ram Kaji Rai, a former teacher of the institute, now responsible for a company that imports IT components.

Many Salesian graduates have had rapid integration into the labor market, as employees or entrepreneurs. Most youth at Salesian institutions come from poor communities such as in Sirsia, where the Salesian school was the only opportunity to receive an education. For nine years, Salesian missionaries in Sirsia, thanks to the help of an Austrian non-governmental organization, implemented an integral development program that included the entire population, from children to the elderly.

After the earthquake, Nepal Don Bosco Society and their collaborators also gathered relief supplies and distributed food, tools and medical assistance to 3,451 families in 12 districts. They also provided materials to aid 450 families in shelters in five districts as well as uniforms and stationery materials in more than 50 schools in Lalitpur and surroundings.

“If it was not for the Nepal Don Bosco Society, my family and I would not have eaten for a week,” said one of the elders in Lalitpur.

Nepal Don Bosco Society also came to the aid of 87 schools in 12 districts. Salesian missionaries built 21 temporary learning centers in the months following the earthquake. Once the learning centers were completed, government officers and other non-government organizations acknowledged that the temporary learning centers built by the Salesian missionaries and students were of such high quality they could possibly serve as permanent school buildings. Nepal Don Bosco Society also has 10 new permanent school buildings in four districts are near completion and set to open.

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Sources:

ANS – Nepal – Emergency education and support: Salesian commitment in Nepal

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INDIA/NEPAL: Salesian radio station holds historic Indo-Nepalese Friendship Tour

MissionNewswire — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 14:40:08 +0000

(MissionNewswire) In December 2016, Salesian missionaries at the Salesian College Sonada in Darjeeling, India began regularly scheduled programming for their new radio station with 20 different programs produced in the Nepali language. The radio station (90.8 FM) is the first community/campus radio in West Bengal and the entire northeast India to be operated by a college.

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the college and the 25 years Salesian missionaries with Don Bosco Society have been working in Nepal, the radio station organized a historic Indo-Nepalese Friendship Tour. The tour included a team of radio journalists who visited seven institutions in Nepal run by former students of the Salesian College Sonada. The station director and vice-president, Prof. C.M. Paul, program coordinators RJ Samir Chhetri and RJ Sagar Rai, and the driver Kabi Rai made up the team.

The tour also celebrated the first year of programming for the radio station. The tour, which began on Jan. 7, started in Sonada and passed through the Indo-Nepalese border of Kakrabitta near Siliguri and then proceeded to Dharan, which is where the Don Bosco Society began its work in Nepal. The tour concluded in Kathmandu, in western part of the country.

“To promote higher education in the Salesian College Darjeeling and the Siliguri campus we visited the institutions of Don Bosco, as well as two secondary schools,” says Prof. Paul.

Radio journalist Chhetri adds, “We created specific radio programs to celebrate the 25 years of the Don Bosco Society of Nepal and interact with the community radio stations, in particular in Dharan, the cradle of the Don Bosco Society in Nepal.”

Don Bosco Society began in 1992 with the center of Dharan and then Salesian missionaries branched out to other cities including Sirsia in 1996 and in the capital city of Kathmandu with two centers—Lubhu in 1996 and Thecho in 2001. Later, centers in Baroul and Chakkarghatty opened in 2014 in eastern Nepal and finally Biratnagar in 2017. A total of seven houses are now operated by Salesian missionaries.

The Salesian College Sonada in Darjeeling provides 1,400 students opportunities for advanced studies and to complete their bachelors’ degrees. The college offers a variety of programs including communications, communicative English, computer science, math and statistics, travel and tourism management and more. Youth are able to gain the skills needed to be competitive in the job market.

The Salesian radio station at the college provides an opportunity for students and its listeners to tell their own stories and to share their experiences, as well as information on important topics and news affecting the local area. It also allows students to be media contributors. A team of six radio hosts provide 20 shows a week, which take place seven days a week for 12 hours each day. The programs, which run from one, two and three hours, are scheduled as daily, bi-weekly and weekly shows.

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Sources:

ANS – Nepal – Tour of Indo-Nepalese friendship commemorates Don Bosco’s 25 years in Nepal

Salesian Missions – INDIA: Salesian College Launches First Web Radio Programs in Nepali Language

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NEPAL: Salesian missionaries’ humanitarian effort to rebuild 10 schools impacts more than 1,500 students

MissionNewswire — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 15:31:43 +0000

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have continued to rebuild schools and other structures in Nepal after two earthquakes in 2015 caused massive destruction in the country. A devastating 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, followed by a second earthquake that struck on May 12. More than 8,000 people died and close to 20,000 were injured as a result of the earthquakes and their aftermath.

Immediately following the earthquake, Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, launched an emergency fund to assist Salesian missionaries in Nepal.

The funding goes directly to support relief efforts on the ground in remote villages and affected communities, especially those in the Kathmandu Valley where Salesian missionaries operate two programs. Don Bosco Thecho is a technical school located in the Kathmandu suburb of Lubhu and Don Bosco Siddhipur is located in the Lalitpur district and offers both a primary and secondary school.

Salesian missionaries responded immediately providing food, clothing, medical aid and shelter for those in need. They also built 21 temporary learning centers in the months following the earthquake. Once the learning centers were completed, government officers and other non-government organizations acknowledged that the temporary learning centers built by the Salesian missionaries and students were of such high quality they could possibly serve as permanent school buildings.

Salesian aid in Nepal has impacted more than 1,500 children and older youth who are returning to school. These children will have the opportunity to learn in new classrooms with new desks and blackboards. To date, 10 schools have been built and equipped in small villages in the Kathmandu valley. Salesian programs are also helping to supply school materials and train teachers in order to offer children quality education.

“The aid that has been provided to us that we are able to use to help rebuild communities, shows our commitment in the country and for the people, but above all, for the children and young people who need it most,” says Father Augusty, a Salesian missionary in Nepal.

Salesian missionaries are also assessing and addressing long-term training needs of the local residents, who have lost their livelihoods as a result of the earthquakes. Part of the Salesian plan for the reconstruction of schools is to utilize Salesian students and recent graduates of Don Bosco Thecho to help with rebuilding efforts, allowing them to hone their skills and have hands-on experience while giving back to their communities.

“Salesian missionaries living and working in Nepal are engaging in long-term reconstruction efforts, helping communities to rebuild homes and schools,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions. “One of the primary training efforts underway is helping to further the reconstruction efforts and put those in the community who have lost their livelihoods back to work. Salesian missionaries are using the technical school at Thecho to train young men and women in the building and construction skills needed to assist in reconstruction.”

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Source:

ANS – Nepal – Salesian aid starts to bear fruit

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NEPAL: Salesian Missionaries Launch New Don Bosco Institute and Social Programs for Disadvantaged Youth

MissionNewswire — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 17:35:24 +0000

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have just launched the Don Bosco Institute, a new technical training center, in Biratnagar, Nepal. The training center offers three-month courses in hotel management and in trades for electricians, plumbers and welders. The aim is to provide education and skills training to poor youth in Nepal in trades where they can easily access work. The school started classes on April 2 with 55 students.

The Salesian Province of Kolkata initially started construction on the school two years ago under the guidance of Father PV Jose. The responsibility was then handed over to Father Jacob Thenganakunnel, who is also the present director of the Don Bosco Institute. The training institute aims to target poor and disadvantaged youth in Morang Dt and Biratnagar.

“We are grateful to the benefactors, especially to the citizens of Germany who contributed to Don Bosco Mondo to help us build this new training institute for students in Biratnagar,” say Fr. Thenganakunnel. “Providing technical training to youth who might not otherwise have access ensures that they can become contributing members of the community and helps local businesses have a skilled workforce.”

After completion of the three-month course, students are able to access on the job training for one month. The goal is to help students take the information learned in the classroom and apply it in a real working environment. This will also help students make an easy transition from the training institute into the workforce. After successful completion of the training, graduates are then assigned a job from their respective trades. Admission to the school is open all year and provides a fee structure that allows even the poorest students to be able to attend.

New computer literacy and English language classes for youth from the surrounding neighborhoods have also been launched, with classes held each afternoon until early evening. A student center has been made available after school so youth can relax and have a safe and quiet place to focus on their homework and evening studies. Don Bosco Institute is also focusing on helping women become more independent through the launch of a new Social Service Group, which women can join to raise funds to manage community projects.

The Don Bosco Institute is also looking to upgrade its hotel management course to a four-year degree program, which would make the Don Bosco Institute only the second institute to offer a degree course in hotel management under the University of Purvanchal in Nepal. Salesian missionaries are also in the planning stages for a new polytechnic institute, which would offer degree programs in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and civil engineering.

Salesian missionaries are working to rebuild schools in Nepal after the two earthquakes in 2015 caused massive destruction in the country. A devastating 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, followed by a second earthquake that struck on May 12. More than 8,000 died and close to 20,000 were injured as a result of the earthquakes and their aftermath. Forty of Nepal’s 75 districts were affected, 16 of them severely, with homes, schools, buildings, cattle, fields ready for harvest and other property destroyed. More than 500,000 people were displaced and were in need of shelter and other assistance. The United Nations has reported that more than 1,300 schools were destroyed during the earthquakes.

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Sources:

ANS – Nepal – Don Bosco Institute Biratnagar Nepal Forging ahead

World Bank – Nepal

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NEPAL: Salesian Missionaries Rebuilding 12 School in Isolated Villages in 2016

Stacy Jones — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 15:31:59 +0000

(MissionNewsire) Salesian missionaries are working to rebuild schools in Nepal after the two earthquakes in 2015 caused massive destruction in the country. A devastating 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, followed by a second earthquake that struck on May 12. More than 8,000 died and close to 20,000 were injured as a result of the earthquakes and their aftermath. Forty of Nepal’s 75 districts were affected, 16 of them severely, with homes, schools, buildings, cattle, fields ready for harvest and other property destroyed. More than 500,000 people were displaced and were in need of shelter and other assistance.

The United Nations has reported that more than 1,300 schools were destroyed during the earthquakes. Salesian missionaries with the Don Bosco Network have entered into an agreement with the government of Nepal for the reconstruction of 12 public schools in areas most affected by the earthquake including Ramechap, Dolakha, Sindhupalchowk and Lalitpur.

Missionaries visited the sites and conducted surveys of the conditions of the buildings and have started preparations for the procurement of materials and preparation of the equipment so that once the rainy season has passed, it is possible to start rebuilding these centers without delay. The goal is to allow youth in these more isolated areas to once again have access to education and class activities in suitable buildings that are free of hazards.

Immediately following the earthquake, Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, launched an emergency fund to assist Salesian missionaries in Nepal. The funding goes directly to support relief efforts on the ground in remote villages and affected communities, especially those in the Kathmandu Valley where Salesian missionaries operate two programs. Don Bosco Thecho is a technical school located in the Kathmandu suburb of Lubhu and Don Bosco Siddhipur, located in the Lalitpur district, offers both a primary and secondary school.

Salesian missionaries are also assessing and addressing long-term training needs of the local residents, who have lost their livelihoods as a result of the earthquakes. Part of the Salesian plan for the reconstruction of the 12 schools is to utilize Salesian students and recent graduates of Don Bosco Thecho to help with rebuilding efforts, allowing them to hone their skills and have hands-on experience while giving back to their communities.

“Salesian missionaries living and working in Nepal are starting their long-term reconstruction efforts, helping communities to rebuild homes and schools,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions. “One of the primary training efforts underway is helping to further the reconstruction efforts and put those in the community who have lost their livelihoods back to work. Salesian missionaries are using the technical school at Thecho to train young men and women in the building and construction skills needed to assist in reconstruction.”

Salesian Missions is urging the public to donate to its Nepal Emergency Fund. Go to www.SalesianMissions.org/Nepal for more information and to give to the relief efforts.

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Sources:

Salesian Missions – Nepal Emergency Fund

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NEPAL: Short Video Documentary Tells Story of Salesian Missionaries Helping with Relief, Rebuilding Efforts after Devastating Earthquakes

MissionNewswire — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 00:55:31 +0000

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, recently released a video detailing its important relief and rebuilding work in response to the devastating 7.8 earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25 and a second earthquake that struck on May 12. Salesian missionaries have been firmly established in Nepal long before the devastating earthquakes hit this year, providing education, boarding homes and social development programs since 1995.

Nepal has struggled with a poverty rate of 25 percent even before the earthquakes and the rate jumps to 50 percent for those living in the mid-western and far western parts of the country due to rough terrain that makes farming almost impossible. Close to 80 percent of the country’s population live in rural areas and rely on farming to make a living and these rural residents, many affected by the earthquake, face the worst poverty. Most of these households have little to no access to health care, education, safe drinking water, sanitation or other basic services. In addition, nearly half of all children under the age of five in the country are malnourished.

The earthquakes exacerbated already challenging conditions especially for residents of remote villages and those living in poverty. More than 8,000 people died and close to 20,000 were injured as a result of the earthquakes and their aftermath. Forty of Nepal’s 75 districts were affected, 16 of them severely, with homes, schools, buildings, cattle, fields ready for harvest and other property destroyed. More than 500,000 people were displaced and remain in need of shelter and other assistance.

Salesian missionaries have been living and working within Nepal’s communities for many years and were among the first to respond with emergency relief after the earthquakes, providing food and water to those who had lost everything. Less than two weeks after the earthquakes, Nepal Don Bosco Society, a Salesian non-governmental organization, distributed more than 100 tons of relief materials including sixty tons of food and tarpaulins for temporary shelter to more than 30,000 people in 19 villages spanning six districts.

“Salesian missionaries have been able to reach out to many places, many villages, including those areas that government officials were not able,” says Bishop Paul Simick, Vicar Apostolic of Nepal. “There are other places that are very difficult to reach and we have heard that people are still waiting for the first relief to reach them.”

Today, months after the earthquake, Salesian missionaries are building temporary schools and addressing long-term training needs as part of their reconstruction and relief efforts, especially in the Kathmandu Valley where Salesian missionaries operate two programs. Don Bosco Thecho is a technical school located in the Kathmandu suburb of Lubhu and Don Bosco Siddhipur, located in the Lalitpur district, offers both a primary and secondary school.

The United Nations has noted that more than 32,000 classrooms and 1,383 schools were destroyed during the earthquakes. Salesian missionaries will utilize the skills of the newly trained students from Don Bosco Thecho to assist in the rebuilding of schools with a goal of reconstructing at least 40 schools. Each village in the area will be asked to form a school-reconstruction committee that will mobilize the villagers to contribute as much as possible in cash, labor and locally available materials. To date, more than 21 temporary learning centers have been completed. In a recent evaluation meeting with Nepalese government officers and other non-government organizations, it was acknowledged that the temporary learning centers built by the Salesian missionaries and students were of such high quality they could possibly serve as permanent school buildings.

Children of Nepal have been most affected by the earthquakes and getting them back to school has remained a priority for Salesian missionaries. Schools provide a sense of normalcy for children who have faced devastation and destruction. Along with normal classroom instruction, schools also provide psychosocial programs to help children process their fears and concerns as well as the changes they are experiencing as a result of the earthquakes and displacement. They also provide a safe haven from the human trafficking that has surfaced in the country in the wake of the earthquakes.

“As with any natural disaster, the children are the worst affected,” says Father Tony Valiaparackattu, a Salesian missionary serving in Nepal. “They have been displaced from their homes and families and have been traumatized by the scenes of devastation surrounding them. Many have lost parents, siblings or other loved ones. Their world has been turned upside down.”

Immediately after the initial earthquake, Salesian Missions launched an emergency fund to assist Salesian missionaries in Nepal. The funding goes directly to support relief efforts on the ground in communities and remote villages. Salesian Missions is urging the public to donate to its Nepal Emergency Fund. Go to www.SalesianMissions.org/Nepal for more information and to give to the relief efforts.

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Sources:

Salesian Missions – Nepal is Calling

Salesian Missions – Nepal Emergency Fund

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WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY: Salesian Teachers Provide Opportunity to More than One Million Students around the Globe

MissionNewswire — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 16:34:01 +0000

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions joins with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and many organizations around the globe to celebrate World Teachers’ Day. The day honors the vital role that teachers play in the lives of their students.

Every year since 1994, UNESCO has celebrated Oct. 5 as World Teachers’ Day. The day was designated as a way to appreciate, assess and improve educators around the world. The theme for this year’s World Teachers’ Day is, “Empowering teachers, building sustainable societies” and highlights the importance of empowering educators so that they can provide quality education and contribute to sustainable development.

According to UNESCO, empowering teachers entails the provision of decent working conditions, well-resourced, safe and healthy working environments, professional autonomy, academic freedom, high quality teacher training, and continuous professional development, among other factors. When teachers are faced with precarious working conditions, are pressured by stringent standardization, have no freedom to exercise their profession, and face a low status in society, the provision of high quality education and its contribution to sustainable development is challenged.

Teachers play an important role in the lives of poor youth in Salesian schools. Their work is vital to their students’ success both in and out of the classroom. Salesians educate more than 1 million youth in more than 5,300 primary and secondary schools and nearly 1,000 vocational, technical and agricultural schools in more than 130 countries around the globe.

Salesian teachers face many challenges educating poor youth. Many of their students have faced severe poverty and often lack basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. Some were previously living and working on the streets and others have faced war as child soldiers or become refugees in war torn communities. Salesian teachers meet these challenges head on, providing education and hope for a brighter future.

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

Salesian missionaries in many of the poorest places around the globe are dedicated to improving the working conditions and quality of training for teachers. From building new schools after disasters like the earthquake in Nepal and the typhoon in the Philippines to providing education in war-torn regions like Syria, Salesian missionaries understand the importance of education for building strong sustainable societies.

Salesian missionaries are also dedicated to increasing the number of trained teachers where they are needed most. Not only are the Salesians a major employer of quality teachers around the globe, they also provide the training and certification these teachers need. Recently, Don Bosco College of Teacher Education located in the town of Tura in the state of Meghalaya in northeastern India, graduated 102 students from its bachelor of education program. More than 60 of the students graduated with honors and close to 80 percent have already found employment in schools across India.

Started in 2005, the Salesian-run teachers college is a teacher training institution established and managed by the Don Bosco Educational Society, recognized by the Indian government and affiliated with North-Eastern Hill University Shillong, a central Indian university. Don Bosco Educational Society provides training programs for new teachers and ongoing teacher education for teachers currently in the classroom. The goal is to meet the increasing demand for trained teachers in India and provide better skilled and highly educated teachers in classrooms across the country.

“Quality education depends on well-trained teachers,” adds Fr. Hyde. “Salesian teachers help prepare students to easily transition from Salesian primary schools into continued higher education where they can begin to focus on finding a career path and learning the skills necessary to lead a productive life.”

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Sources:

UNESCO – World Teacher’s Day 2015

Salesian Missions

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NEPAL: Salesian Missionaries Focus on Rebuilding Schools and Providing Long-term Assistance to Earthquake Victims

MissionNewswire — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 21:50:31 +0000

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are building temporary schools and addressing long-term training needs as part of their reconstruction and relief efforts in response to the devastating 7.8 earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25 and the second earthquake that struck on May 12. More than 8,000 have died and close to 20,000 were injured as a result of the earthquakes and their aftermath. Forty of Nepal’s 75 districts have been affected, 16 of them severely, with homes, schools, buildings, cattle, fields ready for harvest and other property destroyed. More than 500,000 people were displaced and remain in need of shelter and other assistance.

Immediately following the initial earthquake, Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, launched an emergency fund to assist Salesian missionaries in Nepal. The funding goes directly to support relief efforts on the ground in remote villages and affected communities, epecially those in the Kathmandu Valley where Salesian missionaries operate two programs. Don Bosco Thecho is a technical school located in the Kathmandu suburb of Lubhu and Don Bosco Siddhipur, located in the Lalitpur district, offers both a primary and secondary school.

“Salesian missionaries living and working in Nepal are continuing their long-term reconstruction efforts, helping communities to rebuild homes and schools,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions. “Missionaries are beginning to assess and address training needs to help youth and their families develop skills for long-term employment. One of the primary training efforts underway is helping to further the reconstruction efforts and put those in the community who have lost their livelihoods back to work. Salesian missionaries are using the technical school at Thecho to train young men and women in the building and construction skills needed to assist in reconstruction.”

The United Nations has noted that more than 1,300 schools were destroyed during the earthquakes. Salesian missionaries will utilize the skills of the newly trained students from Don Bosco Thecho to assist in the rebuilding of schools with a goal of reconstructing at least 40 schools. Each village in the area will be asked to form a school-reconstruction committee that will mobilize the villagers to contribute as much as possible in cash, labor and locally available materials. To date, more than 21 temporary learning centers have been completed. In a recent evaluation meeting with Nepalese government officers and other non-government organizations, it was acknowledged that the temporary learning centers built by the Salesian missionaries and students were of such high quality they could possibly serve as permanent school buildings.

Salesian missionaries are also in the process of developing an orientation program for teachers to aid them in assisting students who have dealt with trauma related to the earthquakes. Missionaries are working directly with students to connect them to therapy services and offer financial assistance to those who lack mid-day meals, textbooks, uniforms and other schools necessities.

In addition, Salesian missionaries are working with 40 volunteers from Teach for Nepal, an organization of university graduates and young professionals who are committed to end education inequity in Nepal, to help prepare students affected by the earthquake for their public examinations given by the Nepalese government after grade 10. The exams determine admission to higher secondary school.

A lack of rain during Nepal’s monsoon season has hampered agricultural production and has Salesian missionaries concerned about long-term food shortages. Missionaries will continue to monitor this situation as it unfolds and work to address food needs with its partners as they arise.

“Salesian missionaries are continuing their work but funds are limited. The emergency appeal will help provide aid directly to those who need it most,” adds Fr. Hyde.

Salesian Missions is urging the public to donate to its Nepal Emergency Fund. Go to www.SalesianMissions.org/Nepal for more information and to give to the relief efforts.

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Sources:

Salesian Missions – Nepal Emergency Fund

UN Office for Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs – Nepal Earthquake Situation Report

The post NEPAL: Salesian Missionaries Focus on Rebuilding Schools and Providing Long-term Assistance to Earthquake Victims first appeared on MissionNewswire.

NEPAL: Salesian Missionaries are Focusing on Rebuilding Homes and Classrooms after Earthquake

MissionNewswire — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 14:13:28 +0000

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are planning their next steps in relief efforts for communities affected by the devastating 7.8 earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25 and the second earthquake that struck on May 12. More than 8,000 have died and close to 20,000 were injured as a result of the earthquakes and their aftermath. Forty of Nepal’s 75 districts have been affected, 16 of them severely, with homes, schools, buildings, cattle, fields ready for harvest and other property destroyed. More than 500,000 people were displaced and remain in need of shelter and other assistance.

Salesian missionaries responded immediately after the earthquake providing food, medicine and temporary shelter to more than 17,000 families. Many residents remained in temporary shelter after the earthquake and faced the country’s monsoon season. Missionaries responded again providing stronger polythene sheets, tarpaulins and CGI sheets to ensure safer shelter.

Immediately after the initial earthquake, Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, launched an emergency fund to assist Salesian missionaries in Nepal. The funding goes directly to support relief efforts on the ground in affected communities and remote villages.

“Salesian missionaries living and working in Nepal are now turning their attention to long-term efforts, starting by helping families to rebuild their homes and their communities,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions. “Their work will begin with the families of Salesian staff and students and will then branch out to other families in districts where there are Salesian programs.”

In order to help further the reconstruction efforts and put those in the community who have lost their livelihoods back to work, Salesian missionaries will be using the technical school at Thecho to train young men and women in the skills needed to assist in reconstruction. The United Nations has noted that more than 1,300 schools were destroyed during the earthquakes. With a goal of reconstructing at least 40 schools, Salesian missionaries will utilize the skills of the newly trained students to assist in the rebuilding of schools. Each village will be asked to form a school-reconstruction committee that will mobilize the villagers to contribute as much as possible in cash, labor and locally available materials.

In addition to rebuilding the physical structures, Salesian missionaries are seeking permission from District Education Officers to hold orientation programs for teachers to aid them in assisting students who have dealt with trauma related to the earthquakes. Missionaries will also work directly with students to connect them to therapy services and offer financial assistance to those who lack mid-day meals, textbooks, uniforms and other schools necessities.

“Salesian missionaries are continuing their work but funds are limited. The emergency appeal will help provide aid directly to those who need it most,” adds Fr. Hyde.

Salesian Missions is urging the public to donate to its Nepal Emergency Fund. Go to www.SalesianMissions.org/Nepal for more information and to give to the relief efforts.

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Sources:

ANS – Nepal – Post-earthquake reconstruction

Salesian Missions – Nepal Emergency Fund

UN Office for Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs – Nepal Earthquake Situation Report

The post NEPAL: Salesian Missionaries are Focusing on Rebuilding Homes and Classrooms after Earthquake first appeared on MissionNewswire.

NEPAL: Missionaries Distribute Aid, Begin Providing Materials for Shelter in Preparation for Monsoon Season

MissionNewswire — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 11:43:42 +0000

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are working to provide rice, clean water and materials to build shelter for those affected by the devastating 7.8 earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25 and the second earthquake that struck on May 12. More than 8,000 have died and close to 20,000 were injured as a result of the earthquakes and their aftermath. Forty of Nepal’s 75 districts have been affected, 16 of them severely, with homes, buildings, cattle, fields ready for harvest and other property destroyed. There are more than 500,000 people who have been displaced as a result of the earthquakes who are in desperate need of materials to rebuild homes as well as food, water and medicine.

Salesian missionaries in the country were among the first to respond to those affected assisting with food, water, shelter and other supplies.

“Because Salesian missionaries live in the communities in which they provide education and social development services, they are often among the first responders providing emergency aid and assessing relief needs,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian missionaries will remain to help local families restore their livelihoods and rebuild their homes and communities long after other relief services have left.”

Immediately after the initial earthquake, Salesian Missions launched an emergency fund to assist Salesian missionaries in Nepal. The funding goes directly to support relief efforts on the ground in communities and remote villages. The Nepal Don Bosco Society, a Salesian non-governmental organization, has reached out to more than 30,000 people in 19 villages spanning six districts and has distributed more than 100 tons of relief materials. Sixty tons of food and tarpaulins funded by the Salesian Kolkata Province and other donors were sent across the border from India.

Thousands of people who have been left homeless and are living in makeshift tents are now preparing to face the monsoon season. The United Nations has estimated that close to 160,000 homes and 1,383 schools were destroy by the first earthquake while the government of Nepal estimates the number of homes destroyed to be more than 300,000. A U.N. report on the relief work in Nepal has noted that while the Nepalese government has promised to give every homeless family 15,000 rupees (235 U.S dollars) to buy corrugated metal sheeting to protect them from the weather, many are still waiting to receive the money.

While initially providing tarpaulins and plastic tents for temporary shelter, Salesian missionaries are now working to distribute corrugated metal sheeting to give people greater protection from the rain of the impending monsoon season. The same sheeting can then be used to construct permanent roofs for the houses which will have to be constructed and completed before the onset of winter.

“We are moving into the second phase of our relief work and preparing for the upcoming weather,” says Father Jijo John, coordinator of emergency relief in Nepal. “Emergency rescue operations and the distribution of food concluded on Sunday, May 31 to make way for the relocation of families and the reconstruction of homes.”

Salesian relief teams have been traveling to places where little aid has arrived in order to serve those most in need. They are also extending their relief work to new areas including the local municipality of Kamlamai Nagara Palika in the Sindhuli district that was hit hard by the earthquake. A Salesian relief team has also gone into Khimiti, a village in the Ramechap district where there are 1,200 households and more than 1,400 adults and 1,500 children in need. Nearly 90 percent of the homes in this village have collapsed and the other 10 percent are partially damaged. In these villages, volunteers are distributing food, clean water, oil and materials for shelter, among other necessities.

Salesian missionaries operate two programs in the Kathmandu Valley. Don Bosco Thecho is a technical school located in the Kathmandu suburb of Lubhu and Don Bosco Siddhipur, located in the Lalitpur district, offers both a primary and secondary school. The Salesian relief teams are made up of missionaries, teachers, students and volunteers from these programs.

“Salesian missionaries are continuing to provide aid and emergency relief but supplies are limited. The emergency appeal will help provide aid directly to those who need it most,” adds Fr. Hyde.

Salesian Missions is urging the public to donate to its Nepal Emergency Fund which will go directly to support missionaries currently working on the ground helping those affected by the devastation and aftermath of the earthquake. Go to www.SalesianMissions.org/Nepal for more information and to give to the relief efforts.

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Sources:

Spain – Emergency Aid to Nepal enters second phase, with fear of Monsoons

Salesian Missions – Nepal Emergency Fund