(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

The post PAKISTAN: New youth center opens in Quetta 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

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

(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

The post PAKISTAN: Salesians work to ensure youth have access to education first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(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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World Bank – Pakistan

The post PAKISTAN: Don Bosco Technical and Youth Center graduates over 1,000 students first appeared on MissionNewswire.

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

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The post PAKISTAN: Past pupils to save school first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Learning Center in Quetta, Pakistan, has taken steps toward environmental conservation including the recent planting of trees. Salesians and the student body were inspired by the teachings of 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.

Pakistan is among the top five Asian countries severely affected by climate change, as indicated by the Global Climate Risk Index. In response, the Don Bosco Learning Center is working to instill a deep sense of responsibility and pride in protecting the environment through seminars and focused activities.

During March and April, the center’s community gathered under the guidance of Father Samuel Ghouri, rector, to plant over 200 trees both inside the school compound and outside. This marked a commitment from teachers, students, former students, and youth in the fight against climate change and in the growth of a generation of youth focused on the environment.

A Salesian explained, “Particular attention was paid to the selection of tree species suitable for the local climate and soil conditions, ensuring their survival and maximizing their environmental benefits. Each member of the Don Bosco community has committed not only to planting but also to cultivating these trees, becoming an advocate for ecological preservation.”

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 Learning Center in Quetta promotes the care of our common home

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World Bank – Pakistan

The post PAKISTAN: 200 trees planted first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Learning Center in Quetta, Pakistan, launched the “Early Learning Adventures” program for children ages 3-4, laying the foundation for their 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.

Father Sami Ghouri, director, explained, “This new program aims to provide a stimulating educational environment and incorporates a curriculum that includes game-based learning, early literacy, calculation and the development of social skills. The focus is on promoting curiosity, creativity and a passion for learning.”

At a ceremony marking the occasion, the students were greeted by Brother Francis Nhat, principal. He reminded the children of the importance of turning dreams into reality and the power of active engagement in shaping their future. The Don Bosco Learning Center believes in the transformative power of education and considers it the key to unlocking opportunities and creating a better life.

Fr. Ghouri also addressed the school community, sharing words of encouragement and hope. He expressed his confidence in the promise and optimism that each of the students embodies, underscoring their potential to achieve greatness through education. He added, “As educators, it is a privilege to accompany students on their journey, enabling them to discover their passions, unleash their potential and pursue their dreams.”

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 – Opening of a new learning program and opening of the school year at Don Bosco Quetta

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The post PAKISTAN: New preschool program launches first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run Edoardo Agnelli Institute in Turin, Italy, provided support for four projects at the Don Bosco House in Lahore, Pakistan. Salesian Brother Piero Ramello, the former economer at the institute, currently works at the Don Bosco House as a missionary and has been providing a multifaceted and comprehensive program for youth.

A Salesian in Turin explained, “The Don Bosco House currently provides informal training opportunities for 150 youth, who are 12 to 20 years old. The newly funded projects will help to provide more diverse and robust activities for the youth. The commitment of everyone made it possible to raise 6,000 euro from a single school, helping to develop these projects.”

The first project is focused on musical activities. Courses are provided in the evening and encourage youth to choose what instrument to learn and play with other performers. This provides a time for collaboration and socialization.

Another project is sports activities, which are provided in the afternoon. These activities encourage youth to play, compete and collaborate with their peers while respecting the rules and improving endurance, speed, flexibility, willpower and coordination skills.

The third project is focused on recreational and formative activities. Youth will learn through viewing films, as they are encouraged to debate, ask questions and learn the religious and cultural meaning in them.

The final project, thanks to a collaboration with a professional, will emphasize mental health. It will help youth understand their personal fears and address feelings of guilt and negative emotions. The goal is to help them psychologically acquire self-acceptance and self-compassion while transforming self-harm behaviors into positive actions in their lives.

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 to 16, the rule is often not followed in rural areas for those over age 13.

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ANS – Italy – Solidarity Christmas: the Agnelli institute helps Salesians in Pakistan

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Pakistan

The post PAKISTAN: 4 new youth projects funded first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) The National Federation of Salesian Past Pupils of Pakistan, with support from the local Don Bosco Lahore Association, launched a food distribution program to support 130 families in five Christian areas affected by the attacks in Jaranwala. Reports say that on Aug. 16, a mob of 7,000 people went on a rampage, attacking 26 churches and chapels, a cemetery, and hundreds of homes.

The Salesian past pupils distributed more than 8,800 pounds (4,000 kilograms) of food parcels containing more than 15 nutritious products to provide relief. Asif Daniel Tasleem, president of the National Federation of Salesian Past Pupils, thanked all those who contributed to this cause through donations, volunteering or spreading the word.

Bryan Magro, president of World Past Pupils, congratulated the Pakistan federation for showing concrete solidarity in its work. He said, “This initiative is another best practice of our worldwide organization that shows the commitment of past pupils to be truly active citizens who express solidarity with those most in need. Solidarity is our hallmark that reflects our identity of our love and gratitude to Don Bosco.”

Salesian missionaries provide social development and educational services to poor youth and their families in centers in Lahore and Quetta. 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.

According to the World Bank, 31.3% of people living in Pakistan fall below the poverty line. Gender plays a role in poverty in the country. Pakistan has traditional gender roles that define a woman’s place in the home and not the workplace. As a result, access to education is challenging for girls and society investments are less. There are few opportunities for women and girls in the country outside of traditional roles. This is evidenced by the disparities in education including the literacy rate.

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ANS – Pakistan – Past Pupils show solidarity with victims of Jaranwala attacks

AP – Pakistan hands out cash to Christians who lost homes in rioting over alleged desecration of Quran

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Pakistan

The post PAKISTAN: Families impacted by Jaranwala attacks receive aid first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries provide social development and educational services to poor youth and their families in centers in Lahore and Quetta, Pakistan. 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 percent. Although the country’s constitution acknowledges free and compulsory education for children and  youth between the ages of 5-16, the rule is often not followed in rural areas for those over age 13.

Salesians have a particular focus on ensuring that young girls are able to start and continue their education. Unfortunately, many girls abandon their studies before the end of compulsory schooling to take care of their families or because of early marriage. This happens in both villages and large urban centers such as Lahore. Some families believe that early marriage will solve the family’s economic challenges.

To help combat this, Salesians provide training programs focused on educating girls and young women about their rights with the aim of creating and spreading awareness and self-determination. Salesians encourage girls and young women to continue their studies. They also organize courses to impart knowledge and skills aimed at learning a trade. One of the students said, “If we study, we can have a brighter future.”

Salesian school fees are very low, since most families have one income to support many children. Scholarships are needed so that students can complete their education and skills training in order to become independent members of society.

One of the educational facilities is the Don Bosco Learning Center, within the Don Bosco Quetta community. The center has been teaching primary and secondary school in Quetta since 2000. More than 780 students, ages 8-22, attend this center. Students also have access to a computer lab to learn technology skills in order to compete in the current labor market.

According to the World Bank, 31.3 percent of people living in Pakistan fall below the poverty line. Gender plays a role in poverty in the country. Pakistan has traditional gender roles that define a woman’s place in the home and not the workplace. As a result, access to education is challenging for girls and society investments are less. There are few opportunities for women and girls in the country outside of traditional roles. This is evidenced by the disparities in education including the literacy rate.

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ANS – Pakistan – The Salesian Mission in Lahore

PAKISTAN: Students gain technology skills with new computer lab

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World Bank – Pakistan

The post PAKISTAN: Girls learn rights, attend school first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are still helping flood victims with shelter and other supplies in the wake of the devastating flooding that impacted Pakistan in late August, killing more than 1,700 and leaving one third of the country underwater with at least half a million people homeless. The government said a total of more than 33 million people were affected and indicated there was at least $10 billion in damage, including more than 1 million animals killed and crops wiped out.

Salesians responded immediately to the emergency, providing what they could locally. Internationally, others organized to provide aid. Brother Piero Ramello, a native of Italy who has been a missionary in Pakistan since 2020, immediately contacted the Salesian Mission Office in Turin, which took immediate action, ensuring that those in need in Pakistan would receive initial help through its emergency fund.

Bro. Ramello said, “With the funds received from Salesian Mission offices in Turin, Madrid, South Korea and Switzerland, we will be able to help many families in need. In Jacobabad, Sukkur, and Shakarput we’re reaching 100 families for a total of 720 people, including many children and older youth. In the city of Sukkur, the money has been delivered to the parish priest and the distribution has been taken care of directly by the parish. In Jacobabad and Shakarput, the distribution is taken care of directly by the Salesians in Lahore who, with the help of some past pupils and older boys from the boarding school, are in charge of delivering the material, avoiding gatherings and trying to make the recipients comfortable.”

The materials distributed consist of food (flour, rice, lentils, oil), camp tents, mosquito repellent tents, and personal hygiene supplies. Medicine has also been distributed, especially medicines for the prevention and treatment of cholera and dengue fever.

A similar project supported by funding from Don Bosco Mission Bonn, the German Salesian Mission Office, is being led by the Salesians in Quetta. Bro. Ramello said, “Through the two initiatives, the Salesians in Pakistan are bringing relief to more than 1,200 people.”

Salesians in Pakistan operate schools and centers in Lahore and Quetta. 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 percent. 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 – With a large and multifaceted international effort, Salesians benefit more than 1,200 people affected by floods

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The post PAKISTAN: More than 1,200 people receive aid in wake of devastating flooding first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have been responding after destructive flooding decimated much of Pakistan. Monsoon rains, combined with melting glaciers in the Himalayas and widespread garbage clogging the sewers, created a deadly situation for millions of people. Nearly half the country flooded.

“The worst floods in the country’s history” is what Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said. More than 33 million people have been affected and more than 1,500 have been killed. In addition, 2 million homes and 80,000 hectares of farmland were destroyed, with 800,000 livestock killed.

The Pakistani government has declared 66 districts in the country affected. About 6 million people are in urgent need of assistance with some living in camps set up specifically for displaced people. There are problems in the camps with too little food and poor sanitation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of a potential second disaster of disease and death after the floods. Water supplies have been disrupted, forcing many people to drink unsafe water, which can spread cholera and other diarrheal diseases.

Salesians in Quetta have launched several projects to aid the local population. Many families continue to be in need of food, shelter and medical care. “In addition, having lost so many livestock, which were part of their daily livelihood, their difficulties are enormous,” explained Brother Piero Ramello, a Salesian coadjutor in Lahore.

The Don Bosco Educational Society has received many requests for help from parishes, communities, families and Don Bosco alumni. The Salesian Delegation of Pakistan has planned a project for the Don Bosco Colony benefiting 56 families in Jacobabad, 40 families in Sukkur and 42 families in the Zahidabad area.

The Salesian Mission Office in Madrid has sent an initial shipment of several thousand euros to help meet the needs. The aid is expected to reach 138 families and nearly 1,000 people, almost half of whom are under the age of 15. The Don Bosco Past Pupils Association in Lahore is also participating in the operation. The immediate and urgent aid consists of tents, weather protection kits, food rations, medicines, blankets, water canisters, kitchen items, and soap.

Previously, Salesian missionaries provided help for earthquake victims in 2005, 2008 and 2010. Aid included emergency relief, food, shelter and medicines, and the reconstruction of homes and schools. Salesians also sprang into action to provide support for flood victims in the in Sindh region in 2012 and humanitarian assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Salesians in Pakistan operate schools and centers in Lahore and Quetta. 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 percent. 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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Photo courtesy of Misiones Salesianas

ANS – Pakistan – Aid from “Misiones Salesianas” to flood-affected population

Don Bosco Lahore

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World Bank – Pakistan

The post PAKISTAN: Aid for families affected by flooding first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Pakistan are responding with food aid and other supplies after record flooding devastated more than a third of the country. On August 30, officials in Pakistan noted that 80 of 160 districts in the country were declared a disaster zone. The flooding, caused by record monsoon rain and glacial melt, has affected 33 million people and killed almost 1,400, washing away homes, roads, railways, livestock, and crops. There is an estimated $30 billion in damages.

Salesians report that close to 6 million people are in need of urgent help, with some living in ad hoc camps with very little food, and no hygiene and sanitation. The catastrophic impact continues with many cases of disease in camps and villages while there is a lack of medicines. People are being impacted by dengue fever, malaria, diarrhea, hepatitis and typhoid.

Some countries and international charities are in the process of sending help, but the delivery of tangible aid on the ground is slow. Aside from the much-needed emergency relief, there is a need to offer support to recovery.

Don Bosco Education Society in Pakistan is receiving requests for support from parishes, communities, families, and Don Bosco past pupils. Salesians have launched the Don Bosco Colony Jacobabad project to help families in the region. Don Bosco Past Pupils Association in Lahore is helping to raise funding and aid relief. Salesians report the most immediate needs are tents, shelter kits, food, medicines, blankets, water containers, cooking items and soap.

“Salesian missionaries live in the communities in which they work and are perfectly positioned to help in times of crisis,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “They are able to see firsthand where the most need is and ensure that aid reaches those areas and families in need.”

Previously, Salesian missionaries provided help for earthquake victims in 2005, 2008 and 2010. Aid included emergency relief, food, shelter and medicines, and the reconstruction of homes and schools. Salesians also sprang into action to provide support for flood victims in the in Sindh region in 2012 and humanitarian assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Salesians in Pakistan operate schools and centers in Lahore and Quetta. 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 percent. 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 contributes to Pakistan flood relief 2022

Don Bosco Lahore

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World Bank – Pakistan

The post PAKISTAN: Salesian missionaries respond to devastating flooding first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Brother Piero Ramello, who works at the Salesian Center in Lahore, Pakistan, has highlighted the destruction of the devastating flooding. The country has experienced an unusually violent and prolonged monsoon season. This has been aggravated by garbage spillage that blocks the flow of water and, in the case of floods, creates overflows that cause health-related emergencies. More than 1,000 people have died and 33 million have been displaced. The fear now is cholera.

The southern districts of Balochistan and Sindh have been the worst affected. Mountainous regions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also been impacted. Homes, possessions, and livelihoods have been lost. The loss of livestock impacts the many subsistence farmers in the region. Many families are in need of food, shelter and health care.  The funds allocated by the government have been insufficient to meet the growing need.

Bro. Ramello said, “The main problem, besides the climatic situation, which with global warming seems to be weighing down Pakistan in particular, is the absence of a waste disposal or collection system, so throughout the country people throw garbage into the rivers. When the water becomes abundant and uncontainable, the garbage creates real barriers, obstructing normal runoff and fueling overflows and flooding of enormous proportions. Poorly conceived urban planning programs have also led to the construction of thousands of buildings in flood-prone areas. On top of that, there is the warming Earth. Pakistani officials blame climate change, saying Pakistan is suffering the consequences of irresponsible environmental practices elsewhere in the world. A disaster of rare magnitude, for which the country is in a state of emergency at an already very difficult time due to an economic collapse and deep political crisis.”

Salesians operate schools and centers in Lahore and Quetta. 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 percent. 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.

According to the World Bank, 31.3 percent of people living in Pakistan fall below the poverty line. Gender plays a role in poverty in the country. Pakistan has traditional gender roles that define a woman’s place in the home and not the workplace. As a result, access to education is challenging for girls and society investments are less. There are few opportunities for women and girls in the country outside of traditional roles. This is evidenced by the disparities in education including the literacy rate. Female literacy in Pakistan is 71.8 percent compared to male literacy at 82.5 percent.

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ANS – Pakistan – A country in trouble: one-third of the territory is underwater

Don Bosco Lahore

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Pakistan

The post PAKISTAN: Salesians report on flooding impacting millions first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Past Pupils from the Don Bosco Technical School in Lahore, Pakistan, launched a campaign to help enroll 1,000 new students for the academic year 2022-2023. Enrollment has been down at the school since the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign was started at a meeting of Lahore Local Unit members and all agreed to help Don Bosco Lahore. From there, a group of 10 past pupils came together to help promote the school.

The Lahore Local Unit president said, “It was very painful for us to note, that during and after the COVID-19 period, many young people preferred going to any industry as unskilled labor rather than getting technical education from a good educational institution. So, for the past two years we have been watching the number of admissions going down. We were worried, and we thought how we could reverse this trend and help youth from Youhanabad (the largest Christian ‘colony’ in Pakistan where the technical school is also located) to get solid technical education.”

The campaign organizers believe that it’s not just getting more students but also providing quality training that will attract them. Don Bosco Lahore will offer 11 new short courses that last three to six months to help meet this new need. Salesians are also looking at teacher staffing to ensure that they have enough qualified teachers to maintain a good teacher to studio ratio when more students enroll.

The campaign is putting up flyers and turning to social media to help increase enrollment. The Pakistan Catholic and Christian TV channels are also promoting the technical school, and posters and banners have been put up on the streets of Youhanabad. Don Bosco Technical School was founded by the first Salesian missionaries in Pakistan in 1999, and there are close to 4,000 graduates of the school.

According to the World Bank, 31.3 percent of people living in Pakistan fall below the poverty line. Gender plays a role in poverty in the country. Pakistan has traditional gender roles that define a woman’s place in the home and not the workplace. As a result, access to education is challenging for girls and society investments are less. There are few opportunities for women and girls in the country outside of traditional roles. This is evidenced by the disparities in education including the literacy rate. Female literacy in Pakistan is 71.8 percent compared to male literacy at 82.5 percent.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Pakistan – Past Pupils campaign for Don Bosco Technical School, Lahore

Don Bosco Lahore

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Pakistan

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

The post PAKISTAN: Graduates aim to recruit 1,000 new students first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Students at the Don Bosco Learning Center, within the Don Bosco Quetta community in Pakistan, have a new digital computer lab thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The center has been teaching primary and secondary school in Quetta since 2000. More than 780 students, ages 8-22, were positively impacted by this new lab.

The funding provided new computers, a projector, printers, a computer table, chairs, and Wi-Fi connection. Teachers are beginning to develop classes for Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, networking, graphic design and web design.

The Don Bosco Learning Center is teaching computer literacy skills and technology to students. The lab will be used for daily classes for grades 3 to 10. In the evening, computer classes for other students and those in the community will be held. Salesians in Quetta also have a long tradition of assisting Afghan refugees. This project will also enable refugees to learn skills after they are settled.

“We appreciate our donors who have funded this project to ensure that poor youth attending the Don Bosco Learning Center can take computer literacy courses,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “Youth need opportunities for education that they can use in their employment. Learning how to use computers and the software is important to prepare students for after they graduate.”

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 percent. 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.

According to the World Bank, 31.3 percent of people living in Pakistan fall below the poverty line. Gender plays a role in poverty in the country. Pakistan has traditional gender roles that define a woman’s place in the home and not the workplace. As a result, access to education is challenging for girls and society investments are less. There are few opportunities for women and girls in the country outside of traditional roles. This is evidenced by the disparities in education including the literacy rate.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Pakistan

The post PAKISTAN: Students gain technology skills with new computer lab first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) The PHYSLAB project is providing upgrades to equipment for the physics lab at the Salesian School in Lahore, Pakistan. The goals are to strengthen the scientific skills of students and highlight that a Catholic school is able to offer quality education for all students, regardless of religion. The school has been educating Christian and Muslim students since it opened. The project will impact 120 students at the school and 170 students at the Salesian Vocational Training Center, who share the laboratory.

The project is part of a plan to redevelop the educational center and update outdated equipment. The physics laboratory will enable students to discuss and construct concepts, work with objects and instruments, and compare observations and theories. In addition, students will be able to familiarize themselves with the use of different software and experience the role of information technology in the collection and analysis of data.

The laboratory equipment will allow the creation of five working groups, with each having a simple tablet with free applications. Students will work in a group environment, which will help with social skills and learning teamwork. Experiments will highlight materials that students can use at home to replicate what they did in the lab.

The project was supported by the International Institute Eduardo Agnelli in Turin, Italy. Salesian Brother Piero Ramello said, “We are finalizing the purchases for the laboratory, only a few pieces are missing, already ordered, but which were not available in the store. We took some photos with the students. They too are very grateful.”

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 percent. 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.

According to the World Bank, 31.3 percent of people living in Pakistan fall below the poverty line. Gender plays a role in poverty in the country. Pakistan has traditional gender roles that define a woman’s place in the home and not the workplace. As a result, access to education is challenging for girls and society investments are less. There are few opportunities for women and girls in the country outside of traditional roles. This is evidenced by the disparities in education including the literacy rate.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Pakistan – “Physlab”: science lab to improve education and foster integration

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Pakistan

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(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Lahore distributed humanitarian aid to 200 Afghan refugee families in the community of Peshawar, Pakistan, thanks in part to donor funding provided by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The Salesian community offered shelter and basic necessities to 1,500 people, who are mostly children.

The aid was provided with the collaboration and coordination of local authorities, the police, and the city administration, which facilitated the distribution. The initiative was also supported by Don Bosco Switzerland and Salesians in Berlin.

Mr. Vincent, who coordinated the distribution, said, “The Christian community of Peshawar has rallied around the value of solidarity. We felt proud that we could selflessly help people of other religions in a spirit of universal brotherhood.”

According to the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR), nearly 700,000 Afghans were internally displaced by conflict in 2021—with some 3.5 million people in total uprooted throughout the country. Iran and Pakistan together host almost 90 percent of all Afghan refugees worldwide and have been doing so for more than four decades.

Salesian centers in Quetta and Lahore offer quality education and an innovative teaching style. More than 1,000 students from disadvantaged families attend Salesian schools. Salesians first started providing education in Pakistan in 1998, and today, their centers are considered some of the best education in the country.

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 percent. 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.

According to the World Bank, 31.3 percent of people living in Pakistan fall below the poverty line. Gender plays a role in poverty in the country. Pakistan has traditional gender roles that define a woman’s place in the home and not the workplace. As a result, access to education is challenging for girls and society investments are less. There are few opportunities for women and girls in the country outside of traditional roles. This is evidenced by the disparities in education including the literacy rate.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

UNHCR – UNHCR welcomes steps to ease movement at Pakistan-Afghanistan border

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Pakistan

The post PAKISTAN: Afghan refugee families receive humanitarian aid first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) More than 1,100 students and 100 teachers at Don Bosco schools in Lahore and Quetta, Pakistan, have clean drinking water thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project was part of the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.”

In Lahore, a commercial reverse osmosis purification system was added on the roof of Don Bosco Technical School along with a water tank and pump. An old water system was also repaired on the roof of the hostel and the Salesian residence. In Quetta, the project provided water dispensers and a demineralizer with an adequate capacity.

Naveed, a student, said, “I am studying electrical DAE in the Don Bosco Technical Center. I really like the water from the new purification plant. Thank you very much.”

Salesian schools in Quetta and Lahore offer quality education and an innovative teaching style. Salesians first started providing education in Pakistan in 1998, and today, their educational centers are considered some of the best education in the country.

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 percent. 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 13.

According to the World Bank, 31.3 percent of people living in Pakistan fall below the poverty line. Gender plays a role in poverty in the country. Pakistan has traditional gender roles that define a woman’s place in the home and not the workplace. As a result, access to education is challenging for girls and society investments are less. There are few opportunities for women and girls in the country outside of traditional roles. This is evidenced by the disparities in education including the literacy rate.

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

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Pakistan

The post PAKISTAN: Students and teachers benefit from clean water project first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian community in Quetta, Pakistan has offered shelter and basic necessities to Afghan refugees thanks to support from the Salesian Missions Office in Madrid. More than 100 refugees, mostly children, received tents, blankets, food and medicines. The Christian community of Quetta felt proud to be able to help people of other religions in a spirit of brotherhood.

This initiative was launched because of extremely cold weather in the region. Salesians are also working to provide ongoing support including education for children and medical and psychological assistance.

In the second week of December, Don Bosco Lahore distributed humanitarian aid to 200 Afghan refugee families in Peshawar. This activity was carried out with the collaboration and coordination of local authorities, the police, and the city administration, which facilitated the distribution. This effort was supported by the Salesian Missions Office in Madrid, Salesian Missions USA, Don Bosco Switzerland and Salesians in Berlin.

According to the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR), nearly 700,000 Afghans have been internally displaced by the conflict this year—with some 3.5 million people in total uprooted throughout the country. Iran and Pakistan together host almost 90 percent of all Afghan refugees worldwide and have been doing so for more than four decades.

Salesian centers in Quetta and Lahore offer quality education and an innovative teaching style. More than 1,000 students from disadvantaged families attend Salesian schools. Salesians first started providing education in Pakistan in 1998, and today, their centers are considered some of the best education in the country.

“We try to offer quality and innovative education,” said Father Gabriel Cruz, a Salesian missionary from Mexico who has been working in Lahore for three years. “The Pakistani education system is focused on memorizing and reproducing while we try to awaken the skills of students.”

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 percent. 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.

According to the World Bank, 31.3 percent of people living in Pakistan fall below the poverty line. Gender plays a role in poverty in the country. Pakistan has traditional gender roles that define a woman’s place in the home and not the workplace. As a result, access to education is challenging for girls and society investments are less. There are few opportunities for women and girls in the country outside of traditional roles. This is evidenced by the disparities in education including the literacy rate.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Pakistan – Salesians of Quetta distribute humanitarian aid to city’s Afghan refugees

ANS – Pakistan – Lahore Salesians distribute humanitarian aid to Afghan refugees

UNHCR – UNHCR welcomes steps to ease movement at Pakistan-Afghanistan border

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Pakistan

The post PAKISTAN: Salesians in Quetta and Lahore offer support to Afghan refugees first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian centers in Quetta and Lahore, Pakistan, offer quality education and an innovative teaching style. More than 1,000 students from disadvantaged families attend Salesian schools. Salesians first started providing education in Pakistan in 1998, and today, their centers are considered some of the best education in the country.

“We try to offer quality and innovative education,” said Father Gabriel Cruz, a Salesian missionary from Mexico who has been working in Lahore for three years. “The Pakistani education system is focused on memorizing and reproducing while we try to awaken the skills of students. For this reason, in recent months we have installed interactive multimedia boards in almost all the classrooms,”

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 percent. 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 13.

More than 600 students attend the Salesian schools in Quetta. Almost half of these students are girls and the vast majority are Christians. In addition, the boarding schools house 30 boys and 20 girls. In Lahore, the Salesian secondary school has 200 students and 250 students in vocational training courses. The hostel near the school houses 150 students.

In Lahore, Salesians offer three-year programs in mechanical engineering, information technology and electrical engineering. There are also one-year courses in welding, refrigeration and air conditioning, plumbing, carpentry, and electrical skills, as well as a diploma in information technology. There are also shorter 6-month courses for hairdressers, beauticians and make-up artists.

“As in any Salesian center, the courtyard or playground is an important element in education,” added Fr. Cruz. “We offer outdoor activities, music, theater, cinema and sports competitions.”

Pastoral and humanitarian work also have an important place in what Salesians offer those in the local community. They focus on the needs of the population in the midst of natural disasters and the distribution of food and hygiene kits during the pandemic. The work is not without difficulties and challenges.

Fr. Cruz explained, “We need help because we find it hard to pay the salaries of teachers as the beneficiaries are poor. We intend to develop a program of infant nutrition in schools and another project for free school transport for those students who come to our schools every day from over 30 kilometers away.”

According to the World Bank, 31.3 percent of people living in Pakistan fall below the poverty line. Gender plays a role in poverty in the country. Pakistan has traditional gender roles that define a woman’s place in the home and not the workplace. As a result, access to education is challenging for girls and society investments are less. There are few opportunities for women and girls in the country outside of traditional roles. This is evidenced by the disparities in education including the literacy rate.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Pakistan – Salesian Education: Excellence despite odds

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Pakistan

The post PAKISTAN: Schools ‘awaken’ the skills of students first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have been working in Lahore and Quetta, Pakistan, for the last 21 years. In Lahore, Salesians have a technical institute, elementary school, boarding school for children, workshops for girls and a youth center open on Saturdays. In Quetta, there is a school and two boarding schools, one for boys and one for girls.

Salesian staff and students in Lahore and Quetta are responding to the call by Pope Francis to provide care for the environment. They recently planted 100 trees on the campus grounds. In his 2020 Laudato Si, which has as its theme “Good Christians and Upright Citizens”, Pope Francis underlined the importance of education and training that will help youth shape a lifestyle and foster environmental responsibility. Further, Salesian Rector Major Father Ángel Fernández Artime noted the importance of concrete initiatives in the care of the environment. The first objective is encouraging the environmental commitment of youth.

Pope Francis has said that the care of creation of the common home (Earth) is everyone’s responsibility, especially new generations. For this reason, Salesian missionaries, staff at Salesian centers and students have been launching initiatives to take care of the environment and make their surroundings cleaner and greener.

“Salesians around the globe are answering the call from Pope Francis and launching initiatives that positively impact the environment,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “These projects teach youth new skills that they will have for a lifetime. Many youth are then going back to their families and teaching them what they have learned. This is improving whole communities and bettering the environment for all.”

According to the World Bank, 31.3 percent of people living in Pakistan fall below the poverty line.

Gender plays a role in poverty in the country. Pakistan has traditional gender roles that define a woman’s place in the home and not the workplace. As a result, access to education is challenging for girls and society investments are less. There are few opportunities for women and girls in the country outside of traditional roles. This is evidenced by the disparities in education including the literacy rate. Female literacy in Pakistan is 71.8 percent compared to male literacy at 82.5 percent.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Pakistan – Salesian centers in Quetta and Lahore plant hundreds of trees

World Bank – Pakistan

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Quetta, Pakistan, collaborated with the Sisters of the Good Shepherd to organize a badminton tournament for girls. The first-ever sporting event for girls, called “Mamma Margherita Badminton Tournament,” featured 20 participants from five different ethnic groups and four different religions.

The Salesian center in Quetta provided the girls with a safe space to practice and show off their talents. Despite the pandemic, Salesian missionaries have been able to keep their doors open to youth to provide a meeting place to connect with their peers and stay engaged in sports activities including badminton, soccer and cricket.

“Sports programs teach youth both on and off the field,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Learning and playing team sports encourages leadership skills as well as teaches youth to work as part of a team. Students also learn important social skills and have opportunities for growth and maturity.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in Lahore and Quetta for the last 21 years. In Lahore, Salesians have a technical institute, elementary school, boarding school for children, workshops for girls and a youth center open on Saturdays. In Quetta, there is a school and two boarding schools, one for boys and one for girls.

“In the Lahore boarding school, the Salesians serve more than 130 youth,” said Father Gabriel Cruz, a Salesian missionary in Pakistan. “We offer them shelter, food, education and religious formation. Most of the youth are Catholics, but we also have young students of other Christian backgrounds. The school and technical institute is attended by more than 200 students, including some Muslims.”

According to the World Bank 31.3 percent of people living in Pakistan fall below the poverty line. It is anticipated that at the end of 2020, 87 million people, up from 69 million, will be living in conditions of poverty.

Gender also plays a role in poverty in the country. Pakistan has traditional gender roles that define a woman’s place in the home and not the workplace. As a result, access to education is challenging for girls and society investments are less. There are few opportunities for women and girls in the country outside of traditional roles. This is evidenced by the disparities in education including the literacy rate. Female literacy in Pakistan is 71.8 percent compared to male literacy at 82.5 percent.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Pakistan – Salesians organize first sports event for girls

World Bank – Pakistan

The post PAKISTAN: Girls play in first badminton tournament first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The Salesian Don Bosco Technical Institute for Boys in Lahore has been closed for security reasons since the incident. The two Salesian students were wounded as they passed in front of St. John’s Catholic Church, one of the two churches targeted in the attacks. Upon hearing the news, Salesian teachers went to the site and were able to accompany the injured students to the hospital where they are recovering. Akash Bashir, a security guard who was killed in the attack, was a former student of the Don Bosco Technical Institute for Boys. His heroic actions saved many lives by preventing the suicide bomber from entering St. John’s Church.

“Salesian missionaries provide education and social programs in more than 130 countries around the globe and often do so in challenging circumstances,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “While this recent bombing serves as a reminder to our Salesian family in the region to be vigilant about security, the importance of education and reaching poor and marginalized youth in these communities remains in the forefront.”

The Don Bosco Technical Institute for Boys provides trade education to mainly Christian students with some Muslim students attending as well. The institute started in 2000 with just 10 students and has grown to serve over a hundred boys aged 15 to 22 years. More than 80 percent of the students live in hostels on the school’s campus and are provided room and board and educational materials. Many students had previously dropped out of traditional schools before accessing services at the institute.

During 15 years of operation the institute has expanded educational courses to provide two-year automotive, electrical, metalwork and air conditioning and refrigeration programs. The institute graduates fully trained men to respond to Pakistan’s annual need for 1 million skilled workers in local industries and is registered with the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA). TEVTA is Pakistan’s biggest network of polytechnic and vocational-training institutions.

“Education and skills training is very important for youth to have an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and go on to lead productive lives,” adds Fr. Hyde. “Students who are able to gain employable skills and find livable wage employment become self-sufficient and are more willing to contribute back to their families and communities.”

According to the World Bank, more than 60 percent of Pakistan’s population lives below the poverty line. The United Nations Development Program’s 2013 Human Development Index ranked Pakistan 146 out of 187 participating nations. The index is a comparative measure of literacy, life expectancy, standards of living and education for countries around the world. Poverty in Pakistan differs from one province to another with the greatest levels of poverty in rural areas, especially isolated and scattered communities found in mountainous regions throughout the country. More than 30 percent of Pakistani children under the age of five are underweight and suffer from malnutrition and the literacy rate for youth age 15 to 24 is 71 percent.

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Sources:

ANS – Pakistan – Salesian students injured in attacks in Lahore

New York Times – Suicide Attacks on Pakistan Churches Kills 15

Vatican Radio – Don Bosco past pupil sacrifices life to save others in Pakistan church attack

Salesian Province of Chennai – Akash Bashir, Don Bosco Past Pupil, Hero who stopped suicide bombers

World Bank – Pakistan

The post PAKISTAN: Former Salesian Student Killed and Two Students Wounded in Recent Church Bombing first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The goal of the medical health camp was to provide preventative screenings and health education on cancer and related health issues resulting from high blood pressure, excess weight and other factors. The event, which was held free of charge for participants, provided education and health screenings for more than 550 women.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), close to 5.8 million Indians die each year from heart and lung diseases, stroke, cancer and diabetes. One in four Indians are at risk of dying as a result of a non-communicable disease before they reach the age of 70. Doctors in the country are also finding that people are being affected by heart disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases at younger ages.

The WHO notes that globally, more than 4 million deaths are caused by exposures to indoor household air pollution and 3.7 million deaths are attributed to outdoor air pollution each year. Approximately 40 percent of the deaths from indoor air pollution and 25 percent of those attributed to outdoor air pollution occur in Southeast Asia. The poor in India who live near busy roads and industrial sites are disproportionately affected by air pollution as are women and children who spend more time at home breathing in smoke and soot from cooking stoves.

“Salesian missionaries care for the sick in nearly 100 clinics and hospitals, located mostly in rural areas, around the globe,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “The medical health camp provided many Indian women access to necessary health education and screenings that will help to prevent disease and improve their overall quality of life.”

During the medical health camp, medical personnel administered screenings for diabetes, high blood pressure and body mass index. Gynecological and sonography services to screen for kidney and gall bladder stones, hernias, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and appendicitis were also provided. In addition, the women who attended the camp were educated on the benefits related to income planning, saving and loans.

With more than 1.2 billion people, India has the world’s fourth largest economy and according to UNICEF, is home to one-third of the world’s poor. Close to 217 million of India’s poor are children. Although more than 53 million people escaped poverty between 2005 and 2010, most remain vulnerable to falling back below the poverty line.

Lack of educational opportunities in India are often due to issues of caste, class and gender and with 44 percent of the workforce illiterate, there is much work to be done. Less than 10 percent of the working-age population has completed a secondary education and too many secondary graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

Sources

Don Bosco Development Society

Don Bosco India – Free Medical camp held for women on Women’s Day

UNICEF – India

World Health Organization – India: first to adapt the Global Monitoring Framework on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)

The post INDIA: Don Bosco Development Society Medical Health Camp Provided Screening to More than 550 Women first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The program—which initially received funding for 12 months in February 2012—centers on reinforcing primary education systems at six schools in highly volatile Quetta, Pakistan. A Salesian primary school and five Salesian-supported schools have been receiving support specific to the needs and challenges of educating the Afghan refugee population. UNHCR’s Head of Office in Quetta, Charles Lynch-Staunton, commended Salesian Missions for this work in an official letter of support, stating “Salesian Missions for Don Bosco is a UNHCR Operating Partner and active member of our Afghan Refugee Education Coordinating Network in Baluchistan.”

The Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) has extended funding for an additional six months. This extension ensures that the progress made through the program will continue, working toward the goal of having schools become self-sufficient, no longer reliant on international assistance.

In Pakistan, 2,200 boys and girls ages 4 to 13 are benefitting from Salesian Missions’ comprehensive approach to strengthening their education. The program includes everything from teacher training and resource improvements for child learning, to infrastructure improvement and web-ready computer labs.

“The students are among the most passionate of any I have seen in the world,” said Neill Holland, Deputy Director of the Salesian Missions Office for International Programs and the agency’s Country Representative for Pakistan. “They are more bright-eyed, energetic, and outgoing than you would ever imagine considering what these kids have witnessed, fleeing across the border with their families, and for many, a life-long war in their homeland.”

The PRM-funded program administered by Salesian Missions and local partners in Afghanistan has resulted in fully equipped and updated, kid-friendly schools.

“Locally, we have gone from schools without sanitation, and from classroom walls that were in danger of falling over; to schools that are structurally safe, have new bathrooms and hygiene education, books, uniforms and even computers—and a connection to the outside word—for the first time ever,” added Holland, who recently returned from a program monitoring trip where he saw the impact first-hand.

Positive impact includes more than 70 teachers, professionally trained for their work with the refugee youth population and motivated to make a difference in their improved schools. As a result, an estimated 85 percent of students who are age-eligible to graduate are forecasted to pass their examinations. Furthermore, the program administration has ensured through advocacy and policy dialogue with Government and NGO Partners that the education students receive in Pakistan will be recognized by the Government of Afghanistan, should their families return home.

“We are working to reinforce primary education in a way that will continue to assist the Afghan children regardless of whether their parents choose to stay in the host country or to return to Afghanistan.” explained Holland.

The goal of the Quetta program is to mainstream struggling Afghan refugee schools so they may become a part of the Pakistani education community, and benefit from its shared institutional resources, even while they serve Afghani youth. Part of this results-driven strategy involves creating useful partnerships with local organizations and the government that can be leveraged to sustain these refugee schools during the years ahead. In fact, the Salesians had already been working in these communities for some time, and their focus on fostering strong community relationships has made them a pivotal U.S. Government partner. Proven results include reaching established program goals and surpassing all expectations.

“This success was realized expressly through the contribution of Salesian Missions’ local team of dedicated lay staff in Quetta, male and female, who give 100 percent every day despite security concerns for themselves and their families.” says Holland. “Their inspiration comes from an enduring sense of brotherhood – and sisterhood – with the vulnerable Afghan refugee community they serve. To work alongside our team of local staff in Pakistan is to experience the heartbeat of humanity, the bond shared between people regardless of their race, creed, color or gender. ”

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PHOTOS: Neill Holland/Salesian Missions

ABOUT SALESIAN MISSIONS

Salesian Missions is the U.S. development arm of the international Salesians of Don Bosco—specializing in programs and services for at-risk youth in more than 130 countries. The Salesians are widely considered the world’s largest private provider of vocational and technical education. The Office for International Programs is the global development arm of Salesian Missions which supports programs globally through partnerships with the U.S. government and private-sector organizations, state-of-the-art concepts, and in-kind financial support. Salesian Missions is headquartered in New Rochelle, NY, and is part of the Don Bosco Network—a worldwide federation of Salesian NGOs. For more information, go to www.SalesianMissions.org or www.MissionNewswire.org.

ABOUT THE DOS BUREAU OF POPULATION, REFUGEES AND MIGRATION

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration provides aid and sustainable solutions for refugees, victims of conflict and stateless people around the world, through repatriation, local integration, and resettlement in the United States. PRM also promotes the United States’ population and migration policies. For more information, go to www.state.gov/j/prm/.

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Malala spoke courageously in favor of children’s rights – especially girls’ education – in Pakistan. In December 2011, she was presented with the first National Peace Award by the Pakistani government.

UNICEF calls on all parties to respect all children’s rights, including education in a safe and protective environment. With 20 million children already out of school in Pakistan, it is critical that quality education reaches all children, particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.

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