CATHOLIC WORLD DAY OF THE POOR: Salesian Missions highlights social programs that help people in poverty
Day established by Pope Francis in 2016
(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins Catholic organizations around the globe in honoring World Day of the Poor. The day, celebrated on Nov. 16, will be the ninth celebration of the day. This day was established by Pope Francis in 2016 at the end of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy in honor of the poor.
In his address, Pope Leo XIV stated, “In this promotion of the common good, our social responsibility is grounded in God’s creative act, which gives everyone a share in the goods of the earth. Like those goods, the fruits of human labor should be equally accessible to all. Helping the poor is a matter of justice before a question of charity.”
Pope Leo XIV continued, “It is my hope, then, that this Jubilee Year will encourage the development of policies aimed at combating forms of poverty both old and new, as well as implementing new initiatives to support and assist the poorest of the poor. Labor, education, housing and health are the foundations of a security that will never be attained by the use of arms. I express my appreciation for those initiatives that already exist, and for the efforts demonstrated daily on the international level by great numbers of men and women of good will.”
Nearly 30,000 Salesian priests, brothers, sisters, and novices are working in more than 130 countries around the globe bringing education, workforce development, and social programs to poor youth and their families. They work in some of the most challenging circumstances and are among the first to respond during humanitarian crises or natural disasters.
“Salesian missionaries are providing people in poverty with social supports to help them meet basic needs and improve their lives,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “While Salesian missionaries primarily focus on education, they also work to meet needs like shelter, food, medical care and clean water while also working to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most. These supports ensure that youth have what they need while focusing on their education.”
In honor of the Catholic World Day of the Poor, Salesian Missions highlights social programs that are helping youth meet their basic needs, receive an education, and find a path out of poverty.
DR CONGO
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afia Don Bosco Hospital received donor funding from Salesian Missions for a new generator to overcome frequent power outages.
Afia Don Bosco Hospital, located in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, has a new generator to supply the hospital with consistent electricity thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The hospital, which runs 65% of the time on a generator, experiences frequent power outages, which impact its ability to provide proper medical care for patients.
The hospital provides medical care for the large population in Lubumbashi and its surroundings. Patients of all ages rely on the hospital services, including Salesians and families being served from the Salesian center in the area. The old generator that had been in use for some time had broken, leaving the hospital in a precarious situation. With the new generator, the hospital will run more effectively and efficiently.
Afia Don Bosco Hospital has 156 beds and specialized services including radiology, an emergency department, general medicine, internal medicine, pneumology, gynecological and obstetric, dermatology, dentistry, kinesiotherapy, pediatric, general surgery, neurosurgery, psychiatry, ophthalmology, oncology and more.
LEBANON
Salesian missionaries were able to provide emergency support for 100 displaced people impacted by the war in Lebanon thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.
Salesian missionaries have been able to provide emergency assistance for people impacted by the war in Lebanon* thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The “Emergency Assistance to Internally Displaced People in Lebanon” project provided aid as well as housing for 100 internally displaced people who escaped villages at the border with Israel and south Beirut.
These individuals were hosted in the public school inside Don Bosco Hossoun’s center. The funding from Salesian Missions helped those displaced settle inside the school premises and be supported through the winter with kitchen equipment, blankets, and warm clothes. Salesians also were able to create a stock of medicines and provide meals, water, medical and psycho-social support, and recreational opportunities for youth.
A Salesian noted, “The funding was essential to helping us provide a safe and secure place for the families who were displaced. It allowed Salesians to provide ongoing support too. While those displaced remained at the Salesian center, staff were able to monitor to provide ongoing social and psychological support and continue to address urgent humanitarian needs, while fostering resilience and hope.”
RWANDA
In Rwanda, Don Bosco Muhazi provided food assistance and essential support to 260 students with donor funding from Salesian Missions.
Don Bosco Muhazi Technical and Vocational School in Rwanda had the funding to support 260 students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The funding provided food assistance and essential supplies. Fifty of these students, who live off school grounds, received hygiene kits, food supplies and rent support.
A Salesian noted, “This aid was especially crucial for students from remote areas who struggle to meet their basic needs while pursuing technical education. It enabled them to focus more effectively on their studies. School staff and students alike have expressed increased morale and hope with testimonies indicating that the aid has stabilized their living conditions temporarily. In the longer term, this support fosters resilience, reduces dropout rates, and promotes a conducive learning environment, helping students build a better future for themselves and their communities.”
Don Bosco Muhazi educates 261 youth aged 16-23. In the district 22.0% of people these ages previously attended school and have left for some reason, 75.2% are currently attending school and 2.8% have never attended secondary school.
ZAMBIA
Don Bosco Farm in Zambia has bee established for hands-on education thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.
Salesian missionaries in the St. John Bosco Community, located in Lusaka, Zambia, created the Don Bosco Farm to enhance learning experiences for students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The farm will also provide nutritional support for students and Salesians.
Salesian missionaries operate three agriculture schools in the region. Students receive classroom instruction and spend three months honing their skills on a working farm. Finding enough farms willing to take students has been a challenge. Establishing the Don Bosco Farm ensures students have the hands-on working time they need.
With the donor funding, Salesians purchased layer chickens, pigs and cattle, as well as feed. They also paid for farm maintenance and wages. The project beneficiaries include 40 students and educators in Makeni, 28 Salesian novices in Kabwe, and 50 Salesians and lay people attending activities at the provincial house.
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Sources:
Photos courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)
DR CONGO: Afia Don Bosco Hospital receives donor funding for new generator
ZAMBIA: Don Bosco Farm established for education thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
*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.
