Educational and pastoral activities resuming

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are continuing to respond with aid for people affected by the devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia on Aug. 10, 2026. The earthquake left widespread destruction, impacting Salesian institutions and thousands of people. The epicenter of the earthquake was in the department of Chocó, causing serious damage to several Salesian institutions.

After weeks of recovery, Salesians are launching the second phase of their emergency response, focusing on the resumption of educational and pastoral activities, humanitarian support for families who have lost their homes, and the reconstruction of damaged Salesian facilities.

A Salesian explained, “During the first phase of the response, over 58 tons of humanitarian aid was distributed, and support was provided for emergency accommodations as well as pastoral and psychological care.”

Salesians report that the first financial aid payments have been sent to affected staff members, thanks to cooperation between Salesian organizations, private individuals and friends of the Salesian Family in Colombia.

The Salesian added, “The Salesian community in Colombia thanks the worldwide Salesian Family for its ongoing support. Efforts are now focused on ensuring the continuity of educational services, carrying out technical assessments and reconstruction work, while keeping hope alive amongst the affected communities.”

Close to 33% of Colombians live in poverty, according to the World Bank. One in five children in the country has no access to education and 800,000 children reside in refugee camps. The number of children living on the streets has reached epidemic proportions and thousands of youth have been recruited as child soldiers. Some children remain living with a single parent, struggling to survive and are often pulled out of school to earn income for the remaining family. Other youth live in shelters or on the streets.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Colombia – Second phase of emergency response gets underway

Salesian Missions – Colombia

World Bank – Colombia