Don Bosco University has new chairs and other furniture thanks to a Salesian Missions partnership with Furniture Reuse Solutions

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco University, located in San Salvador, El Salvador, has new furniture thanks to a donation secured by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The furniture was provided by Furniture Reuse Solutions, which has a commitment to sustainability and societal benefit. The company provides charities and nonprofits with gifts-in-kind donations that aid in their humanitarian missions. This is the first donation to Salesian Missions.

The donation provided furniture for Don Bosco University’s student residence halls, student lounge and the sitting area outside of the Don Bosco Chapel. The furniture was also shared with Sacred Heart Retreat House, which is used for meetings, gatherings and spiritual retreats.

“We are grateful to Furniture Reuse Solutions for providing the furniture so that our students are more comfortable in their learning and living environment,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “Having a proper environment at the university gives our students dignity and allows them to better focus on their lessons.”

Don Bosco University is one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in the country, particularly in the technical and technological sectors. The university has close to 6,000 students enrolled and maintains a strong link to the local employment sector through research, technology transfer programs, continuing education courses and consultancy services.

Degree programs are offered in engineering, social sciences, humanities, economics, technology and aeronautics, among others. The university is also the only teaching center in the country that has the accreditation of the International Society of Orthotics and Prosthetics.

El Salvador is one of the most violent countries in Central America, along with Honduras and Guatemala. In 2016, San Salvador was named the murder capital of the world, seeing more murders and violent crime than any other city. Gang violence is a leading cause of violence in the country, and it’s estimated that some 60,000 young people have gang affiliation. Gang involvement often offers a sense of belonging and family that counters the lack of education and employment opportunities offered in the country.

Crime is often associated with poverty and close to 35 percent of El Salvador’s population lives in poverty, according to the World Bank. Youth in El Salvador are confronted not only with poverty but with instability, high levels of violence and inadequate access to educational opportunities. Despite ranking high for economic indicators, the need for practical education in El Salvador is more important than ever with 12 percent of youth ages 15 to 24 unemployed and 41 percent underemployed.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Don Bosco University

Salesian Missions – El Salvador

World Bank – El Salvador