BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) Forty medical students from the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Santos recently concluded the 17th Academic Project for Assistance to Indigenous Populations, which took place in the Indigenous communities supported by the Salesians of the St. Alphonsus Liguori Province of Campo Grande, Brazil. The project provided health support for the Xavante and Boe Bororo communities.

Twenty students and two doctors were sent to Sangradouro while another 20 students and two doctors were in Meruri and São Marcos. These volunteers carried out various health screenings including blood pressure checks and blood sugar measurements, distributed medicines, and provided basic health care. Home visits were conducted to collect data and provide information on disease prevention.

The team in Sangradouro was welcomed by Father Joseph Tran Van Lich, a Salesian missionary in the community. Ricardo Paiva, the project’s social coordinator, said, “As has been the case for 17 years, our welcome at the mission in Sangradouro was simply wonderful.”

Activities also included distribution of sanitary pads, organization of hygiene kits and educational workshops. Lectures were given on oral hygiene, proper hand-washing and waste collection in the village. The children received toothbrushes, toothpaste and popcorn.

“We were able to combine health education with moments of care and joy, offering a playful and meaningful experience for the children and young people of the village,” explained Paiva.

In Meruri, the events began with the organization of medicines and hygiene products in the local dispensary. The students made home visits, organized waste collection in the village and participated in the oratory with the children. The team also promoted a workshop on animal abuse, distributed hygiene kits, and held workshops on alcohol, drug and sexual abuse.

The team provided similar services in São Marcos. Volunteers were introduced to the village chief Felix Tsiwê and carried out home visits and assistance in the dispensary. The team of students said, “We are deeply grateful to the doctors for their dedication to the project. We have learned a lot and the doctors were excellent.”

Paiva emphasized the importance of the experience. He explained, “We had the opportunity to experience a reality very different from our own and, despite this, we felt at home. We would like to express our deepest thanks to the entire Salesian mission of Sangradouro for welcoming us so warmly and supporting us. May this collaboration, built over 17 years, continue to be strong and last for many years to come.”

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

ANS – Brazil – University students conclude 17th expedition after 11 days of healthcare assistance to indigenous populations in the Salesian Mission

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Reception Center, located in Kigali, Rwanda, has installed a new high-efficiency solar power system, responding to critical energy needs while promoting environmental responsibility within the complex. The project was supported by the Salesian Missions Office in Turin, Italy.

Father Servilien Ufitamahoro, director, emphasized the need for this modernization, pointing out that previously the center had struggled to maintain a constant power supply with limited resources. To resolve these issues, the center collaborated with a company to implement modern technologies, which led to the installation of 24 solar panels and two advanced batteries.

The project has already produced measurable results. Solar energy now accounts for 30% of the electricity used by the center, leading to what Fr. Ufitamahoro describes as a significant improvement in daily operations.

In addition to the immediate logistical benefits, the initiative represents a commitment to environmental protection. Fr. Ufitamahoro noted that in the light of climate change, the adoption of renewable energy is essential to better care for the environment. Looking to the future, he hoped that the center will be able to switch to 100% solar energy.

Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Youth who are poor are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives. Salesians first arrived in the country in 1953. Today, there are six Salesian centers in Rwanda.

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ANS – Rwanda – The Don Bosco Reception Centre in Kigali adopts renewable energy by installing a new solar power system

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UNICEF – Rwanda

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(MissionNewswire) Salesians in Marianówka, a village in Poland, have been able to make repairs to a chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. As part of the project, the structure of the chapel roof, the central section and the floor were reinforced. The reinforcement increases the level of safety and will make it possible to apply for the necessary certificates from the fire brigade for the use of this part of the facility.

A Salesian explained, “This construction project made it possible to achieve the safety standards required by law. This will, in turn, allow us to apply for the necessary state permits to use the building. Obtaining these permits will make it possible to safely host groups of children and youth from our schools and parishes, interested families, and visitors.”

The Salesian added, “The Salesian house and the chapel are used by school-aged youth who come to our house, as well as to nearby recreational centers. Throughout the year, students and young families, various formation groups, as well as emigrants, mostly from Ukraine, also visit us. In the last year, the house was used by approximately 1,200 people, and more than 4,000 people participated in services in the chapel over the course of the year.”

Salesians in this community provide support to those who need extra assistance, like those who cannot afford coal in the winter. Youth utilize the Salesian house to connect with their peers, engage with adult role models and have time for respite through recreational activities. Salesian missionaries in Poland and bordering countries have been providing shelter and support to refugees from Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion in March 2022.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

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MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) Students attending the Salesian technical and vocational center, located in Mahajanga, Madagascar, will benefit from newly constructed facilities. The funding has come from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The work began in March 2025 and currently continues.

The project will benefit 400 students with the Salesian community as well as those living in the broader community who will have access to the education offered.

The TAFITA Enterprise is responsible for the construction of the ground and first floors of the building. The Salesian community has made the effort to increase its participation to cover certain expenses such as transport of materials, water and electricity, as well as other accessories for construction.

A Salesian noted, “This project is essential for the education of youth in the region. There is little access to high-quality vocational and technical training so youth can learn the skills for employment. We had more students than could fit in the current center and we need to expand to better meet the needs of the community. This construction project, once its finished, will allow us to provide better education to more students.”

Salesian missionaries have 11 centers and work in several locations in the country, including the Don Bosco House in Ivato in the outskirts of Antananarivo. Salesians have been in Ankililoaka since 1982. They have constructed schools and churches, as well as a youth center. They are working to ensure quality education and make sure no student is left behind.

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Seventy percent of Madagascar’s almost 19 million people live in poverty with 5.7 million of those youth between the ages of 10-24, according to UNICEF.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8. The day honors the economic, political and social achievements of women while focusing the world’s attention on areas requiring further action.

This year’s theme #GivetoGain encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. According to the International Women’s Day website, the theme “emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it’s intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise. Whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time, contributing to women’s advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world.”

Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, explained, “Salesian missionaries living and working in more than 130 countries are focused on empowering young women and girls with targeted programs. These programs provide opportunities for education and training that lead to livable wage employment. The goal is to empower young women so they are able to make good life choices for themselves, have hope for the future and achieve their dreams.”

In honor of International Women’s Day, Salesian Missions is proud to share Salesian programs around the globe that educate and empower girls and women.

ECUADOR

Women who face unemployment and gender violence gained self-sufficiency at a Salesian training in Esmeraldas, Ecuador.

The María Auxiliadora Formation Center in Ecuador held training initiatives for women in Esmeraldas who face unemployment, lack of resources, gender violence and abandonment, or who are heads of household. The training was taught by three lay professionals and included 12 courses over six employment sectors.

A Salesian explained, “Providing this training has allowed women to gain the skills needed for employment. Some are able to find jobs after the training while others start a small business of their own. Most importantly, they are able to earn an income to become self-sufficient.”

The center was launched 10 years ago in the San Rafael Valley, in the province of Esmeraldas, with the collaboration of the Salesian Ecuador Project and the Salesian San Juan Bosco Community in Esmeraldas. The mission was to support vulnerable populations in a place marked by violence, drug trafficking, poverty and lack of opportunities.

INDIA

Don Bosco Nava Nirman in India provided 32 girls with scholarships thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.

Don Bosco Nava Nirman, located in Muniguda, India, provided scholarships for 32 girls thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The school was developed in 2010 after the Kandhamal violence in the region in 2008. One of the greatest contributions Salesians make in the region is through their education, especially for youth who are poor and marginalized.

A Salesian noted, “We have been concentrating on the education of girls and young women, which is an urgent need in this area. Generally, girls are marginalized by the parents as well as the society at large as they are not seen as potential earners in the workplace. Our entry into the education of the girls is in a way an attempt to transform this general perception. Today, through support provided to us, we are able to educate many girls through our scholarship program.”

Donor funding helped to offset the cost for hostel fees, as well as academic fees and book purchases. Although the school received funds for 26 scholarships, it was able to make scholarships available for additional children. In total, 32 children received financial support for their education.

MALAWI

Eighty girls at Don Bosco High School in Malawi have improved living conditions thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.

Don Bosco High School, located in Nkhotakota, Malawi, has improved living conditions for 80 young girls thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The project funding was used to purchase five buildings as well as the adjacent land. The new area was also fenced for safety.

Three houses were renovated and adequately equipped. One house and another building were taken down because they were not in good condition. Seven toilets and 14 showers were constructed, as well as a stand for two 5,000-liter water tanks. Water and electricity were also connected.

A Salesian explained, “The main objective of the project was to create better safety and living conditions for the school girls. This was achieved, and as a result, the girls punctuality improved because of the availability of more showers, toilets and water.”

Jenallah Mkandawire is a teacher at the school. Before the project, she noted that the living conditions were not adequate for the girls. She explained, “Now the girls are on time and have adequate water for washing their clothes and sanitary needs. Since they have more places to wash themselves and to wash their clothes, the general hygiene of school has improved.”

SIERRA LEONE

Young women who have been exploited receive comprehensive support at Don Bosco Fambul in Sierra Leone.

Don Bosco Fambul, located in Freetown, Sierra Leone and one of the country’s leading child-welfare organizations, supports young women who have been victims of the sex trade by providing them with training in hotel, catering, tailoring, or hairdressing disciplines, or formal education. Recently, 35 school pupils and 50 skills training students received financial aid, food and clothing through support from donors including Medicor Foundation, Jugend Eine Welt, and the City of Vienna.

Every beneficiary received a bag of rice to help meet their nutritional needs, a cash contribution to support daily expenses, and a packet of assorted clothing items to enhance their comfort and dignity. This support is crucial in improving the overall well-being of the youth and enabling them to thrive in their respective environments.

Don Bosco Fambul also facilitates the Mobil Project, designed to identify areas where children living on the streets and girls involved in commercial sex work face significant risks. The project’s primary mission is to recruit youth in need into the program, provide them with rehabilitation and support, and reintegrate them into society as empowered individuals. In the 2024-2025 academic year, the Mobil Project proudly supported 55 students in grades ranging from primary and senior secondary school. The students received school bags, learning materials, and financial aid to cover their school fees and other associated expenses.

A Salesian said, “This crucial support ensures that these students can concentrate on their education without the burden of financial challenges. This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the generous contributions of our incredible donors. Their unwavering support is making a lasting impact, transforming lives and paving the way for a brighter future for these children. We thank them for being a part of this journey.”

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ECUADOR: Women gain self-sufficiency/ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

INDIA: Don Bosco Nava Nirman provides 32 girls with scholarships thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

International Women’s Day

MALAWI: 80 girls at Don Bosco High School have improved living conditions thanks to donors from Salesian Missions/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions

SIERRA LEONE: Young women who have been exploited receive comprehensive support/ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Bosco Boys Home, located in Mumbai, India, is working to address urgent health needs of migrants and disadvantaged families. The organization’s efforts are part of the broader Suraksha Project – Migrant Desk, in collaboration with the Spark Foundation and the NIIT Foundation. A free health camp was held to provide the community with essential medical care and access to government health programs.

A Salesian explained, “Ganpat Patil Nagar, where the camp was held, is a congested settlement where residents struggle daily with poor living conditions. The narrow streets remain muddy, especially in wet weather, and the lack of an adequate drainage system has created an unhygienic environment. Many families live in vulnerable conditions, with an increased risk of contracting diseases and limited access to affordable health care facilities.”

Suraksha Migrant Desk, an initiative by Don Bosco Snehalaya, supports people who migrate to cities and small towns in search of employment, as well as entire families who move together in search of a better future. Once in their new locations, migrants face injustice, mistreatment, harsh living conditions, poverty, exploitation, bonded labor and other challenging circumstances. The migrant help desk aims to address these challenges head-on by providing resources.

A Salesian explained, “It is our collective responsibility to address these challenges and work toward empowering our migrant communities so they too can enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted. We must also assist them in accessing their rightful share of government programs, empowering them to stand on their own feet. Suraksha Migrant Desk remains committed to reaching out to migrant families and individuals, providing support that fosters their upliftment, safety, security and development.”

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

ANS – India – Home care: health, dignity and safety for Ganpat Patil Nagar

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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SOUTH SUDAN

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the St. Patrick Province in Ireland have been providing humanitarian aid, including food aid and education, for people who are internally displaced because of violence in South Sudan*. In Morobo, Salesians were able to provide 700 displaced families with basic food supplies that lasted for several weeks, despite the serious difficulties in the region.

In Morobo, teachers from St. Charles Lwanga Primary School have been providing support for people who are poor and vulnerable. The distribution of food was carried out in collaboration with local authorities, community leaders and humanitarian staff from the United Nations Regional Collaboration Center. In addition, the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Yei attended the distribution of aid, emphasizing the Church’s continued support and solidarity with those affected in Morobo.

The beneficiaries expressed relief and gratitude after receiving the food parcels. “We had nothing left to eat,” said a mother of four children. “This food will help us survive. I pray that there will be more support and that peace will return so that we can go home.”

The crisis in Morobo is part of a wider humanitarian emergency in the country where millions of people remain displaced due to conflict and economic instability. South Sudan has faced recurring violence, forcing people to abandon their homes and livelihoods. Many of the displaced are women, children and the elderly, groups particularly at risk of malnutrition and poor health.

In addition to the distribution of food items, a key component of the program was the education provided to 21 teachers and 14 student representatives from St. Charles Lwanga School. The education focused on child protection and topics such as water, sanitation and hygiene. These topics are essential for promoting a safe, inclusive and healthy learning environment, especially in Morobo, where access to public services is limited.

Father Anthony Doss Leo Arokianathan, economer of the Salesian Delegation of South Sudan, reiterated the importance of partnerships in responding to the needs of the community. He thanked Misean Cara, an international missionary development movement based in Ireland, and the Church for their support of the mission.

These activities are part of the ongoing efforts of the Salesians and their partners to provide holistic support to communities affected by conflict and displacement in South Sudan. By combining immediate relief with education and capacity building, the Salesian community aims to empower communities to rebuild and thrive even in difficult circumstances.

The Salesians in Ireland said, “As conflict and economic crisis continue to devastate communities across South Sudan, it is our privilege to help provide assistance to the affected populations. We ask for your prayers and support for the displaced, to help bring hope in these difficult times.”

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Photo courtesy of Salesians of Don Bosco Ireland: https://www.salesiansireland.ie/story/supporting-idps-and-school-leaders-in-south-sudan/

ANS – South Sudan – Salesians Ireland support internally displaced persons and school leaders in South Sudan

Salesians of Ireland

Salesian Missions – South Sudan

*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.

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ZAMBIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Lusaka, Zambia, are helping girls and young women continue their education. A project helps young women who are forced to miss school periodically due to poverty and taboos surrounding menstrual hygiene. Through a series of targeted activities, the project aims to reduce school dropout rates, increase girls’ self-esteem, and promote lasting cultural change by supporting the production and distribution of reusable sanitary pads, accompanied by education and awareness courses.

Through the work of the Her and His Gift Foundation, set up by a group of girls and young women who attend the Don Bosco Youth Center in Lusaka, around 7,200 reusable sanitary pads have been produced and distributed, thereby also strengthening local skills and micro-entrepreneurship opportunities. The young women then attended courses on practical skills and personal hygiene.

Twenty workshops were also held in the cities of Lusaka, Kabwe, Chingola and Mansa, involving more than 8,000 students. In addition, awareness and community engagement campaigns were designed through school events, community meetings and social media activities to involve as many girls as possible.

A Salesian noted, “Thanks to the support of many benefactors, the project has succeeded in helping to improve school attendance, self-esteem and gender equality, as well as awareness of the impact of disposable products. Parents and teachers openly recognized that menstruation is one of the main causes of absenteeism and welcomed the proposal for reusable sanitary pads.”

Community schools proved to be the most effective way to reach the girls who are most vulnerable. Involving parents, educators, and community leaders at an early state is essential to reduce stigma and promote acceptance of the proposed solutions.

The project launched with the Her and His Gift Foundation demonstrates that simple, sustainable and youth-led solutions can bring about real and lasting change. It is not just about distributing a product, it is an intervention that restores dignity, protects the right to education and nurtures environmental awareness in the younger generation.

The Salesian Mission Office in Turin, Italy, highlighted that this project began in May 2025 and has made significant progress, thanks to the generosity of donors. They report, “With further support and a shared commitment between schools, families and communities, the experience gained in Zambia can become a model that can be replicated in other vulnerable communities. We are grateful for the donors who have supported this initiative.”

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

ANS – Zambia – Restoring dignity and protecting the future of girls

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia

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(MissionNewswire) Salesians were able to provide scholarships to 325 youth thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The youth came from 18 communities in six countries in West Africa, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Guinea Conakry, Mali* and Gambia. The Antonio César scholarships covered schooling, supplies and support for transportation.

Salesians also held awareness days to promote the importance of education for these youth, to encourage them in their studies and to prepare them for the future. These activities supported parents and Salesian confreres as well as helped schools address challenges in getting these youth to remain in school.

One of the youth supported through the program was 16-year-old Nathan. He is a student at St. Jean Bosco in Cotonou, Benin. Nathan lost his father when he was young and lives with his mother who has few resources.

Nathan said, “For a long time, I thought that my school journey would stop due to a lack of resources. I didn’t believe I’d be able to continue my studies, let alone be able to attend professional training. But everything changed thanks to the scholarship that I received. I was able to complete my secondary education and obtain my baccalaureate. I am now pursuing professional training with the firm desire to succeed and learn a profession and one day be able to support my family like they have supported me.”

He added, “This scholarship transformed my life. It gave me hope, confidence and a real direction to follow. I would like to express my deep gratitude the school and to all partners and benefactors who make this project possible. Thanks to you, young people like me can dream again and especially believe in a better future.”

According to the UNESCO Statistical Institute, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of exclusion from education. More than a fifth of children aged about 6-11 are out of school, a third of children aged about 12-14 and nearly 60% of young people aged about 15-17. The region faces a growing demand for education due to its steadily increasing school-age population. Girls face greater exclusion from school than boys of the same age.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions

UNESCO Institute for Statistics

*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.

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UNITED STATES

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Family Youth Center, located in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, California, recently hosted high school senior students from Loyola High School who were looking to complete community service hours.

JC Montenegro, executive director of Salesian Family Youth Center, explained, “It all started with an email from Gabriela Gordillo-Banuelos, director of the Center for Service and Justice, saying that students in their final year at Loyola High School were looking for a place to do their compulsory community service hours. The students had to serve for three days, four hours a day, in the community, and she felt that the Salesian Family Youth Center was the ideal solution.”

Over the three days, the students thoroughly cleaned classrooms, polished the vans, painted, organized the spaces and spent meaningful time with the children. The students’ ability to step in and serve wherever needed reflected their strong character and sincere willingness to help.

The students were also invited to reflect on what they had learned and what they would commit to doing in the future. They spoke about the importance of practicing empathy and appreciating every moment, every opportunity, and every person they encounter. Many shared how even small interactions can have a powerful impact. Several students expressed a desire to continue serving others, particularly those from marginalized or immigrant communities.

Gabriela Gordillo-Banuelos’ previous connection with the Salesians made this partnership possible, demonstrating how long-term relationships and networking continue to create opportunities for service and impact.

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

ANS – United States – A service that builds community and shapes young hearts

Salesian Family Youth Center

Salesian Missions

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ZAMBIA

(MissionNewswire) The Garden Open Community School, located in Thorn Park, a neighborhood in Lusaka, Zambia, has solar panels and newly painted classrooms in the primary section thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

The improvements to the school aid the learning environment for the students in vulnerable situations who attend. The enrollment keeps growing as the government schools are crowded with sometimes more than 100 students to a classroom. The Salesian sisters who run the school provide smaller class sizes and a good education.

The school serves primary and secondary students as well as adults who take trade education in computer studies, hospitality and cooking. Nine of the classrooms were constructed in 1993, and the project helped improve those outdated classrooms.

A Salesian sister said, “This was an important project to help the school improve the learning environment for students. The solar panels have allowed us to save on the cost of diesel for the school. This funding can be used now to help make improvements in the school for the students.”

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy, productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run Bartholomew Garelli Festive Oratory is a place of education, respite and fellowship for the youth of Goiânia, Brazil. Inaugurated in September 2024, the oratory provides youth with a place for sports, culture and educational activities. Held on Saturdays, the activities are free for youth aged 14-24.

Since its inception, the Bartholomew Garelli Oratory has seen growth in participation with more than 2,000 young people attending in 2025. Offering snacks and workshops such as futsal, volleyball, and basketball, the oratory has become part of the weekly routine for Goiânia’s youth coming from many different regions.

By offering participants a safe, educational, and fraternal environment, the oratory fulfils a role that goes beyond leisure. It’s a space for learning teamwork and peer engagement and for listening, guidance, and youth leadership. Youth gain new friendships, develop social-emotional skills and feel they belong to a community that believes in their potential.

Father Wagner Gama, rectory, said, “The Salesian Congregation did not begin with schools, parishes, or universities, but with the oratory. Don Bosco’s purpose was precisely to care for those who were poorest through this mission environment. When we strengthen oratories, we are strengthening what is at the beginning of Don Bosco’s work.”

Antônio Tavares, aged 16, likes the oratory because it is a place where he can have fun with friends. He explained, “The first time I came was because a friend of mine invited me, saying that the oratory was really cool. I came to play with him and now I come every Saturday because it really is a great place and a great time to spend with friends. There are snacks, and the courts are good quality. The educators are also very dedicated, which keeps the project going and improving every day.”

Caroline Matos, aged 16, has been coming to the oratory since 2024. She noted, “They welcomed me very well. It is a peaceful environment where the educators treat us as if we were their children. It’s amazing because we can come to play and talk. I feel a love that we don’t normally feel from other people. I love participating.”

Even those youth who have been involved in other Salesian activities in the region long before the oratory are benefiting. Pedro Santiago, aged 17, explained that he got to know the oratory when he participated in the CESAM Goiânia Socio-Learning Program. He said, “It’s very interactive here, with lots of interesting activities and sports. I really like it because it helps me stay in shape. I also get to spend time with my former coworkers and the teachers.”

According to Fr. Gama, the goal is to offer youth more opportunities, hope and paths to a better future. He concluded, “The Bartholomew Garelli Festive Oratory was a great pastoral initiative and is flourishing. For this year, we hope that it will be an even greater support to youth.”

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

ANS – Brazil – The Bartholomew Garelli Festive Oratory promotes sports, culture, and education for the youth of Goiânia

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(MissionNewswire) Students with the Red Cross Club at Don Bosco Tech in Rosemead, California, organized a campaign to gather essential items for veterans in need. Thanks to the generosity of students, parents and school staff, over 2,100 essential items and other comfort items were collected.

After taking their school exams, a group of volunteers from the club loaded the packages into cars and delivered them to the Red Cross headquarters in Arcadia.

Victoria Phung, head of youth programs at the Red Cross, thanked the school for its valuable annual contribution. She said, “We are fortunate to have Don Bosco Tech to count on. These young people are among our best allies in helping our veterans.”

Don Bosco students around the globe frequently give back to their communities and other communities in need. Working in more than 130 countries, Salesian missionaries have created a vast network of primary, secondary, vocational and technical schools serving youth who are poor or disadvantaged. With a focus on education and workforce development, Salesians worldwide provide youth valuable resources to aid them in finding livable wage employment.

Don Bosco Tech in Rosemead combines a rigorous college preparatory program with technology focused education. The innovative science, engineering, technology and math curriculum allows students to exceed university admission requirements while completing extensive integrated coursework in one of several applied science and engineering fields.

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

ANS – United States – A solidarity campaign by Don Bosco Tech in favour of the most disadvantaged

Don Bosco Technical Institute

Salesian Missions

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VENEZUELA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Entrepreneurship School of San Félix, located in Bolivar, Venezuela*, has a new roof over the computer laboratory and wing where four classrooms are located thanks to donor funding. The funding was provided by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project included the tear-down of the previous roof and then cleaning and repairing the metal structure, applying anti-corrosion protection, and installing a thermo-panel sheeting system.

The construction project ensured a safe, optimal and welcoming learning space to enhance the training for youth. The replacement of the roof eliminated leaks and structural risks, protecting equipment, furniture, and facilities. The environmental conditions of classrooms and laboratories were improved, providing greater comfort, better acoustics, and a safe learning environment. The risk of accidents associated with leaks or falling debris was reduced.

A Salesian said, “The new infrastructure promotes academic performance and motivates student attendance and participation, positively impacting the continuity of their education. The school reputation was strengthened, projecting a commitment to educational quality and increasing community satisfaction, which may attract new students.”

Yamilet Garcia, a 29-year-old student, considers the roof restoration project as fundamental to a good learning environment, since the laboratories previously represented a risk both for the equipment and for students due to the holes in the roof. She pointed out that before the repair, lack of electrical power and deterioration forced students to study outside the classroom and use computers in church. Since the project finished, she added, “We are very happy and satisfied that the project has been completed and we have a new roof.”

The work was completed during the vacation period, which minimized the impact on academic activities. The use of local workers also strengthened ties with the community and contributed to the social sustainability of the project.

Salesian missionaries have been living and working in Venezuela long before the country’s political and economic crisis began. They operate schools, youth centers, and other programs that support youth in need and their families. An estimated 87% of the population is currently living in poverty, and essential goods such as food and medicine are scarce.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Venezuela

*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.

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SOUTH SUDAN

(MissionNewswire) Youth attending the St. Vincent De Paul School, run by the Salesian sisters in Gumbo, South Sudan*, have improved sanitation and access to workshops, along with a new equality club, thanks to donor funding. The funding was provided by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Donor funding helped with the construction of new bathroom facilities for girls, strengthening gender equality in the school community. Dehay Company LTD, a local firm employing local workers, built the structure. The roof was then finished and a rainwater disposal system was installed, along with doors, windows, walls, flooring, ceiling, plumbing and fittings.

While construction was happening, teachers implemented regular hygiene and gender equality awareness sessions. From March to September 2025, the sessions were delivered during daily school assemblies. In total, 24 awareness sessions were conducted, covering topics such as personal hygiene, hand-washing practices, oral hygiene, safe use and maintenance of toilets, menstrual health, body changes, and maintaining a clean environment at school and at home. More than 1,100 students participated in these sessions.

In addition, an equality club was established and became active during the academic year. The club reached 53 students from grade 3 until grade 7. The club promoted equal participation among boys and girls in the school and strengthened gender-sensitive practices. A total of 14 leaders were appointed to motivate their peers and support the implementation of the planned program. Under the guidance of teachers, the club organized mixed sports tournaments, gender-themed debates and shared responsibilities for school duties. These activities fostered collaboration, encouraged balanced participation and promoted positive gender roles across the school community.

Charity Poni Lino, one of the teachers at the school, said, “Life in Gumbo is challenging and it is not easy as a teacher. I see that most of people struggle even to pay school fees, but we know that education can change our future. My wish is to study hard and become a doctor so that I can help others girls and my community.”

About the project, she noted, “Before the construction, most of the girls faced challenges with the lack of enough toilets. Both students and teachers were excited by the changes as well as the gender awareness campaign. It helped the whole school community.”

Salesian missionaries in South Sudan are dedicated to providing programs and services across the country. Salesian missionaries provide education, social development services, nutrition programs, and health clinics for poor youth and their families. For some, the education offered at Salesian schools is the only opportunity to gain an education and the skills necessary for future employment.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – South Sudan

*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.

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ARGENTINA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Faculty of Oenology and Food Science, located in the Salesian House in Rodeo del Medio, Mendoza, Argentina, has been a benchmark in oenology and the fruit and vegetable industry. The school has distinguished graduates and degree holders who are prominent at the national and international level in the wine-making industry.

Father José Cordera, rector, noted, “This recognition is the result of hard work, strong commitment, constant support and responsible management. Every day, Salesians and the entire educational team seek to support the students in their studies.”

The key to the school’s success lies in its comprehensive education where knowledge is gained by hands-on work in vineyards, olive groves, state-of-the-art wineries, a canning factory, laboratories and professional sensory analysis rooms. Students and teachers go through the entire production process together, from harvesting to commercialization and marketing.

Don Bosco Faculty has won numerous awards for its wine making. Last year, Don Bosco Faculty was at the top of prominent wine makers in Latin America, offering a wide variety of products that have won prestigious international competitions and an olive-growing project that has placed Don Bosco extra virgin olive oil among the best in the world.

The Don Bosco Faculty is part of the long history of the Salesian Rodeo del Medio House, which has been dedicated to training wine professionals since 1901. On Oct. 31, 1965, the Don Bosco Faculty of Oenology and Food Science was officially founded, which became the first institution of higher studies in the wine sector in Latin America. This grew to meet the need of bringing greater professionalism and academic training to those in charge of the wine industry.

Since then, graduates in oenology, the fruit and vegetable industry, food technology, and the sommelier profession have been trained and represent the faculty in different areas of the country and the world.

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ANS – Argentina – The Don Bosco Faculty in Rodeo del Medio is recognised as the most awarded educational institution in Latin America

Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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CHAD

(MissionNewswire) More than 1,000 youth living in poverty in a rural area of Koumra, Chad, have a new gym thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The gym was constructed primarily for the education of vulnerable youth and women.

Koumra, the capital of Mandoul Oriental, is a major agricultural and commercial center in southern Chad. The city faces structural challenges including insufficient energy with frequent power cuts and fuel shortages, limited urban infrastructure, and restricted access to basic services.

Salesian sisters with Daughters of Mary Help of Christians community were responsible for overseeing the project. The gymnasium will ensure the smooth operation of the youth center and the oratory. Together with the youth leaders, the gym will be properly cared for.

Allaïssem Xavier Ngarsales, aged 19, is a Salesian youth leader helping to support oratory activities on Sunday afternoons. She explained, “We entertain younger children with games and try to teach them things through play, sports, theater, and crafts. On very hot days and days of heavy rain, apart from a few trees, we had no shelter to safely accommodate the children.”

Ngarsales was excited by the prospect of a new gym. She said, “The gymnasium perfectly meets our needs. It provides a training space for us, a welcoming place for children and young people, a film screening venue, and a place where we can stay overnight during major events.”

She added, “It’s important to advertise so that all young people understand they are welcome at the center, that it’s for everyone. The benches and mats will allow us to accommodate large audiences for performances. In the future, we would like to have an office for the center, a meeting room, and a space where actors can prepare and change.”

Most of Chad is covered by desert and this presents a significant challenge for a developing country that depends largely on subsistence farming. The most successful practice is migratory farming, where herds can move and adapt to changing climate conditions, but even this practice is severely limited by resources.

Women in Chad also face significant gender discrimination. They often must work outside the home as well raise a family, tend the farms, gather water and cook. Yet they are culturally limited from access to education or training, and marginalized by society. These women are especially vulnerable to the psychological as well as physical effects of poverty.

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Salesian Missions – Chad

World Food Programme – Chad

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CAMBODIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco schools in Cambodia are actively promoting ecological awareness and sustainable practices through education, pastoral care and community involvement. Two schools, Don Bosco Kep and Don Bosco Sihanoukville, have developed a range of initiatives that integrate care for creation into daily school life.

A Salesian explained, “Through reforestation activities, environmental education programs and the protection of coastal ecosystems, students are encouraged to see ecology as an essential dimension of their human and Christian formation.”

Some of the most important projects are tree planting, the development of green areas and the restoration of mangroves along the coast. These initiatives are coordinated within the framework of the Don Bosco Green Alliance Cambodia, which brings together educational institutions, local communities and youth around a shared commitment to integral ecology.

Indigenous youth are also involved in these efforts, with initiatives such as the Namuncurá Short Film Festival offering platforms to express ecological concerns through storytelling, culture and creative media.

Father Rafael Bejarano, general councilor for youth ministry, has encouraged Salesian schools to take inspiration from the UNESCO Green School Quality Standard, which provides a quality standard for greening schools and other learning environments. In Cambodia, these principles are being gradually incorporated into educational practice, showing how ecological education can be integrated into academic programs, vocational training and pastoral life.

The Salesian noted, “Through these concrete actions, Don Bosco schools in Cambodia continue to embody the Salesian commitment to care for our common home while supporting youth to become responsible citizens and showing ecological responsibility within their communities.”

Salesians in Cambodia provide primary and secondary schools along with technical education so youth have an opportunity to gain an education and develop the skills for employment. These educational services are bolstered by social development programs that help youth have access to basic needs like food, shelter and life skills training.

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Cambodia

ANS – Cambodia – Don Bosco schools pioneer Ecological Action ahead of worldwide campaign

Don Bosco Kep

Salesian Missions – Cambodia

World Bank – Cambodia

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries working and living in several locations in Ukraine* have been provided emergency support for the winter thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Salesian centers in Korostiv, Skhidnytsia, Dnipro, Vynnyky, Kyiv and Lviv were impacted by this donation. In addition, the emergency support impacted 650 students at the Salesian schools in Lviv and 20 displaced persons in Vynnyky.

The Salesian centers are experiencing frequent power outages and this is particularly difficult in the winter because of the lack of heat. The project allowed for the purchase and installation of four generators, which have ensured that facilities continue to function, especially the schools, where uninterrupted education was guaranteed. The funding also supported the purchase of diesel fuel for the generators. The generators provide both alternative lighting and heating.

In one of the facilities, an old boiler was repaired and elements of the heating system were replaced. In addition, the hot water system was repaired at the Salesian center in Vynnyky, ensuring proper heating and sanitation.

Father Mykhaylo Chaban, superior of the Salesian Mary Help of Christians Vice-Province of the Greek-Catholic Rite in Ukraine, explained, “The funding gave us hope and support to endure all the challenges we face during wartime, especially in the cold winter. With your help, we have light and warmth for living, uninterrupted training and working processes.”

Since the beginning of the war, Salesian Missions and Salesian missionaries in Ukraine and around the globe have supported thousands of people with projects and activities aimed at alleviating the situation of people affected by the war.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions

UNHCR – Ukraine

*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.

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(MissionNewswire) The Youth Ministry Sector of the Salesian Congregation launched a new global campaign titled #DBSchoolsGoGreen, aimed at promoting ecological awareness and sustainable practices across Salesian educational institutions worldwide. The initiative was officially announced by Father Rafael Bejarano, general councilor for youth ministry, through a letter addressed to all youth ministry delegates in the various Salesian provinces.

In the letter, Fr. Bejarano recalls the mandate of the 29th General Chapter, which calls on every Salesian province to “promote formation in integral ecology and the ecological education of young people.” He noted that Salesian schools represent an ideal starting point for translating this commitment into concrete action.

To support schools in this journey toward sustainability, Fr. Bejarano has proposed adopting the UNESCO Green School Quality Standard. This framework provides concrete guidelines to help schools become environmentally sustainable. It is well suited to Salesian schools as it actively involves not only students and teachers but the entire educative-pastoral community.

The UNESCO Green School Quality Standard offers a comprehensive set of guidelines and actions for greening schools and other learning environments. It identifies four core areas for implementing sustainability principles and ecological action. These include school governance, facilities and operations, teaching and learning, and community engagement. For each of these areas, the UNESCO manual proposes specific actions that school communities can undertake.

Concluding his letter, Fr. Bejarano said, “It would be excellent if all the schools in the province could launch this program during the present year 2026. Ensuring that all our schools #DBSchoolsGoGreen through the use of the Green School Quality Standard is one of the priorities I invite you to focus on in the year ahead.”

The #DBSchoolsGoGreen campaign is being coordinated across the Salesian congregation by the Don Bosco Green Alliance. The initiative has already been received with enthusiasm in several provinces.

Salesian Brother Lucas Mario Mautino, youth ministry delegate for the Argentina North Province, said, “We welcome with joy the #DBSchoolsGoGreen 2026 campaign as a concrete sign of our pastoral commitment to young people and to the care of our Common Home, in full harmony with Don Bosco’s dream and the Church’s call to an integral ecology that educates, sensitizes, and transforms.”

Don Bosco Green Alliance is the global platform for ecological initiatives and activities, carried out by the Salesians of Don Bosco.  Launched in 2018, Don Bosco Green Alliance is today an active network where youth from Salesian institutions and organizations exchange ideas and work together to address the environmental challenges the world is facing.

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – RMG – Youth Ministry Sector launches #DBSchoolsGoGreen

Salesian Missions

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Ecuador held a medical brigade in the Achuar community of Pumpuentsa to address health concerns of the local Indigenous population. The event was organized by the Salesian Community of Wasakentsa in collaboration with the Anaía Mission of Cuenca, and led by former volunteer Emily Carrión.

In Pumpuentsa, the volunteer medical staff provided assistance to community members suffering from illnesses such as the flu and coughs. Assistance was provided by 10 doctors from the University of Cuenca, various organizations and the city of Quito, with the support of the Seguir las Huellas Foundation.

Another group of 18 youth traveled to the Achuar communities of Karakam, Kurinua, Wasurak, Patukmay, and Ipiak, where they shared the Christmas message and delivered donations to families and youth.

A Salesian explained, “During an evaluation and feedback session, the young volunteers shared their experiences in the different communities. Local community members also expressed their gratitude for the donations received and the medical assistance provided. Special thanks for the Salesian community in Taisha for welcoming the participants before their trip and also on their return, offering them accommodation.”

Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth who are poor gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities.

Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Programme, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% in Indigenous communities.

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

ANS – Ecuador – Achuar communities receives medical assistance during an awareness-raising event organised by the Wasakentsa Community and the Anaía Mission

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ARGENTINA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to strengthen three vocational training centers for improved learning in southern Argentina thanks to donor funding. The funding was provided by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

These centers, which serve students who are poor and marginalized, can now provide access to up-to-date and relevant job training, providing students with real tools for the current labor market.

A Salesian noted, “The quality of teaching in the courses has increased substantially, including the incorporation of the new equipment, and updating and expansion of content related to emerging technologies.”

For example, at Don Bosco Villa Itatí students have better equipment to practice their skills in building maintenance, gastronomy, basketry, carpentry and blacksmithing through the renovation of machinery and tools. In addition, the San Juan Bosco Vocational Training Center and the Avellaneda Vocational Training Center have better equipment for students learning the automotive mechanic trade. Students can practice their skills in the classroom with equipment similar to that in the automotive workshops in the area.

Students also have greater access to internships. The education now includes practice in real-work conditions, a fundamental aspect for the acquisition of competencies, skills and abilities.

Pablo Rodriguez, who attends San Juan Bosco Vocational Training Center, is taking the course in front axle, suspension and steering mechanics. Before he started the course, he didn’t know anything about cars. He would like to continue courses at the training center and will enroll in the automotive electronics and electrical course next.

Rodriguez explained, “Although my current course has already finished, I will continue to come because I like the school. I came here not knowing anything about cars and now I have not only learned about tools, but I also enjoy performing complex vehicle diagnostics. My plan is to continue studying more things about the car, starting with automotive electricity.”

Matías Balza, attending Don Bosco Villa Itatí, has been working in gastronomy for many years. He was encouraged to start entrepreneurship with other classmates and a colleague. He said, “We are very happy because it began to go well. I continue with gastronomy and in my free time and on weekends we do blacksmithing work.”

More than a quarter of the people in Argentina live in conditions of poverty with no formal employment and poor-quality education, according to the World Bank. The country’s high school dropout rate is close to 37% and youth account for a third of those unemployed. Almost 12% of children aged 5-17 are working instead of being in school and 20% need government assistance. Many face malnutrition, a lack of clean water and sewage, and inadequate housing.

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Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) A campaign launched by Salesian missionaries in Ecuador has proven to help support food security for the Shuar communities in the areas of Yaupi and Miazal, in the Ecuadorian Amazon. A significant number of plastic containers with airtight lids have been collected and distributed to help families, who are living without electricity and accessible safe drinking water, to better preserve food and water.

A Salesian noted, “This may seem like a simple step to help these families, but it’s proving incredibly effective. These airtight containers are preventing food spoilage and contamination by animals and improving nutritional access, especially for children.”

The campaign is ongoing and some containers are awaiting delivery in certain areas. These will be delivered when Salesians visit the region as part of the pastoral and community work undertaken by Salesian missionaries in Yaupi.

Father Fabián Lozada, parish priest in Yaupi, expressed his deep gratitude to all the donors whose support made it possible to get closer to the goal of helping more than 500 Shuar families. He also thanked them for the additional donations of sweets, clothes and toys, which brought joy to many children in the communities visited.

Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth who are poor gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities.

Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Programme, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% in Indigenous communities.

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

ANS – Ecuador – Solidarity campaign for Shuar families proving highly successful

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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UGANDA

(MissionNewswire) More than 4,800 youth at Salesian schools in Uganda have access to better nutrition through a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit that helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience through nutrition, education and economic empowerment. Youth at Salesian schools and at Don Bosco Palabek received the meals in the first half of 2025.

At St. Joseph Vocational Training Center, meals supported students during their studies and large-scale events like Women’s Day and the Don Bosco sports tournament. As a result, the school was able to redirect funds toward learning materials. Students showed better concentration and performance, and community members expressed appreciation.

At Don Bosco CALM, daily hot meals were served to hundreds of youth, including weekend rations for boarding students. The center also distributed take-home meals to neighboring households and held two sessions on dietary health and food safety for caregivers. As a result, school attendance rose from 87% to 95%, and there was a 9% improvement in end-of-year exam pass rates. Malnourished children reached healthy BMIs, and parents reported financial relief as a result of the meal support.

Meals were also distributed at Don Bosco Palabek for children and youth in the early childhood development program and the vocational training center, helping maintain program stability amid broader food shortages. The camp managed to sustain school operations during a regional food crisis. The meals boosted morale and educational continuity and enabled the center to allocate funds toward education materials and facility improvements.

Finally, at the Don Bosco Vocational Training Center in Bombo, the meals helped the school avoid a food crisis during school sessions, attracted new enrollments due to improved student welfare and fostered community bonds through inclusive meal-sharing events. The center also supported poor local families with the meals and began expanding vocational education offerings.

Frank, a student at Don Bosco Vocational Training Center, is currently studying metal fabrication and wishes to be a professional welder. Frank comes from a very poor family and is an orphan who lives with his siblings. Due to financial constraints, they could only afford to have one small meal so that everyone could have something to eat.

Frank said, “Ever since I started receiving Rise Against Hunger meals, my life has really greatly improved because I no longer miss any important meal.’’ He said that his grades and those of other students are better because students now go to class with the right energy after receiving lunch.

When asked about his hopes for the future, Frank said, “In the future, I want to be a welder who provides the best quality services for my customers. With that career path, I hope to create financial freedom for my family so that none of my family members has to suffer from hunger again.”

Salesians at the schools work primarily with boys who are homeless and those who have been orphaned, battered, and neglected. They also provide support for other youth and children who are vulnerable, including those who are HIV/AIDS positive. All of the children are in school with some attending Don Bosco Primary School, Salesian secondary schools and vocational training institutes.

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Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – Uganda

World Bank – Uganda

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and the international community in honoring Feb. 12 as Red Hand Day, also known as the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers. The day was started when the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict entered into force on Feb. 12, 2002. This protocol was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations (U.N.) in May 2000 and has been ratified by 168 U.N. member states.

In 2001, the U.N. Security Council sent a powerful message to the world that the recruitment of child soldiers would no longer be tolerated. Resolution 1379 requested the U.N. secretary-general attach an annex to their report on children and armed conflict, in which they would list parties to conflict who recruit and use children in situations on the U.N. Security Council’s agenda. Subsequent resolutions added four additional triggers for listing: sexual violence, killing and maiming, attacks on schools and hospitals, and abduction of children.

The U.N. has noted that instead of adhering to commitments to stop using child soldiers, the numbers are increasing. “Instead of ending the practice, armed groups have increased recruitment and use of children for armed conflict purposes, from Colombia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the Lake Chad basin, Mozambique, the Sahel, Sudan, Somalia, Syria and Haiti. Most of the impacted children were abducted and forcibly recruited. Most of these children are girls who have suffered rape and sexual violence, and have been bought, sold and trafficked.”

Salesian organizations around the globe give youth who have been recruited as child soldiers a chance at a better life. They offer shelter, counseling and education to help youth gain the skills for later employment.

“Salesian missionaries work with former child soldiers so that they may overcome the traumas of war and reintegrate into society,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “They have faced trauma and often need special care. Salesian work goes far beyond education. Salesian centers provide social and psychological support, medical care and beyond for these youth.”

In honor of International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight Salesian programs that help former child soldiers by offering education and psycho-social support.

COLOMBIA

Salesians work to rehabilitate young soldiers through education and training in Colombia.

Salesian missionaries are helping former child soldiers and at-risk youth in Colombia gain an education and have hope for the future.

Don Bosco City, located in Medellín, has been working with youth for more than 55 years and has saved more than 1,300 from a life of violence. The long rehabilitation process at Don Bosco City focuses on three things youth need to learn — how to trust, to have hope for the future and to build relationships with others. Psychologists and teachers work together with youth, giving them the tools for a better future including basic education and more advanced skills training that will lead to stable employment.

Don Bosco City is one of the oldest and largest programs for street children in Latin America. Since its start in 1965, the program has rescued more than 83,000 boys and girls. Through the program, Salesian missionaries offer a multi-pronged approach designed to address the broad social issues that contribute to the poverty and exploitation these youth face while training them in the skills necessary to break the cycle of violence and poverty.

LIBERIA

The Salesian-run Mary Help of Christians School in Liberia educates 560 students each year, many of whom are former child soldiers.

Operated by Salesian sisters, Mary Help of Christians School in Liberia provides a foundation of education and support for young students who would otherwise have limited opportunities — many of whom are former child soldiers. The school started in 1993 and serves just over 560 students. The school also has a feeding program, which serves more than 100 students each day.

This is one of many schools that Salesian missionaries operate in Liberia. Salesians have been present in Monrovia since 1979 and manage parishes, youth centers, schools and oratories.

In 2019, Don Bosco Technical High School, also in Monrovia, launched a vocational training course for electro-technicians. An afternoon class is available to high school students, which complements their current educational path. There is also a morning class for young workers to help them obtain certification to improve their options in the workforce.

MALI

Bosco Global supports Salesian Père Michael Training Center in Mali with sports equipment, a music training center and health education.

The Salesian Père Michael Training Center in Bamako, the capital and largest city of Mali*, is bringing joy, providing education, and cultivating peace among children and older youth. The center keeps its doors open all day and provides support to hundreds of youth from the Niarela district and the outskirts of the city. It also works as a deterrent for children being recruited as child soldiers.

Youth come to the center to play sports, learn music or study at its library. The center provides a safe haven where youth have an opportunity to live, dream of a future, study, and learn the importance of being committed and collaborating in groups. They are able to express themselves freely and access the support of adults.

The goal is to keep young people, ages 12-25, away from the street and harmful habits such as alcohol or drugs. Instead, youth are offered an educational space during their free time which promotes cultural activities and allows the development of values. Salesian missionaries have been able to access sports equipment for the girls basketball team, set up a music training center, and organize health and hygiene awareness days to prevent diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.

SYRIA

Youth focus on education as path toward a better future at Salesian centers in Syria.

Salesian centers in Syria* are providing youth a safe haven and a place where they can continue to cultivate their dreams and their faith through education and support. Salesian centers are located in Aleppo, Damascus and Kafroun.

A Salesian said, “In a country devastated by years of war, young Syrians stand as symbols of resilience and hope. Despite the countless difficulties that surround them, they show a surprising skill and intelligence and an ability to face daily challenges with determination and a spirit of sacrifice. Syria, with its destroyed political and social landscape, may seem a place where the future is uncertain and prospects are scarce, but young people, despite living in physical and emotional ruins, manage to build spaces of hope and give value to the present.”

The path for these youth has been fraught with challenges. The war, which began in 2011, was followed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The earthquake in February 2023 left behind a long trail of destruction. Economic difficulties are one of the most serious challenges for young Syrians, who often have to choose between working to contribute to family sustenance or continuing to study. High costs, a lack of job opportunities and an unstable political context make it almost impossible to plan for a peaceful future.

The Salesian noted, “Young Syrians show a great capacity for adaptation and an extraordinary desire to get involved. Several of them excel in their studies, despite the precarious conditions in which they find themselves living. Others try to find a way to earn a living. They are finding creative solutions to complex problems, from managing daily life to surviving in extremely difficult conditions. Many of these boys and girls see education as a way to build a better future, and, despite the economic difficulties, they invest every resource to continue their education.”

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

COLOMBIA: Salesians work to rehabilitate young soldiers

LIBERIA: Salesian-run Mary Help of Christians School educates 560 students each year

MALI: Center provides safe haven for youth

Red Hand Day

Salesian Missions

SYRIA: Youth focus on education as path toward future

Red Hand Day

United Nations – Recruitment of child soldiers is on the rise, despite global commitments

*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 INT’L DAY AGAINST THE USE OF CHILD SOLDIERS: Salesians educate and provide psycho-social support for former child soldiers first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins Catholic organizations around the globe in honoring the Catholic World Day of the Sick. Every year on Feb. 11, the Pope marks the day with a special message calling for spiritual and physical closeness to all those who are ill. Saint John Paul II instituted the day “to encourage the people of God, Catholic health institutions and civil society to be increasingly attentive to the sick and to those who care for them.”

This year’s theme “The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing the pain of the other” centers on the Gospel figure of the Samaritan, who demonstrates love by caring for the suffering man who fell in with robbers. The Vatican noted, “It highlights a key dimension of love for one’s neighbor: love must be expressed through concrete acts of closeness, by taking on the suffering of others — especially those who are ill, and often also vulnerable due to poverty, isolation, or loneliness.”

Salesian missionaries offer more than 150 medical clinics and hospitals in mostly rural areas around the globe that serve a wide range of medical care needs of youth and their families.

Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, said, “Through hospitals, dispensaries and mobile medical clinics, Salesians are addressing the medical needs of those in often remote areas that have little access to care. Salesians know that while education may be the primary focus, ensuring youth are healthy enables them to attend school and have a better focus on their education.”

On Catholic World Day of the Sick 2026, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight medical and health programs that provide critical supplies and services to those living in poverty.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

Funding from Salesian Missions helped to ship critical medical supplies for a clinic in Central African Republic.

Salesian missionaries in Bangui, Central African Republic*, had the supplies needed for a medical clinic thanks to a shipment of goods funded in part by Salesian Missions. The shipment was sent by Collaboration Santé Internationale (International Health Collaboration), a Canadian organization focused on responding to the needs of health centers in developing countries.

Funding for the shipment was provided by both Salesian Missions and Don Bosco Foundation Paris. The shipment contained electric hospital beds, neonatal incubators, exam tables, filing cabinets, lab coats, amoxicillin, quinine, first aid supplies and vitamins.

The medical clinic was completed with funding from the French government through Don Bosco Foundation Paris. Don Bosco Foundation Paris requested assistance from Salesian Missions with funding for the shipment and for its extensive experience in shipping humanitarian aid around the globe.

DR CONGO

Six programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including a hospital, received healthy meals through Rise Against Hunger’s partnership with Salesian Missions.

Oeuvres Maman Marguerite, a network of Salesian centers located in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, received a shipment of nutritious meals through a partnership between Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit that helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience through nutrition, education and economic empowerment. The shipment provided meals for six programs at a prison, a hospital, orphanages, a hospice for the elderly and training centers. More than 1,200 people were fed as a result of this shipment.

One of the recipients is Mechak Kahozi, aged 14, who is attending the Bakanja Ville Welcome House. Kahozi had lived with his father, stepmother and aunt until he was mistreated at home and took to the streets. He has been living at the Salesian house since 2023. Kahozi is back in school and looking forward to a brighter future. He would like to become a mechanic and have his own garage. He’d also like to be a mentor to children like him.

Kahozi said, “Since I started eating Rise Against Hunger meals, I feel good and healthy. I really enjoy it. It’s important for me because it gives me good health, and we don’t get sick frequently anymore. I like to sit next to everyone I live with when it’s time to eat dinner.”

INDIA

Four students at the Salesian College Siliguri in India created innovative heart attack prediction software.

Four students from the Salesian College Siliguri in India have created innovative heart attack prediction software. At a recent event, the team showcased the technology in a live demo and were encouraged to get a patent for their work.

The software was built from scratch by the first-year bachelor of computer applications students in collaboration with the Radio Club’s tech members. Designed to analyze health data and predict potential risks of cardiac arrest, the project is a major product achievement.

The core development team was led by Anand Kumar and supported by Ronish Minj, Othniel Samuel and Rahul Kumar Sah. Each brought unique strengths to the project, shaping it into a working prototype that blends innovation with compassion.

Kumar explained his vision, “I wanted this project to prove that technology can feel human.” Minj added, “It’s more than a model — it’s our small step toward saving lives.” Samuel reflected, “Innovation in health care should start where compassion meets data.” Sah shared, “Every test run made the system stronger and us more curious.”

VENEZUELA

Salesian missionaries in Venezuela have medical insurance coverage thanks in part to donor funding from Salesian Missions.

Salesian missionaries in Venezuela* were able to cover a portion of the Salesian medical insurance thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The insurance coverage includes medical consultations, hospitalizations and necessary procedures for unforeseen health situations for 125 people, including youth in formation, coadjutor Salesians, and Salesian priests.

A Salesian noted, “The support provided allowed us to have secure health services for all Salesians of the San Lucas Province. We were able to have good help which in turn strengthens our pastoral work.”

Salesian missionaries are working in 22 communities throughout the country. Most of these communities are located in areas which have complex social and economic environments. These Salesian communities cannot sustain themselves solely with their own income or with the income from the pastoral care and support services they provide. Funding from donors makes a critical difference in the lives of Salesians and the communities they serve.

Monsignor José Ángel Divasson, bishop emeritus of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Ayacucho, who is currently residing in the Salesian Provincial House of Venezuela, highlighted the shortage and high cost of medicines, a reality that also affects the Salesian community in the country. He expressed gratitude for the support received for the medical insurance for the elderly Salesians, recalling medical treatment he received made possible thanks to this health insurance coverage.

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CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Funding from Salesian Missions helps ship critical medical supplies for clinic/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

DR CONGO: More than 1,200 people receive healthy meals through Rise Against Hunger’s partnership with Salesian Missions/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

INDIA: 4 Salesian college students showcase innovative health technology/ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

Salesian Missions

Vatican – Showing compassion of the Samaritan, theme for 2026 World Day of the Sick

VENEZUELA: Salesian missionaries have medical insurance coverage thanks in part to donor funding from Salesian Missions/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in these countries 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.

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TIMOR-LESTE

(MissionNewswire) Youth attending Salesian schools, orphanages and youth centers in Timor-Leste had access to better nutrition through a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit that helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience through nutrition, education and economic empowerment. In the first half of 2025, Rise Against Hunger meals fed 1,766 youth across 24 centers around the country.

Dircia, a 17-year-old young woman, lives at the Franciscan Sister’s Youth Center and Boarding House in Tibar in the Liquica District. Liquica is a coastal and mountainous municipality in the northern part of Timor-Leste, with a population of 75,000. The local economy is based on agriculture with coffee, red bananas, cassava and livestock as key products. Farmers face challenges in accessing markets due to poor infrastructure and terrible roads.

Dircia had nine siblings, with two passing away when they were children due to malnutrition. Her mother passed away after delivering Dircia’s youngest brother. The siblings were sent to different youth centers and orphanages. She and her siblings all have experienced better nutrition through Rise Against Hunger meals.

Dircia is thankful for the Rise Against Hunger meals and said that they have taught her about taking care of others’ well-being first. She promises to study hard because she wants a good job in the future to improve her life and be of service to others.

Sister Erminia Soares, coordinator of Franciscan Youth Center, said, “Dircia is a very good, soft-spoken person who is always caring for others. She has a strong connection with her other siblings and often visits them at other centers. The Rise Against Hunger meals are very helpful because they provide for the nutritional well-being of our students who come from the very poor families in the countryside.”

Salesian missionaries and Salesian sisters living and working in Timor-Leste operate educational programs, three orphanages for youth who are poor and homeless, and a medical clinic. In the wake of the devastating war that claimed countless lives, decimated entire communities and resulted in living conditions that are among the worst in the world, the Salesian community has been providing programs to help residents rebuild. Efforts are focused on helping poor youth through education and providing new opportunities for the future.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – Timor-Leste

World Bank – East Timor/Timor-Leste

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ETHIOPIA

(MissionNewswire) Five young innovators from Don Bosco Gambella in Ethiopia* are transforming agriculture through their start-up, Afri Tech Eng. All five youth are graduates of Don Bosco Gambella, and their journey from student to start-up reflects the values and skills they learned through their education.

Afri Tech Eng has been tasked with designing and manufacturing essential agricultural machinery for local farming communities. These machines were entirely designed and manufactured in Salesian workshops and will be distributed across nine sub-districts of Gambella, helping to boost agricultural productivity through technology that is both locally relevant and affordable.

Father Lijo Vadakkan, director of Don Bosco Gambella, expressed his deep appreciation for the young innovators and their work. He said, “What we have seen over the past two months is a clear example of what young minds can achieve when focus, dedication and hard work come together.”

Salesians have been operating Don Bosco Gambella for 51 years, providing education and support to the local community. They work to ensure that youth have the education and skills needed to find and retain long term employment. Students are also encouraged to use their skills to improve their local communities.

Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world with more than 38% of its population living in poverty, according to Feed the Future. Close to 85% of the country’s workforce is employed in agriculture, but frequent droughts severely affect the agricultural economy leaving more than 12 million people chronically, or at least periodically, food insecure. In addition, more than two-thirds of the population is illiterate.

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

ANS – Ethiopia – From the classroom to the workshop: young innovators promote local agricultural solutions in Gambella

Salesian Missions – Ethiopia

UNICEF – Ethiopia

*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.

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RWANDA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are challenging gender stereotypes in education in Rwanda. For years, technical and vocational education in the country has steered young women into subjects that did not require physical strength. However, the four-year project “Gender Matters for Green TVET” at Don Bosco Gatenga and Don Bosco Muhazi is creating a pathway for young women to succeed in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as construction, electricity and plumbing.

Although the initial goal was to ensure that at least 30% of students were young women, the results far exceeded expectations. In the 2022-2023 school year, only 60 young women were enrolled at Don Bosco Gatenga, while in 2024-2025 that number rose to 209 out of a total of 533 students.

This growth was supported by the construction of a dormitory for young women that offered safe spaces for self-care, directly increasing the confidence and academic performance of these students.

Two students who completed their studies in electrical engineering received scholarships for advanced education. One of them traveled to Ghana to specialize in solar energy and will return to Rwanda to teach short courses, while the other is currently pursuing university studies in Sweden.

At Don Bosco Muhazi, the project has helped more than 100 students, including single mothers, to engage in agriculture and livestock farming. Graduates have received financial aid and livestock to overcome personal difficulties, while 15 other graduates have already started their own agricultural initiatives.

A Salesian noted, “Recognizing that education requires more than just books, the project has provided counseling for trauma and distress to more than 50 young women and financial assistance to 30. The program is also helping these students connect with job opportunities to ensure that they are able to find and retain long-term employment.”

Around 80% of those enrolled at Don Bosco Muhazi are now involved in entrepreneurship programs and are equipped with tools such as hoes and livestock and trained by financial institutions to manage their business ventures.

The work is thanks to the collaboration of the Austrian Development Cooperation, Jugend Eine Welt and the Salesians of Don Bosco.

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

ANS – Rwanda – Breaking down barriers: transforming gender issues in technical and vocational education and training

Salesian Missions – Rwanda

UNICEF – Rwanda

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GUATEMALA

(MissionNewswire) Young women attending Talita Kumi centers in Guatemala had access to better nutrition as a result of a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit that helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience through nutrition, education and economic empowerment. Close to 700 young women from three centers received the meals in the first half of 2025.

Salesian sisters have also added educational content related to nutrition, food security and healthy eating practices. These topics have been addressed in a hands-on, practical way during training sessions with the students, strengthening their learning and promoting healthy eating habits. The students enjoy the rice’s taste and its versatility in preparing diverse menu items.

Lidia, aged 16, was one of the recipients who received a balanced diet through the food program at the Talita Kumi boarding school. She lives in the village of Chiquixji and is from the Indigenous Q’eqchi’ community.

She said, “I am happy because here I have learned to prepare food in a healthy and hygienic way.” Lidia takes what she has learned and cooks rice tortillas or rice soups for her family. “When I return to my community, I want to teach other families how to eat better with the products they already have at their disposal.”

Sister Margarita Cucul, internal director of the Talita Kumi boarding school in San Pedro Carchá, said, “I’ve had the joy of witnessing Lidia’s personal and academic growth since she joined us three years ago. She comes from a hardworking Q’eqchi’ family dedicated to agriculture and animal care, and she arrived at our school with strong motivation and a deep desire to better herself. Over the years, I have seen Lidia transform into a young leader. She has a real passion for cooking, which is why she has led our kitchen team more than once. She has also learned how to manage inventory, maintain kitchen hygiene and take full responsibility for kitchen operations. It has been beautiful to watch her take the initiative and grow in confidence.”

Sister Cucul added, “The feeding program has made a tremendous difference in our community. It has allowed us to improve the variety and nutritional value of our meals. We now create new recipes with the ingredients we receive, and the girls genuinely enjoy their food. I see their happiness at mealtimes, and it is clear that this program not only nourishes their bodies but lifts their spirits as well.”

Salesian missionaries working and living in the country have been providing for the basic needs of Guatemala’s youth while helping to break the cycle of poverty in their lives. They work extensively with youth and their families at youth centers, orphanages, parishes, and primary and secondary schools. They also operate technical schools, vocational training workshops and two universities in the country.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Guatemala

World Bank – Guatemala

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(MissionNewswire) The Salesian missionaries in Lviv, Ukraine*, are celebrating the growing success of the Pokrova AMP soccer team made up of youth who have undergone limb amputations during the war. What began two years ago as a small Salesian initiative has become a movement of hope. Today, there are more than 15 AMP soccer centers in the country with 300 youth players. Another Salesian team, the Tytany, was formed in Zhytomyr. A third Salesian team is in the process of forming.

The Ukrainian Soccer Federation organized the first AMP soccer championship with games taking place between August and December 2025. The Salesian Pokrova AMP team won the championship in this inaugural event. The official award ceremony took place in the presence of the minister of youth and sport and the minister for veterans. With the victory, the team will participate in the EAFF AMP Soccer Champions League in June 2026, while the Tytany took third place in its league.

Upon their return to Lviv, the team was officially welcomed by Mayor Andriy Sadovyi, who celebrated the historic victory together with the players. The team was also recognized as “Team of the Year of the City of Lviv”.

A Salesian explained, “Beyond sporting victories, the heart of this project is deeply Salesian. Working with these young people is not just a matter of sport, but a mission of human and spiritual rehabilitation. These young former soldiers and war amputees find in the Salesian centers a spirit of welcoming, family, support in difficult times and a new perspective on life. It is touching to see how young people from all corners of Ukraine travel hundreds of kilometers to be part of it and participate regularly in training sessions.”

Salesians thank the Salesian Mission Office in Bonn, Germany, which has supported the annual maintenance of sports activities and the Salesian Mission Office in Turin, Italy, which supported the soccer field where players train and practice. Further, Salesians thank the Salesian Mission Office in Beromünster, Switzerland, which has been helpful in the education of the players. Salesians also extend their gratitude to all the Salesian Mission offices and other benefactors who have supported and promoted these inclusive activities.

Salesians are now working on the creation of a large Sports and Rehabilitation Center for youth who have lost limbs in the war and for the children of the existing Salesian sports club.

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

ANS – Ukraine – The History of Salesian AMP Football in Ukraine: a victory of hope and rehabilitation

Salesian Missions

UNHCR – Ukraine

*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.

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SOUTH SUDAN

(MissionNewswire) More than 5,000 people, most of whom are internally displaced in Gumbo, on the outskirts of the city of Juba, South Sudan*, had access to better nutrition during the first half of 2025. The food shipment was the result of a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit that helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience.

At the Don Bosco Gumbo Camp, Rise Against Hunger meals, which consist of rice, soy, vegetables and a vitamin packet, were distributed to 2,958 people, ensuring that all the families received essential food supplies. Meals were also served at the Don Bosco School, benefiting more than 1,500 students in the regular morning classes and more than 500 in the accelerated learning program in the afternoon. The meals served during their break provided much-needed nourishment to support their learning and well-being.

In Tonj, 180 people who are affected by leprosy also received meals. This outreach emphasized inclusivity and compassion, reaching one of the most marginalized groups in society. Additionally, meals were distributed to refugees in Wau, reinforcing efforts to support displaced communities and uphold their dignity through food assistance.

At the Don Bosco Gumbo Primary School, James is one of the students who received nutritious meals. Before the Rise Against Hunger meals were introduced, his family often managed only one meal per day. He now has breakfast at school and a second meal when he returns home. This improvement in nutrition has helped him and his classmates focus better in class and improve their grades. James dreams of becoming a doctor if he continues to do well in school.

During one school lunch, James said, “Since we’ve been having these meals, I feel stronger and don’t get tired very fast. These meals are my favorite part of my day. I get to eat with my friends and then play afterwards.”

James is deeply grateful for the support and says that one day he hopes to help others just as he has been helped through the meal program. He has observed that the entire school community is happier and more engaged with the consistent meals. Attendance has improved, and more students come to school regularly.

Paul Mutte-Atelio, community leader and teacher, said, “The Rise Against Hunger meals are very good. The students and teachers are happy and appreciative of the support. In the internally displaced persons camp, we have some women who are vulnerable and cannot do much, but with the meals, their life has improved so much, and they are very grateful. Now they help prepare the meals and have found food stability for them and their children.”

Salesian missionaries in South Sudan are dedicated to providing programs and services across the country. Salesian missionaries provide education, social development services, nutrition programs, and health clinics for poor youth and their families. For some, the education offered at Salesian schools is the only opportunity to gain an education and the skills necessary for future employment.

South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan in 2011 but has faced an ongoing civil war that started in December 2013 and continues today. This has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis. According to the United States Institute of Peace, more than 10 million people have been forced from their homes. The war has also triggered the world’s worst hunger crisis with more than 18 million Sudanese living in acute food insecurity.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – South Sudan

*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.

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TANZANIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Novitiate in Morogoro, Tanzania, completed a renovation project thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Fifteen years of use, combined with harsh tropical weather and limited resources for major maintenance, led to widespread infrastructure needs. This project restored safety, dignity and functionality to the entire compound.

These improvements have impacted 23 Salesian novices from Tanzania and neighboring countries, close to 500 youth who regularly participate in oratory activities, catechesis, sports, tutoring, and youth formation programs at Don Bosco Morogoro. Those visiting the compound from the local community are also benefiting from a safe and functional environment.

The renovation began with a complete overhaul of the plumbing system, which had become the most critical problem. The original galvanized iron pipes were severely corroded, leading to frequent leaks, low water pressure and rust-contaminated water. Entire sections of piping were replaced with durable, modern materials, including new valves, fittings and connectors. All washrooms and dormitories were comprehensively renovated as well. This restored hygiene, dignity, and safety for the novices, staff and visiting youth.

Structural repairs were also completed throughout the building. Cracks in walls were repaired and reinforced, leaking roof sections were sealed, and damaged floors in corridors, dining areas, and common spaces were repaired. The entire building, both interior and exterior, was repainted, transforming the building into a clean, bright and welcoming environment.

Lastly, the project also addressed security and compound infrastructure. The perimeter fence was repaired and reinforced, and the main gate was upgraded to ensure the safety of residents, visiting youth, and the property.

Mtewa Evans Edward, one of those impacted by the renovation, said, “When I see the clean rooms, the water flowing freely, the pavements inside the compound and the beautiful tarmac road leading into our home, I feel deeply grateful. This place now truly reflects the dignity of our vocation. We thank our benefactors from our hearts.”

In Tanzania, 67.9% of the population lives below the poverty line. While the country has seen some economic growth in tourism, mining, trade and communication, the number of Tanzanians living below the poverty line has marginally increased due to rapid population growth. In some regions, up to half of the population struggles to meet the cost of essential food and shelter and other basic necessities like clothing, health care and education. Nearly 43% of the population lives in extreme poverty.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

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HAITI

(MissionNewswire) Nearly 200 youth attending programs at Lakay Don Bosco Cap-Haïtien in Haiti received nutritious food through a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit that helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience. The shipments of meals were distributed in the first half of 2025.

The Salesians operate on the outskirts of Cap-Haïtien, serving a community primarily composed of internal migrants. Traditionally, most of the population has migrated from rural areas, seeking economic opportunities but often encountering poverty and exclusion. More recently, the city of Cap-Haïtien has become overwhelmed by an influx of people from Port-au-Prince, who are fleeing the insecurity caused by armed gangs.

A Salesian said, “Rise Against Hunger meals contribute to the education of our youth and their success. Thanks to the nutritious meals, our young people don’t have to worry so much about food to be able to study. The meals contribute to the development of our young people since they contain protein and vitamins.”

Belot, age 16, is one of the youth who received the meals. He lives in a community operated by the Salesians with the Vincent Foundation. After losing his parents and living on the street, Belot now lives at the Lakay Don Bosco residence where he attends school, completes work duties and participates in group activities.

Prior to joining the Salesian program, Belot was severely malnourished. With the nutritious meals, he has now reached a healthy weight and grown physically stronger. After eating, he often plays soccer or creates new games with his peers. He hopes that through education, he can learn new skills to help him secure a well-paying job and create a better life for himself.

Lourdena Bien-Amie Pierre, teacher and food manager, said, “Since receiving the Rise Against Hunger meals, noticeable improvements have occurred in Belot’s life. He has grown stronger and healthier. The meals have helped him focus better on his studies, improving both his physical and intellectual development. I have great pride in Belot. I always call him hopeful, responsible and determined.”

Pierre added, “Overall, since the introduction of the meals in the community, I have observed significant positive changes. Youth are growing both physically and mentally, and the community is benefiting overall. As I say, ‘a hungry stomach has no ears,’ meaning that nourishment is key to learning and development.”

Salesian missionaries began working in Haiti in 1935 in response to the Haitian government’s request for a professional school. Since then, Salesian missionaries have expanded their work to include 11 main educational centers and more than 200 schools across the country.

The 11 main centers each include several primary and secondary schools, vocational training centers, and other programs for youth in need. Salesian programs are located throughout Haiti, including in the cities of Port-au-Prince, Fort-Liberté, Cap-Haïtien, Les Cayes and Gressier. Today, Salesian missionaries in Haiti provide the largest source of education outside of the Haitian government.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – Haiti

World Food Programme – Haiti

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COLOMBIA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Child Jesus Center, located in the San Pedro Claver Province of Bogotá, Colombia, organized an event for the more than 30 women, single mothers and entrepreneurs, who received their certification after training.

The women completed training programs on gender and employability as well as entrepreneurship and business culture. The event was attended by the heads of the different projects and Father Leopoldo Gómez, provincial economer, who shared in this significant moment for the participants.

A Salesian said, “This training not only strengthened their professional and entrepreneurial skills, but also contributed to their personal growth, the recognition of their rights, and the development of an entrepreneurial culture oriented toward building dignified and sustainable lives.”

These programs are the result of the collaborative work of the Salesian Employment Bank, with the support of the German development agency BMZ and Don Bosco Mondo, in partnership with the Social Pastoral Ministry of the Salesian Child Jesus Center, the Salesian University Foundation and the Youth Service Foundation.

The work of Salesian missionaries in Colombia is internationally recognized. Just over 34% of Colombians are living below the poverty line. Although Colombia is among the world’s emerging economies, more than three out of 10 Colombians still live in poor conditions.

One in five children in the country has no access to education. Many orphaned youth live in poverty and have lost their parents to natural disasters, the HIV/AIDS epidemic and other diseases, war, or domestic issues. 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.

By providing education, workforce development services and social programs across Colombia, Salesian missionaries are working to empower youth and women to give them a chance at a better life.

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

ANS – Colombia – Women transforming their future: education, entrepreneurship and hope

Salesian Missions – Colombia

World Bank – Colombia

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DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Oeuvres Maman Marguerite, a network of Salesian centers located in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, received a shipment of nutritious meals through a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit that helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience.

The shipment provided meals for feeding programs at a prison, a hospital, an orphanage, a retirement home and a training center. Close to 600 people were fed during the first half of 2025.

A Salesian noted, “Children used to go hungry in the centers, but today we have largely responded to these challenges. Food not only serves as nourishment for our young people but also as a means of keeping them in our homes and centers.”

Médine is one of the young women who received the meals. She lives in the Visitation House in the Kafubu neighborhood, an area on the outskirts of Lubumbashi. She ended up at the center after her parents’ divorce, bouncing between parents and spending a few days on the street. Médine was then directed to the Salesian center.

She credits the morning meal with giving her the energy to get through the entire day of training without getting tired, allowing her to participate fully in her school activities. All of the students eat twice daily.

The nutritious food has allowed her to improve academically and make significant progress. Compared to when she lived with her father, Médine’s health has drastically improved since arriving at the center. She no longer gets sick frequently and maintains a strong immune system.

Camel Kajila Ntambu, a school social worker, said, “Now that the youth are better fed in school, they are out of school less. We have come to understand that providing adequate nutrition was a key factor in minimizing absenteeism.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for more than 100 years, ensuring that the most vulnerable children are not forgotten. Salesian primary and secondary schools and programs lay the foundation for early learning, while Salesian trade, vocational and agricultural programs offer many youth the opportunity for a stable and productive future.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in these countries 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.

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ARGENTINA

(MissionNewswire) The Ceferino Namuncurá School, located in Salta, Argentina, has transformed the school garden through the “Everything is Connected” project. Inspired by the words of the late Pope Francis, the project educated youth in ecology while promoting responsible habits, youth leadership and learning.

A Salesian noted, “One of the central elements of the project was the construction of a rainwater collection roof made from recycled plastic bottles, along with a wall of eco-bricks produced by the students themselves. The campaigns to collect, separate waste, and reuse materials involved the entire community including students, teachers, families and school staff.”

Practical workshops, led by teachers and an engineer, allowed students to actively participate in placing posts, assembling bases, designing gutters, and making eco-bricks. Each technical challenge became an opportunity to learn from experience, integrate curriculum content and strengthen collaborative work.

The Salesian added, “Students from preschool, elementary school and the high school collaborated in the creation of a mural made from recycled bottle caps depicting Pope Francis and the spirit of Laudato Si’. This collective work, created with patience and creativity, expresses the conviction that even the smallest elements — such as a bottle cap — can acquire new value when they are given new meaning through care and hope. The mural has become a permanent reminder that environmental education is not only a practice, but also a spiritual and community gesture.”

With the project finished, the space has been transformed into an open-air classroom where students can learn surrounded by plants, colors and messages that encourage ecological responsibility. Rainwater harvesting will enable sustainable practices, while daily contact with nature will strengthen the connection to the earth and the spirituality that inspires the project.

The Salesian concluded, “The ‘Everything is Connected’ project reaffirms that caring for our Common Home is an educational, community-based, and deeply Salesian act. It is a gesture that unites faith, science, creativity and service, teaching youth that transforming the world begins with transforming one’s own environment.”

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – “Everything is Connected”: An eco-project at Ceferino Namuncurá School, Argentina

Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

(MissionNewswire) The Boys and Girls with Don Bosco Network closed the 40th year of work in the Dominican Republic in 2025, while also celebrating 90 years of Salesian work in the country. Today, the network has 12 local centers in the National District, Santo Domingo East, Barahona, La Vega, Jarabacoa and Mao, supporting more than 2,400 youth each day. Its programs include family support, education, technical training, youth leadership, health programs, environmental initiatives, sports and art.

Salesians held a Catholic Mass and Christmas concert in celebration. The Mass was presided over by Father José Pastor Ramírez, provincial of the Salesians in the Antilles, in collaboration with 15  Salesian priests from local Salesian centers.

In his homily, Fr. Ramírez explained that a country may have mountains, rivers and roads, but without bridges its people remain isolated. The bridge, he said, is not the destination or the goal, but it makes it possible for life to move forward.

In this way, he affirmed that the Salesian presence in the Dominican Republic has been a bridge of light that has allowed thousands of youth to pass to the other side toward opportunities, dignity and hope. Fr. Ramírez expressed his deep gratitude to the collaborators, volunteers, donors and institutional partners who have supported this mission over four decades.

On behalf of the Salesian Congregation, he urged the whole of society to renew its commitment to Dominican children and youth, recalling that there are still many gaps to close and that the country needs to continue strengthening spaces of care, education and support.

The Boys and Girls with Don Bosco Network began in 1985 as Canillitas con Don Bosco (Newspaper boys with Don Bosco) and has evolved, responding to the changing risks faced by youth. The formalization of the network in 1998, the territorial expansion, the addition of reception centers and the creation of the Don Bosco Foundation in 2013, have consolidated a comprehensive platform of care and social support.

Nearly half of youth under the age of 18 live in poverty in the Dominican Republic, according to UNICEF. Although the country’s economy has been steadily improving, the country’s poor people still struggle to get enough food to eat and to access safe drinking water and adequate housing. Only 30% of youth finish primary school and only 18% finish secondary school on time. Schools are in poor shape with nearly half having no access to safe drinking water and more than 60% lacking adequate bathroom facilities.

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

ANS – Dominican Republic – Joint celebration of 90 years of Salesian presence and 40 years of Muchachos con Don Bosco

Salesian Missions

UNICEF – Dominican Republic

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) Father José Marcos de Oliveira led a mission of 14 people to help support the Indigenous Xavante people in the Salesian Indigenous Missions in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The team went to São Marcos, a place where the Salesians have lived and worked for seven years. The missionaries brought with them about 120 baskets of basic foodstuffs, along with clothes, shoes and toys.

Missionaries visited people who are sick and got to know the community, including close to 100 youth who attend the oratory. The missionaries also distributed clothes collected in the parish, as well as food baskets to three of the local villages.

One of the volunteers was José Nivaldo, age 21 and a parishioner of St John Bosco Church. He said, “After experiencing everything that was presented to us there, now that I return to routine, I can state that it was a wonderful, unique experience. It is as if Jesus really took us away from the daily grind and took us to a mountain full of work, prayer and deep experiences.”

Nivaldo added that he did not imagine that he would enjoy the experience so much. The people who shared Mission Week made a difference including the friendships he made along the way. The smiles he witnessed and the games he played with the children brought joy and transformed his outlook.

Just over 15% of Brazilians live in poverty, with the majority living in the rural northeast of the country, according to the World Bank. While Brazil is making positive changes, there are still large gaps between the poor and the rich, and issues of income inequality and social exclusion remain at the root of poverty.

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

ANS – Brazil – Young people from St John Bosco Parish carry out a mission with the Xavante people in Mato Grosso

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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IVORY COAST

(MissionNewswire) Salesian pre-novitiates in Korhogo, Ivory Coast, have a new residential accommodation thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. With the funding an addition was constructed and renovations were made which impacted the 25 young aspirants who live and are educated there.

The variety of facilities were designed and constructed to support residential, educational, and communal needs. This includes two dormitory rooms, one dedicated training room, a chapel for spiritual activities, a dining hall, and three rooms allocated for trainers, along with an administrative office. These spaces form a comprehensive complex aimed at fostering a supportive environment for residents and pre-novices.

Stephen Akyene, an aspirant, said, “The house now is perfect for young aspirants. The various pastoral activities that we take part in there are helping to form us into good Salesians. The house and space we now share will aid us in our growth both spiritually and academically.”

According to the World Bank, 46% of people in the Ivory Coast live in conditions of poverty — with 12% of the population living in severe poverty on less than $1.25 a day. The Ivory Coast has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in West Africa. While a wide range of national and international initiatives focus on HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention and testing, the collapse of public health facilities in the north as a result of years of conflict has made the situation worse.

Salesian missionaries continue their work providing shelter, education and social development services to youth and their families. They also work with the victims of war to heal the country’s deep wounds. They listen, help victims seek compensation and work for social reconciliation between opposing groups. Known for their work with child soldiers around the globe, Salesian missionaries are also providing training for youth, some who had been aggressors during the war.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Ivory Coast

World Bank – Ivory Coast

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ETHIOPIA

(MissionNewswire) More than 2,500 families across eight communities in Ethiopia* had access to better nutrition thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit Christian organization committed to “feeding God’s children hungry in body and spirit.” The families have been impacted by the ongoing strife in the Tigray region of the country.

A Salesian explained, “The war started in November 2020. Until the peace agreement was reached in November 2022, there were active clashes between the federal military and the regional force, and hundreds of thousands of people died on both sides. The food shortage began around November 2020, coinciding with the start of the conflict in Tigray. As the war unfolded, it worsened food access and contributed to the broader humanitarian crisis.”

Salesian missionaries have been a crucial lifeline for war-affected people in Tigray, operating primarily through established communities in Mekelle, Adigrat, Adwa and Shire. Salesians address immediate humanitarian needs while also focusing on long-term recovery and resilience.

This donation was sent in partnership with Flexport.org, which managed the shipping and funded the shipping costs. Salesian Missions will partner with Flexport.org for additional upcoming humanitarian aid shipments.

Salesians have also organized and distributed food baskets containing essentials like wheat, rice and oil to tens of thousands of internally displaced persons and families facing food shortage-like conditions. They are running programs for the most vulnerable, especially malnourished children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, providing high-nutrient food like fortified flour to combat acute malnutrition. They are also providing non-food items like blankets, mattresses and other items.

With infrastructure broken, Salesians have taken on projects to restore clean water access. They are currently working to repair damaged wells and boreholes in order to provide a more sustainable water source for local communities.

In addition, Salesians are providing education to children and skills training for older youth and adults. A Salesian explained, “Education is at the heart of what we do in these communities. Salesians have been instrumental in getting schools functional again by providing books and pens, repairing damaged classrooms, and paying incentive salaries for teachers who otherwise wouldn’t work. For children who have missed years of schooling, we also provide informal classes for internally displaced people, setting up temporary learning spaces to help them catch up. For older youth and adults, we provide access to skills training with short technical and vocational courses and startup kits to help them generate a small income.”

Salesians were in these communities well before the war started and will be there long after it’s done. The existing trust with the community means that Salesians can often operate when international non-governmental organizations are unable to gain access. This has been critical in assessing nutritional needs and ensuring that food shipments reach people most in need.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Ethiopia

UNICEF – Ethiopia

*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.

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CHAD

(MissionNewswire) Youth in Chad are faced with numerous challenges including lack of access to basic infrastructure and education. Chad is experiencing a deep social and economic crisis. Millions of refugees have been trying to escape to Sudan since 2023. Those who remain have to face many obstacles, including the lack of electricity. This is a problem also experienced by the more than 100,000 inhabitants of Sarh, the third largest city in the country.

A Salesian said, “In many places around the world, electricity is an obvious fact of life whose importance is only felt when an occasional brief blackout reminds us of the fragility of all digital systems and modern societies. But there are still many places where this primary benefit is not taken for granted, and its absence puts a mortgage on the human development of young people and societies as in the Salesian mission in Sarh, Chad.”

The Salesian added, “In Chad, it is normal to go to school under a big tree. The image may seem poetic and evocative, but in reality it brings about immense difficulties. If it rains, everything comes to a halt. The Salesian center in Sarh has made it possible for the students to have covered spaces available. But when it gets dark, the children struggle to finish their homework and the older children cannot use the computers.”

Yannick, age 15, attends the local Don Bosco Center every day. He explained, “I often come here to the Salesians. For me, it means being able to read and study, because here there is a well-stocked library for books that we don’t have at home and where I can deepen my culture. There is also a computer lab where I can do school work. Unfortunately, there is often a lack of electricity. That is here at the Don Bosco Center and in the whole city. There is no light and that slows everything down.”

Pierre Claver Agbetiafan, Salesian coadjutor and director of the mission orator, confirmed the challenges. “When we don’t have electricity we sometimes turn on the electric generator, but it is too expensive and diesel is hard to find.”

To help rectify the situation, Don Bosco Nel Mondo Foundation, located in Rome, has devised a significant project. Salesians want to install 40 solar panels on the Don Bosco Center, which would guarantee clean and stable energy for the 500 children enrolled in the nursery and primary schools, for the 50 youth studying computer science, and to the approximately 5,000 girls and boys who attend the youth center. The organization is seeking funding at this time so youth like Yannick will be able to study properly.

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

ANS – Chad – The future of young people in Sarh is waiting for some light

Don Bosco Nel Mondo Foundation

Salesian Missions – Chad

World Food Programme – Chad

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BURUNDI

(MissionNewswire) More than 950 students attending Don Bosco High School in Ngozi, Burundi*, had access to better nutrition during the first half of 2025 as a result of a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit that helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience.

Students at the school often come from families who are poor and do not have the means to pay school fees or provide lunch. The economy in Ngozi is primarily agricultural, such as growing coffee, cassava, tea, and beans or raising cattle for the local markets. Other industries in the region include processing tea and mining tin.

The feeding program created positive changes at the school. Students had more energy and were better engaged with their studies. They were also involved in various sporting and cultural activities organized during this time.

One of the recipients was Lucky Alpha Nduwimana. He is the oldest of three children and both his parents are primary school teachers. At home, they normally eat two meals a day, although sometimes they can only afford one. Since joining the Don Bosco High School and receiving Rise Against Hunger meals three times a day, Nduwimana says he feels much better. He enjoys eating meals with his friends, and they often play sports after since they are full of energy.

Nduwimana hopes to one day have his own coffee farm and sell his product at the local markets in Ngozi. He wants to complete his schooling to be knowledgeable and ready to start his own business.

Thomas Riyawimana, headmaster and teacher, noted that Nduwimana has improved in his physical strength, energy and overall happiness since receiving the meals. He noted, “I am proud of Lucky for overcoming hardship and showing promise for the future. My hope is that Lucky will use his education to help others in need, just as he was helped. He will be able to apply what he has learned and be generous and helpful to those around him.”

Burundi has seen more than a decade of violence and conflict, contributing to widespread poverty according to UNICEF. Children are some of the most severely affected by the country’s rampant poverty. Fifty-three percent of children under the age of 5 suffer from growth stunting caused by inadequate food, low-quality diet, poor infant feeding practices, poor household management of childhood diseases and the general decline of the country’s health system.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – Burundi

UNICEF – Burundi

*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.

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in honoring International Day of Education on Jan. 24, recognized since 2018. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed International Day of Education as a celebration of the role of education for peace and development.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) noted that the number of out-of-school children worldwide stands at 272 million, an increase of 21 million compared to the previous estimate published in October 2024. A new report indicated that increase is “mainly due to new demographic estimates provided by the United Nations Population Division, which indicate a rise of nearly 50 million in the total school-age population, as well as an increase in the number of out-of-school children in Afghanistan.”

UNESCO highlighted, “Countries have committed to reducing out-of-school rates to 2% at the primary level, 5% at lower secondary and 16% at upper secondary by 2030. This would reduce the number of out-of-school children to 107 million — a decrease of 165 million — by 2030.”

Salesians provide primary and secondary schools, and they are considered the largest private provider of vocational and technical training in the world. Programs help youth who are vulnerable by giving access to educational opportunities that match the local employment needs. Around the globe, there are nearly 1,000 Salesian vocational, technical, professional and agricultural schools.

“Education provides a path out of poverty,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “Salesian education provides youth a chance to learn fundamental skills that will help them later in life. Many students advance from secondary school into Salesian vocational and technical training, which gives them the skills for long-term stable employment. It’s the way youth become self-sufficient and productive members of their communities.”

In honor of International Day of Education, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight educational programs that benefit youth around the globe.

GEORGIA

Salesian missionaries in Tbilisi, Georgia, are working to establish a vocational educational center and residence for youth who are vulnerable thanks in part to funding from Salesian Missions. The center will offer education for 60-100 students older than age 16 who are working to gain employment skills. Up to 30 youth will live at the residence center while they complete their education.

A Salesian explained, “The vocational courses will be short and oriented to students engaging and completing an internship. They will have the opportunity to live in the residence center for up to five years. Our goal is to ensure that poor and vulnerable youth are able to gain the skills for employment so they can become self-sufficient.”

The construction is still underway. With the funding from Salesian Missions, Salesians have installed an elevator to accommodate individuals with disabilities, made several significant improvements in the yard, installed a fire reservoir with a pumping station and piping, and put in place a sewage system and storm drainage system. Once the construction of the vocational education center is completed, the Salesian community will need to secure funds for furniture and equipment.

PERU

Salesians improved the learning environment for students at the Bosconia center in Piura, Peru, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.

Salesian missionaries have been able improve the learning environment for youth who are vulnerable and are studying at the Bosconia center in Piura, Peru. The project was made possible thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.

Students and staff previously found it difficult to focus in class due to the heat at the school. With the project, two air conditioning units have been added. Salesians also added a covering around the pool to limit the sun exposure for students.

Luis Angel Bregante Andrade, a 22-year-old student, was impacted by the donation. He lives in a challenging economic situation, and the area where he lives has a high poverty rate as well as high rates of crime and drug addiction. He studies at Cetpro Bosconia in the storage operations course and hopes to find a good job after graduation to help support his family.

Andrade said, “When we came to the auditorium, it was difficult for us to concentrate because the heat was very strong, and when some teachers also opened the windows, the air that entered was hot. We spoke to the director about this and the pool, as many of the students who used it got burned from the sun because there was no covering.”

RWANDA

Don Bosco Muhazi in Rwanda provided essential support to 260 students thanks to 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.”

Vumiriya Uwihoreye, a student benefiting from the program, said, “We are very happy. Many of us live in difficult circumstances, but seeing donors like this shows that there are many kind-hearted people interested in helping those with limited resources succeed.”

VENEZUELA

Donor funding from Salesian Missions supports high-quality technical education for students at a technical school in Caracas, Venezuela.

The Maria Auxiliadora Popular Technical School, located in Altamira in the Chacao municipality of Caracas, Venezuela*, has improved the learning environment for students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Funds were used for similar initiatives at the Madre Mazzarello School, located in the state of Amazonas, to strengthen the students’ development of practical skills and competencies necessary for the workforce.

At the Maria Auxiliadora Popular Technical School, upgrades included the purchase of equipment for specific tools for nursing, including anatomical models.

Funding also supported technology equipment for classes in accounting and administration. These acquisitions have had a positive impact on 355 students, expanding their technical and digital skills. Additional funding was allocated for the adaptation of spaces for students to connect with the labor force under the supervision of specialist teachers.

These investments made it possible to implement internship hours in a new curricula, which significantly expanded professional training for youth. Previously, internships began in the 4th year through shadowing activities in companies in the community. With the new approach, training begins from the age of 11, adapting to the maturity of the students and respecting the legal frameworks that regulate their early incorporation into the workplace.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

GEORGIA: Salesian missionaries work to establish vocational education center with residence thanks in part to donor funding from Salesian Missions

International Day of Education

PERU: Salesians improve learning environment for students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

RWANDA: Don Bosco Muhazi provides essential support to 260 students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

Salesian Missions

UNESCO – Countries commit to reducing the number of out-of-school children by 165 million

VENEZUELA: Donor funding from Salesian Missions supports high-quality technical education

*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.

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ITALY

(MissionNewswire) Salesians hosted a Christmas luncheon for people in need at the San Domenico Savio Hall in Valdocco, Italy. The December event was the fifth year the luncheon was held. The luncheon is promoted by the Caritas – Maria Ausiliatrice volunteer group of more than 40 volunteers, 20 of whom led the initiative. The luncheon was attended by about 100 people from the city of Turin, many of whom attend the Monday evening canteen that the group organizes in the city center.

One of the volunteers said, “It was a moment of conviviality designed to offer not only a hot meal, but above all an opportunity for meeting, listening and fraternity in view of Christmas.”

As is the case every year, the volunteers and guests sit together and strengthen the relationships built during the year. The meal was served by novices currently in formation at Colle Don Bosco. The 20 young novices were aided by six Salesians to create a festive and family atmosphere in the spirit of Don Bosco.

The lunch was also made possible thanks to the valuable support of various local businesses and various benefactors. The lunch ended with the exchange of greetings among all those present, and all guests were given a small Christmas present.

A Salesian said, “With this festive lunch, the Caritas – Maria Ausiliatrice group renewed its commitment to the poorest, certain that simple gestures of sharing can kindle hope among all and build more solidarity and fraternal communities.”

Salesian programs across Italy help youth who are unable to attend school and others who drop out to work at the few jobs available to them. A growing number of children work as laborers on farms and others have turned to the sex trade to help support their families. Those in poverty often live without adequate shelter, hot water, regular meals and health care.

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

Italy – The fifth ‘Christmas Lunch with the poor’ in Valdocco: a feast of sharing and hope

Salesian Missions – Italy

World Bank – Italy

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BENIN

(MissionNewswire) Youth attending Foyer Don Bosco, located in Porto-Novo, Benin, received a shipment of nutritious meals through a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit that helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience through nutrition, education and economic empowerment. The meals fed 550 youth in the first half of 2025.

Porto-Novo faces issues related to urbanization, sanitation and high vulnerability of families. The need for food remains constant. Even when families manage to meet this need temporarily, the lack of stable income often causes the issue to resurface.

A Salesian noted, “One of the main successes of the project has been its strong emotional impact and positive reaction of the children. The project also contributed to improving the community’s nutrition with fewer cases of malnutrition-related illness reported. The feeding program also allowed children to remain focused on their education without interruptions from hunger.”

One of the recipients is Franck, age 10, who lives at Foyer Don Bosco. He said, “Beforehand, many of us did not always have enough to eat. Sometimes, we were hungry, and it was difficult to follow the lessons being taught. Today, we’re able to have meals and eat properly. When I eat, I am happy, I feel strong and I can learn well at school. For us, a meal is not just about eating. It is about finding joy, no longer thinking about the streets, and no longer being afraid to resort to stealing or begging. It is also knowing that someone, somewhere, is thinking of us and loves us.”

Fr. Emannuel Azagba noted, “On behalf of the Don Bosco Center in Porto-Novo, I extend our heartfelt thanks for the food assistance received through Rise Against Hunger. Providing a meal to a vulnerable child goes far beyond feeding. It is helping them believe in their future and grow in good health while keeping them in school without the burden of survival and protecting them from the street. It is also a way of preserving family unity in contexts where poverty often breaks bonds.”

For 30 years, the Don Bosco Center has been welcoming the most vulnerable children. Salesians protect, educate, train, and reintegrate them, restoring dignity and hope.

Children in Benin face significant challenges gaining an education within the country’s poor educational system. According to UNICEF, Benin remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with close to 70% of its population living in poverty. About half of all children between the ages of 5-13 are engaged in some kind of forced labor in the country, and almost 20% are chronically undernourished.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Benin

UNICEF – Benin

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ZAMBIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has been able to support nutritional needs of youth in Zambia thanks to an ongoing partnership with Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit Christian organization committed to “feeding God’s children hungry in body and spirit.” In 2025, five shipments were sent to feed children in Salesian programs.

Meals have already been distributed at Don Bosco Primary and Secondary School, located in Luwingu. The Salesian sisters, who operate the school, noted that more than 5,000 children benefit from food shipments like this.

Salesian sisters with Daughters of Mary Help of Christians have been working in the town of Luwingu since 1984. The town is small and for a long time was isolated from the rest of the country because there were almost no roadways to and from the town. As a result, the population could only rely on subsistence agriculture and hunting as the main sources of food, which was inadequate in terms of both quality and quantity.

At first, the Salesian sisters started a youth center and literacy classes. Later, they opened Don Bosco Primary School that today is one of the best schools in the district. The Salesian nuns also provide vocational education to give the local community opportunities to find employment.

Recently, Salesian sisters in Zambia hosted J.J. Slag, CEO of Feed My Starving Children. Slag said, “I was so very impressed with the Salesian sisters’ work in Zambia. As someone who visits schools, orphanages, feeding sites and care points around the world, I can honestly say that the Salesians are running a first-rate mission here.”

The needs of the Salesian sisters are vast. Slag said, “The Sisters in Lusaka seem to be making the highest possible impact with their limited resources. I can see that more financial and food resources would be used to increase their impact.”

The ongoing partnership between Salesian Missions and Feed My Starving Children has resulted in 40-foot containers of fortified rice-meals being shipped to Salesian sites around the globe. Feed My Starving Children provides the food and Salesian Missions takes care of the cost and logistics of shipping each container from Feed My Starving Children warehouses to the destination country. Salesian Missions also works to help identify where the greatest needs are at any given time. The partnership began in early 2006 when the first container was donated to and shipped by Salesian Missions for programs in Sri Lanka.

Slag said, “The Salesians have proven that they are able to take the food donated from Feed My Starving Children and use it in a way that makes the highest impact for the kids that they serve. We are thankful for their impact and are excited to see how much more can be done through this partnership with Salesian Missions in the years to come.”

Poverty is widespread in Zambia with 64% of the total population living below the poverty line. For those living in rural areas, the poverty rate rises to 80%, according to UNICEF. Over the past three decades, incomes in Zambia have fallen steadily and people do not have enough money to meet basic needs such as shelter, nutritious food and medical care.

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia

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SOUTH SUDAN

(MissionNewswire) Salesians with Don Bosco Morobo in South Sudan* have finished renovations on the community house thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The rehabilitation provides a safe, functional space for governance of Don Bosco Primary School and coordination of parish activities across 25 sub-stations.

The Don Bosco Community House in Morobo was fully renovated including work on structural repairs to the roof, walls, and flooring, as well as adding essential equipment for educational and pastoral use. The renovation further included complete plumbing and electrical installations to ensure safety and functionality, and the addition of a new 15kV solar power system for reliable energy. A 20,000-liter water tank with a tower and solar pump was installed to serve both the school and community, addressing critical water needs.

Furthermore, a protective fence was constructed to safeguard the property from wild animals and theft. These enhancements ensure the long-term sustainability, security, and usability of the community house and its services. The renovated facility now serves as a hub for education, pastoral care, youth development, and community gatherings.

The donation has impacted more than 1,000 children enrolled in Don Bosco Primary School as well as 40 teachers and more than 20,000 parishioners across the sub-stations. Many of these people have returned to their homes after conflict drove them to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Anthony Ukwar Uber, a member of the parish choir, explained, “I run a small shop in the local market, where I sell basic household items to help support my family. Life in Morobo hasn’t always been easy. We are still recovering from the effects of the war, and many young people like me are trying to rebuild our lives from scratch. But having the church and the Salesians back with us has been a big relief. It brings hope.”

He continued, “When the civil war started in 2015, everything collapsed. The Salesians had to leave because of the fighting, and many of us — including my own family — fled to Uganda as refugees. Life in the camps was difficult. When we returned around 2020, the Salesian compound was destroyed and abandoned. There were no priests, no parish activities, and we felt spiritually empty. We had no one to guide us, no sports or music, and no place to come together as before.”

Uber is grateful the Salesians have returned. He concluded, “When we heard that Salesian Missions was supporting the renovation of the Salesian house, it brought excitement and a sense of hope. We saw the house being rebuilt, and with it, we saw our parish life slowly coming back. I was excited and just prayed the priests would return. There was no anxiety, only joy. We have a resident priest who celebrates Mass daily, works with school children during the day, and organizes games and sports for us youth in the evenings. The community feels alive again. We are seeing improvements in both our spiritual and social lives. Youth are more united, and there’s less idle time. The project gave us exactly what we needed.”

Salesian missionaries in South Sudan are dedicated to providing programs and services across the country. Salesian missionaries provide education, social development services, nutrition programs, and health clinics for poor youth and their families. For some, the education offered at Salesian schools is the only opportunity to gain an education and the skills necessary for future employment.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – South Sudan

*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.

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The village of Sorokpara, located in the West Garo Hills district in Meghalaya, India, has a new chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project was implemented by Father Albert Thyrniang, the pastor of Mary Help of Christian Church.

The community consists of 51 households who belong to the Garo Community. It is one of the oldest Catholic communities in the area. The village is surrounded by paddy fields and people are generally poor. The primary challenges in the community are health and sanitary issues due to flooding a few times a year.

Kamalraj Sangma is one of the recipients who will benefit from the project. With the new chapel, he hopes that the faith of the people will be strengthened. Before the project, people did not have enough space on the previous church compound. However, the owner of the adjacent plot donated a bit of his land to make it sufficient for the church to be built.

Sangma said, “Now that the project is nearing completion, we in the village are happy with the church. We will now have a proper place to have Sunday services and celebrate Mass when pastors come.”

Salesian programs in India are primarily focused on education. Salesian primary and secondary education helps youth prepare for later technical, vocational or university study. Other programs help to support poor youth and their families by meeting the basic needs of shelter, proper nutrition and medical care.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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CAMBODIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are responding with humanitarian aid after recent clashes in Cambodia. Salesians and students have been impacted. Don Bosco School in Poipet closed on Dec. 9 as fighting along the Cambodia–Thailand border escalated. The closure came amid one of the most serious flare ups in recent years, with heavy clashes displacing thousands of civilians on both sides. The school remains closed.

According to Cambodian authorities, border provinces such as Banteay Meanchey and Oddar Meanchey have seen large scale evacuations, with families fleeing artillery fire and aerial strikes. According to current estimates, nearly 500,000 people have been displaced across the country. While some families remain close to the border, others have moved deeper inland in search of security and assistance. The strain on host communities and local infrastructure is evident, with rising food prices, limited water supplies and growing health concerns adding to the hardship.

A Salesian team met families of students and staff affected by the violence. Many people have been living for weeks in makeshift shelters, government school buildings, or overcrowded camps after abandoning their homes near the border. Their displacement has disrupted education, livelihoods, and access to basic services.

During the visit, the team distributed food, basic household supplies, hygiene materials and small treats for the children. The gesture aimed to offer immediate relief while also providing reassurance and emotional support to families facing uncertainty and loss.

Conditions in several camps remain challenging. Families reported limited access to safe drinking water, often forcing them to purchase water at a high cost. Safety concerns, including snakes entering shelters at night, have heightened fear, particularly among children and the elderly. Health risks linked to poor sanitation, overcrowding and restricted access to medical care were also observed.

A Salesian said, “Don Bosco Cambodia is appealing to the international community, partner organizations and benefactors to assist families of displaced students — especially those now living in temporary camps or without stable housing. Support is urgently needed for food, shelter, transportation, school materials and psychosocial assistance.”

The Salesian added, “The Salesian community also renews its call for peace, urging all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians, especially children, and to pursue dialogue to end the violence. Don Bosco Cambodia emphasizes that education, safety and human dignity must remain above conflict.”

Salesians in other regions of Cambodia began to mobilize support as well. Salesian houses in Phnom Penh, Kep, Sihanoukville, Battambang, and Poipet have begun raising funds to provide food, shelter, and essential support to displaced students and their relatives. Local Don Bosco institutions are preparing contingency plans to assist learners whose schooling may be disrupted by the crisis, ensuring access to meals, transportation and pastoral care.

Salesians in Cambodia provide primary and secondary schools along with technical education so youth have an opportunity to gain an education and develop the skills for employment. These educational services are bolstered by social development programs that help youth have access to basic needs like food, shelter and life skills training.

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

ANS – Cambodia – Don Bosco Poipet Closed as Border Conflict Displaces Thousands

ANS – Cambodia – Airstrike near Poipet heightens civilian hardship; Salesians mobilize Support

ANS – Cambodia: Don Bosco visits Families Displaced by Border Conflict in Siem Reap and Uddor Meanchey

Salesian Missions – Cambodia

World Bank – Cambodia

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Costa Norte Project Foundation in Ecuador, in collaboration with the Mary Help of Christians Formation Center and the St. John Bosco Community of Esmeraldas, has officially launched a new project aimed at strengthening women’s skills, leadership and entrepreneurship. The project includes the participation of the Salesian Province and the Del Valle Foundation.

Aiming to empower women entrepreneurs and those in vulnerable situations, the project will offer social support programs, education and the creation of real opportunities for improving their living conditions.

Salesians first hosted a “Women Entrepreneurs Project Start-up Workshop”, where the basic framework of the project, administrative guidelines, the available budget, the coordination model and the implementation path were presented. Additional workshops will be held at other locations to reach more women for technical skills, leadership, personal development and basic finance training. Students will also learn skills and be provided with tools to start small businesses with sustainability and vision for the future.

A Salesian said, “The launch of this project represents a firm commitment to women’s empowerment and social inclusion. Costa Norte Salesian Project Foundation and its allies seek to generate opportunities that transform the lives of entrepreneurial and vulnerable women, providing them with the tools to contribute to the local economy and strengthen the social fabric of communities.”

Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth who are poor gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities.

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

ANS – Ecuador – Project launched to strengthen women’s leadership and entrepreneurship in Esmeraldas

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

(MissionNewswire) The Stay with Us Shelter, located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, gives youth who have been living on the street a home, family, school and a safe space to grow up. In December, the shelter celebrated 25 years of dedicated service to those most in need, and it continues to welcome youth in situations of vulnerability and abuse.

As the shelter grew so did its services. The shelter now includes a day program for youth who need support on a daily basis. The shelter also offers school support, educational workshops, recreational spaces, and psychological support for both youth and their families.

Several events marked the anniversary. A celebration was held on Dec. 5 for those currently living in the home, followed by a Dec. 7 meeting with former residents of the home that included a Catholic Mass and continued with moments of sharing among current and former residents. On Dec. 8, the whole community celebrated the work of the shelter and the impact it has had on youth and families in the region.

At the conclusion of the celebrations, the Salesians at the center said, “We carry on and will continue our mission forming good Christians and upright citizens, as St. John Bosco taught us.”

Nearly half of youth under the age of 18 live in poverty in the Dominican Republic, according to UNICEF. Although the country’s economy has been steadily improving, the country’s poor people still struggle to get enough food to eat and to access safe drinking water and adequate housing. Only 30% of youth finish primary school and only 18% finish secondary school on time. Schools are in poor shape with nearly half having no access to safe drinking water and more than 60% lacking adequate bathroom facilities.

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

ANS – Dominican Republic – The ‘Quédate con Nosotros’ (Stay with us) hostel celebrates 25 years of service and hope

Salesian Missions

UNICEF – Dominican Republic

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries working in Lahore, Pakistan received donor funding for flood relief thanks to Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding helped support 800 people, most of whom are from large families with children and include women who are pregnant. Nearly 40% of the beneficiaries are under 16 years old.

“This helped us support families impacted by intense flooding,” said Father Noble Lal, rector of Don Bosco Lahore. “Now that the emergency phase is over, we are in contact with some families who will soon send some children to our boarding school for a more stable educational path.”

One of the recipients is Danish, a 13-year-old boy. His house was damaged, but after repairs, his family was able to move back. Danish had attended grade 5 in Pasrur, but his school closed due to flood damage. Danish, along with some of his cousins, will now be attending the Don Bosco Youth Center and stay in the Salesian boarding house in Lahore.

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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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Pakistan

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VENEZUELA

(MissionNewswire) The Madre Mazzarello Industrial Technical School, located in Coro, Venezuela*, has a new meeting space thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The space, designed for more than 100 people, includes a multipurpose room and an open, shaded area with natural vegetation. Funding was also utilized for training materials.

A Salesian explained, “The hall will be used as a training and community space for a wide range of activities, including pastoral and educational uses. This new space will bolster the pride our students have and increase the emotional well-being of the young people in the school and in the nearby communities.”

Activities that will be held in the new space include pastoral education; gatherings for students and parents; student organization meetings; inter-congregational meetings of the parish, archdiocese and community; youth ministry and volunteer activities; vocational orientation; and spiritual formation and catechesis of first communion and confirmation.

The entire educational community, made up of 342 youth as well as their families, will benefit from the space. It will also be available on Saturdays and Sundays, allowing continuous use for training and recreational activities.

Salesian missionaries have been living and working in Venezuela long before the country’s political and economic crisis began. They operate schools, youth centers, and other programs that support youth in need and their families. An estimated 87% of the population is currently living in poverty, and essential goods such as food and medicine are scarce.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Venezuela

*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.

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ITALY

(MissionNewswire) Mission Don Bosco, the Salesian Mission Office in Turin, Italy, was once again the recipient of support from the “Christmas Concert in the Vatican”, now in its 33rd year. Salesians provide the support generated to the education of youth in Côte-Matève, near Pointe-Noire in the Republic of the Congo*.

Côte-Mateve has a high population density, but lacks drinking water, electricity, school facilities, health centers and public transport systems. Youth, who represent the largest segment of the population, see their rights systematically denied. For many, attending school is a inaccessible and the current school network is unable to respond to the growing demand. There are too few buildings, insufficient teachers and inadequate environments.

In Côte-Matève, Salesians want to build a new primary school, capable of accommodating at least 350 students, aged 6-12, who come from socio-economically vulnerable backgrounds. The school will provide them with a better learning environment, a safe structure and appropriate teaching materials. The school complex will include 10 classrooms with a capacity of 35 students per classroom, offices, a teachers’ lounge and coordination spaces.

Ngimbi is one of the 350 children who will be housed in the primary school that Don Bosco’s missionaries want to build in Côte-Matève.

Father Daniel Antúnez, president of Mission Don Bosco, said, “Ngimbi is faced with new prospects. He was given promises in the past that were not kept, but now he sees that he can overcome his vulnerable condition. It is up to us to allow him to cross that invisible wall that separates him from hope and to ensure continuity of care. We thank everyone who participated in the Christmas concert and all donors who are showing boys like Ngimbi there is hope for the future.”

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

ANS – Italy – Christmas Concert at the Vatican 2025: with Missioni Don Bosco support for the children of Côte-Matève, in Congo Brazzaville

Salesian Missions – Italy

*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.

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SOUTH SUDAN

(MissionNewswire) Salesians with Don Bosco Morobo in South Sudan* have a new Toyota Land Cruiser to facilitate mission work thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The primary goal of the new vehicle is to strengthen the pastoral outreach to remote areas of Don Bosco Morobo Parish.

The Land Cruiser is enabling the pastoral team to access outstations regularly and provide sacramental services, youth ministry activities and support for people who are poor, elderly and vulnerable. The entire parish community includes close to 10,000 people who benefit from improved access to sacraments and emergency transport.

Morobo County lies along South Sudan’s southern border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The region features hilly terrain, tropical vegetation, and fertile soils, with savannah grasslands and patches of forest. Some roads are unpaved and become impassable during rainy seasons, limiting movement and access to services.

Anthony Issac Oromo, catechist and parish counselor, explained, “Before we received support from New Rochelle, we faced serious challenges in reaching the outstations. Many of our communities are far apart — some up to three or four hours on foot. This made it difficult for catechism classes, choir practice and youth group meetings. We were committed, but it was tiring, and sometimes we had to cancel activities if the weather was bad or if someone fell ill on the way.”

He added, “The new car has changed everything. Now, we travel with the parish priest to all the outstations regularly. We bring the message of God, offer catechism classes, organize choir practice and meet with the youth — all in a day, something that used to take several days. The people’s morale has gone up. They feel cared for, and I feel proud to be part of something that brings them hope. This vehicle isn’t just a means of transport — it’s a symbol of connection, unity and hope. We are very grateful to Salesian Missions for supporting our mission.”

Salesian missionaries in South Sudan are dedicated to providing programs and services across the country. Salesian missionaries provide education, social development services, nutrition programs, and health clinics for poor youth and their families. For some, the education offered at Salesian schools is the only opportunity to gain an education and the skills necessary for future employment.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – South Sudan

*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.

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NIGERIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to complete a water project at the Don Bosco Secondary School, located in Onitsha, Nigeria, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project is part of the Salesian WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) program and funded by the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative”. The project impacts 450 students at the school, 500 youth who use the youth center and 45 staff, as well as 1,340 members of the community who use the compound for training, summer camp, vocational training, formative programs and more.

With the funding, an additional borehole was installed, and the existing one was maintained. This significantly increased the availability of potable water within the compound. Enhanced hand-washing stations have been constructed at strategic locations, facilitating better hygiene practices among students and others. The project also included a total bathroom renovation with more toilets and sinks.

In addition, funding allowed for minor repairs of 18 classrooms, improving safety and comfort for learners. Salesians also installed solar lighting in various areas of the compound, enhancing visibility and security, especially at night.

A Salesian noted, “The local community expressed great satisfaction with the project and actively participated throughout its implementation. Many members generously contributed their time and resources, while some volunteered to assist with labor-related tasks. Their involvement was instrumental in the successful execution of the project and reflects a strong spirit of solidarity and ownership.”

Mike Okechukwu, a senior at the school, said the project had a great impact on students. He explained, “Before the construction of the new WASH facilities, we faced serious challenges. The old facilities were few, often overcrowded and difficult to maintain due to their deteriorated condition. Water flow was inconsistent, which made it hard to keep the environment clean. Students with physical disabilities also struggled, as the previous setup did not accommodate their needs. With the recent upgrade, everything has changed for the better. We now have easy access to clean toilets, hand-washing basins and waste bins placed around the school compound. The new facilities have significantly improved hygiene and the overall standard of our school.”

He added, “Students with physical challenges can now use the facilities comfortably, and they are truly happy about this inclusion. When our parents visited, they were very impressed with the transformation. I’ve shared this experience with my friends in other schools, and many of them wish for similar improvements in their own learning environments. We are deeply grateful to Salesian Missions for bringing such a meaningful development to our school. May God bless you abundantly.”

About 64% of households in Nigeria consider themselves to be poor while 32% of households say their economic situation had worsened over a period of one year, according to UNICEF. Poverty still remains one of the most critical challenges facing the country and population growth rates have meant a steady increase in the number of people living in conditions of poverty.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Nigeria

UNICEF – Nigeria

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ECUADOR

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run Father Emilio Gambirasio Psychological Center celebrated its 60th anniversary, highlighting its service to youth, adults and families in Ecuador. The celebration brought together authorities from the Salesian Polytechnic University and the Salesian Province of Ecuador, as well as professionals from the center, partner institutions and members of the academic community.

The event was a moment of remembrance and gratitude toward the work started by Fr. Gambirasio, a Salesian pioneer focusing on psychology and education in Ecuador. His vision was to consider psychological assistance a right and not a luxury.

During her speech, María José Boada, director of the center, recalled Fr. Gambirasio’s profound conviction that “psychological help is a fundamental necessity for the full development of people.” She also pointed out that the center is an innovative space in vocational guidance and psychometrics, thanks to Father José Espinoza and a team of professionals.

Father Juan Cárdenas, rector of the Salesian Polytechnic University, emphasized the center’s contribution as a strategic ally of the academic world. He called it a “living laboratory where theory dialogues with practice and where academic training grows in relevance and depth.”

Further, Fr. Cárdenas noted that the center has made it possible to develop psychological intervention projects in different areas of the country and support highly sought-after degree courses such as psychology and clinical psychology. He also stressed that the experience of the Quito center inspired the recent opening of a new center in Cuenca.

As part of the 60th anniversary celebrations, the Municipality of the Metropolitan District of Quito awarded the center a recognition for its history, social impact and contribution to the emotional well-being of its citizens.

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

ANS – Ecuador – ‘Fr Emilio Gambirasio’ Psychological Centre: 60 years dedicated to transforming lives

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador

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ITALY

(MissionNewswire) Borgo Ragazzi Don Bosco in Rome, one of several Salesian vocational training centers across Italy, is using renewable energy thanks to a large photovoltaic system that was recently installed as a result of collaboration with Banco dell’Energia and Edison. The project, known as “Sustainable Energy for Youth”, was inaugurated with Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, heads of Banco dell’Energia and Edison, and the Salesian community attending.

The Borgo Ragazzi Don Bosco sustainability project is a pilot project and the first in a series of environmental interventions for Salesian centers in central Italy. The aim is to transform Salesian centers into hubs of shared sustainability, where the production of clean energy becomes a tool to free up resources that will be reinvested in education and support for the most vulnerable.

The project involved the installation of two separate photovoltaic systems to power the day care center, church, and theater and vocational training center.

Father Emanuele De Maria, rector of Borgo Ragazzi Don Bosco, said, “For us, this project is much more than a new state-of-the-art facility. It is a cultural investment in the area. Thanks to the newly established system, we strengthen our commitment as promoters of environmental sustainability and as supporters of social initiatives benefiting the most vulnerable young people.”

For Gualtieri, this project demonstrates how environmental and social objectives can work together, enabling other projects to be launched in the Centocelle and Quarticciolo neighborhoods.

Salesian programs across Italy help youth who are unable to attend school and others who drop out to work at the few jobs available to them. A growing number of children work as laborers on farms and others have turned to the sex trade to help support their families. Those in poverty often live without adequate shelter, hot water, regular meals and health care.

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Borgo Ragazzi Don Bosco shifts to Renewable Energy

Salesian Missions – Italy

World Bank – Italy

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ZAMBIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Kapesa, located in the Kazembe Mission in Zambia, have completed a new chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Work included clearing the land and construction of the building, which is also equipped with a new water system.

The Catholic community of Kapesa is happy with the new chapel. For years, people had been praying in a neighboring school classroom. Having a church of their own has brought a deep sense of pride in their freedom of worship.

One of the elders in the community, Benedict Chitundu, said, “In the beginning we did not have a proper established church. The late Father Gotter, a Polish missionary, had established this center in 2005 without a proper structure. For so long, we had wished to have a place of worship of our own. Our former parish priest, Father Gabriel Mwenya, saw that our situation was not conducive for prayer. We had to use a classroom on Sundays, and sometimes the head teacher would refuse to give us the keys. This left us without a place. We people are very proud and grateful for this great gesture, recognizing us with a beautiful house of God, a place of worship and a place of refuge in terms of distress.”

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy, productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia

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SRI LANKA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have responded after Cyclone Ditwah tore through Sri Lanka, and the country now grapples with one of the most severe humanitarian crises in its recent history. Entire communities have been uprooted, essential infrastructure crippled, and thousands of families left without homes. Salesians sprung to action, offering relief, protection, food and hope to those who have lost everything.

National disaster authorities report that there are more than 600 confirmed deaths and more than 330 people still missing. Nearly 1.5 million residents — including more than 275,000 children — have been affected. Over 233,000 people are currently staying in 1,441 temporary shelters, while thousands more are living with relatives after their homes were destroyed or severely damaged. More than 565 houses lie in ruins, and over 20,000 are partially damaged. Vast regions remain inaccessible due to collapsed roads, broken bridges and disrupted water systems.

Salesian parishes, schools, boarding houses, and community centers across the country have opened their doors, providing emergency shelter, food, clean water, clothing, and hygiene kits. Youth groups, parish volunteers and international partners have joined the mobilization, ensuring that aid reaches even remote communities.

Particular care is being given to youth, the elderly and those suffering trauma — groups most vulnerable in the aftermath of disaster. Salesian teams are offering psychosocial and pastoral support, helping families cope with loss, fear, and uncertainty.

Father Roshan Miranda, superior of the vice province, expressed concern and resolve as the crisis deepens. He said, “Our people are going through unimaginable suffering, and we must respond with the heart of Don Bosco. I want every Salesian house to be open as a place where families can find shelter, where children and young people are protected, and where no one feels abandoned. This is our mission, especially in times like these.”

One Salesian cooperator summed up the spirit of the response: “We cannot solve everything, but we can be a place of hope.”

Sri Lankans are affected by a significant lack of infrastructure including roads, electricity, irrigation systems and communication channels. In several areas of the country, seven out of 10 people have no access to electricity and almost half of the population does not have access to safe drinking water. Malnutrition among children is also common.

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

ANS – Sri Lanka – Devastation from Cyclone Ditwah Met with Rapid Salesian Response

Salesian Missions – Sri Lanka

World Bank – Sri Lanka

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MYANMAR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to buy a tractor for the Nazareth Boarding House, located in Anisakan, Myanmar*, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The donation is impacting 170 boys who are boarding there, 20 people who work on the farm and 15 staff working at the house.

Anisakan is an agricultural village, and farmers are facing many challenges. Transportation costs are also soaring, and the changing climate negatively impacts farmers in the region. With many parts of the country facing civil war, crops grown on the farms cannot be sent nor sold to other areas.

The Salesians have a farm of 12 acres where they grow different types of vegetables. Previously, they had to hire a tractor to work in the fields. The cost is high and at times they could not access one when they needed it. As a result, they were late for harvesting the crops. By having a tractor, Salesians will save money and can plow whenever they want, helping the farm to be more productive.

Father Simon Louise explained, “Now that I have a tractor, I am really excited to use it to get more farm products. We can also rent our tractor to other to get some income. I will train three young boys, who are Nazareth past pupils, to drive the tractor and we can work on our farm. We are grateful for the donation.”

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesians of Don Bosco – Myanmar

Salesian Missions – Myanmar

*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.

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the Don Bosco Novitiate, located in Morogoro, Tanzania, have access to clean water thanks to funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project is part of the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.” Close to 1,500 people are benefiting from this project, including those in the surrounding community who are able to access the water.

The area is semi-arid at the foot of the Uluguru Mountains. Most families rely on subsistence farming or trade, and they face frequent water shortages in the dry season. Many homes lack electricity or piped water, and droughts and erratic rains make life challenging.

The project included the construction of a new water system including a submersible solar-powered pump inside the underground tank to push water up to a new 50,000-liter plastic header tank. Solar panels and an inverter power the pump, ensuring an independent energy source. In November, the reservoir, pump and header tank were fully connected and delivering water by gravity to all taps across the novitiate and oratory.

All 350 people on site now have a dependable daily water supply without interruptions, allowing residents to bathe, cook and clean without rationing. This uninterrupted access has improved daily living conditions and hygiene.

The Salesians also offer free water outreach to the surrounding community. In the past, the public tap often ran dry by midday. Now water is available all day, even at peak demand. Women and girls benefit from shorter lines and are able to access water when they need it.

Deusdedit K. Julius, coordinator of youth activities, said, “Now the tank is finished, and it has changed our lives. We no longer need to ration water. There is enough for the novices, the oratory youth and even the neighboring families who come to our gate.”

Julius added, “Health and hygiene have improved. The children at the oratory can wash their hands or even take a quick shower after playing. This is a luxury we couldn’t afford before and the novices can keep themselves and their clothes clean without stress. Our whole community is now optimistic. This gift of water has given us our life back. The time we spent searching for water, we now spend on productive work and with our youth. God bless everyone who made it happen.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Tanzania

UNICEF – Tanzania

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MYANMAR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have run the Don Bosco Youth Center in Mandalay, the second largest city in Myanmar*, since 2014. The city has been crushed for years by the weight of civil war and most recently a devastating earthquake that continues to impact millions of people. Many youth have been left orphaned or without a family, living on the streets without anyone to protect them.

The Don Bosco Youth Center provides support for 60 youth from difficult backgrounds, including youth from single-parent families and orphans. Most of the youth attend a local school and depend entirely on the Salesian community for their daily needs. The center is run by four Salesian priests, two cooks and a volunteer.

Before the March 2025 earthquake, the center had organized short vocational training courses in electrical wiring, computer skills and motorbike repair. When the earthquake severely damaged the buildings, Salesians were forced to suspend classes.

Although the Myanmar Mary Help of Christians Vice-Province offers regular financial support, missionaries continue to struggle with rising costs for health care and education. Because of the financial difficulties in which they live, Salesians in Mandalay have asked for help to continue food support for 60 youth between the ages of 8-18.

“This support is a valuable help for our mission. It allows these children to continue to grow up in safety, dignity and with hope,” said Father Zeya Aung, a Salesian missionary who wrote to the Salesian Mission Office in Turin, Italy, explaining the situation.

Despite the challenges, Salesian missionaries continue supporting the most vulnerable, and efforts have expanded to the creation of a long-term global aid plan to help people rebuild their lives after the earthquake.

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

ANS – Myanmar – Nourishment, security and an educational journey: the three objectives of the ‘Missioni Don Bosco’ project for the Mandalay youth centre

Salesian Missions – Myanmar

*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.

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins Catholic organizations around the globe in honoring the Catholic World Day of Peace. Every year on Jan. 1, the Pope marks the day with a special message inviting all people to reflect on the important work of building peace. Pope Paul VI established the day in 1967. The day was first observed on Jan. 1, 1968.

Pope Leo XIV has indicated the theme for the day is “Peace be with you all: Towards an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace.” The Vatican Publishing House has produced a book entitled “And Let There Be Peace.” The theme “invites humanity to reject the logic of violence and war, and to embrace an authentic peace based on love and justice.”

“Salesian missionaries provide social development and educational programs to youth and families in poverty regardless of gender, race or religion,” explained Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “They work to level the playing field for youth so that they have the support needed to gain an education and the skills for future employment. Programs teach life skills like collaboration and communication to help youth develop confidence and contribute to peaceful environments.”

To mark Catholic World Day of Peace 2026, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight programs that address social and economic needs of youth that lead to a peaceful and supportive environment.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

Funding from Salesian Missions helped to ship critical medical supplies for a clinic in Bangui, Central African Republic.

Salesian missionaries in Bangui, Central African Republic*, had the supplies needed for a medical clinic thanks to a shipment of goods funded in part by Salesian Missions. The shipment was sent by Collaboration Santé Internationale (International Health Collaboration), a Canadian organization focused on responding to the needs of health centers in developing countries.

Funding for the shipment was provided by both Salesian Missions and Don Bosco Foundation Paris. The shipment contained electric hospital beds, neonatal incubators, exam tables, filing cabinets, lab coats, amoxicillin, quinine, first aid supplies and vitamins.

The medical clinic was completed with funding from the French government through Don Bosco Foundation Paris. Don Bosco Foundation Paris requested assistance from Salesian Missions with funding for the shipment and for its extensive experience in shipping humanitarian aid around the globe.

INDIA

Migrant families in India are benefiting from solar lighting in their homes thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.

Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra, located in Maharashtra, India, implemented the “Solar Home Lighting” initiative to address energy deprivation among migrant households. To facilitate the initiative, Salesians received donor funding from Salesian Missions.

Through the project, 55 migrant families were provided with solar home lighting systems. These families now have safe, reliable and affordable access to electricity and are no longer dependent on unsafe and illegal power connections.

Before the use of solar lights, the migrant community living along Arangaon Road faced limited infrastructure. The lack of reliable lighting made it difficult to continue work or household activities after dark and affected children’s ability to study.

A Salesian noted, “Since the implementation of the solar lighting, there has been a significant reduction in energy costs, enabling increased household savings. Families are experiencing improved night-time quality of life, with better lighting for children to study and women had greater convenience for household chores and small income-generating activities. They also now have enhanced safety and security of households by reducing the use of kerosene lamps and unsafe power tapping.”

RWANDA

Don Bosco Muhazi in Rwanda provides essential support to 260 students thanks to 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.

Vumiriya Uwihoreye, a student benefiting from the program, said, “We are very happy. Many of us live in difficult circumstances, but seeing donors like this shows that there are many kind-hearted people interested in helping those with limited resources succeed.”

SYRIA

The Orphan Project brought support and joy to children in Aleppo, Syria through donor funding from Salesian Missions.

Salesians were able to help support children at two orphanages in Aleppo, Syria*, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Both an Armenian orphanage housing 30 children and a Muslim orphanage hosting 50 children, aged 6-18, were supported through the ongoing project.

Volunteers engaged the children in activities such as sports and games, cultural and educational sessions, psychological workshops, interactive theater performances, and a carnival day. Children also had access to individual counseling sessions to begin or continue therapeutic support in a safe, confidential setting. Each child was also taken to choose a new pair of shoes.

Orphanages in Aleppo are critically under-resourced and face overwhelming challenges including overcapacity, staffing shortages, and limited funding to meet even the most basic needs of the children.

A Salesian noted, “The Orphan Project represented a powerful humanitarian initiative that delivered essential care and emotional support to orphaned children in Aleppo — regardless of their religion, background or community. Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis and socioeconomic instability in the region, this project has served as a beacon of hope, offering these children not only essential resources but also dignity, love and belonging.”

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Photos courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Funding from Salesian Missions helps ship critical medical supplies for clinic

INDIA: 55 migrant families have solar lighting thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

RWANDA: Don Bosco Muhazi provides essential support to 260 students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

Salesian Missions

SYRIA: Orphan Project brings support, joy to children thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

Vatican News – Pope’s theme for 2026 World Day of Peace: ‘Peace be with you all’

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in these countries 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.

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KENYA

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Province of East Africa has inaugurated a new Don Bosco oratory in Siaya, Kenya, near Lake Victoria. The launch of the new center also marks the 150th anniversary of the first Salesian missionaries in the region. Welcomed by Archbishop Maurice Mbata and the clergy of the Archdiocese of Kisumu, the Salesians are being hosted by the parish community of Mbaga.

The oratory was officially blessed and opened on Nov. 22. More than 100 boys and girls attended the first gathering, expressing joy and enthusiasm for the new center. Local families are anticipating the future senior secondary school also planned for the site. The land was donated to the Salesians two years ago by German philanthropist Dr. Alois Stimpfle. The Salesian community is looking for assistance to start the school with the goal of the first enrollment in 2028.

A Salesian explained, “This is the first Salesian oratory in Siaya. We have had such a welcome reception. With the great need for poor youth in the community, we hope to expand to provide formal education so youth can gain the skills for long-term employment. Salesians require assistance though to build the school and get it operational.”

According to the World Bank, more than 7.8 million people in Kenya are living in extreme poverty, with the majority in rural areas. There are approximately 6.6 million people living on less than $1.90 a day in rural regions, while 1.1 million extremely poor people live in urban areas. Overall, the poverty incidence declined in recent years, but at a lower rate in urban areas than rural ones.

Youth living in Kenya’s larger cities like Nairobi are at risk for exploitation, forced labor and other abuses. Few attend the later stages of school as compared to those living in Kenya’s more rural areas. The few schools serving this community are beyond the financial means of most families.

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

ANS – Kenya – The First Salesian Oratory at Siaya (Kenya)

Salesian Missions – Kenya

World Bank – Kenya

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NIGERIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the Mary Help of Christians community have received the funding to support the Don Bosco Stitches project in Lagos, Nigeria. The donor funding is from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project is teaching young women an employable skill that they can utilize in seeking a job or starting their own business.

Donor funding was utilized to buy the necessary equipment for the classroom, which allows for hands-on experience to teach the students the sewing skills they need. Once they are ready to graduate, each student has a portfolio of samples to showcase their work. Each year, up to 45 young women will be prepared for the workforce.

One of the students said, “I’ve been here for four weeks and my experience so far with Don Bosco Stitches has been supportive and educational. Our teachers teach us with love. They are professional with everything they do, and they are calm when they instruct us. What some people learn in one year with other programs, we have learned in a month. We have achieved a lot, and the fear I once had about the future is gone. This is a great opportunity for all of us.”

Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, noted, “The goal is to empower and improve the livelihood of girls and young women, fostering social inclusion, financial independence and ensuring that they know their rights. Educating young women can raise entire families out of poverty.”

About 64% of households in Nigeria consider themselves to be poor while 32% of households say their economic situation had worsened over a period of one year, according to UNICEF. Poverty still remains one of the most critical challenges facing the country and population growth rates have meant a steady increase in the number of people living in conditions of poverty.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Nigeria

UNICEF – Nigeria

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ITALY

(MissionNewswire) Salesians for Social network in Italy is working to ensure that youth at-risk have the possibility to live healthy lives and have access to the education they need to thrive. The Salesian organization supports thousands of youth every year in more than 600 territories across the country. Programs include 97 socio-educational programs, 45 day centers and 33 foster family homes.

In the 33 foster homes, close to 300 youth, aged 12-18, are taken in at the request of the social services and with the provisions of the juvenile court. Father Francesco Preite, national president of Salesians for Social, explained, “Many of these children and adolescents have experiences of abandonment, violence or loneliness behind them. Each carries within them a wound, but also a possibility for a better future. We are inspired by Don Bosco’s Preventive System, which focuses on relationships and the integral growth of the person, also in its spiritual dimension.”

In Italy, there are about 33,000 youth living far from their families of origin, as well as more than 16,000 unaccompanied foreign minors.

Fr. Preite continued, “Our family homes are not merely welfare places, but homes where one can grow and learn to believe in oneself and in others. Our objective is not just to protect, but to give back a future.”

Inside the family homes, youth find a safe and inclusive environment that provides them opportunities for growth including school, sports, professional training, healthy relationships and an educational community that supports them every day. Even after the age of 18, Salesians for Social continues to support youth in finding a home or a job or continuing their studies.

Multidisciplinary teams, made up of educators and psychologists, guarantee a continuous presence, 24 hours a day, offering listening, stability and ongoing support.

Fr. Preite added, “Poverty is not a statistic. It is an open wound in the heart of our country. Every child excluded from opportunities is a collective defeat. In Italy, according to ISTAT, more than 1.3 million children live in poverty. Isolated projects or emergency responses are no longer enough. We need structural policies, stable resources and political courage to guarantee all minors protection, health, safety, well-being, participation and equality. We need a new social pact that restores dignity to the most fragile children and adolescents. They are not ‘problems to be managed’, but lives to be enhanced, citizens of today and tomorrow.”

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

ANS – Italy – Appeal by ‘Salesians for Social’: it is a priority to permanently invest in childhood and adolescence and build a new educational pact

Salesian Missions – Italy

World Bank – Italy

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EL SALVADOR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian sisters with the Laura Vicuña Pro Education Foundation (FUNELAVI Foundation) have a new truck to help support their social projects in El Salvador. The truck was purchased through donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The truck was necessary to drive over the difficult terrain in the region.

The sisters can now provide better emergency assistance for children and women in rural areas and offer greater capacity to carry out their mission. The FUNELAVI Foundation works with various projects in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, offering programs in health, nutrition, values, school aid, sponsorship and microcredits.

One of the areas supported by the sisters is El Sauce Canton in El Salvador, a rural community with a large population and little agricultural development. Most of the land is used to cultivate sugar cane, which is sold to large mills at low cost. Later, the land is used for planting corn and beans for the sustenance the population will have for the year. The family economy is supported by women, 60% of whom live alone with their children. The biggest challenge is creating possibilities for communal trade.

Irene is a member of the project management group and is one of the women benefiting from the donation. She enjoys her work monitoring projects, especially the sponsorship program for children. She often travels with Sister Antonieta in the mountain terrain, but it is difficult to do in winter time. The new truck is making that possible.

Irene said, “With the new truck, we take more help with us. When we have a meeting with all the children we can take more children. In the end, the car belongs to everyone. Before we’d have to rent a truck to take all the things we bring to the families in need. Now, we can do that and save the money. We are grateful to the donors.”

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Laura Vicuña Pro Education Foundation

Salesian Missions – El Salvador

World Bank – El Salvador

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BRAZIL

(MissionNewswire) The “I Think, Therefore I Write” initiative was created by Wagner Garcia Siqueira, a teacher at the Fadlo Haidar State School in Itaquera, Brazil. The initiative has been recognized as one of the 100 most impactful and scalable educational innovations in the world for the 2026 edition of the catalogue of HundrED, a global organization based in Finland that identifies and disseminates transformative practices in education.

The 100 projects selected will be presented over 100 days on the HundrED platform. Wagner’s project is scheduled to go live on Jan. 30, 2026. The projects selected in the catalogue come from 52 different countries and benefit 63 million students around the world.

With over 31 years of experience teaching Portuguese, Siqueira celebrates the international recognition of the project, developed with public school students. He said, “The fact that we are internationally recognized shows us the connection that a practice in Brazil has with other professionals, educators and experts around the world, and that gives us a wonderful feeling.”

Siqueira has a long-standing relationship with the Dom Bosco Social Work in Itaquera and made a point of thanking Father Rosalvino Morán Viñayo, precursor of the Salesian presence in the region, for all his contributions to his career.

Siqueira noted, “Gratitude. That is the word I wish to express to Father Rosalvino and the Salesian Community of Itaquera for all their work in promoting the education of children, young people and adults on the outskirts of the city of São Paulo through the Dom Bosco Social Work. I am a child of this center, which had a decisive impact on my career as a teacher, as I learned that ‘education is a matter of the heart,’ according to Dom Bosco.”

Created 21 years ago, the initiative came from Siqueira’s perception of students’ insecurity when faced with assessments that required writing. He transformed the teaching of writing into a collaborative process, in which students actively participate in choosing topics and correcting texts. In addition to preparing students for tests and university entrance exams, the main focus of the initiative is to help students develop expression and language proficiency.

Siqueira concluded, “The importance of recognizing projects such as this is to show teachers in Brazil and around the world the work that is being done in practice. This work is the result of concrete practice, an action that responds to the challenge of developing education and helping students learn more.”

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

ANS – Brazil – Former Salesian student’s project recognised as one of the 100 most impactful educational innovations of the year

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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MALI

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco 2000 Association has started its second phase of a training project for migrants returning to Africa from Italy. The initiative, one of the few still operational in the area, has recently started training 150 people, with 60% of them women, for agricultural and commercial cooperatives. Aly Traoré, a migrant who has returned to Mali* as a bridge between Italy and Africa, is leading the training.

An event, coordinated by the Treccani Foundation, launched the project with an international video call with mayors, village chiefs and local leaders. The project’s circular cooperation model, based on the skills of migrants trained in Italy and who have returned to their countries, represents how training can advance people living in difficult circumstances. The project is financed by the Italian Ministry of the Interior.

“Many youth leave the region for a better life elsewhere,” said a Salesian. “We want to ensure that they are able to either have the skills and training they need to remain in their communities or have support after they return home with new skills. This project is ensuring that those trained elsewhere, like in Italy, are able to come back and put their skills to work. We want people to be employed and contributing members of their families and communities.”

Since 2012, Mali has faced a political and security crisis that has been concentrated mainly in the north of the country. The crisis has now reached the center of the country and is affecting hundreds of people, especially children. Since 2018, the country has seen an increase in violence, insecurity and serious violations of international humanitarian law. The country faced two coup d’états in August 2020 and May 2021, and it continues to be marked by political and economic instability.

UNICEF has indicated that more than 2 million children between 5 and 17 do not go to school. More than half of children are still not literate. Children in Mali often have to drop out of school to work, enter child marriages or because of school closures. The country also struggles to find enough qualified teachers and textbooks for students. Only 73.8% of girls and 85.5% of boys are enrolled in primary school and only 15% of girls and 21% of boys continue to secondary school, UNICEF reports.

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

ANS – Mali – Amid conflict and insecurity, ‘Don Bosco 2000’ starts training 150 young people and women with the RELINT project

Salesian Missions

UNICEF – Mali

*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.

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Four students from the Salesian College Siliguri in India have created innovative heart attack prediction software. At a recent event, the team showcased the technology in a live demo and were encouraged to get a patent for their work.

The software was built from scratch by the first-year bachelor of computer applications students in collaboration with the Radio Club’s tech members. Designed to analyze health data and predict potential risks of cardiac arrest, the project is a major product achievement.

The core development team was led by Anand Kumar and supported by Ronish Minj, Othniel Samuel and Rahul Kumar Sah. Each brought unique strengths to the project, shaping it into a working prototype that blends innovation with compassion.

Kumar explained his vision, “I wanted this project to prove that technology can feel human.” Minj added, “It’s more than a model — it’s our small step toward saving lives.” Samuel reflected, “Innovation in health care should start where compassion meets data.” Sah shared, “Every test run made the system stronger and us more curious.”

To refine the prototype, a dedicated beta testing team worked closely with the developers. Crist Minj contributed as a researcher, conducting literature reviews and performance comparisons across machine learning models. Priyam Kerketta looked at reliability.

Faculty mentors have lauded the initiative as a milestone in Salesian College’s mission to foster innovation, inclusivity and community-oriented technology. The vice principal of sciences remarked that the project embodies the spirit of Salesian education, empowering young minds, especially from tribal communities, to harness technology for social good.

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

ANS – India – Rajya Sabha MP Shringla Lauds Salesian Students’ Heart Attack Prediction Software, Urges Patent and Startup Vision

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries at the Salesian Lyceum in Lviv, Ukraine*, are providing new locker rooms for the students using the sports fields. The funding for the project is thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Construction and landscaping for the project started earlier this year. Spaces now include a locker room for girls, a locker room for boys and a module for the separate toilets. The locker rooms were equipped with a shower room with a bench and hangers.

This donation has impacted 431 youth participating in activities at the Salesian Lyceum. Youth include orphans and those who remain internally displaced due to the war. Local teams will also rent the soccer pitch for training and have access to the separate changing rooms.

Father Taras Bayovski, headmaster of the Salesian Lyceum, said, “I am grateful that we now have modular changing rooms near the soccer and volleyball pitches. The premises of the lyceum are very limited, and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports activities without adequate sports infrastructure has always been a challenge for us. We now have a soccer field, a volleyball court and modular locker rooms. These facilities enable us to participate in three student sports leagues including mini soccer, volleyball and rugby.”

Since the beginning of the war, Salesian Missions and Salesian missionaries in Ukraine and around the globe have supported thousands of people with projects and activities aimed at alleviating the situation of people affected by the war.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions

UNHCR – Ukraine

*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.

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SRI LANKA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are responding to urgent needs as Sri Lanka faces one of its worst natural disasters in decades as days of intense rain, fueled by Cyclone Ditwah, triggered massive floods and landslides across the island. The cyclone pushed unusually heavy rainfall over almost every district, causing major rivers to overflow, hillsides to collapse and entire towns to be covered by water. Across the island, Salesian missionaries and the broader Salesian Family have mobilized rapidly to respond to the needs of the affected population.

According to official disaster management in the country, around 1.3 million people have been impacted with over 15,000 homes destroyed or severely damaged. More than 350 people have been confirmed dead and more than 360 are missing. In addition, more than 200,000 people have been displaced and moved into 1,275 shelters

Large parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Southern provinces remain submerged, while rescue teams continue searching for the missing in landslide-prone regions. The flooding and landslides caused extensive destruction to public infrastructure.

A Salesian noted, “Many roads, bridges, and village access routes have been washed away or blocked, leaving several communities isolated. Power cuts, water contamination and communication failures have been reported in multiple districts. Emergency crews from the military and police continue clearing roads, restoring utilities, and delivering food and medicine to stranded families. Some Salesian communities have opened their houses to displaced families and are coordinating relief activities with parish groups, youth movements and volunteers.”

Salesians are distributing cooked meals, dry rations, clothing, and hygiene supplies. They are also providing emergency shelter for families who lost their homes; supporting children, youth and elderly affected by trauma; and helping rescue teams by offering manpower, transport and logistical support

One Salesian commented, “People come with only the clothes they are wearing. We cannot solve everything, but we can be a place of hope.”

The suffering is immense, and long-term recovery will require months of rebuilding homes, roads, and livelihoods. Salesian communities are asking for prayers and solidarity and support for the thousands who have lost loved ones, homes, and security.

Salesian missionaries have been operating in Sri Lanka since 1956. In 1963, missionaries set up their first technical institute. Since then, they have established 17 more in locations across the country, as well as youth centers and other programs to help youth in need.

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

ANS – Sri Lanka – Cyclone-Driven Floods Bring National Emergency

Salesian Missions – Sri Lanka

World Bank – Sri Lanka

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NIGERIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Nigeria received donations thanks to partnerships developed by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Through the donations, students received laptops for their school work and religious items. They also received soccer balls from the men’s soccer team from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

The laptops were distributed to communities where the needs are greatest, including the Salesian Technical and Vocational Training Center in Ondo, the Vocational Training Center in Koko, and students in formation in Ibadan and Akure. The soccer balls were shared across Salesian youth centers in Osogbo, Ibadan, Lagos, Koko and Onitsha, bringing excitement for youth at these centers.

A Salesian said in a letter to donors, “On behalf of our youth ministry and communities, I write with great honor to express our heartfelt joy, appreciation, and thanksgiving for the generous gifts of laptops and balls we received. Your thoughtful donations have brought immense joy to our young people and to our centers.”

The Salesian added, “We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the tangible impact it has made. Your support strengthens our mission and inspires hope among the youth we serve. We remain open and hopeful to continue receiving such generous contributions in the future.”

According to UNICEF, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and the ninth most populous country in the world. By United Nations estimates, Nigeria will be one of the countries responsible for most of the world’s total population increase by 2050. While Nigeria has the second strongest economy in Africa, it also has extreme rates of poverty with 100 million people living on less than $1 a day.

About 64% of households in Nigeria consider themselves to be poor while 32% of households say their economic situation had worsened over a period of one year, according to UNICEF. Poverty still remains one of the most critical challenges facing the country and population growth rates have meant a steady increase in the number of people living in conditions of poverty.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Nigeria

UNICEF – Nigeria

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian schools from North Bengal, India, emerged as winners at the Telegraph Awards for Excellence – North Bengal Chapter, held at the Birla Divya Jyoti School auditorium in November. Don Bosco School Oodlabari led with five distinctions across diverse categories, while Don Bosco School Siliguri followed closely with four accolades. Each award the schools received reflected the Salesian commitment to academic rigor, social responsibility and vibrant student life.

Don Bosco Oodlabari’s recognitions included honor certificates for excellence in maintenance and eco-friendly initiatives, social service, extra-curricular activities and the “School That Cares” citation. The school also received a merit certificate for academic excellence. Most notably, it was declared the title winner for excellence in social service, a tribute to its sustained efforts in nurturing compassion, civic engagement and a culture of care among its students.

Don Bosco School Siliguri was honored with the TTEF Certificate of Honor for social service, the IIHM Award for academic excellence, a certificate of merit for maintenance and eco-friendly initiatives, and the Vidya Mandir Trust’s Certificate of Merit for extra-curricular activities. The school was also declared the title winner for IIHM Award for academic excellence.

A Salesian said, “The two-day celebration of excellence brought together schools from across the region, recognizing achievements in academics, sports, music, environmental stewardship, and community outreach. Hundreds of students were provided certificates, while scholarships were awarded to support deserving learners from economically challenged backgrounds. The event reaffirmed the Salesian educational vision — rooted in reason, religion, and loving-kindness — as a beacon of transformative learning in North Bengal.”

Salesian programs across India are primarily focused on education. Salesian primary and secondary education in the country helps youth prepare for later technical, vocational or university study. Other programs help to support poor youth and their families by meeting the basic needs of shelter, proper nutrition and medical care.

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

ANS – India – North Bengal Salesian Schools Shine at Telegraph Awards for Excellence

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are working to provide support to nearly 2,000 people in Cuba* who have been impacted by Hurricane Melissa, the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record. Nearly 3 million people were left without access to basic services after the hurricane devastated areas. At least 750,000 people had to be evacuated after the destruction and rising waters, according to official figures from the country.

“There were still communities left without electricity and drinking water two weeks after the hurricane. People are still trying to recover all that was lost,” explained a Salesian missionary working in Cuba.

He added, “There are still areas of Santiago de Cuba, Guamá I and Guamá II that are completely isolated because the sea destroyed the road. The material damage left by Melissa is serious, with bridges destroyed, roads blocked, and a good number of houses partially or totally collapsed.”

The Salesian Mission Office in Madrid, Spain is working to reach the 2,000 particularly vulnerable people with the “Basic basket” program run by the San Juan Bosco Center in Santiago de Cuba.

Father Luis Manuel Moral, director of Salesian Missions in Madrid, said, “The situation continues to be very complicated, given the country had already been marked by an economic crisis and a great shortage of supplies. The hurricane has made the precariousness of many people even more acute, especially the most vulnerable, such as minors, families at risk, single mothers or elderly people who are alone.”

He added, “There are many areas where aid has not yet arrived and there is a great need for medicines, drinking water, mattresses and other essential supplies. Many of these things cannot be found in the city. Moreover, the chikungunya virus is spreading rapidly, and the lack of medicines and drinking water is aggravating the situation for many people.”

The Salesian community in Santiago de Cuba serves 14 communities. In addition to education and social support, the Salesians have a small dispensary and a youth center where children and older youth engage in social activities and receive school support.

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

ANS – Cuba – ‘The situation remains very complex with areas still isolated’

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.

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and the international community in honoring International Migrants Day. The day is held each year on Dec. 18 to recognize the efforts, contributions and rights of migrants worldwide.

According to the most recent World Migration Report produced by the International Organization for Migration, there are around 281 million international migrants in the world in 2020, which equates to 3.6% of the global population. For those who choose to leave their homeland, youth often leave in search of employment, education and a better way of life. The United Nations notes that youth are heavily represented in migration for humanitarian reasons including as refugees, asylum seekers and unaccompanied minors.

The United Nations also reported that, “Since 2014, nearly 70,000 migrants have died or gone missing along land and sea routes, with the true number likely much higher. Each recorded death represents a person whose loss deeply affects their family and reverberates throughout communities and societies. This is a silent humanitarian crisis, and it’s one we can solve.”

“Salesian missionaries care for and provide educational services to young migrants in countries around the globe,” explained Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “Unaccompanied migrant youth often face rejection, homelessness, exploitation and delinquency as they make their journey to find a new way of life. They are also at risk of human trafficking and exploitation. Salesian missionaries work to create new educational and employment opportunities in countries youth leave as an incentive for them to remain at home.”

To mark International Migrants Day 2025, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight programs around the globe that provide life-changing education and social support to migrants.

COLOMBIA

John Bosco the Worker Center in Ciudad Bolívar, Colombia, offers educational opportunities and a safe haven for local youth in a region impacted by violence and poverty.

John Bosco the Worker Center in Ciudad Bolívar, Colombia, offers educational opportunities and a safe haven for local youth in a region impacted by violence and poverty. Established in 1994, the center is today recognized as a leader in technical training and known for teaching the circus arts.

Ciudad Bolívar is one of the most disadvantaged and dangerous areas south of Bogotá. The informal settlements house nearly 900,000 people, and 18% of families are not able to meet their primary needs of food, services, housing and education. Migrants from Venezuela coming to the area have built homes made of plastic, boards, metal and recycled materials. They often face violence and abuse.

A Salesian explained, “The community continues to expand on the slopes of the mountains and is made up principally of youth and mothers with limited resources. Lately, the area has also seen in the influx of thousands of migrants arriving from Venezuela in search of opportunities for a better life. To all of them, the John Bosco the Worker Center offers a way to escape poverty through education.”

The center offers 13 technical training programs, cooking classes, sports and artistic activities. Young migrants are also welcomed through the Reception House for Venezuelan Youth. The center aids families as well, including 120 adults and 40 young mothers. On Saturdays, recreational activities are organized in the streets.

INDIA

Salesian missionaries with Bosco Vikas Gramin Kendra were able to support children in migrant communities in the Central Maharashtra region of India thanks to funding from Salesian Missions.

Salesian missionaries with Bosco Vikas Gramin Kendra were able to support children in migrant communities in the Central Maharashtra region of India thanks to funding from Salesian Missions.

The project encouraged children from the migrant communities to attend study centers for various sports activities. This brought youth in the door and allowed them to access the other services being offered, including classes. In six project hamlets, study classes were held on a regular basis. A total of 193 boys and girls were enrolled and studied math and language. At the conclusion of each month, tests were administered to assess progress. The monthly evaluations were then shared with the students. Special additional care and attention were provided to those who needed help.

Nutrition was also provided for 200 youth, who were able to have at least one healthy meal a week thanks to the project funding. Salesians also held programs to inform parents about the importance of healthy nutrition. Parents were able to attend sessions to learn about other services available to them. Salesians covered 12 programs that parents could access including health insurance, financial aid and nutritional support. More than 2,300 people attended these sessions.

MEXICO

The Salesian Tijuana Project in Tijuana, Mexico offers migrant women and children a safe place to stay and an opportunity to plan their future through the Salesian Refuge, a center offering support.

The Salesian Tijuana Project in Tijuana, Mexico offers migrant women and children a safe place to stay and an opportunity to plan their future through the Salesian Refuge, a center offering support. These vulnerable groups are most at risk of violence, exploitation and violation of their rights.

The building that houses the Salesian Refuge is home for 120 migrant women between the ages of 25-50 and their children. Currently, there are 80 children between the ages of 6-12. With the assistance of the Salesians of Don Bosco and a staff of 12, women and children are welcomed and access services.

Children are able to receive education to ensure they continue in school. Salesians also offer psychological support and professional training for women to help them recover emotionally and gain employment skills, allowing them to become self-sufficient. In addition, Salesians offer health care and legal assistance to process asylum requests or any requests for documents necessary to resume the journey in safety.

A Salesian noted, “The vocational training and interpersonal skills training is important to help empower these women to find jobs in employment sectors that are hiring, such as cooking and nursing. The children can take advantage of multi-stage educational programs at the Don Bosco Salesian School in Tijuana.”

THE GAMBIA

The Don Bosco 2000 Association has expanded its commitment in Africa with the launch of the Beteya Guinar project in The Gambia.

The Don Bosco 2000 Association has expanded its commitment in Africa with the launch of the Beteya Guinar project in The Gambia. The project provides a pathway to fight against irregular migration via an integrated supply chain for breeding and distributing chickens. Youth at risk of emigration will receive specific training, develop professional skills and find stable employment in their communities of origin.

This project comes after the positive results of a similar project in Tambacounda, Senegal, which received support from the Fondazione Opera Don Bosco Onlus in Milan, Italy and Opera Don Bosco Mondo in Lugano, Switzerland. The project in Senegal trained three youth who are now engaged in the management of the business.

Agostino Sella, president of Don Bosco 2000 Association, said, “We are excited to extend the project in The Gambia. The goal is to build a self-sufficient system that offers concrete perspectives to young people, preventing forced departures and promoting local development.”

The initiative works to ensure access to quality food products for local communities while strengthening the economic and social fabric. As in Senegal, technological innovations will be introduced in The Gambia with new sales methods to improve the quality of the services offered.

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Sources:

COLOMBIA: Local youth and migrants can find path out of poverty

INDIA: Salesian Missions funds project to help support migrant children

International Organization for Migration

MEXICO: Salesian Tijuana Project houses migrant women and their children

Salesian Missions

THE GAMBIA: New project aims to decrease migration for youth

United Nations Migrants Day

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Alumni Association, located in Kolkata, India, provides a model of alumni-driven social service and community outreach. The association has expanded its impact in recent years, with several projects offered under its umbrella to serve people in need.

Bosco on Wheels is one of the flagship initiatives aimed at addressing hunger among people who are poor and vulnerable. Every first and third Sunday of the month, a mobile food van travels to hospitals, orphanages and settlement camps to distribute freshly prepared meals. Members serve 400 beneficiaries 2,000 prepared breads, along with vegetables and dessert.

Bosco Cares addresses medical needs. A long-running free dispensary was revitalized into a monthly full-scale clinic organized on the first Sunday of every month at the school premises. Managed by alumni doctors, the clinic provides free consultations, medicines and discounted diagnostic tests to more than 100 patients each month. Annual blood donation camps encourage alumni and parents to contribute toward saving lives, and specialized eye camps provide free check-ups, eyewear, and cataract surgeries for those in need.

In addition, the association continues to run its adult literacy project, which has been providing education and training for young women for the past 27 years. The education empowers young women with basic education and vocational skills.

A Salesian noted, “The association does more than just provide direct service, it’s also involved in initiatives that connect past pupils worldwide. DB Global is a powerful network that unites past pupils of Don Bosco Kolkata across the world. With 16 active chapters in countries and cities such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, the initiative enables former students to support one another through professional, social, and humanitarian collaboration.”

The association is also involved with Bosco Connects. With hundreds of members from various Don Bosco institutions, the network helps individuals with employment opportunities, business guidance, academic support, medical assistance, crisis needs, blood donation, and legal or administrative help. It has also proven to be an effective space for mobilizing funds and addressing urgent personal or community problems.

The Salesian added, “The Don Bosco Alumni Association Kolkata continues to demonstrate how collective goodwill and organized effort can create sustained, meaningful social impact.”

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

ANS – India – Don Bosco Alumni Association Kolkata: A Growing Force for Social Action

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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MALAWI

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco High School, located in Nkhotakota, Malawi, has improved living conditions for 80 young girls thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project funding was used to purchase five buildings as well as the adjacent land. The new area was also fenced for safety.

Three houses were renovated and adequately equipped. One house and another building were taken down because they were not in good condition. Seven toilets and 14 showers were constructed, as well as a stand for two 5,000-liter water tanks. Water and electricity were also connected.

A Salesian explained, “The main objective of the project was to create better safety and living conditions for the school girls. This was achieved, and as a result, the girls punctuality improved because of the availability of more showers, toilets and available water.”

Jenallah Mkandawire is a teacher at the school. Before the project, she noted that the living conditions were not adequate for the girls. She explained, “Now the girls are on time and have adequate water for washing their clothes and sanitary needs. Since they have more places to wash themselves and to wash their clothes, the general hygiene of school has improved.”

Mkandawire said that many of the girls have better living conditions at the school now than they have at their homes.

She added, “We broke for holidays and were surprised to see the changes in our campus after the holidays. All of us appreciate the donors who helped make this dream a reality.”

In Malawi, more than 50% of the population lives in poverty and the majority of households have women as the head of the household, according to the World Bank. Agriculture is a central part of Malawi’s economy, but land distribution is unequal and crops are highly vulnerable to the region’s frequent droughts. Few houses have piped water and less than one in 10 Malawians has access to electricity. Water is collected from wells or streams, and most people cook over an open fire. Malawians deal with hunger and malnutrition on a daily basis.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Malawi

World Bank – Malawi

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ARGENTINA

(MissionNewswire) The Faculty of Oenology and Food Science, located in the Salesian House in Rodeo del Medio, Mendoza, Argentina, recently celebrated its 60-year anniversary. An event that celebrated the occasion included Father José Cordera, rector; María Silvia Farah, dean; representatives of the Salesian community, including teachers, students, families; and members of the public.

The ceremony also brought together authorities from the Catholic University of Cuyo, political authorities, representatives of other nearby academic institutions, graduates and companies in the sector, demonstrating the interconnection between the community and scientific and technological knowledge. All present were given a specially crafted wine to commemorate the event.

Throughout the day, moments of remembrance, gratitude and hope were shared, celebrating a history of service of education and productive development in the region.

Dean Farrah said, “We celebrated a future full of expectations and challenges. In the current context, universities must accompany evolution in order to continue to be spaces of knowledge, innovation, professional development and, above all, human development, preparing for the future.”

The Don Bosco Faculty is part of the long history of the Salesian Rodeo del Medio House, which has been dedicated to training wine professionals since 1901. On Oct. 31, 1965, the Don Bosco Faculty of Oenology and Food Science was officially founded, which became the first institution of higher studies in the wine sector in Latin America. This grew to meet the need of bringing greater professionalism and academic training to those in charge of the wine industry.

Since then, graduates in oenology, the fruit and vegetable industry, food technology and the sommelier profession  have been trained and represent the faculty in different areas of the country and the world. The Salesian added, “Proud of the past, grateful for the present and hopeful for the future, the educational community celebrated six decades of history, innovation and service.”

The Salesian Province of Argentina North expressed pride and gratitude for this anniversary. In a statement, Salesians noted, “We congratulate the entire educational community of the Don Bosco Faculty and Rodeo del Medio for its constant commitment to formation, research and service to young people, in the style of Don Bosco.”

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

ANS – Argentina – The Don Bosco Faculty celebrates 60 years at the service of young people and viticulture

Salesian Missions – Argentina

World Bank – Argentina

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NIGERIA

(MissionNewswire) St. Jude Science and Technical College in Nigeria has been able to upgrade its water system thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding came from the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative” and impacted 1,300 students, 70 staff and 350 youth from the community.

Salesians conducted a survey to understand the gaps in water supply, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices in order to determine the best course of action for the project. This was followed by the construction and rehabilitation of the boreholes, wells and water storage. Salesians then launched school-based WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) clubs and outreach campaigns. Students and staff were trained on the operation and maintenance of the facilities.

Through the project, hand-washing points have been constructed at different places in the school compound. Existing toilets were renovated, and the project added more toilets in both the bathrooms for men and women and two for people with disabilities. Students and staff have easy access to the use of toilet facilities without any issue of overcrowding.

A Salesian noted, “The community played an active and enthusiastic role throughout the implementation of the WASH project. For many residents, both adults and children, the initiative introduced facilities and practices they had never encountered before. Their willingness to embrace the new systems and participate in training and maintenance activities reflects a promising foundation for long-term sustainability.”

Kumaga Joseph Tersor is a boarding student enrolled in the Department of Electrical Installation and Maintenance. He aspires to become a renowned engineer. He recalls that, until recently, the school only had a few pit toilets, which were inadequate for the student population.

Tesor recounted, “When the new toilet project began, we were thrilled. Our excitement grew even more when the project was completed. In fact, no other school in the entire Gboko area has a facility like this. For many students, this is their first encounter with modern sanitation. Our duties as prefects have become much easier — students no longer defecate in the bush, and they have been taught how to use the new toilets properly. When I shared this development with my friends, they were overjoyed. We are deeply grateful for this facility and extend our heartfelt thanks to the donor from Salesian Missions.”

About 64% of households in Nigeria consider themselves to be poor while 32% of households say their economic situation had worsened over a period of one year, according to UNICEF. Poverty still remains one of the most critical challenges facing the country and population growth rates have meant a steady increase in the number of people living in conditions of poverty.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Nigeria

UNICEF – Nigeria

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INDIA

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Nava Nirman, located in Muniguda, India, provided scholarships for 32 girls thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The school was developed in 2010 after the Kandhamal violence in the region in 2008. One of the greatest contributions Salesians make in the region is through their education, especially for youth who are poor and marginalized.

A Salesian noted, “We have been concentrating on the education of girls and young women, which is an urgent need in this area. Generally, girls are marginalized by the parents as well as the society at large as they are not seen as potential earners in the workplace. Our entry into the education of the girls is in a way an attempt to transform this general perception. Today, through support provided to us, we are able to educate many girls through our scholarship program.”

Donor funding helped to offset the cost for hostel fees, as well as academic fees and book purchases. Although the school received funds for 26 scholarships, it was able to make scholarships available for additional children. In total, 32 children received financial support for their education.

The Salesian said, “We thank Salesian Missions for the generous help donors have given to girls who seek an education. We look forward to supporting these children’s scholarships every year without hindrance, ensuring they can complete their studies uninterrupted.”

Salesian programs across India are primarily focused on education. Salesian primary and secondary education in the country helps youth prepare for later technical, vocational or university study. Other programs help to support poor youth and their families by meeting the basic needs of shelter, proper nutrition and medical care.

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% 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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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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(MissionNewswire)  The Don Bosco Higher Education Institute (Instituto Superior Don Bosco) is focusing on the environment with several recent initiatives. Students from the Environmental Club recently took a workshop, using paper, water and charcoal powder to produce eco-friendly charcoal with low calorific value, which is a less polluting option suitable. The process involved preparing the mixture, molding and drying the product.

A Salesian noted, “The initiative allowed students to understand the value of recycling and the importance of environmental innovation, reinforcing the Environmental Club’s commitment to reducing waste and promoting ecological alternatives within the institution.”

Students at another Salesian-run education center, the São José de Lhanguene Training Center, is also having their students in the electrical installation course raise awareness about the importance of environmental preservation and proper waste management. Thirty-two students created posters with educational messages such as “Don’t litter” and “Stop waste.”

The Salesian added, “The initiative promoted teamwork, creativity, and civic spirit, reinforcing the trainees’ commitment to environmental protection. The activity showed that environmental education combined with art is an effective tool for raising awareness and ecological responsibility among young people.”

Poverty surged in Mozambique from 48.4% to 62.9% between 2014 and 2022. According to the World Bank, this rise is attributed to the hidden debt crisis, COVID-19, and natural disasters. Poverty is concentrated in rural areas, and even with growth within the country, the regions of Zambezia, Sofala, Manica and Gaza saw an increase in poverty in the 2000s.

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Photo credit

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Paper Charcoal Production Workshop at ISDB, Mozambique

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Creative Workshop at ISDB, Mozambique

Salesian Missions – Mozambique

World Bank – Mozambique

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(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Institute Youth Projects, located in Cape Town, has spearheaded the Salesian Hydroponics Eco-Ubuntu Project in South Africa and other countries. The project is facilitating training for youth in hydroponics and solar power and ensuring they have the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving green economy.

One of the project’s standout achievements is the integration of hydroponics into education and employment pathways for disadvantaged youth. Under the institute’s NEETs Youth Employability Program, the project participants are actively involved in the rollout and implementation of hydroponics projects in their communities. By engaging these youth in meaningful work, the project not only addresses unemployment but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride in environmental conservation efforts.

The Eco-Ubuntu project extends its reach into the institute’s Learn to Live program, offering students hands-on experience in hydroponic farming. By cultivating produce using hydroponic systems, these students not only learn practical skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for sustainable agriculture.

A Salesian noted, “Through a multifaceted approach encompassing renewable energy, water access, waste management, hydroponics, and sustainable cultivation, the Salesian Hydroponics Eco-Ubuntu Project aims to create a greener future for all.”

Launched by the Salesian Provincial Office in Johannesburg in January 2024, the Eco-Ubuntu project is a testament to the Salesians’ commitment to holistic development. It is currently operating in three countries, South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. Within these countries, seven cities are engaged, casting a wide net for impacting youth and the communities in which they live.

The Salesian added, “At its core, the Eco-Ubuntu project seeks to instill a ‘green mindset’ within communities by facilitating accessible and practical green interventions. From hydroponic systems, solar installation training to borehole installations, the project empowers individuals to embrace sustainable practices in their daily lives.”

Since 1910, Salesian Institute Youth Projects has been helping youth who are homeless, unemployed or poor in Cape Town, the second most populous city and legislative capital of South Africa. Salesians provide shelter, education and workforce development services, meeting the basic needs of the youth they serve while helping them break the cycle of poverty.

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Photo credit: Eco-Ubuntu Green Project – Salesian Youth

Salesian Institute Youth Projects – Eco-Ubuntu Green Project

Salesian Institute Youth Projects

Salesian Institute Youth Projects Facebook

Salesian Missions – South Africa

UNICEF – South Africa

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with Mission Don Bosco in Turin, Italy, have been supporting Salesians in Ukraine during the war. Recently, Father Mykhaylo Chaban, superior of the Salesian Mary Help of Christians Vice-Province of the Greek-Catholic Rite in Ukraine, visited Colle Don Bosco to participate in the first profession of a Ukrainian novice formed in Turin in recent years. He shared his experiences during the war.

Fr. Chaban told Salesians with Mission Don Bosco that daily life is made up of hardship and fear, but above all, of commitment, dedication, tenacity, resilience, dignity and hope. That hope that was further renewed by the profession of the Ukrainian novice.

Fr. Chaban said, “Right now, Salesians are trying to do all we can for education in schools and vocational centers. We have after-school centers, a children’s home and sports activities for children and for people who have suffered amputations due to the ongoing war.”

He continued, “We want to do as much as we can to give these young people moments of joy and happiness, even though the war limits us a lot, but we try to ensure safety for all our guests first and foremost. Russian attacks happen mostly at night, but they also happen during the day. The protection of the spaces where we welcome young people, therefore, is an important element of the service we render to them.”

Families from the eastern regions of Ukraine continue to arrive in Lviv, in the west of the country. Towns and countryside are being attacked by Russian forces and refugees are arriving and looking for safer places.

Fr. Chaban highlighted the work of Father Andry Bodnar, who is in the created community of Mariapolis, where Salesians have created modular homes for those displaced. There, Salesians provide support for 250 children along with many elderly and people with disabilities. Even as some people leave, others arrive.

The Salesians try to offer various activities, continually improving and expanding the service according to need. This year, they provided moments of joy to the elderly on trips to the mountains to give them a brief respite from the war. This is a trip Salesians take often with youth.

Salesians have also continued to provide food for 350 people. Fr. Chaban noted, “If we end this assistance, it will be very difficult for them to go without even one hot meal a day. Since they cannot work, they cannot live solely on the small state economic support. The people want to return to normal life and continue to work even in areas where the land may be mined. They clear the land and production continues. Father Oleh Ladnyuk and Father Gregory Shved continue to bring foodstuffs every month to the border areas where families live who have lost their jobs, have nothing, and can barely survive.”

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Sources

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

ANS – Italy – Where war destroys, hope still builds: the Superior of UKR tells of Ukraine after more than three years of war

Salesian Missions

UNHCR – Ukraine

*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.

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and the international community in honoring Human Rights Day, celebrated each year on Dec. 10. Human Rights Day commemorates the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been translated into more than 500 languages. This milestone document proclaimed the inalienable rights that everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being — regardless of race, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.

The United Nations noted, “Human rights can empower individuals and communities to forge a better tomorrow. By embracing and trusting the full power of human rights as the path to the world we want, we can become more peaceful, equal and sustainable.”

Salesian missionaries in more than 130 countries around the globe work to ensure that all youth know their rights, are able to fully participate in their communities and have their voices heard. They do this through access to education, health care and social programs.

Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, explained, “Salesian missionaries on the forefront in communities, ensuring youth have access to the education and supports needed to understand their rights and feel empowered to express them. Whether it’s combating child labor, assisting homeless youth or building schools where children previously had no access to education, Salesian missionaries educate and meet the basic needs of children in some of the poorest places on the planet.”

In honor of Human Rights Day, Salesian Missions highlights unique programs that are helping poor youth receive an education and find a path out of poverty, bringing them hope for the future.

DR CONGO

Salesian missionaries in the Democratic Republic of the Congo*, led by Father Carlos Balezi Kabumba, recently concluded a series of educational sessions aimed at raising awareness of the rights of women and minors. The training was held for children at the Salesian House in Gahinja and for girls from the Maison Marguerite Center.

At the end of the course, participants received certificates of completion. Salesians thanked the Salesian Mission Office in Bonn, Germany, for financial support and its commitment to the protection of the rights of women and children in this conflict-torn region.

Pascal Bauma, project manager, noted, “This initiative has been useful to assess the situation of many children living on the street, especially in the city of Goma. Many young people, due to difficult family situations, are forced to take to the streets. This problem is also aggravated by the influx of people displaced by the war in and around Goma.” Over the last years, Salesians have been dedicated to caring for displaced children, who are living at Salesian houses in the region.

INDIA

Don Bosco Center for Social Action Yadgir and Don Bosco Makkalalaya Mysore in India have been honored by Karnataka district authorities for their outstanding efforts in championing child rights.

The Don Bosco Center for Social Action, under Director Father Francis Shabu, has been at the forefront of safeguarding child rights and promoting education in vulnerable communities. To mark the occasion, the center organized a rally with over 1,400 participants. It was held in collaboration with government departments, spreading a powerful message against child labor and highlighting every child’s right to education.

Don Bosco Makkalalaya, headed by Father Jim Jose, also received a special award for its work with children at risk. The organization also led a rally involving more than 300 participants, joining the Labor Department to advocate for children’s rights and highlight the urgency of ending child labor.

A Salesian noted, “These recognitions underscore the deep commitment of the Salesians of Don Bosco to the cause of children, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized. At the core of these initiatives is BREADS Bangalore, the planning and development office of the Salesian Province, which continues to offer strong support, strategic direction, and resources ― empowering its partner centers to build safer, more just futures for children across Karnataka.”

LEBANON

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 for Fidar and Hossoun communities and refugees in Beirut” project is ensuring that families living in these communities have the basic essentials and the psychological support they need.

With donor funding, Salesians were able to provide medical assistance, psychosocial support, food supplies, fuel vouchers and warm clothes. Families were chosen from those involved with local Salesian centers and schools, including Don Bosco Technique, Don Bosco Hossoun oratories, and Angels of Peace School.

A Salesian noted, “Through coordinated efforts, our team provided immediate relief and laid the foundation for resilience and hope during an incredibly challenging period. Moreover, the project had a comprehensive and profound impact, as it combined educational support, psychological care and social activities to address the multifaceted needs of the various communities served by the Salesians.”

RWANDA

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.

Vumiriya Uwihoreye, a student benefiting from the program, said, “We are very happy. Many of us live in difficult circumstances, but seeing donors like this shows that there are many kind-hearted people interested in helping those with limited resources succeed.”

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Sources:

DR CONGO: Women, minors learn rights

INDIA: Don Bosco organizations recognized for championing child rights

Human Rights Day

LEBANON: Salesian missionaries provide support for 273 people impacted by war thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

RWANDA: Don Bosco Muhazi provides essential support to 260 students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

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.

The post HUMAN RIGHTS DAY: Salesian Missions highlights educational and social programs for youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have been providing support to youth in Jacarezinho, Brazil – one of Rio de Janeiro’s most populous and violent neighborhoods. Salesians operate the Mary Help of Christians Parish and oratory as well as the Alberto Monteiro de Carvalho school, which has more than 500 students. For three years, after school and during the lunch break, students have been participating in a computer literacy course.

Father Natale Vitali, who coordinates the course, explained, “It is not an easy situation for the youth here, as they often do not receive a decent education. We do not limit ourselves to computer literacy as we help youth develop moral and social values.”

Fr. Vitali arrived in Jacarezinho in 2020, a year before a Brazilian police operation turned the area into a bloodbath. He knew one of the 28 people killed in the raid that was carried out by more than 200 officers with the aim of arresting 21 members of a criminal drug trafficking organization.

Fr. Vitali noted, “He was a young man who always sat in front of our parish and our college and he always greeted us. During one of my visits to the six local Christian communities, I celebrated a Mass in which the names and faces of the victims of the massacre, which is still a vivid memory, were displayed.” Fr. Vitali, who has just completed his term as Superior of the St John Bosco Province of Belo Horizonte Brazil, recounted the events to Vatican media.

Violence is deeply rooted in Jacarezinho and it has an impact on the education system. Schools are often closed and lessons cancelled. For some, the only way to earn some money is to become drug transporters.

“When the police enter the favela (poor neighborhood in Rio), there is always fear,” Fr. Vitali recounted. “It is not an easy situation. Many people do not want to live there. Youth often do not receive a decent education and do not establish a good relationship with their parents, who, in many cases, have not studied and do not understand the importance of educating their children well.”

Fr. Vitali knows how important it is for youth to be computer literate. Many of the youth in the course have never used a computer before. The youth, between 6-14 years old, are supported by teachers hired thanks to funding from the Salesian Mission Office in Turin, Italy.

The course started it in 2022, after the St. John Bosco Province bought the first devices. The number of youth has increased year after year. In 2022, there were 45, a year later there were 150, and in 2024, the number rose to 200 and also was opened to parents. Today, there are 265. Fr. Vitali noted that they struggle to get youth to go home when the course is over because they feel at home in Salesian environment.

When the next school year begins, between February and March 2026, the computer literacy project could be even more crowded because Salesians are expanding the facility, which will be able to accommodate another 200 students.

The impact of the Salesians’ good work in Jacarezinho can also be measured by the responses Fr. Vitali has received when he meets former students. He said, “A short time ago, I spoke with two former students. One, who started working in an IT company, told me that the course changed his mind and heart. Another former student donated his first salary to ensure that the initiative could continue.”

The Salesians in Jacarezinho will continue educating youth while working to keep them safe from violence and bloodshed.

Just over 15% of Brazilians live in poverty, with the majority living in the rural northeast of the country, according to the World Bank. While Brazil is making positive changes, there are still large gaps between the poor and the rich, and issues of income inequality and social exclusion remain at the root of poverty.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Brazil – A Salesian project to give young people in Jacarezinho an alternative

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

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INDIA

Half of youth in attendance selected for positions throughout India

(MissionNewswire) Two Salesian organizations, AIDA-Don Bosco, a job placement network in Dimapur, India and Konkan Development Society, the Don Bosco Vocational Guidance and Placement Service in Curtorim, recently held job events to help Salesian students find long term employment and be ready for the workforce.

Supported by the Don Bosco Job Placement Network, AIDA-Don Bosco organized the first ever job fair at Don Bosco College in Maram, India. The event was well received with many youth taking part in interviews and in talks with the five companies in attendance. By the end of the event, half of the youth had already been selected for positions throughout India, marking a promising start for regional employment initiatives.

Father Roy George, executive director of AIDA-Don Bosco expressed his enthusiasm for the event, congratulating the organizers and calling this collaboration “an important step towards realizing the professional aspirations of young people.”

The Konkan Development Society the Don Bosco Vocational Guidance and Placement Service, in collaboration with Reginaldo Lourenco, a member of the Legislative Assembly, organized a career guidance workshop for more than100 students and some parents. The event emphasized the crucial role of family support in shaping career decisions.

A workshop included dynamic sessions led by renowned experts, who offered students a holistic perspective on education and career paths. Noah Rodrigues, regional coordinator of the Don Bosco Job Placement Network, opened the workshop with a session with a talk about choosing the right career path. He guided the students through a self-assessment tool.

In another session Colonel Jesus Benino Furtardo spoke to the students about the possibility of working in the army and how to evaluate different careers after the end of their studies.

“Learning the skills for employment is only half the process,” said a Salesian. “We want to make sure youth are able to take the skills they learned and access the employment that will allow them to be self-sufficient. Events like these are a step in ensuring that’s possible.”

Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India. India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% 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.

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.

Sources:

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

ANS – India – Big job fair at Don Bosco College in Maram

ANS – India – An orientation workshop to help young people make informed career choices

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: Salesian students access employment support at Salesian job events first appeared on MissionNewswire.

KENYA

Project trained 66 animators and teachers across seven parishes

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to train Pontifical Missionary Children animators and Sunday school teachers in Salesian parishes in Kenya, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Through this project 66 animators and teachers were trained across seven parishes.

The animators and teachers were trained in psychology of child development, psychosocial development, James Fowler’s model of faith development and cognitive development contemporary theories for children learning spirituality.

A Salesian explained, “This was an excellent training project. Now with the 66 animators and teachers trained, they will bring what they are learned to educate more than 12,000 children, aged 5–12 years, in various parishes. Not only that but animators and teachers were able to share their experiences, build a supportive network and continue to learn from each other.”

An interactive WhatsApp group was created through this project to enable members to share ideas, showcase progress, and demonstrate the application of learned methodologies. On the last day of the training, animators visited Don Bosco Upperhill Parish (Shrine of Mary Help of Christians) to observe how the animators and Sunday School teachers organize and conduct their sessions.

Nelly Lukaziva Sanya is one of the people who attended the training. She has always been passionate about nurturing children’s spiritual growth. Before joining the project, Sanya faced several challenges that affected her confidence and teaching effectiveness. Her methods were mostly traditional, and she often felt limited in how she could engage her students or manage classroom dynamics.

Reflecting on that period, Sanya said, “Before the training, I often felt stuck doing things the same way and wasn’t sure how to make my lessons more engaging.” When the project was introduced, Sanya welcomed it with both excitement and apprehension. She was eager to learn new teaching techniques and connect with other teachers, yet she worried about whether she could adapt to the new methods and apply them effectively. Despite these initial worries, she embraced the learning process and found the sessions inspiring and transformative.

By the end of the training, Sanya felt a renewed sense of confidence and purpose. The practical methods and creative strategies she learned helped her better engage her students and strengthened the trust between her and the children’s parents. The training not only improved her teaching but also deepened her sense of community among fellow teachers. Together, they shared insights, encouraged one another, and discussed ways to make Sunday school more interactive and spiritually enriching.

Looking ahead, Sanya hopes to continue growing as a teacher and mentor. She envisions creating digital learning resources, forming a supportive network of Sunday school teachers, and inspiring others through mentorship and collaboration.

Sanya added, “I want to mentor children and new teachers, share what I’ve learned, and create online resources to support others.” Overall, the project has enhanced Sanya’s confidence, teaching effectiveness and community leadership, contributing to a more engaging and spiritually enriching learning environment.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Kenya

World Bank – Kenya

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INDIA

Campaign follows national initiative Child Marriage-Free India

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Gujarat collaborated with Just Rights for Children to launch a 100-day campaign against child marriage in three districts of Gujarat, India — Anand, Vadodara, and Chhotaudepur. The campaign was officially initiated on October 13, 2025, by Don Bosco Kawant and Don Bosco Kapadvanj, Salesian organizations that have been working tirelessly to protect the rights and dignity of youth.

This campaign follows the national initiative Child Marriage-Free India, which was launched by the Honorable Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annapurna Devi in Nov. 2024. The movement has already made a remarkable impact across several states of India, including the districts of Chhotaudepur, Anand, and Vadodara in Gujarat, through the collective efforts of government officials, civil society organizations and community leaders.

Under this initiative, Don Bosco Kawant and Don Bosco Kapadvanj have played a significant role in spreading awareness and preventing child marriages at the grassroots level. Nationwide, the campaign has helped prevent child marriages, saving countless young girls and boys from losing their childhood and opportunities for education and growth.

In Gujarat, more than 300 parents from the three districts have signed written pledges promising not to marry off their underage children. These written guarantees are powerful testimonies of change and commitment towards building a safer future for every child.

As the campaign completes its first year, Don Bosco Gujarat is preparing for a 100-day intensive awareness drive from November 1, 2025, to January 26, 2026. The goal is to create mass awareness, strengthen community participation and build strong collaboration among all stakeholders to eliminate child marriage completely.

During these 100 days, the campaign will reach out to key community influencers who play an important role in the marriage process. The goal is to spread awareness and to help these community influences create and declare child marriage-free districts through coordinated community action.

Father Mayank Parmar, director of Don Bosco Kawant, emphasized, “This campaign is the need of the hour. The government, civil society, and people of goodwill must come together to protect children and completely eradicate the evil of child marriage.”

Shailesh Parmar, program officer for Don Bosco Kapadvanj, added, “Being part of a nationwide campaign like this will not only create change in India but also inspire action across the globe.”

Through these efforts, Don Bosco Gujarat continues its mission of educating, empowering, and protecting young lives. The 100-day campaign is a strong reminder that every child deserves the right to grow, learn, and dream free from the burden of early marriage.

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Sources:

ANS – India – Don Bosco Gujarat Launches 100-Day Campaign Against Child Marriage

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

The post INDIA: Salesian organizations launched 100-day campaign against child marriage first appeared on MissionNewswire.

KENYA

Initiative fosters sense of stewardship among youth, educators and communities

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Kenya has taken a transformative step by launching the Don Bosco Integral Ecology Plan that spans from now through 2029. Salesians in Kenya will turn to Don Bosco Green Alliance, a global platform for ecological initiatives and activities.

The plan represents a comprehensive roadmap to integrate ecological responsibility across all facets of Salesian education, pastoral care, and social engagement. The six pillars of the plan include energy management, carbon management, water management, waste management, sustainable agriculture, and ecological conversion.

These actions will involve the participation of 14 Salesian institutions across Kenya and is designed to benefit more than 45,000 youth and community members annually. Rooted firmly in the principles of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’s call for an integral approach to ecology, the initiative addresses critical environmental challenges while fostering a sense of stewardship among young people, educators, and communities.

In his opening remarks to unveil the plan, Father George Tharayil, provincial superior, framed the initiative as both a spiritual and practical commitment. He said, “This five-year strategic plan for Integral Ecology reflects our dedication to God, the environment, and the people we serve.”

Father Savio Silveira, the coordinator of the Don Bosco Green Alliance, addressed the growing concern of “eco-anxiety” among youth, emphasizing the importance of immediate action. “Whatever affects young people affects the Salesian community,” he stressed, applauding the Salesian Province of East Africa for being the first in the Salesian world to launch such a comprehensive ecological plan.

The launch event concluded with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony, involving representatives from Don Bosco institutions, private entities, non-governmental organizations and civil society. This act symbolized the shared commitment to nurturing a greener planet and marked the beginning of a legacy that will inspire future generations.

The Don Bosco Integral Ecology Plan sets a powerful example, calling on Salesian provinces worldwide to embrace ecological responsibility with focus, unity, and determination.

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Sources:

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Kenya – The Salesian Province of East Africa (AFE) Launches the Don Bosco Integral Ecology Plan (2025–2029)

Salesian Missions – Kenya

World Bank – Kenya

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INDIA

Programs to spotlight on youth age 16 and above 

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco’s Prafulta Psychological Services, located in Mumbai, India, has several programs that promote understanding, protection, and prioritization of mental wellness. While Mental Health Awareness month is in October, the organization recognizes that prioritizing mental health goes beyond a day or a month-long focus.

A Salesian noted, “Mental health, which profoundly shapes how we think, feel, and act, is essential for coping with stress, building meaningful relationships, and making sound decisions. We believe that awareness and action around emotional well-being has become increasingly urgent.”

Prafulta organizes a wide range of programs, including workshops, social media campaigns, and community outreach activities, designed to engage individuals across age groups. These initiatives aim to empower people with practical tools for maintaining emotional balance and resilience in their daily lives.

This year, the spotlight is on youth aged 16 and above, a demographic facing increasing psychological pressures in a fast-paced, high-stress world. To address their unique needs, Prafulta has launched an innovative program titled “Vibe Check – Master Your Mood.”

This free, interactive 90-minute session invites young participants to explore their emotions, develop self-awareness, and learn effective strategies to manage stress and build resilience. With several youth groups already engaged, Prafulta aimed to reach at least 1,000 Through these initiatives, Don Bosco Prafulta reinforces the message that mental health is not just the absence of illness but the presence of balance, purpose, and joy. The center invites the community to join hands in breaking stigma, fostering empathy, and celebrating life as an adventure rooted in emotional strength and wellness.youth through this initiative by the end of October.

The organization held other initiatives in October including short videos, offering practical tips on overcoming everyday challenges like anger, anxiety, and mood disorders and Dance Movement Therapy sessions, using movement as a tool for emotional healing and expression. The organization also had Silver Talkies, a reflective series focused on the mental well-being of senior citizens. Psychologist also gathered to share information while workshops on career and mental well-being guided individuals to align their professional goals with psychological balance.

As Don Bosco Prafulta continues to champion mental health awareness, they remind the community that every step toward understanding and prioritizing mental well-being is a step toward a healthier, more compassionate world.

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Sources:

ANS – India – Don Bosco Prafulta Leads the Charge for Mental Health Awareness

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in honoring International Day of People with Disabilities. Since its inception in 1945, the United Nations has outlined and reiterated its commitment to calling for the creation of inclusive, accessible, and sustainable societies and communities. In 1981, the U.N. proclaimed Dec. 3 as a recognized day for the celebration of the achievements of people living with disabilities across the world.

The World Health Organization (WHO) World Report on Disability noted that nearly an estimated 1.3 billion people experience significant disability. This represents 16% of the world’s population, or one in six people. Persons with disabilities have twice the risk of developing conditions such as depression, asthma, diabetes, stroke, obesity or poor oral health.

It’s also noted that, “Health inequities arise from unfair conditions faced by persons with disabilities, including stigma, discrimination, poverty, exclusion from education and employment, and barriers faced in the health system itself.”

Father Micheal Conway, director of Salesian Missions, said, “Youth with disabilities are able to accomplish as much as their peers if given the right resources and support. In many communities around the globe, children and older adults with disabilities often lack the same opportunities. Salesians are working to level the field by providing equal access and inclusion.”

Salesian Missions is proud to highlight Salesian programs that advance inclusivity for people with disabilities on International Day of People with Disabilities 2025.

BRAZIL

Nicole Vital, a new law student at Don Bosco Catholic University in Campo Grande, Brazil, has her faithful guide dog, Olinda, a two-year-old Labrador, with her at school. Olinda is the first guide dog to attend the university, supporting Vital throughout her law studies. Vital was born with reduced vision due to optic nerve atrophy and lost her sight completely 10 years ago.

“A guide dog is essential for my mobility,” Vital explained. “It allows me to move with greater agility. The dog is classified as a working tool, but it is also crucial for my socialization.”

Vital was selected through a free program organized by the Catarinense Federal Institute, which pairs visually impaired individuals with trained guide dogs.

Legislation guarantees visually impaired individuals the right to enter and remain in any public-access environment with their guide dog. At the Salesian university the Psycho-pedagogical Support Center assists students with special needs, providing educational support and inclusive strategies in the classroom. Vital’s classmates have welcomed Olinda’s presence and adapted well.

KENYA

Don Bosco Utume Salesian Theological College, a center for learning for those who are becoming priests in Nairobi, Kenya, has new bathrooms for its multi-use field for the community thanks to funding from Salesian Missions. The project is part of the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.”

Salesians rent out their field for use for community activities including sports, but the bathrooms were more than 25 years old. In order to be able to continue to rent out the space, which brings in revenue to help Don Bosco Utume remain self-sufficient, the block of bathrooms needed to be updated. The Karen Hospital next to the school also uses the field often, while youth use it for events.

With the funding provided, Salesians were able to build a block of bathrooms for men and women. The toilets are modern and have sensors for flushing to avoid wasting water. There are also changing rooms, lockers and showers available.

A Salesian noted, “We are grateful for the funding and what we have been able to accomplish with this project. One of the most important things for us was making sure that the men’s and women’s bathrooms had at least one toilet for a person with a disability. This project has enabled Don Bosco Utume to be part of a disability inclusion agenda.”

RWANDA

The Filippo Smaldone Institute, located in Nyamirambo, a suburb of Kigali, Rwanda, is run by the Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Heart. The institute provides primary and secondary school, as well as vocational courses to prepare students for the workforce. The institute also has special courses for students with vision and hearing disabilities, according to a recent article in Global Sisters Report.

The Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Heart congregation was founded in 1885 by St. Filippo Smaldone, who is known as the apostle of the deaf. According to the article, since 1987, the Salesian sisters have focused their work to assist those in danger of social exclusion, including students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The institute educates more than 400 students, including 207 children with hearing loss or deafness and more than 200 without a disability. According to the article, Salesian Sister Therese Akayezu, head teacher at the Filippo Smaldone Institute, noted that by attending classes and special programs with dedicated teachers, deaf or hard of hearing children can learn skills to master a profession.

Sr. Akayezu said, “In our teaching methodology, we try to focus on improving self-esteem among children with hearing loss who sometimes develop lower self-esteem than hearing peers.”

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Sources:

BRAZIL: Don Bosco Catholic University focuses on disability inclusion

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

KENYA: Salesian Missions provides funding for new bathrooms at Don Bosco Utume

RWANDA: Children with deafness or hearing loss receive education

Salesian Missions

The post INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: Salesian Missions highlights programs that focus on inclusion first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Communities now assured access to drinking water supply

(MissionNewswire) Christof Hürlimann, a citizen of Switzerland, financed a water project in São Marcos, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. He visited the area with his wife Angela to meet his friend, Mariano Wadzerepruwē, Xavante chief of the Obra de Maria village.

The meeting came after years of friendship which began when Hürlimann’s father was in Brazil as part of the Ambulant Missionary Assistance project and Wadzerepruwē was working as a driver and truck mechanic in the region. The AMA Project is promoted by the Salesian Saint Alphonsus Liguori Province of Campo Grande Brazil.

Arriving in the village of Obra de Maria, Hürlimann found that there was a severe water shortage. Families washed their clothes only three times a month and fetched water from another village. In the mornings, they used the scarce reserves for cooking and drinking, while in the afternoons they reused the water stored in the barrels for washing.

Hürlimann decided to finance the drilling of an artesian well through the Swiss MANNA – Aid for Brazil Association. The work took place in October. The new well reached a depth of 60 meters, guaranteeing approximately 30,000 liters of water per day. With the remaining funds, the team drilled a second well in the Nossa Senhora das Dores village.

The Obra de Maria village houses around 30 people under the leadership of Chief Mariano Wadzerepruwē, while the Nossa Senhora das Dores village has 65 people under the responsibility of Marcelo Tserewadzi.

Salesian Deacon José Alves accompanied the Swiss couple and recounted the impact of the visit. He said, “While we were drilling in these two villages, other Indigenous people from the villages of Maria Nossa Mãe, Cristo Redentor, Santuário and José and Maria arrived, all of whom lack water in their villages.”

With the completion of the drilling, the communities are now assured a drinking water supply and have reduced the use of turbid water from the São Marcos River. According to Deacon Alves, the experience has consolidated the commitment to the indigenous cause.

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Sources:

ANS – Brazil – Wells and drinking water for two Xavante villages in Mato Grosso thanks to a Swiss benefactor

Salesian Missions – Brazil

World Bank – Brazil

The post BRAZIL: Swiss family provides wells in two Indigenous villages first appeared on MissionNewswire.

New Lakou Bosco Village supports youth to become self-sufficient adults

(MissionNewswire) For almost five years, Salesian Lakou Bosco, based in Les Abymes, Guadeloupe – a French overseas region in the southern Caribbean – has been supporting youth and their families. Through educational and social activities, the goal is to help at-risk youth have hope for a brighter future. The organization is about to construct a new village to provide even more services and is looking at youth needs to develop it.

The new Lakou Bosco Village will be a 280-square meter meeting place, including a large house with a living room, kitchen and workshop for handicrafts, a Lakou space (home in local Creole), a sports field and two multi-activity rooms that will house a multimedia space, workspace, playroom, and place for sports. The building will be constructed with environmental impact in mind using thermal insulation and solar panels while ensuring comfort.

To kick off this project, the organization held a seminar, led by the L’effet Papillon Association, which works to restore biodiversity in Guadeloupe. This event brought together volunteers, employees, youth and partners to reflect on the values of the project and its future.

The discussions highlighted kindness and openness to others, which are the pillars of Salesian Lakou Bosco. The organization’s charter emphasizes, “We welcome everyone unconditionally in the spirit of lakou, with solidarity and listening, respecting the dignity of each individual. These values guide every action, uniting a large family where everyone contributes their talents for the common good.”

Arthur Massiet, director of Salesian Lakou Bosco said, “Our actions revolve around young people in their living spaces including with family, in their neighborhood and school, and now the digital world. We aim to support youth in their personal and social development while helping parents to strengthen their role.”

The future village will embody these ambitions. Designed to be eco-friendly it will incorporate solar panels, water collectors and, thanks to a partnership with L’effet Papillon, an aquaponics pond and a green roof.

Salesian Lakou Bosco wants to introduce youth to green professions such as solar cooking and low-tech solutions, using recycled materials for simple and sustainable technologies. Massiet noted, “We want young people to become pioneers in ecology for a greener planet. At the same time, workshops, academic support, internships and cultural or sporting activities promote the empowerment of young people and the autonomy of families.”

Digital technology is also a priority area. Massiet explained, “Their virtual world is often foreign to us. We want to join them to understand, without judging.” Monitoring activities are planned, as well as support for families with digital administrative procedures with the help of social workers.

Salesian Lakou Bosco does not just provide support, it aspires to transform neighborhoods into spaces of collective responsibility. With its new village, Salesian Lakou Bosco is building a model where youth, supported by their community, are able to take control of their lives and become self-sufficient adults who contribute back to their communities.

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Sources:

Photo Source

ANS – Guadeloupe – Lakou Bosco, five years of commitment to young people

Fondation Don Bosco

Salesian Missions

The post GUADELOUPE: Salesian Lakou Bosco kicks off new village project first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the Salesian Lyceum in Lviv, Ukraine* were able to use donor funding to install a volleyball pitch thanks to funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The pitch was set up over the summer and ready for the start of the school semester in Sept. 2025.

More than 400 students were impacted by the donation and have been able to now play volleyball during their physical education classes and afterschool activities. UNICEF reports that since the start of the conflict with Russia, more than 1,600 schools have been impacted by the bombing. Education has been interrupted for many students and they are no longer able to access coursework or have leisure activities with their friends.

The Salesian Lyceum has been meeting these needs for many students, many of whom have been internally displaced in the country. Some of the students are orphaned and in the care of relatives or the Salesians.

Father Taras Bayovskiy, headmaster of the Salesian Lyceum, said, “I am grateful that we now have a volleyball pitch. What we have available for students is limited, and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports activities without adequate sports infrastructure has always been a challenge for us. We now have a football field, a volleyball court, and modular locker rooms. These facilities enable us to participate in three student sports leagues including football, volleyball, and rugby.”

During the more than three years of war, Salesian missionaries in Ukraine and in nearby countries have supported thousands of people with projects and activities aimed at alleviating the situation for those who have been affected by the war.

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Salesian Missions

UNHCR – Ukraine

*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.

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(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in honoring World AIDS Day celebrated each year on Dec. 1. The day is held to honor AIDS victims and focuses on prevention and treatment issues surrounding HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).

World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programs for AIDS Prevention. Every year since then, United Nations agencies, governments and civil society join together to campaign around specific themes related to AIDS.

U.N. AIDS has estimated 38 million people live with the virus, and more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS-related illnesses over the past 40 years, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

In the U.N. AIDS Global Update report, it is noted that in 2023 there were an estimated 1.9 million adolescent girls and young women aged 15-24 years living with HIV compared with 1.2 million adolescent boys and young men of the same age. Globally, 44% of all new HIV infections were among women and girls (all ages).

The agency has noted the world is off track to meet the 2025 targets for new infections and AIDS-related deaths. U.N. AIDS has indicated, “The urgency of now is that significant gaps remain in access to HIV prevention and treatment services that need to be filled. Further, unfair laws, discrimination and violence must be stopped to ensure access to treatment and prevention for all.”

Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, explained, “Salesian missionaries offer more than 150 medical clinics and hospitals around the globe that handle a wide range of medical care needs and are mostly in rural areas. HIV/AIDS prevention and testing programs are vital components of Salesian health care initiatives in Africa. The work of Salesian missionaries around the globe goes beyond education to ensure the well-being of our students.”

Navajeevan Bala Bhavan, a Salesian community within the Province of St. Joseph, Hyderabad, based in Vijayawada, India, recently received a certificate of recognition acknowledging the Salesian organization’s exemplary nutrition support programs for children impacted by HIV/AIDS. The certificate was given by the Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society.

The Navajeevan Bala Bhavan’s Neethodu Integrated Counseling Center has been working across Vijayawada to serve individuals and families grappling with HIV since 2021. To date, the organization has reached 390 individuals, 234 adults and 156 children across 106 families, offering essential support to improve their quality of life.

Another program specific to addressing the risk of HIV/AIDS for young women is Don Bosco Fambul, one of Sierra Leone’s leading child-welfare organizations located in Freetown. Here Salesians offer the Girls Shelter GO+ program to support young girls who have been forced into sex work. Some of the girls are as young as 9 years old. Most of them have faced violence and sexual abuse. They include girls from other countries, villages or the poorest areas of Freetown who often are forced to provide financially for themselves and their families. Many of the girls have been infected with sexually transmitted diseases, as well as HIV, and are in need of medical care.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

INDIA: Salesians recognized for nutrition programs serving children impacted by HIV/AIDS

Salesian Missions

Sierra Leone: Over 600 girls rescued through program

World AIDS Day

Global AIDS Update 2024

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INDIA

50 women start mushroom growing training to become entrepreneurs

(MissionNewswire) Fifty women have embarked on a transformational journey towards economic independence and sustainable nutrition through the Nanma program launched by Don Bosco Veedu and Salesian Cooperators. The program is focused on mushroom cultivation training and is designed to help women gain access to skill-based training to go on to become entrepreneurs.

A Salesian explained, “This grassroots initiative promotes women’s skills and empowers them toward sustainability and self-reliance in Trivandrum. With the guidance of Don Bosco Veedu and the continued support of the community, the project aims to become more than a livelihood initiative. It is creating a culture of empowerment, resilience and shared goals among the women.”

The training is led by Father Sojan, an expert with over twelve years of experience in mushroom cultivation. The training combines awareness that the mushroom market is viable and includes mechanisms to motivate the students, teach them practical skills and help them start a business.

Don Bosco Veedu has been educating and empowering children who are homeless and living in conditions of poverty since May 1991. The center has eight programs to support children and women. There are areas at the center for teaching short-term skills, a resource center, boarding facilities, a training center and residence for the Salesians.

Salesian programs in India are primarily focused on education. Salesian primary and secondary education helps youth prepare for later technical, vocational or university study. Other programs help to support poor youth and their families by meeting the basic needs of shelter, proper nutrition and medical care.

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ANS – India – “Nanma” supports women through mushroom cultivation in Trivandrum

Don Bosco Veedu

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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INDIA

Pitch made possible by contribution of family of young football fan

(MissionNewswire) The Opera Don Bosco Onlus Foundation recently launched a new synthetic football pitch at the Don Bosco Center in Madurai in Tamil Nadu. The new pitch was made possible by the generous contribution of the family of Riccardo, a young Italian boy who died prematurely and who was a great football fan.

Stefano Arosio, coordinator at the foundation who went to India for the inauguration, said, “For almost ten years, the foundation has been collaborating with Salesians in Tamil Nadu to carry out various projects on behalf of the youngest and poorest. The occasion of this visit took the form of a particularly significant moment for us.

In a country like India, where cricket and hockey are the most popular national sports, football is experiencing growing popularity, especially among youth. Many youth at the Don Bosco Center play it with passion.

To celebrate the opening and dedicate the new playing pitch to the memory of Riccardo, the boy’s mother and aunt also came to India, accompanied by photojournalist Enrico Mascheroni, a collaborator at the foundation. The ceremony, which lasted an entire day, opened with the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony and ended with the first edition of the Riccardo Trophy, a tournament that showcased the competition of 16 teams from schools and youth centers.

At the entrance to the field, a bilingual plaque commemorates the young man with these words: “Dedicated to Riccardo, a boy with a good heart, who loved football and dreamt of a kinder world. This pitch is his smile that lives on.”

In the days after the opening of the new pitch, Arosio visited several Salesian centers throughout Tamil Nadu. The Salesian centers are not only educational centers, but provide social programs where street children are welcomed, orphans and HIV-infected minors receive care and support, and where at-risk youth have the opportunity to attend professional training so they can find and retain stable employment.

In the region, Salesians also promote micro-credit projects for women in rural areas, sustainable agriculture initiatives with educational farms, environmental education and ecological awareness programs.

Arosio noted, “Everywhere we have been, we have found the same warm welcome and the same educational passion. What is striking is the ability of Salesians to look beyond caste or religious differences, always putting the person at the center. It can truly be said that in Tamil Nadu Don Bosco is for everyone and helps everyone.”

The Opera Don Bosco Onlus Foundation will continue its commitment to support these missions in the future thanks to the generosity of the many donors who share the same vision of hope and solidarity.

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Sources:

ANS – India – A trip to Tamil Nadu with sport, memory, solidarity and visits to the Salesian missions that welcome the youngest and most fragile every day

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India

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