Don Bosco Boys Home established in 1989 to provide rehabilitation

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Boys Home, located in Sunyani, Ghana, provides social support and education to boys in the care of Salesian missionaries. The center was established in 1989 for the rehabilitation of at-risk youth. The rehabilitation and development process at the center is based on the needs and situation of each individual.

During the October to December 2022, term, youth took part in activities including music rehearsals, a holiday camp and other celebrations, recreational activities, a cultural day celebration and medical assessments.

A special educational visit to the airport was a made possible by a donation from the Catholic Students Union. Youth were able to view the various sectors of the airport, as well as shadow those in charge. They also saw and learned about the airplanes taking off and landing.

The center’s brass band group is among one of the popular activities. Frequently the boys meet to practice and learn different brass instruments, and they then play as a group. During the Don Bosco Holiday Camp held at Mary Help of Christians Parish, youth showed off their musical talents and participated in classes, talent development groups and games.

Another enjoyable and educational activity for the boys is Saturday night soccer on the multipurpose court. Boys engage in exercise and connect with their peers while learning how to follow rules and be a part of a team working toward the same objective.

“It’s important that youth gain an education as well as leave the Salesian center as well-rounded individuals,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Activities like sports and music help students engage with their peers while learning important lessons.”

While Ghana’s economy continues to improve, nearly 45 percent of the population lives on less than $1 a day, according to UNICEF. Rural poverty remains widespread in the dry savannah region that covers roughly two thirds of Ghana’s northern territory. Small-scale farms suffer from a lack of infrastructure and equipment, both of which are needed to shift from subsistence farming to more modern commercial farming which would yield greater incomes and a chance to escape poverty.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Child Protection & Youth Empowerment Projects Newsletter October – December 2022

Don Bosco Child Protection & Youth Empowerment Projects Newsletter October – December 2022

Salesian Missions – Ghana

UNICEF – Ghana