Vocational training center celebrates 39th anniversary

(MissionNewswire) The San Juan Bosco Vocational Training Center, located in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, celebrated its 39th anniversary this year. Founded by Salesian Father Guerrino Giacomel, the center has left an indelible mark on the country’s technical training.

Under the current leadership of Salesian Brother Oscar Pereira and his team, the center has expanded its reach to serve a growing number of youth. Students can take a wide range of technical training including skills for hairstyling, graphic design, electrical and photovoltaic systems, automotive mechanics, motorcycle mechanics, baking and pastry, refrigeration and air conditioning, and computer systems support. The center also offers distance learning opportunities.

“Youth need access to the vocational and technical training that provides them the skills for later employment,” explained Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian schools in Honduras and around the globe provide students with opportunities and create a well-trained pipeline of workers ready and able to enter the workforce into sectors that need skilled labor.”

The second largest country in Central America, Honduras is one of the poorest and most crime-ridden countries in the Western Hemisphere with 60% of its population living in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rough geographic terrain in the country has limited the development of transportation, keeping much of the rural population isolated. Poverty and food scarcity are severe in rural areas and one out of every four Hondurans struggles with chronic malnutrition. In addition, one out of every five Hondurans lacks access to adequate health care.

As of March 2023, official data showed 14% of Hondurans could not read or write, with the rate reaching 31% for those aged 60 and older. Only 56% of children between 12 and 14, and 29% between 15 and 17, were attending school.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Honduras for more than 100 years operating schools, youth centers, and medical clinics to help support and educate poor youth and their families.

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Photo courtesy of  Salesians of Don Bosco West

Salesians of Don Bosco West – San Juan Bosco Vocational Training Centre Celebrates 39th Anniversary

Salesian Missions – Honduras

World Bank – Honduras