Project focuses on youth vulnerable to educational exclusion

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with Don Bosco Academy, located in Nalgonda, a city in Telangana, India, received donor funding to support 525 youth through education and career guidance. The donor funding came from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

The youth supported by the project come from marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities. They are in grades 3 to 12. Some are day students while others live in hostels near the school. The project specifically supported youth who are vulnerable to educational exclusion due to poverty, social marginalization, limited access to quality education and the risk of school dropout, particularly among girls.

Salesians provided remedial classes for 250 students, helping them strengthen foundational learning and reduce academic gaps. Two career guidance sessions were also conducted, benefiting 299 students. These sessions focused on personality development, self-confidence and career planning. In addition, two life skills sessions were organized for students, reaching approximately 380 students and covering topics such as communication, leadership and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in daily life.

Awareness campaigns were conducted in 38 villages, reaching parents and youth through meetings, door-to-door campaigns, and distribution of educational pamphlets, promoting school enrollment and reducing the risk of dropouts.

The project also focused on sports and progress was made in establishing the school sports academy. Equipment for general fitness, soccer, volleyball, and indoor games was bought, one coach has been appointed, and regular sports activities have started.

A Salesian noted, “In addition to benefiting from remedial education, career guidance, life skills training, sports, and cultural activities, 150 girls received school uniforms and shoes to promote regular attendance, dignity, and active participation in school.”

Parveen Begum, a teacher, explained, “As teachers, we patiently guide and encourage every child according to their individual needs. Every day we help them complete their homework, clarify their doubts and strengthen their understanding of different subjects. As an English teacher, I encourage the students to communicate in English as much as possible so that they become more confident and better prepared for future opportunities. It is a wonderful feeling to see the positive changes in the children. They are now more interested in their studies, participate actively in the classroom and show greater confidence in expressing themselves. Their learning skills have improved, and they are becoming more disciplined and focused on achieving their goals.”

One of the students impacted was Gujjula Maheshwari. With her family depending on seasonal agriculture and daily wage labor, irregular income often made it difficult to meet educational expenses. As a first-generation learner, she had limited exposure to career opportunities and lacked the confidence to dream beyond her immediate circumstances.

After joining the Don Bosco High School, Maheshwari’s life began to change in meaningful ways. Through remedial classes, life skills education, and career guidance sessions, she strengthened her academic performance while gaining confidence in communication, decision-making, and classroom participation. Her active involvement in sports and cultural activities further developed her skills in teamwork, discipline, leadership, and self-esteem.

The career guidance sessions introduced Maheshwari to new educational and career opportunities, inspiring her to set higher goals for her future. With the continuous support and encouragement of her teachers, she became more confident, motivated, and determined to continue her education and build a better future for herself and her family.

Maheshwari said, “The guidance and encouragement I receive at Don Bosco High School has given me the confidence to believe in my abilities and work toward my dreams.”

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India