Don Bosco Anbu Illam receives donated sports bus thanks to the HCL Foundation

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Anbu Illam, located in Chennai in Tamil Nadu, India, has received a donated sports bus thanks to the HCL Foundation, which aims to alleviate poverty through a community development approach. The goal of the donation is to encourage and motivate people who are poor and marginalized to engage in sports-related activities.

The vehicle will transport the elite players from various community centers and government schools for training, coaching and competitions across southern India. It has comfort features, including air conditioning, a water dispenser and television.

Salesian programs around the globe have a focus on socio-sports education. Playing sports helps youth learn new skills and engage with their peers. Sports and activity are particularly important during the pandemic when many have become more sedentary. It has been recommended that individuals get 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity per week or a combination of both.

“Sports programs teach youth both on and off the field,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Learning and playing team sports encourage leadership skills as well as teach youth to work as part of a team. Students also learn important social skills and have opportunities for growth and maturity.”

Don Bosco Anbu Illam is one of the Salesian organizations that has received donor funding from Salesian Missions. Recent funding provided activities and educational lessons for at-risk children while helping them learn life lessons and prepare for their futures.

“We appreciate the generous donor support from Salesian Missions,” said Father Joe Prabu, director of Don Bosco Anbu Illam. “These contributions have had a tremendous impact on young children at risk. The children who were out of school learned many life skills and lessons through our programs. On behalf of these children, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your big-hearted donation.”

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22 percent of the country lives in poverty. About 31 percent of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative. A multidimensionally poor child is one who lacks at least one-third of 10 indicators, grouped into three dimensions of poverty: health, education and standard of living.

Salesian missionaries living and working in India place special emphasis on rescuing and rehabilitating children engaged in child labor. There are Salesian-run programs throughout the country that have helped hundreds of thousands of vulnerable youth through the years, and this work continues today.

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Sources:

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

Don Bosco Anbu Illam – A Gift to Facilitate Sporting Spirit in Young Minds

Don Bosco Anbu Illam

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India