Children and youth receive food, education, counseling and more

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with Don Bosco Snehalaya in Assam, India, were able to fund the “Comprehensive Support for Poor and Needy Children in Assam” project thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding provided support for 142 young people in need of care and protection at five Salesian childcare institutions.

Donor funding was used for food, education, clothing and counseling, as well as support for the staff to provide the services. Youth were able to take part in Snehalaya Annual Day, which launched the organization’s Silver Jubilee. They also joined the celebration for the birthday of the co-founder and director, as well as the Republic Day of India.

The institutions that were supported were the Snehalaya Boys Home, which provides support for 29 boys ages 12-16; Auxilium Snehalaya, which supports 30 girls, ages 6-11; Ila Snehalaya, a home for 23 young boys, ages 6-11; Jyoti Snehalaya, a home for 33 girls, ages 12-18; and Snehalaya Center for Child Rights, a home for 25 boys, ages 15-18.

A Salesian noted, “With hearts full of gratitude to the donors for the donation and support given, we have utilized the donation with utmost care and prudence for the benefits of the children of Snehalaya and for its running cost.”

Anjana Tanti, age 18, is one of the youth supported by this donation. She is living at Jyoti Snehalaya. She said, “I had a very bad childhood. My father died when I was 3 years old. My mother married another man. My stepfather used to beat me. I was the victim of child abuse. I was rescued by Childline, Dimapur and was referred to Auxilium Snehalaya at the age of 5.”

Tanti said that Jyoti Snehalaya is her home, adding, “It has given me my childhood and meaning in life. Snehalaya takes care of my food and clothing and gave me an opportunity for education. I completed 10th grade. I am grateful to Snehalaya for the support.”

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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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India