Youth have access to education at Don Bosco Academy

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Academy in Nalgonda, India, is a large institution that provides education ranging from kindergarten to high school for 350 disadvantaged youth in the region. Founded in 2008, the academy also offers a wide range of sports including soccer, volleyball, basketball, badminton, and cricket, as well as tutoring and summer camps.

Nalgonda is a small town in the center of an agricultural district which has always been characterized by poverty and underdevelopment. It is now also being severely impacted by climate change with alternating periods of water scarcity and devastating floods that prevent communities from growing crops needed for food. Farmers are often poor with large families, and they are finding it increasingly difficult to support themselves.

Through the academy, Salesian missionaries are ensuring the children of these farmers are able to access education with the aim of breaking the centuries-old cycle of poverty. Salesians note that in the region of 90 million inhabitants, almost 40% live in absolute poverty and about 70% have only attended elementary school.

One of the challenges in the region is that residents have had to travel long distances over bad roads just to get to school. With few family resources, education has been out of reach for many. To address this, Salesians plan to purchase a school bus to encourage and enable youth to regularly attend lessons at the academy.

A Salesian noted, “We are doing our best to extend the reach to as many children as possible. A benefactor has already generously financed the purchase of one school bus, but to ensure regular attendance for all, the local Salesian community has sought help from the Salesian Mission Office in Turin, Italy. A second school bus will make it possible to cover a second route and reach even more children who also deserve to attend school, play sports, and dream of a better future.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – India – A Mission in an Agricultural District: the “Don Bosco Academy” in Nalgonda

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India