Donors support learning, inspiration for youth at Don Bosco Anbu Illam

(MissionNewswire) Youth from Don Bosco Anbu Illam in Coimbatore, India, had their dreams come true with their first plane ride thanks to the support of Round Table India, Ladies Circle India, and GEM Hospital. The 25 youth flew from Coimbatore to Chennai in an adventure filled with learning and inspiration.

A Salesian explained, “Accompanied by three staff members, the children boarded the plane for what was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Upon arriving in Chennai, they embarked on an enriching city tour, visiting the planetarium and aquarium. The young travelers expressed immense joy and gratitude, cherishing an experience that will remain etched in their hearts forever.”

Don Bosco Anbu Illam works primarily with youth who are at risk and who were once living on the streets. It provides care, protection and empowerment of children and youth who are vulnerable. Salesians established street contact centers in prominent spots in Coimbatore in 1995 to protect children from becoming child laborers. Currently, Salesians have established street contact centers in the Ukkadam railway station, Singanallur bus stand, Gandhipuram bus stand and Pollachi bus stand.

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.

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% 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.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – India – “Flight of Fantasy”: A Dream Takes Wings for the Children of “Don Bosco Anbu Illam”

Don Bosco Anbu Illam

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India