Support eases financial burden on children’s families

(MissionNewswire) Members of Don Bosco Youth Center, located in Ollukkara, Kerala, India, rallied together to provide much-needed assistance to 70 under-privileged children in the area. With their collective efforts, the 85 members raised funds to purchase bags and notebooks for the children to support their educational pursuits and ease the financial burden on their families.

A Salesian missionary noted, “Going beyond the act of donation, the young members of our community personally delivered the supplies to each child’s home, fostering a sense of connection and care. This selfless gesture has garnered admiration from the local community, who commend the Don Bosco Youth Center for instilling compassion and empathy in the younger generation. The initiative serves as a shining example of how small acts can impact the lives of those in need. The Don Bosco Youth Center and the wider community celebrate the dedication and generosity of these young individuals and hope their noble efforts inspire others to contribute to the welfare of their communities.”

Functioning side by side with Salesian schools, youth centers in India and around the globe offer a safe place for engaging youth in constructive activities during leisure time — such as sports, art and music. Youth learn teamwork and social skills, which provide opportunities for growth and maturity.

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.

India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Don Bosco South Asia

Don Bosco South Asia – Don Bosco Youth Centre’s initiative benefits needy children

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India