INT’L DAY OF INNOCENT CHILDREN VICTIMS OF AGGRESSION: Salesian Missions highlights programs that provide support and education for youth at risk
June 4 affirms commitment to protect the rights of children
(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and the international community in honoring International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. Recognized on June 4 each year since its United Nations designation in 1982, the day acknowledges the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse.
The day also affirms the commitment by the U.N. and the international community to protect the rights of children. This work is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most rapidly and widely ratified international human rights treaty in history.
The U.N. has noted, “Every day, children living in wars across the globe are facing unspeakable horrors. They are not safe sleeping in their homes or playing outside, learning in school or seeking medical care at hospitals. From killing and maiming, abduction and sexual violence, to attacks on education and health facilities, and the denial of the humanitarian assistance that they desperately need, children are being caught in the crosshairs of warring parties at a staggering scale.”
Salesian missionaries in more than 130 countries around the globe are working to ensure youth are safe, have their basic needs met and can access the education they need to succeed. Whether it’s providing social support, combating child labor or assisting youth without a place to live, Salesian missionaries are on the front lines ensuring access to programs and services.
“Salesians focus on more than education,” explained Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “They live and work in some of the most dangerous and underserviced communities around the globe. They help support child abuse victims, help rehabilitate child soldiers, and provide education on child rights to ensure that youth have a sense of self-worth and hope for a better future.”
In honor of International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, Salesian Missions highlights programs helping children access the social support and education they need to thrive.
BETHLEHEM
Salesian Missions supports the Salesian Bakery, a historic institution in Bethlehem. in providing free bread to people who are vulnerable.
Salesian Missions helped support the Salesian Bakery, a historical institution in Bethlehem. With the support provided in part by Salesian Missions, the bakery was able to provide free bread to 111 vulnerable families and eight institutions.
A Salesian explained, “The Salesian Bakery is serving people in situations of vulnerability either directly or through other institutions who serve orphans, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Many in the region are facing economic hardship during this time of conflict. This project also enabled the Salesians to pay the salaries of the bakery staff and cover part of the bakery’s running costs, such as the baking materials, water, and electricity.”
The families are selected by the Salesians with the support of the Arab Orthodox Benevolent Society, Women Arab Union in Beit Sahour and Jemima Institution in Beit Jala. The eight institutions supported include the Franciscan Boys House, L’Arche Daycare Center for children and youth with disabilities, Home of Peace, Ahdaf for elderly daycare, Antonian Society Elderly House, St. Nicholas Elderly House, Al-Basma Center for people with disabilities, and Jemima, which cares for children with disabilities.
Since 1891, Salesian missionaries have been living and working in Bethlehem, initially establishing an orphanage for boys and later expanding programs to meet growing local needs. Today, Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social activities to support the local community. Salesians offer a technical and vocational training center, the bakery, a youth center and a scout group.
MYANMAR
The Don Bosco Youth Center in Myanmar* added five classrooms to serve more students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.
Don Bosco Youth Center in Kalay, Myanmar*, was able to update and expand classrooms to create more spaces for education. With donor funding from Salesian Missions, Salesians were able to add five classrooms, which will enable them to admit more students.
Kalay is located at the gate to the northern Chin State and is one of the business border towns adjacent to India. In 2021, the military took over the town, destroying everything. Salesians report that fighting happens on the outskirts of town, houses are burned down, roads are blocked and youth run away from the town for their safety. Life has become more difficult with people living well below the poverty line. With the economy down, many people are engaged in smuggling goods or enter early marriages without hope for the future.
A Salesian reported, “Don Bosco Youth Center is the only boarding school for youth. Many come seek our care for education and spiritual growth. The expansion of these classrooms allows us to serve many more vulnerable and at-risk youth who have little opportunity for education.”
A resident in the community, Ko Khai No, explained, “I know many youth who are taking classes at the center. Don Bosco, with its preventive system, brings positive changes for youth and their families. I am quite impressed and grateful for the Salesians for all they are doing in our community.”
SOUTH SUDAN
St. Vincent De Paul School in South Sudan* launched gender equality initiatives thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.
Youth attending the St. Vincent De Paul School, run by the Salesian sisters in Gumbo, South Sudan*, have improved sanitation and access to workshops, along with a new equality club, thanks to donor funding. The funding was provided by Salesian Missions.
Donor funding helped with the construction of new bathroom facilities for girls, strengthening gender equality in the school community. Dehay Company LTD, a local firm employing local workers, built the structure. The roof was then finished and a rainwater disposal system was installed, along with doors, windows, walls, flooring, ceiling, plumbing and fittings.
While construction was happening, teachers implemented regular hygiene and gender equality awareness sessions. From March to September 2025, the sessions were delivered during daily school assemblies. In total, 24 awareness sessions were conducted, covering topics such as personal hygiene, hand-washing practices, oral hygiene, safe use and maintenance of toilets, menstrual health, body changes, and maintaining a clean environment at school and at home. More than 1,100 students participated in these sessions.
In addition, an equality club was established and became active during the academic year. The club reached 53 students from grade 3 until grade 7. The club promoted equal participation among boys and girls in the school and strengthened gender-sensitive practices. A total of 14 leaders were appointed to motivate their peers and support the implementation of the planned program. Under the guidance of teachers, the club organized mixed sports tournaments, gender-themed debates and shared responsibilities for school duties. These activities fostered collaboration, encouraged balanced participation and promoted positive gender roles across the school community.
WEST AFRICA
Youth from 18 communities in five countries in West Africa received scholarships through donor funding from Salesian Missions.
Salesians were able to provide scholarships to 325 youth thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The youth came from 18 communities in five countries in West Africa, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea Conakry, Mali* and The Gambia. The Antonio César scholarships covered schooling, supplies and support for transportation.
Salesians also held awareness days to promote the importance of education for these youth, to encourage them in their studies and to prepare them for the future. These activities supported parents and Salesian confreres as well as helped schools address challenges in getting these youth to remain in school.
One of the youth supported through the program was 16-year-old Nathan. He is a student at St. Jean Bosco in Cotonou, Benin. Nathan lost his father when he was young and lives with his mother who has few resources.
Nathan said, “For a long time, I thought that my school journey would stop due to a lack of resources. I didn’t believe I’d be able to continue my studies, let alone be able to attend professional training. But everything changed thanks to the scholarship that I received. I was able to complete my secondary education and obtain my baccalaureate. I am now pursuing professional training with the firm desire to succeed and learn a profession and one day be able to support my family like they have supported me.”
He added, “This scholarship transformed my life. It gave me hope, confidence and a real direction to follow. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the school and to all partners and benefactors who make this project possible. Thanks to you, young people like me can dream again and especially believe in a better future.”
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Sources:
Photos courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)
BETHLEHEM: Salesian Missions supports Salesian Bakery in providing free bread to vulnerable people
MYANMAR: Don Bosco Youth Center expands classrooms thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
UN International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
WEST AFRICA: Donor funding from Salesian Missions provides scholarships for 325 students
*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.
