INT’L DAY OF PEACE: Salesian Missions highlights educational and social programs for youth
2025 theme ‘Act Now for a Peaceful World’ encourages concrete action
(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in recognizing the International Day of Peace, observed on Sept. 21 each year. The United Nations General Assembly declared the International Day of Peace as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
This year’s theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World” focuses on encouraging everyone to take concrete action to mobilize for peace. The U.N. noted, “From peacekeepers on the front lines of conflict, to community members, to students in classrooms around the world, everyone has a role to play. We must speak up against violence, hate, discrimination, and inequality; practice respect; and embrace the diversity of our world.”
Salesian missionaries provide social development and educational programs to youth and families in poverty regardless of gender, race or religion. They work to level the playing field for youth so that they have the support needed to gain an education and the skills for future employment. Programs teach life skills like collaboration and communication to help youth develop confidence and contribute to peaceful environments.
“Salesian missionaries are on the front lines in some of the most difficult and conflict-ridden places across the globe, working to ensure youth have access to education and social development programs,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “We are working to change the lives of youth who are poor and disenfranchised and put them on a path to becoming full members of their communities while encouraging a life filled with peace and meaningful contribution.”
In honor of the International Day of Peace, Salesian Missions highlights unique Salesian programs that are positively impacting youth around the globe.
BURUNDI
More than 1,600 students in Burundi received Rise Against Hunger meals through a partnership with Salesian Missions.
More than 1,600 students attending Don Bosco high schools in Ngozi and Buterere, Burundi*, had access to better nutrition during the second half of 2024 as a result of a partnership between Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization growing a global movement to end hunger.
The feeding program created positive changes at the schools. At Don Bosco Ngozi, students had more energy and better engaged with their studies. During the period, Don Bosco Ngozi organized summer camps for youth to offer them positive activities during the break. Once school started, there were various sporting and cultural activities organized during this time, including a soccer tournament.
One of the recipients at Don Bosco Ngozi was Jean Nixon Ndemeye, aged 13. He said, “I feel very happy and encouraged. In the future, I would like to become a doctor in medicine to help other people. Since the Rise Against Hunger meals, I am enjoying eating with my classmates and I have more energy for sports.”
He added, “When I hear about other people who are committing themselves to doing good, like those making it possible for us to eat these meals, I feel confident that I can do something for others.”
ECUADOR
A youth center in Ecuador has a new recreation area thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.
Youth attending programs at the Salesian Madre del Salvador Center, in the Santa Marta neighborhood in the Parish of La Merced, Ecuador, have a new recreation and sports area thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Youth and their families in the area live in situations of vulnerability, poverty, and danger from violence due to gangs and drug trafficking. Located on the Esmeraldas River, the area also suffers from flooding and high pollution.
Youth need a refuge and a place to feel safe, and the donation impacted the lives of 143 youth. Salesians were able to use donor funding to make the recreation area of the center more welcoming, secure, and accessible so youth have a proper environment to play sports and engage in recreational activities with their peers.
A Salesian missionary explained, “This project permitted the construction of a synthetic soccer field and additional recreational areas. The joy of the children and youth is evident. The new spaces have changed the environment, and youth feel a sense of belonging and dignity. This investment reinforces our commitment to providing a more dignified quality of life.”
EGYPT
Activities enriched the lives of youth from poor neighborhoods in Alexandria, Egypt, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.
Salesians in Alexandria, Egypt, were able to facilitate summer activities for vulnerable youth at the Don Bosco Institute thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The 320 participating youth were from the city’s poorest neighborhoods in the communities surrounding the Sacred Heart Church of Alexandria.
The project successfully trained 50 volunteers about the Don Bosco program and its content. The volunteers, who had grown up at the center, related quickly to the youth and were able to be positive role models.
A Salesian noted, “The volunteers played a key role in looking after each child, fostering a safer environment, especially for young refugees. Additionally, a focus group discussion at the end of each day’s activities was vital for gathering feedback, building rapport, and establishing trust between the volunteers and the youth. These discussions provided a safe space for youth to express their needs, interests, and concerns, and enabled volunteers to tailor activities to create a more engaging experience. As a result, youth felt valued and heard, leading to increased engagement and satisfaction throughout the summer camp. The summer activities also contributed to well-being of the youth and their families.”
NIGERIA
The Salesian Training Center and Oratory in Nigeria has new basketball and volleyball courts thanks to funding from Salesian Missions.
The Salesian Technical and Vocational Training Center and Oratory in the Dominic Savio Community in Kubwa, Abuja, Nigeria, has new basketball and volleyball courts thanks to funding from Salesian Missions. The new courts will benefit more than 200 youth, families who visit the center on the weekend and the broader community.
With the new courts, Salesians will identify and nurture the talents of young people while encouraging them to engage with their peers through sports and physical activity. Sports will also help provide youth with life skills by promoting leadership, teamwork, discipline and communication. Further, the center will offer youth the opportunity to socialize and build stronger ties to their community.
Salesian missionaries in Nigeria provide a range of social development and educational programs for youth who are poor and marginalized. The goal is always education, but Salesians know that youth often need extra support. Youth centers, feeding programs, health clinics and other programs help to ensure that youth are healthy and have their basic needs met so they can focus on school.
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Photos courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)
ECUADOR: Youth center has new recreation area thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
EGYPT: Activities enrich lives of poor youth thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
