Salesians provide technical, vocational education in 4 centers in the camp

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries working in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in northern Kenya are providing education and social support for people who have been displaced. Kakuma Refugee Camp has more than 225,000 refugees from nine countries including South Sudan*, Sudan*, Rwanda and Burundi*. It is estimated that more than 50% of refugees are youth and children.

Operated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in collaboration with Salesian missionaries and other humanitarian organizations, Kakuma Refugee Camp offers refugees safety, security, and life-saving services such as housing, health care, clean water and sanitation.

Of the organizations working in the camp, Salesians are the only ones residing in the camp among the people. This has given them an ability to learn firsthand the needs of the refugees and develop bonds with the people.

To help refugees gain skills for employment, Salesians operate the Don Bosco Technical Institute in the camp with the help of UNHCR. The courses offered include masonry, electrical and solar, motor vehicle mechanics, plumbing, dressmaking, welding and fabrication, secretarial, and computer, as well as literacy programs.

To increase access to the training, Salesians run four other centers across the camp that offer the same services. Over the years, Salesians have provided education to more than 3,000 refugees that have enabled them to earn a living in the camp and in their countries of origin.

A Salesian explained, “Youth have been given the opportunity to earn a living, both in the refugee camp, which is now structured like a large village, with no shortage of shops, workshops and laboratories, and in their country of origin, should they return.”

Salesians also provide spiritual service to the refugees through the only Catholic parish. The Holy Cross Catholic Parish provides spiritual services at 10 out-stations spread across the camp. Salesians also launched the Savio Club in 2014 to provide character development for children. Today, there are more than 1,000 children involved in club activities.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Mission Don Bosco

ANS – Kenya – A future for young refugees in Kakuma

Mission Don Bosco

Salesian Missions – Kenya

World Bank – Kenya

*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.