Nearly 40% of the beneficiaries under 16 years old

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries working in Lahore, Pakistan received donor funding for flood relief thanks to Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding helped support 800 people, most of whom are from large families with children and include women who are pregnant. Nearly 40% of the beneficiaries are under 16 years old.

“This helped us support families impacted by intense flooding,” said Father Noble Lal, rector of Don Bosco Lahore. “Now that the emergency phase is over, we are in contact with some families who will soon send some children to our boarding school for a more stable educational path.”

One of the recipients is Danish, a 13-year-old boy. His house was damaged, but after repairs, his family was able to move back. Danish had attended grade 5 in Pasrur, but his school closed due to flood damage. Danish, along with some of his cousins, will now be attending the Don Bosco Youth Center and stay in the Salesian boarding house in Lahore.

Salesian institutions are open to youth of all faiths. The schools provide economic benefits, scholarships and accommodations for students from the families most in need so that education is not only accessible but also an incentive for parents to send their children to school.

Pakistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in South Asia at less than 50%. Although the country’s constitution acknowledges free and compulsory education between the ages of 5-16, the rule is often not followed in rural areas for those over age 13.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Pakistan