Aid crucial for students from remote areas

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Muhazi Technical and Vocational School in Rwanda had the funding to support 260 students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding provided food assistance and essential supplies. Fifty of these students, who live off school grounds, received hygiene kits, food supplies and rent support.

A Salesian noted, “This aid was especially crucial for students from remote areas who struggle to meet their basic needs while pursuing technical education. It enabled them to focus more effectively on their studies. School staff and students alike have expressed increased morale and hope with testimonies indicating that the aid has stabilized their living conditions temporarily. In the longer term, this support fosters resilience, reduces dropout rates, and promotes a conducive learning environment, helping students build a better future for themselves and their communities.”

Don Bosco Muhazi educates 261 youth aged 16-23. In the district 22.0% of people these ages previously attended school and have left for some reason, 75.2% are currently attending school and 2.8% have never attended secondary school.

Vumiriya Uwihoreye, a student benefiting from the program, said, “We are very happy. Many of us live in difficult circumstances, but seeing donors like this shows that there are many kind-hearted people interested in helping those with limited resources succeed.”

Sister Nyanzira Leocadie, a school staff member, explained, “The support we received is so helpful because until now we were wondering how the children would survive, especially since the school’s previous funding has been reduced due to economic problems around the world. The food for the students was running out, and we were wondering how we would feed them. But now, we are spending the whole semester in good health so that the children can study well.”

Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda. Youth who are poor are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives. Salesians first arrived in the country in 1953. Today, there are six Salesian centers in Rwanda.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Rwanda

UNICEF – Rwanda