Timana visited several Salesian-run sites in anticipation of the Department of State official visit, and had the opportunity to tour Domingo Savio Salesian School in Guayaquil, Ecuador and Kennedy Salesian School located in Quito, Ecuador.  In Panama City, Panama, Timana visited Tecnico Don Bosco.

Timana went to tour the Salesian-run programs ahead of the site visits to ensure all program requirements were being met.  These program requirements include flexible class schedules where classes are offered at night and on the weekends to accommodate the working schedule of Colombian refugees. Further, Timana was able to verify that the equipment and maintenance repairs being done in the programs fit within the framework and guidelines of the funding. During the site visit, Population, Refugee, and Migration officials were happy to note that some of the maintenance funds were utilized fix more than two dozen sewing machines that students utilize for classes.

Touring the schools, Timana was also able to take in the schools’ infrastructure, classes and students in the programs. These programs provide valuable education and training opportunities to Colombian refugees and other vulnerable populations. Timana’s most memorable part of the trip was meeting the Colombian refugees and listening to their stories of how much the technical training they receive is benefiting their lives. Timana found that many of them have plans to start their own businesses and have made lasting connections with teachers and faculty.

“In Guayaquil, Ecuador, I met a mother of three children who was attending Salesian training sessions and she explained that while her children play in the Salesian school field, she attends class in the same school,” explained Timana. “These programs are really providing an opportunity for people to improve their lives.”

During this same trip, Timana also visited Panama for a meeting held with other Salesian representatives from Panama, Costa Rica and the Salesian Central American Province.

“The work the Salesians are doing around the globe is crucial for the economic development of many developing countries,” added Timana. “The Salesian order focuses on providing education to youth at risk and vulnerable populations which saves many of these students from poverty.”

Salesian Missions is the U.S. development arm of the international Salesians of Don Bosco—specializing in programs and services for at-risk youth in more than 130 countries. The Salesians are widely considered the world’s largest private provider of vocational and technical education.

For more information, go to www.SalesianMissions.org.

The post ECUADOR: Salesian Missions Office for International Programs, State Department Visit “New Beginnings” Program Site first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Agriculture is a critical economic and social activity in Haiti. According to the World Bank, agriculture employs half of the national workforce (including 75 percent of low-income Haitians).

However, the earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010, devastated rural areas—as well as urban areas—destroying crops, farm buildings, equipment and infrastructure, says an Oxfam briefing paper on agriculture’s role in Haiti’s reconstruction. The report notes that 600,000 people migrated to the countryside, increasing pressure on an already stretched food supply and depleted resource base. This internal displacement worsened food availability, which affected six out of 10 people even before the disaster.

The Salesian Missions Agricultural School in Cap-Haitien provides sought-after agricultural skills to more than 140 students who will contribute to the rebuilding of Haiti, says Edson Timana, Haiti relief and reconstruction program manager for Salesian Missions.

“Haiti is a country with limited natural resources, and with most of its economy relying on agricultural production and employment, it’s important for the country to promote training in the agricultural sector,” says Timana, who recently visited the agricultural school. “Students were developing their already impressive agricultural skills that would later serve them when they went back to their family’s farm or if they decided to buy their own plot of land and start their own farms.”

On a national scale, greater support to agriculture is crucial to meet Haiti’s developmental goals and help it prepare for future emergencies, according to a statement released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) about agriculture and food security in Haiti one year after the devastating earthquake.

“Poor, vulnerable, agriculture-dependent communities suffer some of the most severe consequences of natural disasters,” says Etienne Peterschmitt, FAO’s senior emergency and rehabilitation coordinator for Haiti. “Agriculture has a critical role to play not only in eliminating hunger and malnutrition, but also in boosting rural incomes, reversing environmental degradation and increasing resilience to future threats.”

In Cap-Haitien, plans for the refurbishment of the Salesian Missions agricultural facilities are in progress, according to Timana. There, he adds, students learn applied and adapted farming methodology to improve crop quantity and quality. The three-year program focuses on students from families with limited economic resources. Currently, the agriculture school serves 145 students – 34 (23 percent) are women and 111 (77 percent) are male. There are also more than 1,000 students receiving primary and secondary education.

Salesian Missions currently operates more than 90 agricultural schools around the world. Timana offers two examples of such programs.

“Agriculture schools in Ecuador train their students on farming methods with the goal of increasing crop yields,” he says, adding that the Paute-Uzhupud and Cayambe Salesian Schools in Ecuador and the Muyurina Agricultural School in the city of Montero in Santa Cruz, Bolivia serve 562; 1,128; and 800 students, respectively.

All of the agricultural programs are unique because they share a commonality—they all focus on the specific needs of each individual community.

The post HAITI: Opportunity Grows at Agricultural School in Haiti first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Through the new Salesian University Network, hundreds of university students who have been unable to return to school following the Jan. 12, 2011, earthquake will have a chance to continue their education.

Thirteen computer labs or cybercafés are being established to help students stay up-to-date in their studies. Students will also have the opportunity improve their skills in computer science, English and Spanish, which are valuable skills for any professional career in Haiti. Just as importantly, the Salesian University Network provides an important means for students to connect with other students and form friendships.

“Taking part in the Salesian University Network is an important step for these youth. Many of them are facing uncertain futures and connecting with each other will help them regain their self confidence. It isn’t just a computer network, it is a network of relationships and communication established between students, their peers and the Salesian community,” says Fr. Mark Hyde, director, Salesian Missions.

Students come from different backgrounds and have varied skills and levels of training.  For some students, the Salesian University Network will offer an introduction to computer science and an opportunity to master the basic software. Students will also be able to conduct further research on their specific interest areas.

“It is important for Haiti to promote the growth of its human capital,” says Edson Timana, Haiti relief and reconstruction help desk officer, Salesian Missions. “The Salesian projects are making a difference by strategically providing aid where it is most needed—with a focus on education.  The ultimate goal is to make the investment in education so that these students can finish their studies and contribute to a better future for Haiti.”

According to a Jan. 31, 2010 article in University World News, “general estimates suggest only 1 percent of Haitians between the ages of 18 to 24 enter tertiary education. That rate is the lowest in the hemisphere.”

Installation of the computers is being coordinated by Edysson Yves-Antoine Thanis, a former Salesian student.

The computers will be installed at Salesian communities in 13 provincial towns, as well as the capital:

Fort-Liberté
Ouanaminthe
Cap-Haïtien
Gonaïves
Hinche
Jacmel
Cayes
Fleuriot
Pétion-Ville
Cite Militaire
Cité Soleil
Thorland
Gressier

The computers have been shipped to the locations and are in the process of being installed. Timana noted that in addition to computers, converters are being supplied to combat the vast electric fluctuations and constant blackouts in Haiti. The converters will ensure constant power through electricity, generators and a battery system.

“We’re going to do everything we can to keep students connected,” says Timana.

The students will be connected not only to their schools and the teachers and fellow students, but to all of the opportunities that education provides.

The post HAITI: Salesian University Network Creates Connection to Haiti’s Future first appeared on MissionNewswire.