THAILAND

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have been responding with food support for those impacted by devastating flooding in Thailand. The flooding, which started in the beginning of September and ran through the middle of October, was caused by heavy rain and tropical storms. The flooding hit 59 of Thailand’s 77 provinces and impacted more than 450,000 homes as well as damaging agricultural land in key farming regions.

The Salesian Society of Thailand, led by Father Ekasit Talhakultorn, in collaboration with former Salesian seminarians, representatives of ADMA, and a team of youth volunteers, handed out survival food packages to more than 100 families in Rangsit, the Immaculate Conception Church community, and other locations. These areas have been emerged in deep water and people have had to retreat to the second level of their houses.

The survival food packages were put together by former Salesian students as one step in helping to mitigate some of the suffering the flooding has caused.

“Salesian missionaries live among the communities in which they work and are perfectly positioned to provide humanitarian aid and emergency relief supplies in times of emergency,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesians will be there now to help during the flooding and there long after helping families to have their basic needs met and help them rebuild their homes and livelihoods.”

Thailand has shown considerable economic growth over the last 20 years, reducing its poverty rate from 21 percent in 2000 to 10.9 percent in 2018, according to the World Bank. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, caused a sharp rise in the country’s “targeted poor” (those who hold state-issued welfare cards) as noted by the Thai People Map and Analytics Platform. Close to 43,000 more people are classified in the country as poor according to the recent report. That brings the total to 1.03 million people in this target group.

Although the country has made strides in reducing poverty before the pandemic, improving nutrition and meeting the basic needs of its residents, inequality is still pervasive.

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THAILAND

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run St. Dominic Savio School in Bangkok, Thailand, recently celebrated its 60th anniversary of its foundation. To mark the occasion, Cardinal Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij, archbishop of Bangkok, presided over a solemn Mass, with Msgr. Joseph Prathan Sridarunsil, bishop of Surat Thani, and Msgr. Silvio Siripong Charatsri, bishop of Chanthaburi. Salesian missionaries and representatives of Salesian groups in Thailand also participated.

As part of the festivities, a theatrical performance of “A Moment to Remember: Once Upon a Time in the Heart” was held to convey the values of St. John Bosco and the Salesian education. Other activities included a short performance of the school’s history, tributes to supporters and benefactors of the educational center, and an afternoon basketball tournament.

“Salesians primarily focus on ensuring that poor youth have an opportunity to gain an education,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Education along with social programs in Thailand give poor and disadvantaged youth an opportunity for a brighter future.”

One of the best known programs is Don Bosco Technological College in Bangkok, which has been ensuring poor youth have access to advanced education since 1949. Its education programs allow youth to gain the skills needed to find and retain stable employment. To do that successfully, the college has developed partnerships that help train youth in employment sectors that need a skilled workforce and have the jobs available to hire youth right after graduating.

Thailand has shown considerable economic growth over the last 20 years, reducing its poverty rate from 21 percent in 2000 to 10.9 percent in 2018, according to the World Bank. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, caused a sharp rise in the country’s “targeted poor” (those who hold state-issued welfare cards) as noted by the Thai People Map and Analytics Platform. Close to 43,000 more people are classified in the country as poor according to the recent report. That brings the total to 1.03 million people in this target group.

Although the country has made strides in reducing poverty before the pandemic, improving nutrition and meeting the basic needs of its residents, inequality is still pervasive.

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THAILAND

(MissionNewswire) In the fight against COVID-19, graduates of the Salesian-run Nonthaburi Skills Development Center for the Blind have pooled their resources to help current students who have been impacted. “Funds From the Blind to Fight COVID-19” is providing funding for medical care for those who have visual impairments and are positive for the virus. Funding is also supporting delivery of food packages to those in need in isolation.

Thailand, like many countries, is experiencing a surge of COVID-19 cases from the delta variant, which is roughly 70 percent of cases being diagnosed. Since the beginning of August, statistics are showing that more than 20,000 people a day are entering into the hospital system with COVID-19. The country’s vaccination program has been proceeding at a slow pace, and there are currently not enough vaccinations for every person.

The government has imposed new guidelines to help slow the spread, including a daily curfew.  Schools have been teaching online for the past three months and it’s expected that this new school year will also be online. One of the groups most challenged is those who are visually impaired. While some people have received help from the local government, others have struggled without assistance.

The funding initiative was launched by Father Charles Velardo, chairperson of past graduates of the Salesian school. The Thailand Salesian Social Communication Office stated, “At this time in the COVID-19 crisis, kindness of people in the society is spreading faster than the virus. Even though there are various ways of helping and varying amounts of help extended, the central point of great importance is the mutual sharing.”

The Nonthaburi Skills Development Center for the Blind trains 40 students with visual impairments each year. Students attend intensive two-year educational programs. When the program first started, students were taught trade skills in carpentry and woodworking. Some students were able to find work, but many others were denied employment because local employers feared workplace injuries and were put off by the higher costs of insuring visually impaired employees.

As a result, the program changed focus and in 1983 began training its students to be massage therapists. As an acknowledgement of the high-quality training offered and the program’s years of success, the Ministry of Public Health began to license graduates as doctors of Thai traditional massage. Most graduates are able to find work immediately and continue to hone their skills for many years. Through the program, the therapists-in-training see more than 150 clients each day.

Salesian missionaries provide education and social programs in Thailand to give poor and disadvantaged youth an opportunity for a brighter future. One of the best known programs is Don Bosco Technological College in Bangkok, which has been ensuring poor youth have access to advanced education since 1949. Its education programs allow youth to gain the skills needed to find and retain stable employment. To do that successfully, the college has developed partnerships that help train youth in employment sectors that need a skilled workforce and have the jobs available to hire youth right after graduating.

Thailand has shown considerable economic growth over the last 20 years, reducing its poverty rate from 21 percent in 2000 to 10.9 percent today, according to the World Bank. Although the country has made strides in reducing poverty, improving nutrition and meeting the basic needs of its residents, inequality is still pervasive.

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THAILAND

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Family in Thailand recently launched the “We are in the Same Boat” campaign to help bring relief to people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative provided 500 food bags for poor residents living in Khao Yoi, Phetchaburi Province and in Ban Pong, Ratchaburi Province. Another 100 food bags were given to refugees from Myanmar staying along the border of the Kanchanaburi Province. The event was held at the grounds of the Salesian Society in Bangkok.

The COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand is still impacting between 2,300-3,000 people who are testing positive each day. Many are working in large factories and in close contact with each other. The virus has also spread into adjacent villages. The government has made an effort to vaccinate people, but the numbers are still low.

There are also refugees from Myanmar who are fleeing to Thailand for safety but find once they arrive, they face hardships as they settle in. These families have few resources, and they are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.

The Salesian Family in Thailand has reached out to people by offering food and support. The campaign, which was coordinated by the Salesian planning and development office, had the support and participation of Father Aaron Alcoseba, the Salesian vice provincial. It also had the support and participation of Salesian missionaries and members of Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Salesian Cooperators, Association of Mary Help of Christians, Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Institute of the Queenship of Mary, the Sisters of the Queenship of Mary, and the Salesian Past Pupils.

The Salesian Family thanked Father Sarawin Phatsrirueang, the assistant director of the Social Development Center, for receiving the food bags, and Surasit Jit-uthat, a staff member of COERR Kanchanaburi, for bringing the food bags to be handed out to the refugees.

“Since the areas affected by the COVID-19 pandemic have been put in lockdown and refugees were difficult to reach, bringing the goods directly to the recipients was therefore impossible. We had to rely on the support of the Diocesan Social Action Center and COERR Kanchanaburi for acting as the ‘human bridge’ to bring the food donations to those who are suffering,” the Salesian Family said in a statement.

Salesian missionaries provide education and social programs in Thailand to give poor and disadvantaged youth an opportunity for a brighter future. One of the best known programs is Don Bosco Technological College in Bangkok, which has been ensuring poor youth have access to advanced education since 1949. Its education programs allow youth to gain the skills needed to find and retain stable employment. To do that successfully, the college has developed partnerships that help train youth in employment sectors that need a skilled workforce and have the jobs available to hire youth right after graduating.

Thailand has shown considerable economic growth over the last 20 years, reducing its poverty rate from 21 percent in 2000 to 10.9 percent today, according to the World Bank. Although the country has made strides in reducing poverty, improving nutrition and meeting the basic needs of its residents, inequality is still pervasive.

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THAILAND

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Vitthaya School in Udon Thani, Thailand, encourages students to explore different kinds of music in the classroom and in musical groups. Students practice their skills based on their interests and likes. The music course is taught in addition to regular school subjects and gives youth an opportunity to explore their talent.

Father Thomas Smith Daengampan, director of the school, initiated a special event known as “Music as a method of learning” which took place in the school’s meeting room. Students in the music course played in an orchestra and in groups. The event featured ethnic, traditional and modern music and included drums, percussion, flag wavers and more. The event was attended by more than 3,000 students who are learning to appreciate music.

“Salesian programs provide more than traditional education and include courses on music, art and sports,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Youth need opportunities for safe places to play and connect with adults and their peers. The event held at the Don Bosco Vitthaya School provided an opportunity not only for youth to show off their talents but also gave a chance to other students to learn about culture and enjoy a new experience.”

Salesian missionaries provide education and social programs in Thailand to give poor and disadvantaged youth an opportunity for a brighter future. One of the best known programs is Don Bosco Technological College in Bangkok, which has been ensuring poor youth have access to advanced education since 1949. Its education programs allow youth to gain the skills needed to find and retain stable employment. To do that successfully, the college has developed partnerships that help train youth in employment sectors that need a skilled workforce and have the jobs available to hire youth right after graduating.

Thailand has shown considerable economic growth over the last 20 years, reducing its poverty rate from 21 percent in 2000 to 10.9 percent today, according to the World Bank. Although the country has made strides in reducing poverty, improving nutrition and meeting the basic needs of its residents, inequality is still pervasive.

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THAILAND

(MissionNewswire) Thailand was hit with a strong typhoon that battered the southern part of the country at the end of November. The storm brought sudden flooding and disruption to 11 provinces. Even though the water level has come down, there is still flooding and flood damage in the region with the province of Nakhon Si Thammarat affected the most.

The Salesian Saengthong Vitthaya School mobilized support from the Association of Past Pupils, the Parent-Teacher Association, and teachers and students. Working together, they contributed more than 2,000 food bags and financial support to help the villagers of Amphoe Chawang and the local community of Bo Sap. The school also gave scholarships to Don Bosco Development Training Center in Amphoe Ronphiboon.

In addition, a group of senior high school students donated financial support to the vice-governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province for children impacted by the typhoon. The money the students donated was earned through tutoring fees from Zoom sessions they held with younger children. Many students, even those from other provinces, were interested in receiving tutoring support.

The vice-governor was impressed by the initiative and by the students for their volunteerism and desire to help those in need. He also praised the Salesian school for encouraging volunteerism.

“Salesian schools instill the importance of giving back to one’s community so it’s no surprise that these graduates, teachers and students are helping in any way they can,” Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “For as difficult as 2020 has been, these moments offer a ray of hope for the future. Even through challenging times of their own, young people are willing to give back and help others.”

Salesian missionaries provide education and social programs in Thailand to give poor and disadvantaged youth an opportunity for a brighter future. One of the most known programs is Don Bosco Technological College in Bangkok, which has been ensuring poor youth have access to advanced education since 1949. Education programs allow youth to gain the skills needed to find and retain stable employment. To do that successfully, the college has developed partnerships that help train youth in employment sectors that need a skilled workforce and have the jobs available to hire youth right after graduating.

Thailand has shown considerable economic growth over the last 20 years, reducing its poverty rate from 21 percent in 2000 to 10.9 percent today, according to the World Bank. Although the country has made strides in reducing poverty, improving nutrition and meeting the basic needs of its residents, inequality is still pervasive.

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THAILAND

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with Mary Help of Christians Parish in Bangkok, Thailand, have resumed their prison support activities after COVID-19 restrictions put a halt to their work earlier this year. Once a month for the past 10 years, Father Aaron Alcoseba, the Salesian parish priest, has visited the three main detention centers of Thanyaburi, Min Buri and Pathum Thani.

Fr. Alcoseba provides pastoral support to people in prison, especially young prisoners. This mission is part of the pastoral plan of the local church. This year, for the first time, these visits had to stop, but Fr. Alcoseba was pleased when he was allowed to return to his normal activities in the prison in October.

The main purpose of the visits is to assist Catholic prisoners through formation and catechesis activities and to offer the opportunity to approach the sacrament of Reconciliation, to participate in Mass or to attend other liturgical services.

Since Fr. Alcoseba’s return, prisoners of other faiths, both Buddhists and Muslims, have also decided to join the activities. They said they felt especially impressed by the way the formation is carried out. All  who participate receive a certificate of attendance, which entitles them to a reduction in their prison sentence, provided other conditions are met as well.

“Prison pastoral care is a ministry the spiritual Sons of Don Bosco in Thailand show great interest in. Don Bosco was an example for us in visiting young people in prison and who are on the margins of society,” explained Fr. Alcoseba.

The pastoral activities instill hope for those in prison and offer them incentives to start a new phase in their lives. Salesian missionaries note that if it is true that nothing can be done to remove what happened in the past, it is also true that the future is still to be written and that one can work for the prospect of a better tomorrow.

Salesian missionaries provide education and social programs in Thailand to give poor and disadvantaged youth an opportunity for a brighter future. Also in Bangkok, Salesian missionaries operate Don Bosco Technological College, which has been ensuring poor youth have access to advanced education since 1949. Education programs allow youth to gain the skills needed to find and retain stable employment. To do that successfully, the college has developed partnerships which help train youth in employment sectors that need a skilled workforce and have the jobs available to hire youth right after graduating.

Thailand has shown considerable economic growth over the last 20 years, reducing its poverty rate from 21 percent in 2000 to 10.9 percent today, according to the World Bank. Although the country has made strides in reducing poverty, improving nutrition and meeting the basic needs of its residents, inequality is still pervasive.

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THAILAND

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Technological College in Bangkok, Thailand, has been ensuring poor youth have access to advanced education since 1949. Education programs allow youth to gain the skills needed to find and retain stable employment. To do that successfully, the college has developed partnerships which help train youth in employment sectors that need a skilled workforce and have the jobs available to hire youth right after graduating.

BMW Group Thailand and Don Bosco Technological College have had an ongoing service apprentice program since 2017. The partnership teaches automotive skills, meeting the international standards in the field. The goal is to elevate Thai vocational education to match the German higher education standard. In the first year, 14 students from high vocational certificate classes took part in the program. The program has grown since this time.

“Salesian missionaries know the local economy and develop strategic partnerships to help educate poor youth in high-demand employment sectors,” says Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian programs aim to help provide youth with the technical education needed to find and retain long-term employment to help them break the cycle of poverty in their lives as well as contribute back to their families and communities.”

The BMW Group Thailand service apprentice program was initially launched in 2012, in collaboration with the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce and BMW authorized dealers. It is part of the German-Thai Dual Excellence Education program. Developed in Germany, the program has achieved outstanding success and has been adopted by many countries.

Participating students have been provided technical education to increase their knowledge and skills through theoretical and on-the-job training at the BMW Training Center and are supported by BMW certified technicians from authorized dealers. In addition, students are granted a full scholarship from BMW Group Thailand and will be employed by a BMW authorized dealer after a probation period.

In 2020, all successful graduates of Don Bosco Technological College received employment offers. Francis Wichai Srisura, head of the automotive mechatronics department, said, “We are glad that our Thai Bosconians are ready for the competitive industrial sector, not only with their human and religious education, but also with their excellent skills.”

Thailand has shown considerable economic growth over the last 20 years, reducing its poverty rate from 21 percent in 2000 to 10.9 percent today, according to the World Bank. Although the country has made strides in reducing poverty, improving nutrition and meeting the basic needs of its residents, inequality is still pervasive.

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THAILAND

(MissionNewswire) DiBosco Coffee, located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is an initiative launched by Mr. Phaisan, who graduated from Don Bosco Technical School in Bangkok 20 years ago. Since then, Phaisan has focused his life on the three things he loves most—coffee, serving the poor and supporting Don Bosco initiatives. Today, Phaisan is operating DiBosco Coffee in an effort to help youth in need. Peter Kováč, a Salesian past pupil, is the co-founder of the DiBosco Coffee project and engaged in seeing the business grow.

DiBosco Coffee offers short courses that train youth in coffee production and then employs successful graduates in the business. Kováč explained that the business has been growing. “We currently work with producers in Africa, Central and South America, and Asia. So far, we cooperate with countries including Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Haiti, USA, Thailand, Philippines, East Timor, Brazil, Kenya, Congo, Slovakia, Hungary, UK, Ireland, Malta, Poland and the Czech Republic. Slowly, we are trying to expand our network with producers and customers/partners.”

He added, “It should be emphasized that ours is fair trade, that is to say that we know from whom we buy coffee, what the conditions under which the coffee is grown are, and that there is always an ethical approach.”

Phaisan and Kováč are already thinking long term. Kováč explained, “We want to be able to enter new markets in America and Africa, and we aim to open 1,000 coffee shops in the next 10 years. With a network of this type, we will be able to develop the potential for international cooperation among past pupils and, at the same time, we will be able to spread the knowledge of Don Bosco, the Salesians and the Past Pupils Association. With our coffee, we would like to encourage and bring some energy and joy to dreamers like us.”

Thailand has shown considerable economic growth over the last 20 years, reducing its poverty rate from 21 percent in 2000 to 10.9 percent today, according to the World Bank. Although the country has made strides in reducing poverty, improving nutrition and meeting the basic needs of its residents, inequality is still pervasive.

One of the more marginalized groups in the country is people with disabilities. Men, women and children with disabilities have been cast aside and perceived as incapable of engaging in meaningful work and leading productive lives. Often those with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments, are kept out of school and denied an education. As a result, their future employment prospects are diminished and the cycle of poverty continues.

Salesian programs across Thailand focus on education and workforce development in partnership with social development services that work to meet the basic needs of youth and their families living in poverty. Nearly 1,000 students attend each of the Salesian Professional Training Centers in Thailand. These centers mostly focus on students who have performed poorly in more traditional schools or have learning challenges. Those who graduate from the Salesian training courses are typically able to find immediate employment because the programs taught are tailored to meet local demand.

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THAILAND

(MissionNewswire) A Salesian Missions donor provided funding for two siblings to continue their education in Thailand. The funding was provided to the Salesian-run Hua Hin Vitthayalai School, located in the town of Hua Hin, and it will enable Poppy, who is 14, to continue with secondary school while her young brother Carlin, age 11, will continue primary school. The funding will also cover the cost of tuition and after school extra classes.

The children’s father is paralyzed and is unable to work. Their mother has been working to care for the family but barely earns enough to cover food, rent, electricity and other basic necessities. The family did not have the extra money to pay for school tuition so the donor’s support was critical in ensuring Poppy and Carlin gain an education.

“We want to ensure the youth are able to finish until grade 12 so we are grateful for the Salesian Missions donor’s support,” said Father Dheparat Pitisant. “We provide them a free lunch and support so they can attend extra classes and extracurricular activities so they have time to connect with their peers. The students are also helping to support their family. During their free time they help to make keychains which the family sells in town at the night market.”

Thailand has shown considerable economic growth over the last 20 years, reducing its poverty rate from 21 percent in 2000 to 10.9 percent today, according to the World Bank. Although the country has made strides in reducing poverty, improving nutrition and meeting the basic needs of its residents, inequality is still pervasive.

One of the more marginalized groups in the country is people with disabilities. Men, women and children with disabilities have been cast aside and perceived as incapable of engaging in meaningful work and leading productive lives. Often those with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments, are kept out of school and denied an education. As a result, their future employment prospects are diminished and the cycle of poverty continues.

Salesian programs across Thailand focus on education and workforce development in partnership with social development services that work to meet the basic needs of youth and their families living in poverty. Nearly 1,000 students attend each of the Salesian Professional Training Centers in Thailand. These centers mostly focus on students who have performed poorly in more traditional schools or have learning challenges. Those who graduate from the Salesian training courses are typically able to find immediate employment because the programs taught are tailored to meet local demand.

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THAILAND

(MissionNewswire) The number of those infected by COVID-19 is decreasing in Thailand, especially this past last week when there were less than 10 new cases. The Salesians of Don Bosco, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Sisters of the Queenship of Mary, the Institute of the Daughters of the Queenship of Mary, the Association of Salesian Cooperators, the ADMA and Salesian alumni are all part of an anti-COVID-19 alliance in the country.

From the last week of April into May, many Salesian organizations came together in support of local people in need. The Alumni Association of Huahin Vitthayalai School, together with My Garden Food Raft, distributed 800 packages of food, beverages and desserts to the people affected by the pandemic.

Salesians and the teaching staff of Sarasit Phithayalai School collaborated with the Salesian Sisters of Narivooth School Banpong to provide 215 food packages to the residents of Rong Thoop and the others badly affected by COVID-19 in the area of Banpong town.

Food relief continued in May when the “In the Same Boat” project, along with Salesian aspirantate alumni, brought 130 packs of food items to the poor and those who have lost work, Burmese laborers, the aged, and those left alone in the Bangkapi and Phattanakarn areas of  Bangkok.

In addition, Provincial Father John Bosco Dheparat Pitisant led members of the Salesian family to donate food items to 500 families at Salesianum House in Sampran. Another 500 food packages were provided to people living around the area of the Phra Mae Marie School. This school is located in the middle of Bangkok, and the people around the area have been greatly affected by the pandemic.

“To all the participating members, I would like to express our gratitude for helping alleviate the hardships of the people,” said Fr. Pitisant. “All of us in the Salesian family cannot stay inactive and not empathize. Let us be the first to participate in extending help, and may we have the heart sensitive to this situation we are presently facing.”

Thailand has shown considerable economic growth over the last 20 years, reducing its poverty rate from 21 percent in 2000 to 10.9 percent today, according to the World Bank. Although the country has made strides in reducing poverty, improving nutrition and meeting the basic needs of its residents, inequality is still pervasive.

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According to an Associated Press report, at least nine people were killed and 10 others were missing in mudslides triggered by heavy rains on Dec. 26 in the central hills of Sri Lanka. More than 60,000 people have been evacuated and 3,000 homes destroyed in the flooding and subsequent mudslides. These conditions have affected more than 500,000 people across Sri Lanka.

Salesian missionaries already living and working in the region are assisting flood victims as best they can with limited means. Salesian centers in Northern regions of Sri Lanka have also been affected by the flooding and are providing support as well as food and fresh drinking water to families from local villages.

According to Salesian missionaries, access to many villages is almost totally cut off as flood waters have submerged most houses. Currently, main roads that are at a higher altitude than village roads are the only places that offer safety from the flooding.

“Because Salesian missionaries live and work among the people they serve, they know firsthand the local need and are well positioned to respond during times of crisis and natural disaster,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Missionaries will respond to the immediate needs of flood victims and will continue to provide support to families after the flooding subsides.”

Salesian missionaries in Sri Lanka are already preparing to help displaced families and those who have lost their homes and other belonging due to the flood. Once the flood waters subside, missionaries plan to provide dry rations, toiletries, medicines, mattresses and bed linens to families in need of immediate assistance. Salesian Missions has already sent emergency aid to fund this work but is in need of additional funding as the need is so great.

“Salesians missionaries are studying the situation,” adds Fr. Hyde. “Once the water recedes, they will be able to gauge the extent of the damage and continue to provide aid to those affected to help them return to their normal lives in the days and weeks to come.”

Nine out of 10 poor people in Sri Lanka live in rural areas, according to the World Bank. Since 1983, ethnic violence in the north and east of the country has forced more than 800,000 people from their homes and sources of livelihood. Thousands of children lost one or both parents in the conflict and the number of households headed by women increased, negatively impacting the poverty rate in the country.

More than 40 percent of the country’s rural poor are small-scale farmers with farm production often hampered by neglect and low investment levels resulting from poor financial services and limited technology. Sri Lankans are affected by a significant lack of infrastructure including roads, electricity, irrigation systems and communication channels. In several areas of the country, seven out of 10 people have no access to electricity and almost half of the population does not have access to safe drinking water. Malnutrition among children is also common.

Salesian missionaries working in the country focus their efforts on meeting basic needs and education and social development services for poor youth and their families. Salesian schools, services and programs throughout Sri Lanka are helping to break the cycle of poverty while giving many hope for a more positive and productive future.

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New York Times – 9 Killed, 10 Missing in Sri Lanka Mudslides

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Often those with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments, are kept out of school and denied an education. As a result, their future employment prospects are diminished and the cycle of poverty continues.

For more than 35 years, Salesian Father Carlo Verlado has been the director of the Nonthaburi Skills Development Center for the Blind in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok. Each year, 40 students with visual impairments embark on an intensive two-year educational program. When the program first started students were taught trade skills in carpentry and woodworking. Some students were able to find work but many others were denied employment because local employers feared workplace injuries and were put off by the higher costs of insuring visually impaired employees.

As a result, the program changed focus and in 1983 began training its students to be massage therapists. As an acknowledgement of the high quality training offered and the program’s years of success, the Ministry of Public Health has begun to license graduates as doctors of Thai traditional massage. Most graduates are able to find work immediately and continue to hone their skills for many years. Through the program, the therapists-in-training see more than 150 clients each day.

“When I started the program, the blind were shunned and the common perception was that they could do only two things – sell lottery tickets or be telephone operators,” says Fr. Verlado. “Today, students are learning a valuable trade and living productive lives while giving back to their communities.”

Other programs at the school offer a comprehensive curriculum that goes beyond teaching a trade. In addition to gaining an education and learning valuable job skills, students participate in activities such as judo, baseball, bicycle riding and competitive running, all of which foster physical development and self-confidence.

“It’s quite daunting for a blind person to play baseball or run a race, but once they get good at it, they think, ‘Well, what else can I do?'” says Fr. Verlado. “One of our more successful activities is teaching the students judo for self-defense. We were able to get instructors from the local police force. As a result, some of our students have even won national judo competitions.”

Living in the communities in which they work, Salesians are adept at identifying and responding to local needs. As a result, they are able to specialize in developing customized trade education that leads to stable and livable wage employment. Through a commitment to defend the rights of those with disabilities and the development of specialized training, Fr. Verlado and his team are helping visually impaired youth not only to gain independence, but also transition from social isolation to leading lives of inclusion and productivity.

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Sources:

ANS – Thailand – Preparing the Blind for Work and for Life

World Bank – Thailand 

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Access to nutrition, education and health services is essential to creating a sustainable society and optimistic future. Salesians in the country have been providing programs to help residents recover and rebuild in the wake of a devastating civil war that claimed countless lives, decimated entire communities and resulted in living conditions that are among the worst in the world. Since the violence has subsided, efforts are being focused on helping the needy, restoring hope and providing new opportunities for the future.

“The Salesians are engaged in a wide range of programs to improve the lives of the people of East Timor,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Poor youth and their families receive support at community health centers, orphanages, parishes and youth centers. In addition, classes are conducted in primary, secondary, technical and agricultural schools – many of which provide room and board to their students.”

The Maria Auxiliadora Medical Clinic in Venilale, East Timor is vital to the local community as well as 13 surrounding villages. In 2012, the clinic provided care to 8,256 poor patients in need of health services. The program takes special care providing for mothers and babies and frequently delivers baby boxes containing essential baby care products to families in need. The clinic also provides free community education focusing on first aid, health issues and family planning.

Recently, staff at the medical clinic attended to 24 cases of tuberculosis which remains a concern for the medical staff and entire community. Not long bfore that, the clinic had to renovate due to damage sustained by heavy rain and wind. Thanks to donations and other funding, the clinic was able to repair the damage and continue to serve the community. Donated materials including bandages, gloves, needles, medicinal creams and hygiene products were very much appreciated by the staff and used effectively to treat patients.

“The health of the young people we serve is very important to us,” adds Fr. Hyde. “The work we do in East Timor and in programs around the globe goes beyond education. We serve the whole person by making sure the basic needs of health and nutrition are met in addition to other social service needs.”

This clinic is one of more than 200 medical clinics and hospitals, mostly in rural areas, that handle a wide range of medical care needs and are operated by the Salesians. One such need, the care of Leprosy, otherwise known as Hensen’s disease, has been a concern for well over 100 years. Salesian leper hospitals and leprosy control programs can be found in Brazil, Colombia, India, Thailand, Macau and a number of nations in Africa. HIV/ AIDS prevention programs are also part of the Salesian health care work in Africa. In many countries with Salesian programs, additional dental and other necessary health services are offered.

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Sources:

The Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund 2013 Newsletter

Salesian Missions – East Timor

World Bank – East Timor

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The study entitled Child Poverty in East Asia and the Pacific: Deprivations and Disparities noted that family poverty often affects children most directly through their access to shelter, food, water, sanitation, education, health and information. When a child is deprived of one or more of these essential services, their experience of poverty deepens.

Analysing the situation of children living in seven East Asia and Pacific countries with a child population over 93 million, the report found over 30 million suffered from at least one form of severe deprivation, such as the inability to go to school, or access basic health care, safe drinking water, a sanitary toilet or adequate nutrition – and more than 13 million suffered from two or more forms of severe deprivation.

“The study demonstrates that income gains, including in middle income countries in the region, have not necessarily translated into gains for all children,” said Mahesh Patel, UNICEF Regional Advisor for Social Policy. “Any national equity and disparity reduction policy must start with child poverty reduction at its centre.”

The report reviews child poverty studies carried out in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Mongolia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vanuatu and Vietnam from 2007 to 2010.

“The thorough analysis presented in these national studies will help countries target programmes and policies to better reach the most vulnerable in society and to use resources most efficiently,” said Anupama Rao Singh, UNICEF regional director for East Asia and the Pacific.

The seven Asia-Pacific countries were among 53 worldwide that participated in UNICEF’s Global Study on Child Poverty and Disparity, which draws attention to the daily deprivations suffered by children and their negative impact on national development.

In Lao PDR, for example, while 38 per cent of children are assessed as income poor, as many as 75 per cent are assessed as living in poverty based on this broader – and increasingly recognized – measure of child poverty.

In Vietnam, children from ethnic minority groups are 11 times more likely to suffer from multiple severe deprivations than children from ethnic majority groups – a pattern found in many other countries.

In Vanuatu, nearly one in five children suffers from severe health deprivation.

The report also underlines that much more needs to be done to reduce the disparities that impede the development of large numbers of children in East Asia and the Pacific. Inequity is rampant, with income inequality either remaining stagnant or increasing in all seven countries despite significant GDP growth over much of the last decade. Deprivations and disparities faced by children must feature prominently in national development and poverty alleviation plans in the region and inform how resources are allocated. Child-sensitive social protection policies that address the needs of the most vulnerable children will also be essential to reducing the deprivations children face in the region.

Gaps between rural and urban areas, different ethnic groups, geographic areas, and households headed by well-educated versus poorly educated adults were among the most notable disparities across the seven countries.

“Clearly the challenge now facing us in East Asia and the Pacific is to address the additional dimensions of child poverty revealed in this study, building on, but going beyond the foundation of economic growth in the region,” Rao Singh said.

The report also revealed the following trends:

Rural versus urban – child poverty was 30 per cent higher in rural Cambodia than in urban areas, 60 per cent higher in rural Thailand, 130 per cent higher in rural Philippines and 180 per cent higher in rural Vietnam;

Geographic disparities – sub-national disparities within countries are, in some instances, more pronounced than the disparities between lower- and middle-income countries in the region– for example, the number of children suffering from severe deprivation in Vietnam was more than six times higher in the north-west region than the Red River Delta; and 50 per cent higher in southern Thailand than the North;

Disparities among ethnic minorities – disproportionately high levels of poverty and deprivation are evident among some ethnic minority children. This is an issue in almost all seven countries surveyed in the region. For example, the number of severely deprived ethnic minority children was about 60 per cent higher than the number of severely deprived children from dominant ethnic groups in both Lao PDR and Mongolia, 9 times as large in the Philippines and nearly 15 times larger in Thailand;

Education of household head– severe deprivation more than doubled in households where the household head had only a primary-school education or less, compared to households where the household head had secondary or higher education;

Family size – the incidence of severe deprivation in Mongolia and Vietnam almost doubled in households with more than seven members, compared to those with four or fewer. In Thailand, the incidence more than tripled under these conditions.

UN Photo/Kibae Park

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Salesian Missions works with UNICEF in countries around the globe.

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