(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in recognizing International Youth Day. Celebrated each year on Aug. 12, International Youth Day was established by the United Nations to raise awareness of issues affecting young people around the world.

The theme of International Youth Day 2022 is “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages.” It focuses on ageism against youth and raises awareness on barriers to intergenerational solidarity, including ageism, which the United Nations notes impacts the young and old while having detrimental effects on society as a whole.

The U.N. referenced its Global Report on Ageism that “highlights the many data gaps that exist with regards to ageism against youth. Despite this lack of research, young people continue to report age-related barriers in various spheres of their lives such as employment, political participation, health and justice. On an individual level, these age-related obstacles can deeply impact well-being and livelihoods not only during the youth years, but also in adulthood. On a societal level, ageism prevents us from thinking and designing policies and social services that adopt a life-course approach and are fair for all ages.”

Working in more than 130 countries around the globe, Salesian missionaries provide a range of social development and educational programs that aim to help youth have their basic needs met while gaining an education for future employment. Salesian missionaries offer more than 5,500 primary and secondary schools and more than 1,000 vocational, technical, professional and agricultural schools around the globe.

“We know that access to education lays the foundation for a better future for all youth,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “In many countries where poverty is high and access to education is not universal, Salesians are providing critical training so that youth can learn a trade and lead productive lives.”

In honor and celebration of International Youth Day 2022, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight Salesian initiatives and programs that support and educate youth.

BENIN

Children at Foyer Don Bosco, a home for abused and abandoned children in Kandi, Benin, received clothing, while 10 youth received toolboxes.

Children at Foyer Don Bosco, a home for abused and abandoned children in Kandi, Benin, have their needs met thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The funding covered new clothing for 30 children. Additional funding provided food support for 36 children, as well as cleaning products and medicines for the infirmary. Ten girls and boys have also benefited from the purchase of toolboxes for various trades.

Foyer Don Bosco serves boys and girls in very complex situations, including those who have been abandoned by their families, victims of abuse, and victims of forced marriages. The area of Kandi often has an influx of children who are on their own. Children are sometimes sold on the black market and exploited in the workforce. A transit home was started with the support of UNICEF to host these children, while guiding them to other homes or trying to find their families.

Foyer Don Bosco was created for children who have nowhere else to go or need to stay for long periods of time. In collaboration with the juvenile courts of Benin, minors who are in conflict with the law and in high-risk situations are assisted by the Salesians. The border police also intercept children being trafficked from Niger and Burkina Faso. Currently, there are 40 youth in the home, ranging in age from 5 to 15.

HAITI

Youth took part in music education to stay off streets in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Youth from the Lakay Don Bosco musical program, which is known as “With our musical instruments we fight violence,” put on an event to showcase their talents. There are more than 100 youth involved, who are from Lakay Don Bosco and the surrounding La Saline neighborhood on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The goal is to support youth through musical education to help them escape the violence in their neighborhoods.

Lakay Don Bosco was established in 1988 in Port-au-Prince by an Italian Salesian priest. Father Attilio Stra launched the project to answer the needs of children and older youth who had been rejected and marginalized and lived in situations of neglect, negligence, or serious social risk. For more than 30 years, that has remained the mission of Lakay Don Bosco.

Currently, the Lakay project includes five facilities in Port-au-Prince and one, divided into two sectors, in Cap-Haïtien. Each of these structures was created to respond to needs of children and older youth living on the streets. In total, nearly 5,700 minors benefit from this project, which is facilitated by 57 staff members.

The Lakay project centers are each specialized for the various stages of life and types of assistance needed by youth. At Foyer Lakay, children live as a family for a period of four years until the completion of an apprenticeship in a technical profession. Lakay Program for Street Children provides shelter and educational services for street children in Cap-Haïtien and Port-au-Prince.

INDIA

Tea farmers in Assam, India, received financial support thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.

Tea farmers in the Tinsukia District, in the state of Assam, India, received financial support thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Thirty-five farmers are cultivating 7.59 hectares of land. Fourteen farmers have already harvested their first tea leaves and are making a profit. The farmers receive loans which help their gardens get started. They then repay the money from their harvest, which in turn allows Salesians to help more farmers.

Sukram Murah is already earning money from his garden. He said it was a great help to receive the financial support since he is a daily wage earner. In addition, Salesian technical farming training taught him how to plant more than one type of crop. As a result, he was able to receive double the income from the same plot of land. Along with tea leaves, Murah planted 80 betel nut plants in his tea garden.

Four other farmers also planted vegetables in their tea gardens, but due to excess rain this year, the crops were spoiled. The rain also killed 10-30 percent of eight other farmers’ crops. Salesian staff visited the gardens and after discussion, the farmers will replant the area. Some farmers also bought extra plants for vacant areas.

TANZANIA

Students gain valuable career skills from renewable energy training at Don Bosco training centers in Dodoma and Iringa, Tanzania.

A total of 316 students looking to make a career in renewable energy received training in solar installation, operation and maintenance thanks to grant funding Salesian Missions received from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. The training initiative took place from Aug. 1, 2020, to May 31, 2021, at the Don Bosco training centers in Dodoma and Iringa, Tanzania.

Through the training initiative, students benefited from solar technician courses along with soft skills training, field attachments, job search help and other career guidance. With this funding, business development services training started for 94 short course students and 110 Level III trainees. Students now have the knowledge and skills to develop and implement business plans and formally register their businesses.

Don Bosco training centers also organized four career fairs to help students transition from the classroom into the workforce. These events included one-on-one sessions, Q&A panels and experience sharing. The event representatives included partners and solar graduate alumni as well as local and regional companies. Experts in entrepreneurship, soft skills development and human resources were also included. These events presented trainees with the chance to see potential opportunities, acquire new insights and explore the different career pathways available to them.

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Sources:

BENIN: Children in need receive clothing/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

HAITI: Youth take part in music education to stay off streets/ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

International Youth Day 2022

INDIA: Tea farmers receive financial support thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

International Youth Day 2022

Salesian Missions

TANZANIA: Students gain from renewable energy training/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

The post INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY: Salesian Missions highlights programs that support and educate youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in recognizing International Youth Day. Celebrated each year on Aug. 12, International Youth Day was established by the United Nations to raise awareness of issues affecting young people around the world.

The theme of International Youth Day 2021 is “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health,” highlighting that the success of global efforts must involve the participation of youth.

The U.N. noted, “With the world’s population expected to increase by 2 billion people in the next 30 years, it has become recognized by numerous stakeholders that simply producing a larger volume of healthier food more sustainably will not ensure human and planetary well-being. Other crucial challenges must also be addressed, such as the interlinkages embodied by the 2030 Agenda including poverty reduction; social inclusion; health care; biodiversity conservation; and climate change mitigation.”

Working in more than 132 countries around the globe, Salesian missionaries are regarded as the single largest provider of vocational and technical training in the world and are working to engage youth as global leaders of tomorrow. Salesian missionaries offer more than 1,000 vocational, technical, professional and agricultural schools around the globe. This training gives youth the practical skills to prepare for employment while helping them to lead productive lives and become contributing adults in their communities.

“We know that access to education lays the foundation for a better future for all youth,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “In many countries around the globe where poverty is high and access to education is not universal, Salesians are providing critical agriculture training so that youth can learn the trade and be able to access the most up-to-date practices to increase yields, protect the environment and help feed their community.”

In honor and celebration of International Youth Day 2021, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight Salesian agriculture programs that educate youth.

INDIA

The Salesian “CALLS” program in India provides training in greenhouse and plant nursery skills, garden care, and greenery maintenance.

Salesian missionaries with Retreat-Don Bosco in Yercaud, India, have launched the second round of training for the “CALLS” program. Calling it “CALLS 2.0,” which stands for “COVID-19 Alternative Livelihood and Living Services,” the program provides farming assistance in tribal communities so residents have enough food to eat. Because Yercaud is a hill town, most people earn their living through tourism. Due to the pandemic, residents have seen poverty and hunger on the rise.

The “CALLS” program provides training in greenhouse and plant nursery skills, garden care, and greenery maintenance. The first round of training in August 2020 provided education to 40 people over a 21-day training course. Among the participants were 10 college students who wanted to earn money to pay their college fees, as well as learn a skill for the future.

The second round of training will educate 80 people. Participants are paid a daily wage during the training, which will enable them to gain employment in tourist resorts, private homes, or nurseries to create gardens and lawns, as well as provide greenery maintenance.

Many participants who completed the course in 2020 shared that the training was very empowering and has equipped them with a skill to earn a living. A few local businesses have expressed interest in hiring some of the participants.

GHANA

In Ghana, Salesians have provided about 45 farming families with seeds, agricultural tools, fertilizers and various products.

Salesian missionaries have launched a support program to help vulnerable farmers in Ashaiman, Ghana, who have been affected by the rising cost and shortage of supplies caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. About 45 farming families have been provided with seeds, agricultural tools, fertilizers and various products.

The Don Bosco Technical Institute in Ashaiman also has an agriculture training program that is promoting sustainable, green and innovative agriculture education for youth and women. People have been trained in courses focusing on organic crop production, management, business planning and marketing. The program is also helping to support entrepreneurial youth farmers.

Salesian agriculture training provides relevant knowledge and hands-on experience related to biological organisms and how to combat pests and diseases. This training helps support good cropping systems that are green, sustainable and economical.

In addition, the Salesian Agricultural School in Sunyani is teaching students how to farm organically and to use greenhouses. These solutions increase the harvest since crops can be cultivated even during the dry season, and the annual distribution of produce can be better managed. Greenhouse crops are also an excellent deterrent against deforestation and climate change, as they do not need much space and do not require forests to be cut down to cultivate the land.

PHILIPPINES

Don Bosco Legazpi in Philippines is a technical vocational school offering skills training and a farm development program for youth and local farmers.

Don Bosco Agro-Mechanical Technology Center (known locally as Don Bosco Legazpi), located in Banquerohan, Legazpi City, Philippines, had the funding to purchase 1,000 chickens thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.

Don Bosco Legazpi is a technical vocational school offering skills training and a farm development program for youth and local farmers to help them achieve self-sufficiency. As part of the center, Salesians have seven hectares of land for agricultural production, known as the Don Bosco Demonstration Farm. On the farm, Salesians teach agricultural production and proper utilization of agricultural equipment.

There is also the Don Bosco agricultural multi-purpose cooperative which facilitates microfinancing to farmers and coordinates the use of tractors and other mechanics for land preparation, planting, weeding, marketing and training. Part of the agricultural production is raising pigs and chickens. Currently, Salesians have facilities for 14 sows and two buildings for 1,000 chickens each. The chickens provided by this funding will produce eggs to sell to generate an income as part of the training program in entrepreneurship.

Don Bosco Legazpi offers its students an opportunity to combine theory with practice through its hands-on approach. Students use the skills they learn in the classroom by putting them directly to work in the fields that are part of the center’s farm. They are taught theoretical and practical courses in topics such as greenhouses, growing vegetables, cereal crops, gardening, breeding, animal husbandry and veterinary sciences, and dairy products.

SENEGAL

In Senegal, youth are learning about organic farming techniques, soil enrichment and water optimization.

Bosco Global recently launched the “Cultivating the skills of young people. Formation in agroecology in Tambacounda (Senegal)” project with the support of the Menorcan Fund for International Cooperation. The initiative is supporting the education and training for 10 students attending Don Bosco Vocational Training Center in Tambacounda and their families, which includes about 50 people.

Youth are learning about organic farming techniques, soil enrichment and water optimization. The students have been assigned rural plots, and some of them have already started working. The project will help curb desertification and enrich the soil that is now depleted due to a lack of nutrients and water, as well as help combat climate change, which is shortening the rainy season.

Thanks to this project, some of the students are already thinking about setting up a business to market their crops. At the end of the agroecological training, students will also be offered a course on how to obtain microcredit.

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Sources:

GHANA: Salesian missionaries support 45 farming families with seeds, tools and other supplies

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

INDIA: Program provides farming assistance in tribal communities

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

International Youth Day 2021

PHILIPPINES: Donor funding supports farming entrepreneurship program

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

SENEGAL: Youth learn organic farming techniques through new project

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

Salesian Missions

The post INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY: Salesian Missions highlights initiatives that teach agriculture training to poor youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The theme of International Youth Day 2020 “Youth Engagement for Global Action” highlights how the engagement of youth at local, national and global levels enriches institutions, and it processes and calls on the global community to increase youth representation and engagement in institutional politics.

The UN notes, “Enabling the engagement of youth in formal political mechanisms does increase the fairness of political processes by reducing democratic deficits, contributes to better and more sustainable policies, and also has symbolic importance that can further contribute to restore trust in public institutions, especially among youth. Moreover, the vast majority of challenges humanity currently faces, such as the COVID-19 outbreak and climate change, require concerted global action and the meaningful engagement and participation of young people to be addressed effectively.”

Working in more than 132 countries around the globe, Salesian missionaries are regarded as the single largest provider of vocational and technical training in the world and are working to engage youth as global leaders of tomorrow. Salesian missionaries offer more than 1,000 vocational, technical, professional and agricultural schools around the globe. This training gives youth the practical skills to prepare for employment while helping them to lead productive lives and become contributing adults in their communities. The programs go beyond educating. They also assist youth with making connections within industries and preparing them for the process of searching, finding and retaining employment.

“We know access to education lays the foundation for a better future for all,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “In many countries where poverty is high and access to education is not universal, it is crucial Salesian missionaries offer technical and vocational training to as many youth as possible to ensure they have access to long-term stable employment. Salesian educational institution also work to ensure youth understand and know their rights and have the confidence and opportunity to ensure their voices are heard.”

In honor and celebration of International Youth Day 2020, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight Salesian programs that empower and educate youth.

BENIN

Homeless children have support at the Foyer Don Bosco, a home for abused and abandoned children in Kandi, Benin, thanks to the support of Salesian Missions donors. Foyer Don Bosco serves boys and girls in very complex situations, including children who have been abandoned by their families, victims of abuse and victims of forced marriages.

Through the funding provided by Salesian Missions, Foyer Don Bosco had the ongoing support it needed to facilitate several initiatives, educating more than 3,700 people on the rights of children and the child protective systems. This included educating parents about the rights and duties of children, alert mechanisms, and early detection of vulnerable situations in children. In addition, Foyer Don Bosco was able to teach school children and apprentices about their rights and duties, as well as about personal hygiene and whistleblowing mechanisms in the event of abuse, violence and exploitation.

Foyer Don Bosco also brought its message to a broader audience and held public awareness events in the markets and on the radio about Benin’s criminal law in the event of abuse, trafficking, mistreatment or exploitation of children. Education was provided to local authorities and religious leaders about their role in the protection of children.

With the Salesian Missions donor funding, Foyer Don Bosco was able to care for 77 children at the home, including 22 young girls; reinsert 50 children between 15-17 years old into the programs; and reintegrate 50 children between 12-17 years old with their families.

CHILE

In response to growing calls in Chile for the government to bring about social and economic change, Salesian missionaries across the country held events to learn more from youth and give them an opportunity to have their voices heard. Youth with the Salesian Youth Movement, in collaboration with youth from the Catholic church in Santiago, created space to reflect on the social phase Chile is going through as well as on the causes, consequences and future prospects—and above all—the role young Catholics play and shall play in the entire process.

On Nov. 16, 2019, a meeting was held under the theme of “The Chile we dream of” to encourage dialogue and reflection among youth. The topics discussed included new pastoral care for today’s Chile, the socio-political commitment of young Christians, the importance of prayer, ongoing formation as a key to the maturity of faith, and opening spaces for dialogue and discernment together. All of the topics will continue to be discussed at later meetings.

At the meeting, there were also testimonies shared by youth about their experiences, dreams and plans as they continue walking in the construction or reconstruction of the country. This broad movement also involves other Salesian centers in Chile. On Nov. 9, the Salesian house in Alameda brought together more than 400 youth for a meeting called “The Chile that I desire” in which the origin and forms of solving the current social-political crisis were discussed.

Salesian missionaries in the city of La Serena also set aside days for reflection. Educators addressed topics with the students in their classrooms and developed an emotional containment plan, wherein everyone could express their feelings and reflect on the social changes.

INDIA

Don Bosco Seva Kendra, in Hyderabad, India, hosted a program for girls facilitated by the Kiran Anjali Project, which provides guidance and financial support to institutions providing education to disadvantaged children, especially girls, in India. The Kiran Anjali Project partners with small, grassroots nonprofits.

Salesian staff took the time to interview each of the girls about their experiences with Don Bosco Seva Kendra, what they have been learning and its impact. Lunch provided a time for girls and their parents to interact informally with each other and the Salesian staff.

The afternoon session included a self-defense class taught by Sonia, a 16-year-old girl with the Kiran Anjali Project. The girls were able to learn and demonstrate some simple techniques in self-defense and learn useful tips in self-protection. Girls were motivated to meet Sonia, who shared important information and encouraged them.

Games were also played to help the girls be more open and friendly, empowering their self-confidence. Each of the girls received a gift of a smiley ball and chocolates. The day ended with cake to celebrate the girls who had birthdays during the month. All of the girls promised to stay in touch with each other.

LIBERIA

Operated by Salesian sisters, Mary Help of Christians School provides a foundation of education and support for young students who would otherwise have limited opportunities. The school started in 1993 and serves just over 560 students. The school also has a feeding program, which serves more than 100 students each day.

This is one of many schools that Salesian missionaries operate in Liberia. Salesians have been present in Monrovia since 1979 and manage parishes, youth centers, schools and oratories.

In 2019, Don Bosco Technical High School, also in Monrovia, launched a vocational training course for electro-technicians. An afternoon class is available to high school students, which complements their current educational path. There is also a morning class for young workers to help them obtain certification to improve their options in the workforce.

The launch of the electro-technician training was part of an initiative that included the renovation of existing space at Don Bosco Technical High School to transform it into a workshop. The initiative aimed to respond to the needs of the labor market while ensuring youth have access to vocational and technical training that assists them in finding long-term stable work. The electro-technician course is available each year to 90 high school students and 30 uncertified electricians.

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Sources:

BENIN: Salesian Missions donors provide funding for education and care for children at Foyer Don Bosco in Kandi

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

INDIA: Program held at Don Bosco Seva Kendra teaches girls self-defense and empowered self-confidence

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

CHILE: Salesian missionaries launch forums for youth to discuss growing economic and social changes in the country

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

International Youth Day 2020

LIBERIA: Salesian-run Mary Help of Christians School educates 560 students each year

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

Salesian Missions

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