Salesian missionaries also operate Don Bosco Technical School Fatumaca

(MissionNewswire) Recently 153 students graduated from Don Bosco Training Center in Comoro, Timor-Leste. The recent graduates specialized in various fields including automotive, administrative, construction, plumbing, carpentry, electricity, welding and air conditioning.

Since it was founded more than 30 years ago, the training center has graduated thousands of students who have changed their lives through technical education. Don Bosco Training Center continues to expand its programs and is committed to helping the poorest youth in the community.

Salesian missionaries also operate Don Bosco Technical School Fatumaca, which provides vocational education that helps youth gain an education and prepare for the future. More than 200 students have the opportunity to specialize in building construction, mechanical work, electrical installation and electronic communications.

Partnerships with local radio and television stations provide hands-on work experience opportunities for the electronics students. Poor youth are able to access a range of programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services. The school also offers room and board for students who need on-campus housing.

“Technical and vocational education is important to ensure youth have the skills needed to find and retain long-term stable employment,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Students who are able to access education and find work are able to become contributing members of their communities, helping to support their families as well as community development.”

Salesian schools offer both classroom education and hands-on work experience. At graduation many Salesian students are more prepared for the workforce than other youth. Additional programs at the schools help students have a place to live, access nutrition and learn important life skills.

Timor-Leste is home to 1.3 million people and has close to 49 percent of its population living in poverty with over one-third of the population regularly experiencing food shortages. In addition, close to 50 percent of the population is illiterate, according to the World Bank.

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Sources:

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

ANS – East Timor – 153 students from “Don Bosco” Training Center in Comoro receive their diplomas

Salesians of Don Bosco Indonesia-Timor Leste

Salesian Missions – Timor-Leste

World Bank – East Timor/Timor-Leste