WEST AFRICA: Salesians increase institutional capacity to manage projects thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
Director accesses specialized training in US
(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Province of West and North Africa was able to increase the institutional capacity of the planning and development office thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.
By enabling the director of the planning and development office to access training, this project has allowed for the effective management of 26 staff for projects that benefit 9,554 youth. This Salesian team manages more than 30 projects across six countries including Benin, Burkina-Faso, The Gambia, Guinea Conakry, Mali* and Senegal.
The implementation of this project was achieved through online courses and a summer residency on transformational leadership, strategic giving, and board and volunteer management, as well as other courses in nonprofit management.
Some of the countries in the Salesian province are going through periods of military transition, such as Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea Conakry. The other countries have a democratic culture but still face challenges. Economies are not stable, and this impacts the lives of the youth and families served in Salesian centers. To help aid these youth, Salesians offer primary and secondary education, vocational training, and other social services.
Father Roméo Salami, who attended the training, noted, “I am glad for this unique opportunity that Salesian Missions and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota have offered me to acquire professional skills in philanthropy and development at the service of young people especially in West Africa and Madagascar. Through this training, I understood how, with professional tools but above all with great passion, we can bring happiness into the lives of young people by inviting many good-hearted people on this journey.”
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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)
*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.
