July 30 aims to raise awareness, protect rights 

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in recognizing World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. In 2013, United Nations member states adopted a resolution that designated July 30 as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The day aims to raise awareness about the victims of human trafficking and promote and protect their rights.

This year’s theme is “Trapped Behind the Scam” and is focused on transnational organized crime groups that are trafficking and exploiting thousands of people and forcing them to take part in industrial-scale financial fraud operations. This is a growing form of trafficking in persons for forced criminality, closely intertwined with cybercrime, financial fraud, money-laundering and corruption.

Salesian missionaries who operate in more than 130 countries work both to prevent human trafficking and to care for victims who are living on the streets and seeking a second chance in life.

Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, said, “Salesian missionaries educate youth about the dangers that can put them at risk of trafficking and those who might wish them harm. One of the primary ways we support youth is understanding the needs of the local market and providing training programs that help youth find work in their own communities in employment sectors that are looking for skilled labor.”

To mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight programs around the globe that provide life-changing education and support to youth.

ECUADOR

The San Patricio Basic Education School, located in Quito, Ecuador, had the funding to help improve quality education for 190 youth in poverty. The donor funding came from Salesian Missions.

Salesian missionaries completed teacher training and provided school kits and school uniforms to the students. The funding also provided comprehensive psychological care for 87 students identified with emotional or behavioral needs with personalized follow-up and emotional regulation activities.

In addition, the funding supported 30 students with help with reading and writing and 28 students with mathematics. Ten students were identified with specific educational needs not previously diagnosed.

One of the students supported was Jorge Mathias Galeas Culqui, aged 13, who once worked on the streets selling empanadas. When his mother went to prison, he was left alone in Ambato, until his grandmother managed to raise money to bring him to Quito. Today, they live together in a small warehouse in a park.

INDIA

Salesian missionaries had the funding for scholarships for 34 economically disadvantaged girls studying at Don Bosco School, located in Muniguda in the Rayagada District, Odisha, India. The scholarship funds were received from Salesian Missions and were used for school fees, hostel fees, and educational materials. Although the funding was initially intended for 26 girls, the project team extended the support to 34 students who were unable to continue their studies due to financial difficulties.

A Salesian explained, “Through this support, the girls were able to attend school regularly, stay in a safe hostel environment and focus on their studies without the burden of financial constraints. The initiative ensured that the most vulnerable girls from tribal communities received access to quality education and a supportive learning environment.”

Education for girls in this region of Odisha remains a major challenge, as many families do not consider schooling for girls a priority due to poverty and social conditions. Through this scholarship support, girls were given the opportunity to study and pursue their dreams. As a result, they showed improved school attendance, increased confidence and a greater interest in continuing their studies.

KENYA

Don Bosco Tech Africa organized a 10-day bootcamp for electricians at its center in Karen, Kenya. The education was for youth who fall under the category of NEET (not involved in any education or employment training). This course is part of a program designed for domestic electricians and developed jointly by Don Bosco Tech Africa and Festo Didactic.

The program aims to address the growing need for technical skills relevant to the labor market, while also expanding opportunities for youth, who often face significant barriers to accessing education and employment. The course consisted of seven online learning modules and a final module focused on practical education.

Ten trainees took part in the intensive course, acquiring the basic skills needed to start working in the electrical sector under the supervision of an experienced electrician. The sessions covered safety in electrical workshops, the identification and use of tools and accessories, cable stripping and making connections, the assembly of distribution boards, circuit wiring, connecting sockets, preparing electrical and wiring diagrams, the operation of home automation systems, and the installation of basic solar power systems.

WEST AFRICA

Salesians were able to provide scholarships to 325 youth thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The youth came from 18 communities in five countries in West Africa, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea Conakry, Mali* and The Gambia. The Antonio César scholarships covered schooling, supplies and support for transportation.

Salesians also held awareness days to promote the importance of education for these youth, to encourage them in their studies and to prepare them for the future. These activities supported parents and Salesian confreres as well as helped schools address challenges in getting these youth to remain in school.

One of the youth supported through the program was 16-year-old Nathan. He is a student at St. Jean Bosco in Cotonou, Benin. Nathan lost his father when he was young and lives with his mother who has few resources.

Nathan said, “For a long time, I thought that my school journey would stop due to a lack of resources. I didn’t believe I’d be able to continue my studies, let alone be able to attend professional training. But everything changed thanks to the scholarship that I received. I was able to complete my secondary education and obtain my baccalaureate. I am now pursuing professional training with the firm desire to succeed and learn a profession and one day be able to support my family like they have supported me.”

He added, “This scholarship transformed my life. It gave me hope, confidence and a real direction to follow. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the school and to all partners and benefactors who make this project possible. Thanks to you, young people like me can dream again and especially believe in a better future.”

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Sources:

ECUADOR: Salesian Missions provides funding to enhance quality education at San Patricio Basic Education School/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

INDIA: 34 girls attending Don Bosco Muniguda receive scholarships thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

KENYA: Don Bosco Tech Africa hosts bootcamp for electricians/ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

Salesian Missions

WEST AFRICA: Donor funding from Salesian Missions provides scholarships for 325 students/Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

*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.