Space to increase activities for growing youth community

(MissionNewswire) Donor funding allowed Salesians to expand the provincial house to benefit youth and Salesians in Chawama, within Lusaka, Zambia. The funding, provided by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, allowed Salesians to start construction and procure materials such as blocks, cement, steel, sand, and aluminum windows. This provides a solid base for phase two of the project which will include plastering, electricity, plumbing, painting, ceiling installation, tiling and furnishing.

The construction, once completed, will impact 192 Salesians and more than 1,000 youth and lay mission partners in the province. Chawama is a busy and growing urban area with an expanding Salesian presence and youth community. Youth from the surrounding community regularly attend the Don Bosco Youth Reach Out when not in school. However, heavy rainfall between December and March, combined with limited indoor facilities, restricts the range of activities that can be offered during parts of the year.

The provincial house currently only accommodates 30 guests lodging within its premises. During peak periods such as holidays, the provincial house faces challenges accommodating over 100 Salesians due to limited space.

Brother Nyondo Joseph, provincial economer and planning and development office director, explained, “We have more than 100 Salesians. During holidays and when the brothers and seminarians are back from school, we have a challenge to accommodate them. This causes a financial burden by not having adequate meeting and boardroom space. We have to rent space at hotels and lodges in order to accommodate meetings. This construction project will give us space and save us money we can utilize in programming.”

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy, productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Zambia

UNICEF – Zambia