Project aids pastoral training, youth education

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian post-novitiate residence in Makeni, Lusaka, Zambia, has undergone renovation thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The goal was to enhance the hospitality offered at the residence to aid in pastoral training and youth education. The project is aiding 45 Salesian seminarians and educators residing in the community and 10 students each semester from the internship program.

The post-novitiate community is affiliated with St. Bonaventure University. The community relies mainly on donor support and limited internal income, with rising education costs placing financial strain on the province. Before the renovation, there were overcrowded shared rooms, which limited privacy and impacted study and rest.

Salesians needed a sustainable income to offset rising educational costs, underused infrastructure not yet suited to hosting outside groups, and limited vocational and hospitality training opportunities for local youth. The project addresses these by creating private rooms, generating hospitality revenue and offering internships for students from Salesian technical centers.

The project transformed 11 existing rooms into 22 private rooms with the capacity to accommodate up to 54 guests, significantly enhancing the hospitality facilities available. All materials required for the rooms, including mattresses, bedding, towels, blankets, and pillows, have been purchased.

Planning and consultations for the internship and skills development component of the project have also commenced. Discussions are focusing on identifying opportunities that respond to the needs of youth, particularly those from Lusaka, Chingola, Lilongwe and Hwange. These activities will support the project’s objective of providing practical learning experiences so that youth learn employable skills.

Brother Greg Cajetan Mwewa noted that the brothers had a genuine desire for personal space that would aid in their study and rest and in turn help their educational activities. Returning from holiday to find the partitions already completed was a highlight for the community.

Bro. Mwewa said, “We saw that the idea had come to life and we were really happy. We are really enjoying the rooms and are very grateful for it. The divided rooms now let one brother sleep while another studies undisturbed, and the addition of individual lamps has made it easier to study at night. Also, the increased accommodation capacity has a broader institutional benefit as it allows the facility to host income-generating activities such as meetings and retreats.”

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