Don Bosco Anbu Illam provides programs for street children through the support of donor funding from Salesian Missions.

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (June 28, 2021) Don Bosco Anbu Illam, located in Chennai in Tamil Nadu, India, has received ongoing support for its programs for street children thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding period ran from October 2020 through March 2021. Various activities and educational lessons took place to provide at-risk children with enjoyment, while helping them learn life lessons and prepare for their futures.

In November 2020, Don Bosco Anbu Illam celebrated National Children’s Day by planting trees. Youth made a solemn pledge to care for the earth and to maintain cleanliness. The chief guest of the day explained to youth why protecting the environment is important and how to help ensure a healthy environment in the future. Youth have continued to care for the plants and enjoy the fruits from the garden.

On Feb. 24, in honor of Tamil Nadu Girl Child Protection Day, Don Bosco Anbu Illam organized a COVID-19 awareness program which included additional topics on self-protection and protection from abuses. The training was held in Panpakkam Village for 25 girls.

Due to the pandemic, examinations for youth taking courses at the Salesian Industrial Training Institute were postponed. In the meantime, instructors prepared students for final examinations through online and offline classes. Students completed training and examinations in February and March 2021. In addition, students took courses in the life skills program, including sessions on time management, career guidance, and bank accounts and saving.

“We appreciate the generous donor support from Salesian Missions,” said Father Joe Prabu, director of Don Bosco Anbu Illam. “These contributions have had a tremendous impact on young children at risk. The children who were out of school learned many life skills and lessons through our programs. On behalf of these children, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your big-hearted donation.”

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22 percent of the country lives in poverty. About 31 percent of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative. A multidimensionally poor child is one who lacks at least one-third of 10 indicators, grouped into three dimensions of poverty: health, education and standard of living.

Salesian missionaries living and working in India place special emphasis on rescuing and rehabilitating children engaged in child labor. There are Salesian-run programs throughout the country that have helped hundreds of thousands of vulnerable youth through the years, and this work continues today.

###

Contact: [email protected]