Salesian missionaries have new truck thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (Nov. 6, 2023) Salesian missionaries with the St. Joseph Community in Monrovia, Liberia, have a new Toyota pick-up truck to help with growing transportation needs thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The vehicle will help Salesians in the process of developing 20 acres of land for a new Salesian center, which will include a residence, rehabilitation center for at-risk youth and youth in conflict with the law, and a technical training center.

Reliable transportation is needed for Salesians to travel between the center in Monrovia and the western suburb of Virginia, where the land is located, to oversee land development and construction of the new center. Transportation is also needed to carry out other educational and social development programs for youth in the area.

One Salesian noted, “We appreciate the funding for this new vehicle. This will now empower us logistically to visit the villages to help poor youth and their families while also aiding us in our work of the development of this new center.”

Salesians in Monrovia provide a range of education and social services to help poor and at-risk youth have a chance at a better life. This includes work they are doing to support inmates at Monrovia Central Prison for Juveniles. The prison fellowship program takes place two mornings a week and includes group counseling and psychosocial support. Salesians also provide clothing, washing materials, medical help, spiritual support and legal assistance. Every day, Salesians bring the juvenile and sick inmates a warm meal and a drink.

An estimated 64% of Liberians live below the poverty line and 1.3 million live in extreme poverty, out of a population of 4.6 million, according to the World Food Programme. Food security is also affecting 41% of the population and making chronic malnutrition high.

Whether working to rehabilitate former child soldiers or assist young women in overcoming barriers to education, Salesian programs in Liberia are providing opportunities for youth to live up to their potential through both academic and social programs.

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