Did you know that, around the world, one in five girls doesn’t finish elementary school? Or that globally, girls between the ages of 5 and 14 collectively devote 160 million more hours to unpaid care and domestic work than their male peers do, every single day? Our Salesian missionaries know. And they’re committed to changing that, one girl at a time.

“In developing countries around the world, young women and girls continue to face many barriers to enrolling and staying in school,” explains Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “And the negative effects ripple out into nearly all aspects of their lives.”

That’s why Salesian missionaries living and working in more than 130 countries focus on achieving gender equality through educational programs targeted specifically for girls.

“We know from experience that the longer a girl is not in school, the more difficult it becomes for her to start—or return,” Fr. Mike says. “As a result, she’s far more likely to become a child bride. Soon, she finds herself responsible for a growing family and any dream of an education quickly fades.”

“Therefore, it’s extremely important that every girl has an equal opportunity for education,” Fr. Mike continues. “Girls who remain in school are far more likely to achieve financial independence, control their own futures, and participate in important decisions that impact themselves, their families, and society as a whole.”

Globally, more than 122 million girls are out of school. Here are three examples of how our Salesian missionaries are working to change that.

Dominican Republic

The Madres Project addresses the root causes of homelessness among women and children, and teaches mothers the skills they need to find decent work and improve their living conditions. Participants can take courses in healthcare and human rights, while working toward basic literacy.

Nigeria

Salesian educators in Lagos recently trained girls in tailoring and gave them self-employment starter kits, thanks in part to funding from Salesian Missions. The training comprised 90 percent practical work and 10 percent course work, which includes life skills training, marketing, management, interpersonal communication, and other essential aspects of running a business.

Trainees also completed a one-month internship before receiving their starter kits. They will be supervised and mentored for two months to ensure their new ventures start on a strong foundation.

South Sudan

Many impoverished families throughout the country force their girls into early marriages for economic reasons. Our Salesian missionaries work to change this practice by helping young women access the education they need to find jobs and live independently.

Thanks to the generous support of friends like you, students attending the Don Bosco Vocational Training Center in Juba received scholarships to help offset the cost of their education and continue their studies. The awards covered 50 percent of the school’s tuition, making it much easier for young women to gain an education.

“I had not been able to continue in school because of financial problems,” explains student Ayany. “After noticing that women were given this opportunity, I became more motivated because it is now affordable for me. This program has contributed much in my personal life by allowing me to obtain knowledge and skills. Without it, I cannot imagine how I would have continued my education or found a good job.”

In thousands of other Salesian-run programs around the world, our missionaries educate impoverished and marginalized girls, giving them an opportunity for brighter futures.

“Young girls and women are the backbone of the family structure,” Fr. Mike concludes. “By providing them with education, training and wraparound support, families and communities can become stronger.”

Learn more about our work in Dominican Republic, Nigeria and South Sudan.

Our mission empowers girls through education and training, and provides them with the opportunities they need to succeed. What’s your mission?