Programs address social, economic needs of youth.

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (Jan. 1, 2026) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins Catholic organizations around the globe in honoring the Catholic World Day of Peace. Every year on Jan. 1, the Pope marks the day with a special message inviting all people to reflect on the important work of building peace. Pope Paul VI established the day in 1967. The day was first observed on Jan. 1, 1968.

Pope Leo XIV has indicated the theme for the day is “Peace be with you all: Towards an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace.” The Vatican Publishing House has produced a book entitled “And Let There Be Peace.” The theme “invites humanity to reject the logic of violence and war, and to embrace an authentic peace based on love and justice.”

“Salesian missionaries provide social development and educational programs to youth and families in poverty regardless of gender, race or religion,” explained Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “They work to level the playing field for youth so that they have the support needed to gain an education and the skills for future employment. Programs teach life skills like collaboration and communication to help youth develop confidence and contribute to peaceful environments.”

To mark Catholic World Day of Peace 2026, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight programs that address social and economic needs of youth that lead to a peaceful and supportive environment.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

Salesian missionaries in Bangui, Central African Republic*, had the supplies needed for a medical clinic thanks to a shipment of goods funded in part by Salesian Missions. The shipment was sent by Collaboration Santé Internationale (International Health Collaboration), a Canadian organization focused on responding to the needs of health centers in developing countries.

Funding for the shipment was provided by both Salesian Missions and Don Bosco Foundation Paris. The shipment contained electric hospital beds, neonatal incubators, exam tables, filing cabinets, lab coats, amoxicillin, quinine, first aid supplies and vitamins.

The medical clinic was completed with funding from the French government through Don Bosco Foundation Paris. Don Bosco Foundation Paris requested assistance from Salesian Missions with funding for the shipment and for its extensive experience in shipping humanitarian aid around the globe.

INDIA

Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra, located in Maharashtra, India, implemented the “Solar Home Lighting” initiative to address energy deprivation among migrant households. To facilitate the initiative, Salesians received donor funding from Salesian Missions.

Through the project, 55 migrant families were provided with solar home lighting systems. These families now have safe, reliable and affordable access to electricity and are no longer dependent on unsafe and illegal power connections.

Before the use of solar lights, the migrant community living along Arangaon Road faced limited infrastructure. The lack of reliable lighting made it difficult to continue work or household activities after dark and affected children’s ability to study.

A Salesian noted, “Since the implementation of the solar lighting, there has been a significant reduction in energy costs, enabling increased household savings. Families are experiencing improved night-time quality of life, with better lighting for children to study and women had greater convenience for household chores and small income-generating activities. They also now have enhanced safety and security of households by reducing the use of kerosene lamps and unsafe power tapping.”

RWANDA

Don Bosco Muhazi Technical and Vocational School in Rwanda had the funding to support 260 students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The funding provided food assistance and essential supplies. Fifty of these students, who live off school grounds, received hygiene kits, food supplies and rent support.

A Salesian noted, “This aid was especially crucial for students from remote areas who struggle to meet their basic needs while pursuing technical education. It enabled them to focus more effectively on their studies. School staff and students alike have expressed increased morale and hope with testimonies indicating that the aid has stabilized their living conditions temporarily. In the longer term, this support fosters resilience, reduces dropout rates, and promotes a conducive learning environment, helping students build a better future for themselves and their communities.”

Don Bosco Muhazi educates 261 youth aged 16-23. In the district 22.0% of people these ages previously attended school and have left for some reason, 75.2% are currently attending school and 2.8% have never attended secondary school.

Vumiriya Uwihoreye, a student benefiting from the program, said, “We are very happy. Many of us live in difficult circumstances, but seeing donors like this shows that there are many kind-hearted people interested in helping those with limited resources succeed.”

SYRIA

Salesians were able to help support children at two orphanages in Aleppo, Syria*, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Both an Armenian orphanage housing 30 children and a Muslim orphanage hosting 50 children, aged 6-18, were supported through the ongoing project.

Volunteers engaged the children in activities such as sports and games, cultural and educational sessions, psychological workshops, interactive theater performances, and a carnival day. Children also had access to individual counseling sessions to begin or continue therapeutic support in a safe, confidential setting. Each child was also taken to choose a new pair of shoes.

Orphanages in Aleppo are critically under-resourced and face overwhelming challenges including overcapacity, staffing shortages, and limited funding to meet even the most basic needs of the children.

A Salesian noted, “The Orphan Project represented a powerful humanitarian initiative that delivered essential care and emotional support to orphaned children in Aleppo — regardless of their religion, background or community. Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis and socioeconomic instability in the region, this project has served as a beacon of hope, offering these children not only essential resources but also dignity, love and belonging.”

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in these countries were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.

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