Giving Exploited Children a New Beginning

Far too many children around the world have never known the safety and security of a stable childhood. For these children, every day is a struggle to survive on the streets where they are vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, trafficking and neglect. Many are manipulated or coerced into illegal activities by those who seek to take advantage of their circumstances, drawing them into criminal activities that can result in arrest and incarceration. Once imprisoned, they often face harsh conditions, inadequate care and mistreatment, which exacerbate the challenges they have already endured.
 
Our Salesian missionaries understand that regardless of their past experiences or circumstances, people who are incarcerated deserve compassion, care and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Thanks to the generosity of friends like you, our missionaries were able to support vulnerable inmates in Freetown, Sierra Leone, through the Pademba Prison Project.
 
The project largely focuses on youth and young adult male prisoners who were malnourished, chronically ill, or psychologically distressed – a total of 225 vulnerable inmates so far. We provided them with nutritious meals, healthcare, legal assistance, and mental health services. More than 1,200 inmates also benefited from medical and dental care. These efforts improved their health, addressed malnutrition, reduced preventable illnesses, and provided much-needed emotional relief.
 
Father Michael Conway, Director of Salesian Missions, says, “True transformation becomes possible when people are given the support they need to move forward. The work of our missionaries not only provides opportunities for a brighter future, but also helps heal the wounds caused by exploitation, neglect and other unimaginable hardships.”
 
Ibrahim, one of the inmates, shared, “The support I received not only improved my living conditions but also gave me renewed hope for the future.” Through the project, he received assistance that helped restore his sense of dignity and direction during a difficult period in his life.
 
Many young inmates faced years of suffering and instability before entering prison. By addressing their immediate needs as well as deeper challenges that contribute to their incarceration, our Salesian missionaries are helping to prevent suffering and create opportunities for lasting change.