A second chance to pursue a better life
Amidst the vibrancy of Naples, Italy, there’s a dark side that most residents and visitors don’t see. Hundreds of young people – unaccompanied by their parents – who have descended on the city in search of a better life, only to find themselves struggling to survive.
But thanks to the Don Bosco Center, they have somewhere to turn – a place where they can get a second chance.
The Salesian-run community accepts migrants, runaway youth, abandoned kids and school dropouts with open arms. It offers safe housing, nutritious meals, schooling and a caring environment – the essential support and resources these young people need to start a new life and become productive members of society.
In the past six years, Don Bosco Center has seen nearly 800 youth arrive from as many as 37 different countries. “Kids arrive at the docks looking for safety and better opportunities,” explains Father Michael Conway, Director of Salesian Missions. “At first, they’re desperate to find food. Then they loiter for a few days, no one noticing or caring about them,” he adds.
Eventually, the children are discovered by the police or someone from the Don Bosco community and then taken to the center. It’s the first step in a journey of healing, learning and growing.
When young people at the Center are ready and prepared to embark on the next phase of their lives, the Salesians guide them through process of obtaining a higher education, skills training and employment.v
The Don Bosco Center in Naples is just one example of how the Salesians – backed by caring friends like you – are creating success stories by providing second chances.
A promising path for youth in Nigeria
What started 33 years ago as three families praying together in Gaduwa, Nigeria, has blossomed into a significant Salesian community in the region. Today, our missionaries offer a wide range of support systems that serve a diverse population of impoverished ethnic groups from all over the country.
At the St. John Mary Vianney Parish in Kubwa – the second Salesian location – things are bustling with activity. “The parish is now a full center with educational and social programs for the poor,” explains Father Michael Conway, Director of Salesian Missions. “Special attention is given to young people who will benefit the most from the opportunities made possible by our missionaries.”
The overwhelming need for after-school programs, cultural activities and skills training have put a strain on the parish’s facilities and resources are stretched thin. Thankfully, a new center is under construction to meet the growing demand.
“The new large spaces will allow our Salesian missionaries to create a spirit of peaceful coexistence which breaks down ethnic barriers and makes social integrations easier,” added Father Mike.
In a country plagued by poverty and suffering – which are steadily worsening – the Salesians in Nigeria are providing a ray of hope and a promising path toward a brighter future for deserving children and young people who desperately need it.
