Salesian missionaries began their work in Rwanda offering programs to combat poverty through education, skills training and workforce development services, as well as meeting basic needs with shelter and feeding programs. Many initial educational programs focused on teaching how to read and write. However, as more people became interested in learning vocational and trade skills and preparing for the workforce, programs expanded to cover other subjects and incorporate skills training that lead to long-term employment.

Salesian missionaries now operate primary, secondary and vocational schools throughout the country, as well as offer recreational activities, English language classes and agricultural programs. Programs help combat poverty through education, skills training and workforce development services that help students rebuild their lives and their country.

St. Mary Mazzarello Technical Secondary School, located in the city of Gisenyi in the Western Province of Rwanda, specializes in hotel operations training. Here, students have the opportunity to acquire all the skills necessary to successfully operate a hotel by taking courses in management, finance and hospitality skills. In addition, students receive support services such as tutoring and training in resume writing and interviewing skills to help them prepare for the workforce. Graduates from the program are fully prepared to find and retain stable employment.

Salesian missionaries in the small village of Muhazi, near the Rwandan capital city of Kigali, operate a vocational center that provides education and training in dressmaking, construction and catering. Students also learn to cook, take care of a home and organize events. In Kigali, many people never went to school or they dropped out when they were attending primary school. Because of this, many residents never had the opportunity to gain an education or the skills for stable employment.

With half of Rwanda’s population under the age of 18, lack of educational opportunities is a concern. Half of all children who enroll in primary school don’t finish and go on to face a future of unemployment or employment at low-paying jobs. In addition, almost 4% of children aged 5 to 14 are working in domestic service or other jobs instead of going to school.

Salesian missionaries now operate primary, secondary and vocational schools throughout the country. They also offer recreational activities, English language classes and agricultural programs. Programs help combat poverty through education, skills training and workforce development services that help students rebuild their lives and their country.

Patience Nyirahabufite, a graduate of St. Mary Mazzarello Technical Secondary School, ranked number one in the country among all graduates taking the national exam. Hailing from humble origins as an orphan and then becoming the mother of two small children at a young age, Patience encountered the Salesian Sisters in Gisenyi who encouraged her to attend school and assisted her in her studies.

Although Patience’s brother cared for her children so she could pursue her studies, it was of constant concern to her knowing that her children were not gaining a formal education. To meet this need, the Salesian Sisters offered Patience a teaching job at St. Mary Mazzarello for a year, enabling her to pay the fees to send her children to school. Speaking at her graduation, Patience credited the Salesian Sisters with helping to make her dreams come true.

Patience continued her studies at the university in Kigali, furthering her education in hotel operations on a government sponsorship. Her goal is to someday to return to Gisenyi and teach in the secondary school where she received her education. In this way, she hopes to give back by helping other young girls further their education just as she did.

Students attending Don Bosco Technical School in Gatenga received nutritional support thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The support provided for the purchase of food for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the school.

Don Bosco Gatenga was established in 1976 to help orphans and disadvantaged street youth gain an education. Currently, the school has 366 students, and from that total, 289 students live in conditions of poverty and receive meals at the school.

The funding ensured proper nutrition so students could focus on their studies and had the motivation to learn. Often, the meals students receive at the school are the only meals they have in a day. As a result of this donation, the learning environment improved, and students and staff were more focused on their tasks. The school also has an organic farm. During the first part of 2023, the number of vegetables planted in the garden increased due to more space that became available for the farm.