Salesian missionaries are making a difference in Angola where the need is great. Two-thirds of the population is illiterate, 68 percent live in poverty and half the children under the age of 5 are malnourished. Furthermore, 3 million Angolans have returned to the country since the end of a violent civil war in 2002 and are now living in refugee camps.
Few countries have suffered as much as Angola. Even after surviving decades of violent civil war, Angolans now struggle to overcome high poverty rates and unemployment, especially among young adults.
In Angola, Salesian missionaries focus their efforts on the areas of greatest need for youth. With 45 percent of Angola’s population under the age of 15, access to quality education is critical for the country’s success—yet remains out of reach to many. Just 20 percent of children between the ages of 12 and 17 receive secondary education. Salesian educational, training and support programs provide hope and opportunity where there otherwise would be little.
A network of Don Bosco Homes provides various programs addressing the needs of street children. The first contact Salesian missionaries have with youth starts in the streets of Luanda. Shelter and educational programs are offered. Those who are interested are taken to the Miguel Magone house where they spend a night in safety and have meals the following day. Once youth begin preparation to live with other children, they go to the Mama Margarita Home and live as boarding students. Here they can access education and gain the foundational skills needed for further education and long-term employment.
In Luanda, the capital and largest city in Angola, the Salesian-run St. Kizito House functions as both a day and night shelter and offers a clean environment for boys who are accustomed to life on the streets. The house has a large playground at the back, ideal for sporting activities, and also boasts a new plumbing system with running water, bathroom facilities and a well-equipped kitchen. Currently, St. Kizito houses 20 boys between the ages of 10 and 15.
From Angola
From Angola
Paulo was just 10 years old when he saw a friend fatally shot during an attempted robbery. Sadly, he wasn’t really shocked; the two boys, along with three other friends, had been spending the majority of their time on the street
Salesian programs rescue children from labor and provide basic needs, education. NEW ROCHELLE, NY (June 12, 2022) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and the
Salesian Missions highlights educational and social development programs that support parents. NEW ROCHELLE, NY (June 1, 2021) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizat
Salesian Missions highlights education and social programs supporting and educating street youth around the globe. NEW ROCHELLE, NY (April 12, 2021) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins
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Programs in Angola, Cambodia, India and Mail illustrate the work of Salesians that support this year’s theme, which is focused on celebrating achievements by, with and for girls. NEW ROCHELLE, NY (Oct. 11, 2019) Salesian Mission
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Salesian Missions includes agriculture in its vocational training programs – to ensure that youth of Rwanda learn better agricultural practices as well as keep the school self-sustaining in the face of the country’s food shortages.
Salesian Missions includes agriculture in its vocational training programs – to ensure that youth of Rwanda learn better agricultural practices as well as keep the school self-sustaining in the face of the country’s food shortages.
Salesian Missions includes agriculture in its vocational training programs – to ensure that youth of Rwanda learn better agricultural practices as well as keep the school self-sustaining in the face of the country’s food shortages.