According to the World Bank, 46 percent of those living in the Ivory Coast live in conditions of poverty — with more than a quarter of the population living in severe poverty on less than $1.25 a day. The Ivory Coast has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in West Africa. While a wide range of national and international initiatives focus on HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention and testing, the collapse of public health facilities in the north, as a result of years of conflict, has made the situation worse.
During the country’s time of war, Salesian missionaries provided life-saving shelter, food and security for the thousands fleeing violence and seeking refuge on their grounds.
Today, Salesian missionaries continue their work providing shelter, education and social development services to youth and their families in need. They also work with the victims of the war to heal the country’s deep wounds. They listen, help victims seek compensation and work to reach social reconciliation between opposing groups. Known for their work with child soldiers around the globe, Salesian missionaries are also providing training for youth, some who had been aggressors during the war.
Salesian programs in Abidjan, the economic capital of the Ivory Coast, provide primary and secondary education to help young students gain the basics in education. This lays a foundation for higher education and skills training to learn trades for employment.
Living and working in cities across the Ivory Coast, Salesian missionaries focus their attention on working with youth and their families in need to provide education, food security, health clinics and workforce development services. Youth who are able to gain an education and eventually employment are able to positively contribute to their families and communities.
In Duékoué, Salesian missionaries are working with the victims of war to heal their emotional wounds. They listen, help victims seek compensation and work to reach some form of social reconciliation between opposing groups. Known for their work with child soldiers around the globe, Salesian missionaries are also providing training for youth, some of whom had been aggressors during the war.
In March 2011, the Salesian mission of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus in Duékoué saved the lives of 30,000 people who took refuge on its grounds of just 6 acres of land. The city had been under siege when the crisis in the Ivory Coast escalated into full-scale military conflict between forces loyal to Laurent Gbagbo, the president of the Ivory Coast since 2000, and supporters of the internationally recognized president-elect Alassane Ouattara.
During the advance of rebel troops on Duékoué, murder, rape, mutilation and acts of humiliation were everyday occurrences. Only the Salesian compound was spared. Salesian Father Carlos Berro noted that the armed forces respected the nature of the parish and church and did not enter to commit acts of barbarity.
Salesian programs in Abidjan have new school, office and bedroom furniture thanks to a recent donation. This was made possible by an ongoing partnership between Salesian Missions and the Institution Recycling Network (IRN), an organization that matches surplus items with organizations and people who need them.
The IRN donation provided new desks, chairs, tables, bookcases and filing cabinets for Salesian-run institutions in Abidjan including a parish, a school, several houses for street children and a youth center. Desks and chairs help to provide a more dignified and organized educational environment for students to complete their studies. As a result, students are often more focused on their classroom work and more prepared for their lessons.
From Ivory Coast
From Ivory Coast
How do you empower families and communities to transcend poverty and build more stable futures? As Salesian missionaries have long understood, you educate women. And that’s the goal of a new vocational training program in Abidja
Salesian missionaries offer more than 150 medical clinics and hospitals around the globe. NEW ROCHELLE, NY (Dec. 1, 2022) Top of Form Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian or
For every $1 donation, Salesian Missions is able to send up to $14 in goods to poor youth and their families around the globe. NEW ROCHELLE, NY (Jan. 31, 2022) In honor and celebration of its 75th anniversary, Salesian Missions, t
2021 theme is ‘Ending the HIV Epidemic: Equitable Access, Everyone’s Voice’. NEW ROCHELLE, NY (Dec. 1, 2021) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and cou
Programs in India, Ivory Coast and Uganda illustrate the work of Salesians around the globe who are providing services and supports for those affected by HIV/AIDS. NEW ROCHELLE, NY (Dec. 1, 2020) Salesian Missions, the U.S. develo
Programs in India, Ivory Coast and Uganda illustrate the work of Salesians around the globe who are providing services and supports for those affected by HIV/AIDS. NEW ROCHELLE, NY (Dec. 1, 2019) Salesian Missions, the U.S. d
It’s impossible to see, or to understand, the deep emotional scars hidden behind their stoic expressions. And yet, for those who survived an exceptionally brutal civil war in the Ivory Coast, the lasting traumas of their experie
Programs in Colombia, India, Ivory Coast and the South Sudan illustrate the work of Salesians around the globe in helping children gain an education and overcome trauma. NEW ROCHELLE, NY (June 4, 2019) Salesian Missions joins t
Programs in Mexico and in countries in Europe and Africa illustrate the Salesians focus on ensuring young migrants have access to the education and social supports they need. NEW ROCHELLE, NY (Dec. 18, 2018) Salesian Missions joi
Queen Sophia of Spain visits Haiti to officially open the new Salesian educational center
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.