Who knew that baking a loaf of artisanal bread could change a person’s life? Well … the former first lady of Brazil did. And when she first approached our missionaries at the Salesian Center for Young Apprentices in Brasília (CESAM-DF), the idea for a new training program came to light.

That was back in 2000, following a financial crisis that left many Brazilian families struggling to get by. Maria Lúcia (“Lu”) Ribeiro Alckmin knew the history of breadmaking in Brazil—whose cultural importance dates back to indigenous traditions—and the value of learning a marketable skill.

“Her idea naturally fit into what our Salesian missionaries in Brazil had already been doing,” explains Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “For more than 140 years, Salesians have led the way toward brighter futures for youth and their families throughout the country, grounded in education and technical training.”

As part of the Salesian São João Bosco Province, CESAM-DF offers in-demand, market-ready career training, technical guidance, and interpersonal support for young people seeking to improve their economic and social conditions. A robust apprenticeship program supports these efforts by matching students with partner sites that foster their professional development through hands-on, real-world training and mentorship.

During the past 24 years, more than 100,000 students have received training through CESAM-DF’s Artisanal Bakery Project—and graduates have participated in establishing as many as 10,000 specialty bakeries around the country. Seeking to build upon this remarkable momentum and success, Lu Alckmin and our missionaries teamed up once again—this time, to launch an intensive, one-day training program specifically to benefit economically and socially marginalized members of the community.

The classes are intentionally small, enrolling only 20 students at a time, and tuition is free. During the course, students first learn about the history of breadmaking followed by their practical immersion in the kitchen—where they learn food safety, and the art and science of baking ten different types of bread. Characteristically Salesian in its approach, the classes are taught by graduates of the Artisanal Bakery Project, too.

“The project offers more than technical skills; it provides an opportunity for meaningful change, aligning with the mission of promoting social inclusion and empowerment through education and work,” observes one of the missionaries involved with the initiative.

The first group of students recently received their completion certificates during a ceremony attended by Lu Alckmin herself. Ultimately, the goal is to train 100 students a year—preparing them with valuable skills that can lead to new sources of income and opportunities to improve their living conditions and lift up their communities, too.

Learn more about our work in Brazil.

Our programs empower marginalized youth and families to overcome adversity through job training and support. What’s your mission?