The Don Bosco Technical School in Sihanouk Ville has been flooded with requests from orphans and poor children who desperately want to attend school and learn a trade. But because of limited funds, many of them are still waiting for that chance.

It’s a crisis our Salesian missionaries are working hard to overcome.

It will take a monumental effort. Cambodia is home to 670,000 orphans. Forty percent of children are chronically malnourished. A third of families struggle to survive on less than one dollar a day.

Young girls are the most vulnerable. They are at greatest risk for human trafficking, child prostitution and substance abuse.

That’s why it’s so important that the Salesians are providing educational and training opportunities that will free these struggling youngsters from poverty and suffering.

In addition to the school in Sihanouk Ville, the Salesians are about to open a new Don Bosco Technical School in Kep City, which will accommodate hundreds of impoverished students.

Looking ahead, another new school is in the planning stages for 2014, thanks to a donation of land by a generous benefactor.

These new schools will fulfill the dreams of many poor Cambodian children who want nothing more than a fighting chance to gain skills, find adequate jobs, be financially self-sufficient, and lead responsible, productive lives.

Every gift you send to Salesian Missions enables us to welcome more waiting children into our schools, youth centers and homes. Thank you for whatever you can give today to change the life of a poor and needy child.