Haiti stands as an example of the slow, painstaking progress required to help the poor make sustainable, tangible progress. More than two years after the earthquake, the country still has many broken buildings and tent cities, and the streets team with children that have nowhere to go.

Thousands of Haitian families live without access to clean water, safe housing, or adequate food. And as in many countries around the world, children are the most vulnerable victims of this extreme poverty.

But there’s hope for at least 2,000 young people thanks to the new Don Bosco Technical School in Fort Liberte. It has opened its doors to provide impoverished students with a skills-based education and guaranteed jobs when they graduate.

The innovative program is part of a collaboration with the Caracol Industrial Park, which is expected to be one of the largest in the Caribbean. One corporation is already investing $78 million to develop operations in the park and has committed to hiring 20,000 Haitians to work there. It’s regarded as the largest single investment in modern Haitian history.

The Salesians are thrilled to be playing a significant role in this venture because it will give thousands of young people the knowledge they need to become leaders in the public and private sectors, as well as skills they can put to use immediately to rebuild their country.

The rebuilding process in Haiti continues moving forward thanks to many hardworking Salesian missionaries and volunteers backed by the ongoing generosity of caring friends like you who have not forgotten. Your gift today ensures that we can make great progress in the days, months and years ahead not only in Haiti — but anywhere around the globe where Salesians respond to disaster and tragedy.