Students have greater access to internships.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY (Feb. 17, 2026) Salesian missionaries were able to strengthen three vocational training centers for improved learning in southern Argentina thanks to donor funding. The funding was provided by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.
These centers, which serve students who are poor and marginalized, can now provide access to up-to-date and relevant job training, providing students with real tools for the current labor market.
A Salesian noted, “The quality of teaching in the courses has increased substantially, including the incorporation of the new equipment, and updating and expansion of content related to emerging technologies.”
For example, at Don Bosco Villa Itatí students have better equipment to practice their skills in building maintenance, gastronomy, basketry, carpentry and blacksmithing through the renovation of machinery and tools. In addition, the San Juan Bosco Vocational Training Center and the Avellaneda Vocational Training Center have better equipment for students learning the automotive mechanic trade. Students can practice their skills in the classroom with equipment similar to that in the automotive workshops in the area.
Students also have greater access to internships. The education now includes practice in real-work conditions, a fundamental aspect for the acquisition of competencies, skills and abilities.
Pablo Rodriguez, who attends San Juan Bosco Vocational Training Center, is taking the course in front axle, suspension and steering mechanics. Before he started the course, he didn’t know anything about cars. He would like to continue courses at the training center and will enroll in the automotive electronics and electrical course next.
Rodriguez explained, “Although my current course has already finished, I will continue to come because I like the school. I came here not knowing anything about cars and now I have not only learned about tools, but I also enjoy performing complex vehicle diagnostics. My plan is to continue studying more things about the car, starting with automotive electricity.”
Matías Balza, attending Don Bosco Villa Itatí, has been working in gastronomy for many years. He was encouraged to start entrepreneurship with other classmates and a colleague. He said, “We are very happy because it began to go well. I continue with gastronomy and in my free time and on weekends we do blacksmithing work.”
More than a quarter of the people in Argentina live in conditions of poverty with no formal employment and poor-quality education, according to the World Bank. The country’s high school dropout rate is close to 37% and youth account for a third of those unemployed. Almost 12% of children aged 5-17 are working instead of being in school and 20% need government assistance. Many face malnutrition, a lack of clean water and sewage, and inadequate housing.
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About Salesian Missions
Salesian Missions is headquartered in New Rochelle, NY, and is part of the Don Bosco Network—a worldwide federation of Salesian NGOs. The mission of the U.S.-based nonprofit Catholic organization is to raise funds for international programs that serve youth and families in poor communities around the globe. The Salesian missionaries are made up of priests, brothers and sisters, as well as laypeople—all dedicated to caring for poor children throughout the world in more than 130 countries and helping young people become self-sufficient by learning a trade that will help them gain employment. To date, more than 3 million youth have received services funded by Salesian Missions. These services and programs are provided to children regardless of race or religion. For more information, go to SalesianMissions.org.
