Mission Hostel provides accommodations for 60 youth.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY (May 13, 2025) Salesian missionaries had the funding for renovating the Mission Hostel, located in Gobarhati, Murshidabad, India, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. With the funding, Salesians upgraded the dormitory hall, bathrooms and plumbing, kitchen, and staircase. Salesians also repaired windows, doors, fans, and lighting, as well as painted and built a new food storage room.
The hostel provides accommodations for 60 youth who are poor and in grades 1-12. A Salesian noted, “These youth are from families who migrate across states in India in search of work opportunities and a better life. They often don’t have the funding for a stable living environment and education for the children without support.”
Rajdeep Tudu is one of the youth who benefited from this project. Currently studying in Class I, Tudu lost both of his parents in an accident. He was initially cared for by his grandmother but has since found a new home at the Mission Hostel. He is now attending school and enjoying a safe, supportive environment where he can grow and learn.
The Salesian noted, “This project has not only changed Rajdeep’s life but has also positively impacted the wider community. The improved facilities — such as renovated washrooms and a more comfortable hall — are now used by both the hostel residents and for orientations, meetings, and other gatherings.”
Dev Mardi in Class 9 is another student who benefited from this project. During his stay at the hostel, Mardi has learned many valuable life skills. He regularly serves during daily Mass in the church, assists in the kitchen, cares for the younger boys, and takes the lead in prayers and singing. He is also very active in games and participates in all hostel activities.
Salesians provide a range of education and social development programs for youth and their families in India. They work to mitigate the devastating effects of poverty for these families.
India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.
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About Salesian Missions USA
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.