Education, workforce development provided for youth and their families.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY (FOR RELEASE Sept. 5, 2025) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in honoring the International Day of Charity celebrated each year on Sept. 5. The date was chosen by the General Assembly of the United Nations to commemorate the anniversary of the passing of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 “for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace.”
As part of the United Nations 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, adopted in September 2015, the U.N. has recognized the importance of eradicating poverty in all forms. The U.N. noted, “Charity, like the notions of volunteerism and philanthropy, provides real social bonding and contributes to the creation of inclusive and more resilient societies. Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, supplement public services in health care, education, housing and child protection.”
“Nearly 30,000 Salesian priests, brothers, sisters, and novices are working in more than 130 countries bringing education, workforce development, and social programs to poor youth and their families,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “While education is our primary focus, Salesian missionaries work to meet basic needs like shelter, food and medical care while also working to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most.”
In honor of the International Day of Charity, Salesian Missions highlights aid programs that are helping youth and their families meet their basic needs.
INDIA
Salesian missionaries had the funding for renovating the Mission Hostel, located in Gobarhati, Murshidabad, India, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. 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 first through 12th grade. 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.
RWANDA
Don Bosco Muhazi Technical and Vocational School in Rwanda had the funding to support 260 students thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The funding provided food assistance and essential supplies. Fifty of these students, who live off school grounds, received hygiene kits, food supplies and rent support.
A Salesian noted, “This aid was especially crucial for students from remote areas who struggle to meet their basic needs while pursuing technical education. It enabled them to focus more effectively on their studies. School staff and students alike have expressed increased morale and hope with testimonies indicating that the aid has stabilized their living conditions temporarily. In the longer term, this support fosters resilience, reduces dropout rates, and promotes a conducive learning environment, helping students build a better future for themselves and their communities.”
Don Bosco Muhazi educates 261 youth aged 16-23. In the district 22.0% of people these ages previously attended school and have left for some reason, 75.2% are currently attending school and 2.8% have never attended secondary school.
SOUTH SUDAN
More than 1,800 people in a Salesian camp for people who are internally displaced, located in Gumbo, on the outskirts of the city of Juba, South Sudan*, had access to better nutrition during the second half of 2024. The food shipment was the result of a partnership between Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization growing a global movement to end hunger.
People in the camp face challenges, including the rising price of commodities and the weakening of the local currency. Food insecurity is a major challenge. Thanks to the meals, Salesians have seen reduced hunger, improved nutrition and enhanced food security.
Salesians have tried to address food challenges by offering small plots of land, encouraging people who are displaced and the local community to cultivate crops to supplement the meal rations that are offered. However, this can only happen during the rainy season and not everyone can receive a plot. Therefore, Salesians heavily rely on partner support to address the food insecurity.
UGANDA
Salesian missionaries were able to establish a sick bay for children who are ill at Don Bosco CALM Nursery and Primary School in Uganda thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The sick bay will provide services to more than 700 children.
Uganda faces significant challenges in providing health care, particularly to vulnerable populations, including children from low-income backgrounds. Limited access to health care facilities, a high disease prevalence and limited financial resources make it difficult for children to receive timely and adequate medical care.
A Salesian explained, “Establishing a sick bay at Don Bosco CALM ensures that children have the immediate medical care that they need, ensuring that minor injuries and illness are treated properly. This will also help manage chronic conditions, provide first aid, and offer preventive care like vaccinations, hygiene education and nutritional support that children need. Further, this will help cut down on time lost from school due to illness, allowing children to grow up healthy and have a better quality of life.”
*Any goods, services or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.
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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.