Project is part of the Salesian Missions ‘Clean Water Initiative’.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY (Oct 6, 2026) Salesian missionaries with the Don Bosco Pre-novitiate, located in Korhogo, Ivory Coast, have clean water thanks to a project funded by the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative”. Salesian Missions is the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.
The project provided donor funding to drill a mechanized borewell and install a water tower for clean water. Fifteen pre-novices and two Salesian educators are benefiting from this project, as well as the local St. John Bosco community.
A long-standing challenge in the area has been accessing clean drinking water. Before the borehole and water tower were installed, members of the Salesian community often had to walk to external sources of water or rely on a small, quickly emptied water tower, which frequently interrupted daily life and education. Water scarcity and distribution issues remain a broader regional concern, especially during the dry season.
The borehole was successfully completed with groundwater struck at a viable depth, providing an immediate and reliable water source for the pre-novitiate community. Construction of the elevated water tower followed.
A Salesian explained, “Water quality has improved. Pre-novices and educators now have reliable access to potable water via taps for drinking, cooking, bathing, laundry, and cleaning. This removes the previous burden of collecting water from distant, often unsafe points and ensures consistent quantity. Daily routines for a residential community of pre-novices become far more efficient and dignified.”
Thcieklpin Guelahoulou Qudy Michael completed his pre-novitiate education in Korhogo. He noted, “Before the borehole and water tower were constructed at the pre-novitiate, we faced serious difficulties in obtaining drinking water. Although water was available, we had to walk the short distance to the main Salesian community or rely on external sources. In addition, the community’s water tower was too small and emptied quickly, often forcing us to wait until it was refilled. These interruptions significantly disrupted our formation program.”
He added, “The drilling of the borehole and the construction of the water tower at the pre-novitiate house brought lasting relief. From the moment the project began, we recognized it as the answer to our pressing need for reliable access to clean water. That need has now been fully met, and we are deeply grateful to the donors whose generosity made this possible. We are grateful to Salesian Missions.”
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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.
