RWANDA: 2 Don Bosco centers construct new sanitation facilities thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
Initiative improves hygiene to prevent spread of disease.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY (Sept. 14, 2026) Two Don Bosco centers have improved sanitation thanks to donor funding from the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative”. Salesian Missions is the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project is improving proper hygiene and sanitation to prevent the spread of diseases and infections at Don Bosco Rango in Rwanda and Don Bosco Bombo in Uganda.
Through this initiative, 550 students are directly benefiting by gaining access to improved facilities, hygiene education and safer learning environments. It is also anticipated that close to 900 additional individuals, including staff, families, and community members, will indirectly benefit through reduced infection transmission, strengthened awareness, and community-wide behavior change.
The project funded construction of two modern, disability‑friendly toilet blocks and functional hand-washing facilities. Students were engaged as hygiene ambassadors through sanitation clubs. These clubs organized campaigns to raise awareness in surrounding communities about the benefits of maintaining proper hygiene.
A Salesian said, “The project has fostered a culture of hygiene and sanitation that is expected to continue beyond its implementation period. By empowering students as ambassadors and involving local communities, the initiative has created a sustainable model of collaboration that strengthens public health outcomes and community resilience.”
According to teaching staff at both centers, there is pride in having proper washroom facilities that enable students to study in a safe environment. These facilities have significantly reduced the risk of infection and created healthier learning conditions.
The Salesian noted, “Looking ahead, staff and students have expressed a strong desire for the construction of a girls’ dormitory. Many female students face challenges commuting long distances to and from school, while others are forced to rent nearby accommodations that are often inadequate and unsafe. A dedicated dormitory would provide them with secure, supportive living conditions, allowing them to focus on their studies and thrive academically.”
Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational and social development services in Rwanda and Uganda. Youth who are poor are able to access programs including health services, nutrition, education and general support services that help them to lead healthy productive lives.
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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.
