Project includes nutrition, primary healthcare and legal protection.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY (June 2, 2026) Salesian missionaries were able to support the Pademba Prison Project in 2025, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project has successfully maintained life-saving interventions despite a critical funding shortfall and an infrastructural collapse following a 2024 prison break. The prison is located in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The project reached 225 vulnerable inmates with integrated support services like nutrition, primary healthcare and legal protection. In addition, 1,245 inmates benefited indirectly from access to general medical and dental services.
The primary group supported as part of this project included youth and adult male inmates, particularly those who were malnourished, chronically ill, psychologically distressed, or in prolonged pre-trial detention.
The project focused on survival and basic dignity in an overcrowded environment. Inmates received nutritionally balanced meals, resulting in visible improvements in physical strength and weight gain. Bi-monthly assessments were conducted. Notably, 11 cases of acute malnutrition were detected and treated, preventing potential fatalities. Monthly distribution of soap, toothpaste and sanitary products, combined with six educational sessions, led to a marked reduction in skin infections.
With the prison hospital non-functional since 2024, the project became a primary healthcare provider including medical and dental clinics, essential medications, and first aid access. Three bulk deliveries of essential drugs reduced treatment delays by 70%. The first aid allowed for the immediate management of minor injuries in 80% of cases.
Salesians also provided psychosocial well-being interventions focused on reducing the trauma and aggression inherent in high-security environments. This support led to a 40-45% reduction in self-harm and aggressive behavior among participants. Six workshops on stress and anger management increased the willingness of inmates to seek mental health support by 50%.
In addition, Salesians held five on-site legal clinics. Of the 90 cases that received intensified follow-up, 80% saw improved legal outcomes, including dismissed charges or expedited hearings. Targeted intervention for five youth ensured they were treated under child-sensitive legal procedures. Recognizing that social ties prevent recidivism, social workers successfully reconnected 125 inmates with their families through home visits and community outreach.
Before benefiting from the Pademba Prison Project, Ibrahim Kanu faced severe challenges. He describes his situation as extremely difficult, marked by a lack of access to basic necessities such as food and clothing, as well as limited emotional and social support. When he first learned about the Pademba Prison Project, he saw it as an opportunity to rebuild his life. He believed the initiative was designed to help individuals like him transition out of prison and receive the support needed to reintegrate into society.
He noted, “My immediate needs were addressed, and I received guidance and encouragement that helped restore my sense of dignity and direction. Many of my earlier challenges have been significantly eased. The support I received not only improved my living conditions but also gave me renewed hope for the future.”
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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.
