Children at 2 orphanages access counseling, participate in activities.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY (Aug. 25, 2025) Salesians were able to help support children at two orphanages in Aleppo, Syria*, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Both an Armenian orphanage housing 30 children and a Muslim orphanage hosting 50 children, aged 6-18, were supported through the ongoing project.
Volunteers engaged the children in activities such as sports and games, cultural and educational sessions, psychological workshops, interactive theater performances, and a carnival day. Children also had access to individual counseling sessions to begin or continue therapeutic support in a safe, confidential setting. Each child was also taken to choose a new pair of shoes.
Orphanages in Aleppo are critically under-resourced and face overwhelming challenges including overcapacity, staffing shortages, and limited funding to meet even the most basic needs of the children.
A Salesian noted, “The Orphan Project represented a powerful humanitarian initiative that delivered essential care and emotional support to orphaned children in Aleppo — regardless of their religion, background or community. Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis and socioeconomic instability in the region, this project has served as a beacon of hope, offering these children not only essential resources but also dignity, love and belonging.”
The program was led by Salesian Cooperators, who spent time engaging with the children. A dedicated team of approximately 50 volunteers handled planning, preparation, implementation and follow-up.
Maria Keshishian, aged 10, has been living in the Armenian orphanage in Aleppo since she was 5. She said, “Living in the orphanage sometimes feels like we live far from the rest of the world — where not many people remember us or know what our lives are like. But something changed when the Salesian Cooperators came to visit us. They didn’t come just to entertain us. They came with open hearts and warm smiles. From the moment they arrived, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time. I felt seen, heard and truly cared for.”
Mohammad Al-Ahmad, aged 11, has lived in the orphanage for six years. He explained what he liked best about the Salesian visit. “One of the coolest things was when they taught us fun dances that we all did together. It wasn’t just about the steps, it was about feeling connected and being part of something joyful.”
Salesian centers in Syria are providing youth a safe haven and a place where they can continue to cultivate their dreams and their faith through education and support. Salesian centers are located in Aleppo, Damascus and Kafroun.
*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.