Project leads to increase in enrollment.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY (Sept. 28, 2026) The Laura-Vicuna Preschool, located in Mansa, Zambia, has a new school hall thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding was utilized for the construction of a kitchen, dining room, sleeping room and bathroom.
With construction nearly completed, the parents are happy that their children have better facilities at the school. As a result of the project, there has also been an increase in enrollment. The projected number of boys has increased from 75 to 83 and the number of girls has increased from 80 to 96.
In the region, many families rely on small subsistence farming for maize, cassava, groundnuts and vegetables. Fishing and small-scale aquaculture are also important. Seasonal flooding can spoil crops and damage infrastructure creating challenges for the local population.
There is high youth unemployment and limited vocational and technical training available. There are under-resourced schools, insufficient healthcare, and a lack of water and hygiene services. Salesian education helps youth start with a firm foundation for future learning.
Musumali Esaya, a local man who spoke on behalf of the parents, said he was happy for the new school hall for the children. He expressed gratitude to Salesian Missions for the project. Esaya noted, “Before the building, there was a concern about where the children would rest and be fed, and there was no area for play activities. With the new hall, the children have a better school environment in which to learn. We are all grateful for the support from the donors who made this possible.”
Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.
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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.
