Reliable electricity, security now in place.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY (Aug 17, 2026) Salesians at St. Artemide Zatti Chapel, located in Kabwe, Zambia, were able to complete renovations thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Salesians were able to seal the roof, install security bars on the windows and add solar lights.
A Salesian said, “The chapel is now secure. The burglar bars have been secured and electricity that can run 24 hours is in place. As a result, the chapel is conducive for prayer thanks to the reduced noise and heat. It’s also protected from vandalism and can be used at any time because it has electricity.”
Salesian novices use the chapel on a daily basis for prayers. It’s also used by 600 youth from the Dominic Savio Secondary School. Those attending the local oratory use the chapel for private prayers and it is also used for retreats.
Rodgers Chama, who benefited from the project, noted, “We are very happy for this gesture of generosity. We can now pray without being disturbed by the noise. We now are not worried about power cuts either.”
He added, “We also couldn’t leave anything in the chapel, including books, for fear of them being stolen. New bars have made the chapel safe. We are grateful to all.”
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.
###
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.
