Salesian missionaries support youth and marginalized families in rural areas.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY (April 29, 2024) Salesian missionaries with SURABI, the Salesian Project Development Office of Chennai, India, have five vehicles to support their work thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The vehicles are helping Salesians provide services for youth at risk and carry out youth pastoral work.
A Salesian said, “Thanks to these vehicles we have been able to bring mission activities to the poorest of the poor in the rural areas for the sustainable development of marginalized families, especially youth. We have also been able to focus on safety, growth and development with personalized care and protection for at-risk youth. Our commitment remains unwavering in positively transforming the lives of those in need within our communities.”
The donation has impacted 18 Salesian parishes including more than 8,000 youth. Close to 12,000 college students and technical and vocational training students are also impacted positively by the donation. Further, Salesians have been able to use the vehicles in youth centers and to reach youth in vulnerable communities.
The Salesian explained, “The transport facilitation has also enhanced the outreach efforts to reach more than 6,000 youth for coordination with government departments, social institutions and academic centers.”
One of the beneficiaries was the Don Bosco Gedilam Boys’ Home that used a vehicle for their social outreach, reaching new communities like Thrumbars, which is located more than 30 miles (50 kilometers) away from the Salesian community. Sundar, age 15, fell ill during a monsoon with a high fever and cold. The vehicle enabled Salesians to bring the youth to the hospital safely at midnight, ensuring prompt medical care and his well-being.
The Salesian added, “This is just one example among many success stories that exemplify the tangible impact of the vehicle donation in serving marginalized communities and providing essential support during critical times.”
Salesian programs across India are primarily focused on education. Salesian primary and secondary education in the country helps youth prepare for later technical, vocational or university study. Other programs help to support poor youth and their families by meeting the basic needs of shelter, proper nutrition and medical care.
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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.
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