Salesian Missions

Most recently, the U.N. High Commission for Refugees
noted an unprecedented 65.6 million people have
been forced from their homes on a global level.
Among the displaced, more than 22.5 million are
refugees. Sadly, more than half of all refugees are
estimated to be children. Salesian Missions supports
programs that provide humanitarian assistance,
including educational and job training programs
specifically designed to help refugee and internally
displaced populations. Around the globe, Salesian
programs offer hope and empowerment to refugee
children and families, who are among the most
vulnerable people in the world.

Aimed at maximizing the impact of donor-assisted programs and answering the call for emergency aid deliveries, Salesian Mission's Property and Logistics Program is carried out through generous assistance from government and private sector partners who contribute tax deductible in-kind donations and government excess property. Millions of dollars in U.S. Government-issued excess property and corporate in-kind donations are leveraged by Salesian Missions' annual award from the USAID Ocean Freight Reimbursement Grant for humanitarian aid shipments.

A child’s ability to receive an education is greatly
increased when there isn’t worry about where the next
meal is coming from. According to the United Nations
Food and Agriculture Organization, there are more than
795 million people who are undernourished around
the globe. About half of them are young people. This
is why, whenever possible, Salesian school programs
integrate nutrition programs. Salesian Missions food
aid programs feed students—reducing
child malnutrition while increasing
school attendance. Salesian programs
also improve household food availability
through increased agricultural
productivity. This promotes growth and
development as the sustainable and long-term
way to combat poverty and enhance food security.

Education has proven to be an effective means of breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty while giving the most vulnerable youth a sense of personal dignity and self-worth. There are more than 5,500 Salesian schools around the globe providing education to young students to prepare them for advanced technical and vocation studies. In addition, nearly 1,040 Salesian vocational, technical, professional and agricultural schools give practical skills to youth to create productive and contributing adults in their communities—rebuilding communities and ending the cycle of poverty. A. These specialized programs help students become contributing adults in their communities. More than 80 colleges worldwide, with more than 40 professional degree programs, and nearly 90 adult educational centers.These schools go above and beyond educating. They also assist youth in making connections within industries while preparing them for the process of searching, finding and retaining employment.

It is hard to believe that an estimated 768 million
people do not have access to clean water and almost
2.5 billion do not have adequate sanitation systems.
Instead of being able to attend school, many children
around the globe are forced to walk for hours to collect
drinking water. Unfortunately, too often this water is
contaminated and seriously sickens those who consume
it. There is an immense need for clean and potable water
in many of the countries where Salesian missionaries
serve. Therefore, Salesian Missions has made water and
sanitation systems a top priority.

The Salesian society is an exempt clerical religious congregation. Its main objective is the Christian perfection of its members, and every work of charity, both spiritual and material, on behalf of the young, especially those who are poor and neglected. Therefore, its object includes festive youth centers or oratories, boarding, trade and agricultural schools, houses for the training of those who aspire to the priesthood.

Salesian Missions cares about the growth and
development of young girls and women. They are
the backbone of the family structure. By providing
women with education, training skills and support,
families are made stronger. Social outreach programs,
child care support and job training allow
for women to have better jobs. As a result, they are
better able to support their families and keep them
intact.

Worldwide, Salesian missionaries care for the sick
at more than 150 clinics, hospitals and dispensaries
(many located in rural areas). Additionally,
communicable disease prevention programs are
making an impact. Health services can be found in
many of the countries that have Salesian programs.