Lebanon's socio-economic situation is characterized by continuous deterioration, by virtue of the intertwining of international dynamics resulting from the war in Ukraine and local dynamics characterized by hyperinflation and deep political and economic instability - two factors that add to the consequences of the disastrous Beirut port explosion and the restrictions caused by the pandemic.
The Salesian missionaries' project, promoted by the "Don Bosco Missions" Mission Office for the Vatican Christmas Concert 2021, has ensured great support for hundreds of students and families by supporting the main activities of the Salesian community: school-educational, socio-educational, and emergency aid activities.
The Salesians of Don Bosco were involved in the distribution of food and economic aid to marginalized families in extreme poverty, specifically: 125 Lebanese and 30 Syrian families received parcels containing food and basic necessities; 50 Iraqi, 40 Lebanese and 20 Syrian families received economic aid; and 35 Lebanese youth received financial support for school and university.
In the Salesian mission in Al Fidar, 150 scholarships and school transportation subsidies were awarded to students in need who attend the "Don Bosco" technical institute; also, the supply of educational materials for technical activities in the different sectors (electronics, catering, hotel, computer) and the supply of fuel for the generator was guaranteed.
At the "Angels of Peace" school in Beirut, which provides quality education to Iraqi and Syrian refugee children who would not otherwise have access to the school system in Lebanon, the missionaries supported the children by covering expenses and running costs such as transportation, stationery, utilities, cleaning, insurance, and rent for the building, as well as organizing five field trips for students on holidays and one field trip for students and parents for training and socialization, thus enabling the provision of high-quality educational and school activities.
Finally, the Salesian community supported the socio-recreational activities of the Don Bosco oratory and youth center in "El Houssoun," helping about 250 Syrian children, 300 Iraqi children, and 300 Lebanese children and youth by covering expenses related to transportation, food, materials, and stationery.
"Thanks to school buses that pass through the surrounding villages, the minors have been able to reach the oratory," Fr. Simon Zakerian, a Salesian active in Lebanon, explained in detail in a video sent to thank the many benefactors of last year's campaign.
"The oratory is a lot of fun and teaches us so many things about Jesus," added Gayel, a nine-year-old girl who has already been attending the Salesian oratory in El Housson for four years. "After Covid-19 it was all very difficult, but still we started again: some had left, but others had arrived, and so we met new people. To all the benefactors I want to say 'Thank you, we pray for you!'"
The campaign was so effective that it also resulted in an increase of students in both Salesian schools (Al Fidar and Beirut). Overall, the project was able to reach more than 1,000 students as direct beneficiaries, support more than 270 Lebanese families who received emergency aid, and provide socio-recreational activities for over 800 children.
For more information, visit: www.missionidonbosco.org
