This presence began twenty years ago, in 2004, when five Laotian past pupils, graduates of the Don Bosco Technological College in Bangkok, Thailand, decided to start a small training centre for young people in need, on the model of their school in Bangkok. Under the guidance and financial support of the Salesians of the Saint Paul Province of Thailand, the 5 past pupils started training courses in auto-mechanics, electricity and motorcycle repair.

The centre gradually developed and also became known to the Lao Youth Union for Youth Development, the youth wing of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the ruling party in Laos. Appreciating the work done for Laotian youth, a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Don Bosco Foundation of Thailand. Students are selected from the 18 provinces of Laos according to the conditions established by the Don Bosco Centre and the Department of Youth Union.

So far, about 1500 young people have been trained. Statistics from the Lao Youth Union for Youth Development indicate that 75% of graduates have a job: an important fact to help their families get out of poverty.

The training courses offered by the Salesians are free, although the resident students are required to contribute to meals by sharing in the supply of glutinous rice.

Local government officials expressed appreciation for the great help that the Don Bosco Centre is giving to the poor families of Laotian society.

The community that animates the centre is made up of 5 Salesians. During his brief visit, Fr Maravilla was able to appreciate the validity of this apostolate for the young people of Laos. Before leaving, the General Councilor met with the community, encouraging everyone to live the mission of Don Bosco, even if teaching religion is not allowed. "By working for their holistic human development, we are already sowing in their hearts the seeds of the Gospel, and according to God's timing,  this will grow and bear fruit," he stressed.

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