The first group of missionary pioneers consisted of 12 Salesians from the four Polish provinces, led by Fr. Kazimierz Cichecki. Upon their arrival, they were welcomed by Fr. Vincent Cichecki, a Jesuit and brother of the Salesian expedition leader. Among the 12 missionaries was also Fr. Augustyn Dziedziel, the Special Delegate of the Rector Major in Poland, who was responsible for organizing the Salesian presence in Zambia.

The first missionary stations were established in Chingola, Luwingu, Kazembe, and Solwezi.

Growth and the Birth of the ZMB Circumscription

Over the years, the Salesian presence and its impact became increasingly evident. Working closely with the local bishops, some Salesians were appointed parish priests, and the first three canonically erected Salesian houses were established in Luwingu, Kazembe, and Chingola. These missions in northern Zambia had initially been started by the White Fathers before being entrusted to the Salesians.

In a short time, Fr. Kazimierz Cichecki was officially appointed Delegate of the Province of Poland-Warsaw (PLE) since all these new communities were under that province.

Then, on July 24, 1993, a new circumscription dedicated to Mary Help of Christians (ZMB) was officially erected. According to the Rector Major at the time, Fr. Egidio Viganò, this new Salesian territory would also expand into Malawi and Zimbabwe.

On January 31, 1994, the first Superior, Fr. Piotr Boryczka, was appointed, marking the official birth of the ZMB Circumscription.

Expansion into Zimbabwe and Malawi

The Archbishop of Harare, Zimbabwe, and the Bishop of Lilongwe, Malawi, warmly welcomed the Salesians into their dioceses.

1. Zimbabwe: In May 1995, Fr. Bruno Zamberlan arrived in Zimbabwe to learn Shona (the local language) and gather information about the future Salesian presence. Eventually, on January 28, 1996, the Salesians took charge of the "All Saints" parish in Kambuzuma, along with its two centers in Warren Park and Rugare.

2. Malawi: In 1995, the Salesians also arrived in Malawi, establishing a presence in Area 23, a central location. The pioneering missionaries were Fr. Leszek Aksamit, Fr. Paul Dziatkiewicz, and Fr. Stan Jagodzinski. Their initial projects, still relevant today, included a parish, an oratory & the  Don Bosco Technical Institute.

3. Further Expansion in Malawi (1997):

• In 1997, at the request of the Bishop of Lilongwe, the Salesians expanded to Nkhotakota, taking over the parish previously managed by the White Fathers since 1975.
• Today, this mission includes a parish, a secondary school, and an oratory.

Formation of Local Vocations

As time passed, local vocations began to emerge.

• In 1995, Sylvester Makumba became the first local Salesian, making his perpetual profession.
• On April 26, 1998, Fr. Clement Mulenga was ordained as the first Zambian Salesian priest. He later became the first Bishop of the newly established Diocese of Kabwe, Zambia.

Further Expansion into Namibia and Botswana

In the following years, under the guidance of the General Councillor for the Missions, Fr. Luciano Odorico, the ZMB expanded into Namibia: First in Shambyu & later relocating to Rundu.

On September 1, 1999, ZMB was officially elevated to a Vice-Province.

• In 2011, a new Salesian house was opened in Hwange, Zimbabwe.
• In 2023, the Salesians of ZMB expanded to Botswana, establishing a mission in Francistown.
• Meanwhile, the Salesian presence in Namibia was transferred to the Vice-Province of Angola.

STATISTICS (as of 2024)

The ZMB Vice-Province currently has 135 Salesians, divided as follows:

• 58 priests
• 5 perpetually professed Salesian brothers
• 5 deacons
• 3 perpetually professed members
• 64 temporarily professed members
• 12 novices

SALESIAN WORKS AND INITIATIVES

The ZMB Vice-Province operates in 14 locations across 8 dioceses, addressing youth needs through various social and educational programs. These include: Schools, Parishes, Oratories, Centers for vulnerable youth, Rehabilitation programs for people with disabilities ^ Formation houses.

Key Institutions

• 11 parishes (6 in Zambia, 2 in Zimbabwe, 2 in Malawi, and 1 in Botswana).
• 13 schools.
• 14 oratories.

SIGNIFICANT SOCIAL PROJECTS

1. "Chiloto" Project (Makululu, Zambia)

• A shelter for vulnerable boys and street children.
• Children are rescued from the streets and brought to Chiloto (meaning "The Dream"), where they undergo rehabilitation.
• After reintegration, they are enrolled in primary school.

2. "Sun Shine" Project (Lilongwe, Malawi)

• A rehabilitation center for individuals with disabilities.
• Provides medical assistance, micro-loans, catechesis, and educational support.

3. "Magone Project" (Chingola, Zambia)

• Supports street children, who are invited to the Salesian center every Saturday morning.
• After attending catechism lessons, they receive a meal.
• Those interested in education are enrolled in primary school, while others receive vocational training in metalworking, agriculture, or mechanics.

THE SALESIAN FAMILY IN ZMB

Today, the ZMB Vice-Province is a thriving and dynamic Salesian region, comprising:

• Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB)
• Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA)
• Association of Salesian Cooperators
• Association of Past Pupils
• Volunteers of Don Bosco
• The Michaelites (the newest addition to the Salesian Family)

The ZMB Vice-Province continues to be a beacon of hope in Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and beyond, staying true to the Salesian mission of serving and uplifting young people, especially the most vulnerable.

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