Salesian Works in AON: A Legacy Rooted in the 1980s

The Salesian Province of North West Africa (AON) includes Benin, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, and Senegal. It was officially established in January 2021 after the reorganisation of the previous French-speaking (AFO) and English-speaking (AFW) Salesian provinces of West Africa. But the Salesian mission in this region started much earlier, in the 1980s.

The Salesian presence in West Africa was first established in Tambacounda, Senegal, in 1980, following a request by Mons. Clément Cailleau, then Apostolic Prefect of the region. During the same period, the Salesians expanded their mission to Benin (1981), Mali (1981), and Guinea (1986), with the arrival of missionary confreres. In the 1990s, the mission extended to Burkina Faso, and most recently, in October 2018, the Salesians arrived in The Gambia, the last country in the province to welcome them.

Growth and Impact of the Mission

Today, the AON Province includes:

• 44 priests
• 60 perpetually professed Salesians
• 34 temporarily professed Salesians
• 8 novices

With 18 Salesian presences, the province operates:

• 5 secondary schools and colleges
• 7 boarding houses
• 9 vocational training centers
• 17 oratories and youth centers
• 13 parishes

The Salesian mission in AON reflects the charism of St. John Bosco, serving the most vulnerable youth through education, evangelization, and human development, while addressing the unique challenges of local communities.

The Expanding Salesian Family in AON

The Salesian Family in AON comprises of:

• The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA)
• Salesian Cooperators
• The Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA)
• The Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB)
• The Past Pupils of Don Bosco (ADB)

Key Events in the History of the Province

Despite its recent formation, the AON Province has already held two Provincial Chapters:

• “Salesians of AON: Identity and Mission in Light of the 28th General Chapter (GC28)”
• “Passionate About Jesus Christ, Consecrated to the Youth”

Additionally, the province had the honor of welcoming the Rector Major, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, during his visit to Senegal and The Gambia from November 16-21, 2023. Furthermore, the Extraordinary Visitation conducted by Fr. Pierre Célestin Ngoboka on behalf of the Rector Major was a key moment for the province’s spiritual and pastoral development.

Major Initiatives and Projects

To honor the legacy of Fr. Antonio César Fernández, a Salesian missionary who was tragically killed by terrorists in Burkina Faso in 2019, the province launched a scholarship program supported by the Salesian Missions Office in New Rochelle, USA. In 2023 alone, 209 scholarships were awarded to deserving students.

Another notable initiative is the “Improvement of Socio-Economic Conditions for Youth Through Market-Oriented Training in Kankan and Siguiri” project in Guinea. Supported by:

• The German cooperation agency (BMZ)
• The Salesian NGO “Don Bosco Mondo”
• The Salesian Missions Office in New Rochelle

This project has facilitated:

• Construction of new educational facilities
• Procurement of essential equipment
• Training for 22 teachers

As a result, enrollment at Salesian Vocational Training Centers in the region has surged from 165 to 365 students in just two years (Kankan). These centers are now the best-equipped in the region, with students achieving top national results, earning recognition from local authorities.

Through these initiatives, the Salesian mission in AON continues to expand its impact, offering young people hope, education, and a brighter future.

• Title Title
• Title Title
• Title Title
• Title Title
• Title Title
• Title Title
• Title Title
• Title Title
• Title Title
• Title Title
• Title Title
• Title Title
•  

Tweet