According to the most recent World Migration Report produced by the International Organization for Migration, there are around 281 million international migrants in the world, which equates to 3.6% of the global population. For those who choose to leave their homeland, youth often leave in search of employment, education and a better way of life. The United Nations notes that youth are heavily represented in migration for humanitarian reasons including as refugees, asylum seekers and unaccompanied minors.
Salesian missionaries care for and provide educational services to young migrants in countries around the globe. Unaccompanied migrant youth often face rejection, homelessness, exploitation and delinquency as they make their journey to find a new way of life. They are also at risk of human trafficking and exploitation.
“Salesian programs around the globe are answering the call to help young migrants adapt in their new home and make an easier transition into their new communities through language training, skills training and workforce development programs,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “Salesian missionaries are also working to create new educational and employment opportunities in countries youth leave as an incentive for them to remain at home.”
To mark International Migrants Day 2024, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight programs around the globe that provide life-changing education and social support to migrants.
COLOMBIA
John Bosco the Worker Center in Ciudad Bolívar, Colombia, offers educational opportunities and a safe haven for local youth in a region impacted by violence and poverty. Established in 1994, the center is today recognized as a leader in technical training and known for teaching the circus arts.
Ciudad Bolívar is one of the most disadvantaged and dangerous areas south of Bogotá. The informal settlements house nearly 900,000 people, and 18% of families are not able to meet their primary needs of food, services, housing and education. Migrants from Venezuela coming to the area have built homes made of plastic, boards, metal and recycled materials. They often face violence and abuse.
A Salesian explained, “The community continues to expand on the slopes of the mountains and is made up principally of youth and mothers with limited resources. Lately, the area has also seen in the influx of thousands of migrants arriving from Venezuela in search of opportunities for a better life. To all of them, the John Bosco the Worker Center offers a way to escape poverty through education.”
The center offers 13 technical training programs, cooking classes, sports and artistic activities. Young migrants are also welcomed through the Reception House for Venezuelan Youth. The center aids families as well, including 120 adults and 40 young mothers. On Saturdays, recreational activities are organized in the streets.
INDIA
Salesian missionaries with Bosco Vikas Gramin Kendra were able to support children in migrant communities in the Central Maharashtra region of India thanks to funding from Salesian Missions.
The project encouraged children from the migrant communities to attend study centers for various sports activities. This brought youth in the door and allowed them to access the other services being offered, including classes. In six project hamlets, study classes were held on a regular basis. A total of 193 boys and girls were enrolled and studied math and language. At the conclusion of each month, tests were administered to assess progress. The monthly evaluations were then shared with the students. Special additional care and attention were provided to those who needed help.
Nutrition was also provided for 200 youth, who were able to have at least one healthy meal a week thanks to the project funding. Salesians also held programs to inform parents about the importance of healthy nutrition. Parents were able to attend sessions to learn about other services available to them. Salesians covered 12 programs that parents could access including health insurance, financial aid and nutritional support. More than 2,300 people attended these sessions.
ITALY
The Salesian Vocational Training Center in Genoa, Italy, has launched a mechanics’ motor vehicle repair course. The 500-hour training course, divided equally between classroom education and internships in companies, will help young migrants gain access to the skills for employment.
Thanks to funding from the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the training program will educate 18 migrants who are under age 25 and from Sub-Saharan Africa. They are currently housed in facilities managed by the Genoese White Cross. The goal is for them to learn how to repair motor vehicle thermal engines.
Walter Carrubba, president of the Genoese White Cross, said, “I think it is an excellent experience for these young people, both in terms of training and for their future work. I am sure we will be able to repeat the training course several times. We thank the National Salesian Works Center – Professional Refresher Training, the Genoa Solidale Committee and all those who have committed themselves to getting this project off the ground.”
MEXICO
Salesian missionaries in Mexico are developing the Youth Residences Project in Salesian communities in Tijuana and San Luis Potosí to provide support to youth who are in the process of migrating. The three-year project, launched in November 2023, was developed with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Don Bosco Mondo, and the Salesian organizations that host the project.
Both Salesian communities provide job training, psychological assistance, housing, food and other basic services in order to support people who are facing challenging circumstances. Each site will also offer training. In Tijuana, courses will be offered for hairdressing and cosmetics, cooking, construction trades, and educational assistance. In San Luis Potosí, courses will cover electricity, machinery and tools, welding, and customer service.
A Salesian noted, “This is a wide-ranging and well-structured initiative, and the Mexico-Guadalajara Province is very grateful for the contribution and trust, both financial and structural, that the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development has provided. We also give recognition to the great work and the profound social impact of Don Bosco Mondo’s development proposals.”
The Blessed Philip Rinaldi Salesian community in Tijuana has been serving caravans of migrants on their way to the United States for over 30 years. Salesians offer the Padre Chava Refectory and Hostel and the Don Bosco Women’s Shelter. They will now offer services directly to youth who are migrating.
Source: Mission Newswire
