From Salesian Missions

(ANS – New Rochelle) – Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and the international community in honoring International Migrants Day. Each year, International Migrants Day is held on Dec. 18 to recognize the efforts, contributions, and rights of migrants worldwide.

About 184 million people — 2.3% of the world’s population — live outside of their country of nationality, according to a new World Development Report 2023: Migrants, Refugees and Societies report. Almost half of them are in low-and middle-income countries. This statistic also includes 37 million refugees who have been forced from their homes from war, natural disasters and other great suffering.

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.

“No matter the reasons why youth are leaving their homeland for another country, Salesian programs help them have an easier transition into their new communities through language and skills training and workforce development programs,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim 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 2023, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight programs around the globe that provide life-changing education and social support to migrants.