(ANS – Hyderabad) – Salesian missionaries at Don Bosco Academy, located in Nalgonda, a city in Telangana, India, received donor funding to support 525 youth through education and career guidance. The funding was provided by Misiones Salesianas, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

The youth supported through this project come from marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities. They are students in grades 3 through 12. Some are day students, while others live in hostels near the school. The project specifically supported young people at risk of educational exclusion due to poverty, social marginalization, limited access to quality education, and the risk of dropping out of school, particularly among girls.

The Salesians provided remedial classes for 250 students, helping them strengthen foundational learning skills and close academic gaps. Two career guidance sessions were also conducted, benefiting 299 students. These sessions focused on personality development, self-confidence, and career planning. In addition, two life skills sessions were organized for students, reaching approximately 380 students and covering topics such as communication, leadership, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in daily life.

Awareness campaigns were conducted in 38 villages, reaching parents and youth through meetings, door-to-door outreach, and the distribution of educational pamphlets. These efforts promoted school enrollment and helped reduce the risk of students dropping out.

The project also focused on sports, with progress made in establishing the school’s sports academy. Equipment for general fitness, soccer, volleyball, and indoor games was purchased, one coach was appointed, and regular sports activities have begun.

A Salesian noted, “In addition to benefiting from remedial education, career guidance, life skills training, sports, and cultural activities, 150 girls received school uniforms and shoes to promote regular attendance, dignity, and active participation in school.”

Parveen Begum, a teacher, explained, “As teachers, we patiently guide and encourage every child according to their individual needs. Every day, we help them complete their homework, clarify their doubts, and strengthen their understanding of different subjects. As an English teacher, I encourage students to communicate in English as much as possible so that they become more confident and better prepared for future opportunities. It is a wonderful feeling to see the positive changes in the children. They are now more interested in their studies, participate actively in the classroom, and show greater confidence in expressing themselves. Their learning skills have improved, and they are becoming more disciplined and focused on achieving their goals.”

One of the students impacted by the project was Gujjula Maheshwari. With her family depending on seasonal agriculture and daily wage labor, irregular income often made it difficult to cover educational expenses. As a first-generation learner, she had limited exposure to career opportunities and lacked the confidence to dream beyond her immediate circumstances.

After joining Don Bosco High School, Maheshwari’s life began to change in meaningful ways. Through remedial classes, life skills education, and career guidance sessions, she strengthened her academic performance while gaining confidence in communication, decision-making, and classroom participation. Her active involvement in sports and cultural activities further developed her skills in teamwork, discipline, leadership, and self-esteem.

The career guidance sessions introduced Maheshwari to new educational and career opportunities, inspiring her to set higher goals for her future. With the continued support and encouragement of her teachers, she became more confident, motivated, and determined to continue her education and build a better future for herself and her family.

Maheshwari said, “The guidance and encouragement I receive at Don Bosco High School have given me the confidence to believe in my abilities and work toward my dreams.”

Source: Mission Newswire