(ANS – New Rochelle) – Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in honoring the International Day of Charity, celebrated each year on Sept. 5. The date was chosen by the United Nations General Assembly to commemorate the anniversary of the passing of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 “for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace.”

As part of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in September 2015, the U.N. has recognized the importance of eradicating poverty in all its forms. The U.N. noted, “Charity, when rooted in equity and ethics, is more than generosity: it’s a powerful act of global responsibility. It connects people across borders and sectors to confront poverty, uplift communities, and build a more inclusive and sustainable world for everyone.”

Nearly 30,000 Salesian priests, brothers, sisters, and novices are working in more than 130 countries, bringing education, workforce development, and social programs to poor youth and their families.

Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, said, “While education is our primary focus, Salesian missionaries work to meet basic needs like shelter, food, and medical care while also working to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most.”

In honor of the International Day of Charity, Salesian Missions highlights programs that are helping youth and their families meet their basic needs and gain an education.

MEXICO

Salesians were able to support 62 youth in vulnerable situations at Casa Hogar, located in Colima, Mexico, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. All of the youth living at the facility received comprehensive care during the second half of 2025.

The youth at the facility have faced situations of vulnerability due to abandonment, physical and psychological violence, or an unsafe family environment. A few entered the program after living on the streets.

A Salesian explained, “One of the most significant achievements during this time was that we were able to maintain our entire interdisciplinary team, which means that youth had the same providers, aiding their emotional stability, bonds of trust, and the effectiveness of therapeutic and educational processes.”

Because the youth received uninterrupted care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Salesians noted a reduction in severe behavioral crises, improvement in emotional regulation, and stronger relationships with the educational team. Regarding their education, 85% of the youth maintained or improved their school performance.

NIGERIA

St. Jude Science and Technical College in Nigeria has been able to upgrade its water system thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The funding came through the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative” and benefited 1,300 students, 70 staff members, and 350 youth from the community.

Through the project, hand-washing stations have been constructed at various locations throughout the school compound. Existing toilets were renovated, and the project added more toilets in both the men’s and women’s bathrooms, as well as two accessible toilets for people with disabilities. Students and staff now have easy access to toilet facilities without overcrowding.

A Salesian noted, “The community played an active and enthusiastic role throughout the implementation of the WASH project. For many residents, both adults and children, the initiative introduced facilities and practices they had never encountered before. Their willingness to embrace the new systems and participate in training and maintenance activities reflects a promising foundation for long-term sustainability.”

PERU

Salesian missionaries received donor funding to strengthen technical training for Indigenous youth living in Datem del Marañón, one of the eight provinces in the Loreto region of Peru. Funding from Salesian Missions provided for new energy infrastructure and technical, personal, and community development at the Salesian Intercultural Technical-Productive Education Center (CETPRO Salesiano P. Luis Bolla).

The funding ensured the continuity of technical educational services provided to youth who are part of seven Amazonian ethnic groups. Nearly 90 students between the ages of 17 and 25 benefited from the donation. The families and home communities of the students also benefited, as they will be able to replicate the technical, agricultural, and organizational knowledge acquired during the training program.

One of the students, Victor Isaac Chupi Pérez, said, “Since arriving at CETPRO, I have felt at ease because it feels like a home — a place where we study, and where we are provided with meals, dormitory accommodations, and a study hall — something that other educational institutions do not offer. Here, we live side-by-side with peers from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and we feel a sense of joy. Furthermore, every afternoon we receive instruction in religious life, which helps guide our personal growth as we look toward our future.”

SOUTH SUDAN

Salesian missionaries with the Don Bosco Mission in South Sudan received a shipment of essential goods thanks to partnerships facilitated through Salesian Missions. The shipment included books, bicycles, mattresses, clothing, and water bottles. Sanitizing wipes were provided by Feed the Children, a global movement working to end childhood hunger. Flexport.org helped facilitate several additional items.

This collaborative effort is helping to improve daily living conditions and support the health, education, and well-being of vulnerable students in primary, secondary, and vocational education. Salesian teachers, security staff, and parishioners in Salesian parishes in Morobo, Maridi, Tonj, Gumbo, Wau, and Kuajok were also among those who received the donation.

One of the recipients was Jane, a teacher at Don Bosco Primary School in Gumbo. She said, “Life in our community can be very difficult, especially when it comes to having basic things like clean water and something safe to carry it in. Before I received the water bottle, I used to bring water to school in an old plastic container that would heat up with the weather. Sometimes I would not be able to drink the water as it would become very hot, and I would feel very thirsty during lessons. It made it hard to concentrate, especially under the hot sun. The day we received the water bottles was very special to me. I remember holding mine tightly and feeling proud because it was new and strong. I didn’t have to worry anymore about my water getting warm within minutes during my lessons.”