Project includes solar lighting to prevent theft.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY (April 7, 2025) The Makeni Post Novitiate House, within the Salesian Sacred Heart Community in Lusaka, Zambia, was able to add new security and a solar lighting system at the formation house thanks to funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project helps Salesian students and lay collaborators working at the post novitiate.
With the funding, Salesians installed security aluminum windows, burglar bars and a back-up solar lighting system for alternative energy. Prior to the new security features, Salesians were facing thefts of bicycles and computers. Without the security features or video surveillance on the property, Salesians were not able to catch the thieves or find their property.
A Salesian noted, “The project has brought joy to all the Salesians, both teachers and students, as the new solar system has helped to mitigate the impact of energy shortages. The other security features have reduced the worries of theft. The rooms are also finished and students have a comfortable sleeping place.”
Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.
Poverty is widespread in Zambia with 64% of the total population living below the poverty line. For those living in rural areas, the poverty rate rises to 80%, according to UNICEF. Over the past three decades, incomes in Zambia have fallen steadily, and people do not have enough money to meet basic needs such as shelter, nutritious food and medical care.
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About Salesian Missions
Salesian Missions is headquartered in New Rochelle, NY, and is part of the Don Bosco Network—a worldwide federation of Salesian NGOs. The mission of the U.S.-based nonprofit Catholic organization is to raise funds for international programs that serve youth and families in poor communities around the globe. The Salesian missionaries are made up of priests, brothers and sisters, as well as laypeople—all dedicated to caring for poor children throughout the world in more than 130 countries and helping young people become self-sufficient by learning a trade that will help them gain employment. To date, more than 3 million youth have received services funded by Salesian Missions. These services and programs are provided to children regardless of race or religion. For more information, go to SalesianMissions.org.
Contact:
Laura Perillo
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