Father James O’Loughlen first established the Salesian Missions office in 1947, with a charter to tell the stories of the organization’s global programs and rally support to continue its efforts. During the past 75 years, Salesian Missions has provided a remarkable impact for the poorest, most disenfranchised, and most vulnerable children and families. To date, more than 3 million children have been helped by Salesian programs in more than 130 countries around the globe.
“Ever since I stepped into this role three years ago, I have heard about so many children and adults whose names I will always remember. Youth are building much brighter futures thanks to the education, training, social support and other assistance they needed but never could have accessed on their own,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions.
While education is always a primary focus, Salesian missionaries know that other supports are needed to help youth excel in school. They need a bed to get a good night’s rest. They need a desk and chair to be able to focus in the classroom. While many people do not give these items a second thought, for countless at-risk and marginalized youth, these items bring dignity and hope for the future—and set them on the path for school success.
“Many bright, motivated students who attend Salesian schools face profound disadvantages in the classroom,” noted Fr. Baek. “In addition to the challenges they must overcome just to get to school—some walking several hours each way—they often struggle to focus and learn. It’s important that we provide the social supports and the material items needed to help youth be prepared. Youth cannot focus without sleep or on an empty stomach. It’s hard to learn in environments that are not conducive to education. We must provide them the necessities that start them on the right path.”
To help provide these materials items, Salesian Missions partners with organizations like IRN—The Reuse Network, an association that matches surplus items with the organizations and people who need them most. Since 1999, IRN—The Reuse Network has worked with nonprofits who are known to be reputable, effective providers of relief work and development assistance, and who are able to put the items IRN—The Reuse Network collects to effective use.
Today, IRN—The Reuse Network donations have provided Salesian programs in Timor-Leste, El Salvador, Vietnam and Ivory Coast with school desks and chairs, bookcases, filing cabinets, and bedroom furniture.
For further information, visit the Salesian Missions website - https://salesianmissions.org
Source: Salesian Missions
