Launched officially on August 5, 2024, MPE was born out of the Salesian Provincial Conference of South Asia’s (SPCSA) commitment to the call of GC28 and the Rector Major to prioritize “the poorest, the most abandoned and defenceless.” The initiative aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the goal to “end poverty in all its forms everywhere.”

Fr. Biju Michael, General Councillor for South Asia, hailed the initiative as a “charismatic, professional, transparent, and data-driven” mission. “We take rightful pride in our work for the poor and pledge steadfast commitment to poorer youth,” he stated in the annual report. “Let us charge ahead—together, with faith and fire—trusting God’s abundant Providence in every mission for the most vulnerable youth.”

A Data-Driven Foundation

The first year of MPE saw an extraordinary mobilization across 235 Salesian communities, resulting in 59,776 data entries assessing the current reach to the poor. These assessments revealed that:

- 85% of those assessed were classified as poor, very poor, or extremely poor.
- 71.6% were under 25, highlighting the youth-centric nature of the mission.
- 73.9% belonged to non-Christian faiths, reflecting the inclusive and secular outreach of the initiative.
- 55.7% of beneficiaries were female, underscoring a strong focus on gender equity.

The data also revealed that 51.6% of beneficiaries lived in rural areas and 10.9% in urban slums, ensuring that geographical disparities are being addressed.

Decentralized Yet Coordinated
Each province has appointed a Province Project Director (PPD) and Project Executive (PE), creating a dynamic grassroots network. This structure has enabled over 250 visits to communities and the training of nearly 1,000 confreres and staff in the first year alone. Dissemination has been equally robust, with 38 meetings with rectors and leaders, 29 large group sessions, and the production of 36 multimedia clips to spread awareness and inspire collective action.

At the helm of coordination, Fr. Biju Michael (SPCSA President), Fr. Tony Pellissery (Project Director) and Ms. Neha Joseph (Project Executive) have mentored provincial teams, ensuring that local efforts remain aligned with the broader mission. Their leadership has been pivotal in transforming MPE into a well-knit network where every province contributes to the shared vision of eradicating poverty.

Commitment 2030: Operational Targets
Looking ahead, MPE has set ambitious yet grounded targets under its Commitment 2030 framework:

- 200,000 youth to be trained and employed in vocational skills (178,000 already committed)
- 50,000 families to achieve sustainable incomes (35,100 committed)
- 20,000 individuals to rise above the international poverty line (13,430 committed)
- 50,000 out-of-school youth to complete education (38,150 committed)

Already, 43,046 youth have been trained and employed, while 11,331 out-of-school youth have resumed education—clear evidence that the mission is not merely aspirational but operational.

A Model for Faith-Based Development
The “Rewind 2025” annual review in Bangalore brought together 55 representatives from all provinces to reflect on progress and chart the way forward. Scientific evaluation by Dr. Henry J. Rozario highlighted both achievements and challenges, offering a roadmap to refine the Salesian model for poverty reduction.

Faith and Strategy in Action
As inter-provincial synergies deepen and grassroots engagement expands, MPE is emerging as a beacon of faith-driven development—where compassion is matched by data, and solidarity is strengthened by strategy.

In the words of Fr. Biju Michael, General Councillor for South Asia: “Fueled by God’s upliftment of the poor, Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross, and Don Bosco’s preferential option for the poor, we surge forward with renewed zeal.”

The mission is clear. The network is strong. The impact is only beginning to unfold.

Source: Don Bosco South Asia

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