Summer/Fall 2013
SALESIAN
®
Caring for the children of Bolivia – page 10
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
PG.
Leave a Legacy of Love and Hope…
The Face of Child Slavery . . . . . 5 Notes From the Field: A personal account by Salesian Lay Missioner, Lorena Zamora . . . . . . . . . . 10 Salesians in the U.S. and Canada: Don Bosco Community Center Update, Port Chester, NY . . . . .15 Salesian Snapshots . . . . . . . . . 20 A Gift for Afghan Refugee Children . . . . . . . . . 24 Patrick’s Story: From Street to University . . . . . . . 25 Improving Lives One Partnership (and One Pair of Shoes) at a Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
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SALESIAN • Published Bi-Annually • Since 1950 • Salesian Missions, 2 Lefevre Lane, New Rochelle NY 10801-5710 Issue 268 • Summer/Fall 2013, Volume 65, No. 2 (Issn. 0036-3480)
Letter from the Editor Dear Friend and Partner in Mission! Our missionaries and the children we care for are blessed to have good friends like you. Together, you and our Salesians, will continue providing needy young people with real opportunities to better their lives. All across the globe we are doing what we can to make sure that these children are given a safe and nurturing environment, instead of a dead-end life on the streets. It is wonderful knowing that they are able to participate in programs and learn necessary skills that give them a sense of independence, as we continue living our mission: “Helping others to help themselves.” In this current issue of SALESIAN, you will see how our missionaries are helping exploited children who have worked as child laborers by offering them vocational and technical training. You will also read inspiring stories about a young man who endured a very difficult childhood, but persevered to receive his degree, and about the progress being made at a Salesian community center in the U.S. that assists low and moderate income families. Please look at the smiling young girl on the cover of this issue. She has joy and happiness in her life because of you. It is heartwarming to know that the love and support that you show for these needy youngsters is making such a difference in their lives. Please know that we will keep you and your loved ones in our prayers just as you have remembered the poor children we serve. God bless you for your kindness and goodness. Sincerely,
Father Mark Hyde, S.D.B. P.S. Consider making an extraordinary impact in the lives of poor children … build a chapel … invest in an annuity … or leave a legacy of hope by remembering Salesian Missions in your will. Your decisions today could impact the lives of needy children for generations to come. SALESIAN
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“They told us how the Salesian Annuity Plan could help poor children the world over. By investing a minimum of $5,000, we would receive a check from them on a regular basis for the rest of our lives! Not only that, but both our initial gift and the interest checks are tax deductible in part! “This gift is more than a lifetime investment – it brings us financial security and the satisfaction that our annuity will help the needy around the world for many lifetimes – long after we’ve been called to God. “Yes, the Salesians pay us a guaranteed rate of income, based on our age. We feel financially secure thanks to the Salesians.” – Salesian Annuity recipient
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Sum/Fall 2013
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The Face of Child Slavery
Eighteen years ago, a 12-yearold boy by the name of Iqbal Masih bravely and publicly denounced child slavery. He was later shot and killed on the street by the country’s textile union. Iqbal had worked as a slave in the textile industry starting at the age of four. He and most of the other children were tightly bound with chains to prevent escape. They worked 14 hours a day, seven days a week, with only a 30-minute break. Iqbal Masih, 12, murdered in When Iqbal was finally freed, 1995 for bravely speaking up he heroically became a witness to against child slavery. this experience, even speaking before parliaments and in Universities of the United States and the European Union. Just one look at his precious face reminds us of our moral obligation to help protect all exploited children. SALESIAN
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Millions of children all over the world do not have a chance to attend school, study, or to grow up in peace. As a result, many are vulnerable to child slavery and other abuses. Despite these risks, however, the efforts of the Salesians and others are making progress. In Ecuador, for example, the Salesian Foundation promotes various projects for the rescue and rehabilitation of street and working children. A boy named Washington is just one of many inspiring success stories. He turned up 15 years ago in the yard of the Salesian school of Guayaquil. He had run away from home at the
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Summer/Fall 2013
age of six, escaping his abusive parents. “I ended up on the streets begging for coins, and then drifted into other vices,” he recalls. A Salesian priest invited him to the school. “Everything changed,” says the young man, now aged 21. “I went to class, I learned to read and write and to do carpentry.” Today, he teaches at the Salesian school, helping other young people obtain the skills and tools needed to find work. “Everything I know I have learned here, and now I want to teach others,” he told the daily paper, El Comercio. At another Salesian program for at-risk children, the “Center for Nutritional and Pedagogical Support” in Cuenca, Ecuador, impoverished young boys and girls are protected from child labor and guaranteed a formal education. The Don Bosco Childline, a toll-free telephone hotline run by the Salesians in Bangalore, India, ensures that children in crisis have a place to turn for help. “My parents left me in a restaurant because they were
Although legally outlawed in India, child labor is rampant and many youngsters have little hope for a normal childhood.
unable to provide food for me,� cried a recent caller. The little boy worked like a slave in the restaurant for one meal a day until he was finally rescued and brought to the Salesian Center. For every child who is helped, however, many more still suffer. Brick factories and textile workshops in Afghanistan and India employ children and force them to work in miserable conditions. In Brazil, youngsters are employed in the coal mines. In Burma, they work in the sugar cane fields; in Egypt and Benin they pick cotton by hand; and in the Ivor y Coast they sweat in the cocoa plantations. In Sierra Leone, they dig for diamonds and in the Democratic Republic of Congo they labor in metal ore mines. House work, prostitution, and begging happen in every part of
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the world. Millions of children and young people are mistreated daily. Considered the world’s largest private provider of vocational and technical education, the Salesians offer hope and better futures to so many of these tragic children. Fr. Mark visiting one of the many Salesian homes for exploited and abandoned children.
“Ending child labor will be the work of those providing better opportunities,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, “And those better opportunities come from access to education.”
Whatever the number of enslaved children is, it is too high! The Salesians manage projects throughout the world to safeguard children at risk and give them the care and education they desperately need. Progress is being made, but much more help is needed. “World Day against Child Slavery” is commemorated each April 16th. But child slavery is present every day and is both a cause and a consequence of poverty. We are all called to do what we can to end this plague that destroys generations of children. Y 8
Summer/Fall 2013
What was once mud and straw... Millions of people throughout Africa, Central and South America, India and Asia are celebrating Mass and worshiping God in the most primitive conditions. Salesian missionaries are in desperate need of funds to build simple and decent houses of worship. You can have a Memorial Chapel built in honor of your favorite saint and dedicate it to anyone you wish – living or deceased. What a wonderful way to remember a loved one – and help the Lord’s most impoverished followers.
EACH CHAPEL IS A UNIQUE DESIGN THAT REFLECTS THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IT SERVES.
Is now this! Thanks to generous people like you!
You can make an individual gift to build a Memorial Chapel, or groups or organizations can pool their donations. If you wish, you can also specify in your will that a chapel be erected in your honor or for anyone you choose. Read more about our Chapel Building Program by visiting us online at:
www.salesianmissions.org/chapels
❏ Enclosed is my gift of $15,000.00 to build a Village Memorial Chapel. SUM/FALL 2013 ❏ Enclosed is my gift of $20,000.00 to build a Memorial Chapel in a remote and difficult area. ❏ Enclosed is my gift of $25,000.00 to build a Memorial Chapel in the most far removed and neglected area. PLEASE CHECK ONE:
❏ IN MEMORY OF: ❏ IN HONOR OF: ❏ DEDICATED TO:
NAME: ______________________________________________________________
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Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________________________Apt. #______ City____________________________State _____ Zip _______ Email: _____________________________________
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Notes From the Field: A personal account by Salesian Lay Missioner, LORENA ZAMORA
God Give Me Strength! “I asked for Strength and God gave me difficulties to make me stronger. I asked for Wisdom and God gave me problems to solve. I asked for Prosperity and God gave me a brain and energy to work. I asked for Courage and God gave me danger to overcome. I asked for Love and God gave me troubled people to help. I asked for Favors and God gave me opportunities. I received nothing I wanted but I received what I needed.� – Anonymous This quote has stayed with me since I first laid eyes on it. I find more meaning in it walking on this faith journey as a Salesian Lay Missioner (SLM). While in Bolivia, God has given me so many opportunities to grow as a better person, a better woman, and most importantly, a better Christian. On September 23, 2012 I left the U.S. to head to 10 Summer/Fall 2013
Okinawa, Bolivia, saying goodbye to everything and everyone I know and love. I will admit that it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done … but one of the most rewarding by far. Okinawa, a little town near Santa Cruz, is named for the Japanese community that settled here after WWII. It is a huge agricultural town surrounded by fields of sugar cane, wheat, quinoa and more. Most are owned by the Japanese and worked by the local Bolivians. But above all, Okinawa has lots and lots of loving children. As a Salesian Lay Missioner, I work in the only Catholic school in Okinawa, “Colegio San Francisco Xavier,” run by the Salesian Sisters. The other SLM’s and I teach English for grades Pre-K through 6th grade. We also teach Confirmation class every Sunday evening and will soon start an Oratory each Sunday morning. Three days a week we travel to about 15 rural communities on the outskirts of Okinawa. This is my favorite part of the week. The people who live here are very, very poor. Most of them work in the
Lorena - dedicated to the youngsters of Okinawa.
fields. Families live in houses made out of mud with rooftops of palm tree leaves and all dirt floors. Most of the houses have only one room besides the kitchen and usually there are 15 people or more living in one home. The restroom and shower are always outside. You see these types of houses not only in the outskirts, but also in Okinawa itself. We work at the local schools which usually have kids from 3 to 14 years of age crammed together in one classroom. We give the children SALESIAN 11
rainstorms, but also the heat and humidity can be unbearable at times. This creates a perfect climate for mosquitoes (Okinawa has a very high Dengue Fever epidemic) and many other weird looking creatures. I’ve seen things that I would never in a million years find in the States. Also, the food is different, the culture is different, traveling around Bolivia is different. There is only one paved Lorena surrounded by her beloved students. road. Although I may religious instruction and aftermiss home sometimes, I also apprewards play games and sing songs ciate where I am. with them. We take them for their Bolivia surprises me every day monthly physical check-ups and with good things and some not so hand out food and gifts for the good. But one thing I would never childrens’ families. If we have extra take for granted is how sweet and time, we sometimes tutor or teach polite the people are here. English outside of school to those Everywhere you walk, everyone says who ask for extra help. It’s a lot of hello. The kids jump up and down work but definitely worth it. and run up to me with the most lovBolivia is very different from the ing hugs and yelling “Teacher, U.S. in every way. We live in a very teacher!” It really reminds me why I tropical climate here – there are said yes to this in the first place. 12 Summer/Fall 2013
God has definitely been holding my hand on this journey. I encounter Him in the most simplest forms. I see Him in the kids I work with, I see Him in the people of Okinawa, in the Sisters, in my site partners – the beautiful blue skies, the trees and the fields and in all the nature that surrounds me everywhere I go . I know that without Him I wouldn’t have the courage to continue this journey. The people here have taught me so much about love, kindness, generosity and patience. I have also gained a great amount of courage. I feel that once I head back home, I will be able to do anything I set my mind to and nothing will stop me.
To my Salesian family back home, I ask you to pray for the people of Okinawa, who are so wonderful but have a really rough time surviving every day. I ask you to pray for not only my fellow SLM’s here in Bolivia, but also in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Cambodia and for our domestic volunteers. Lastly, I ask you to pray for me, asking God to keep me healthy and to continue giving me the courage and strength to fulfill my year of service. I will continue praying for you all, as I have been doing for the past months.
God bless,
Lorena
The Salesian Lay Missioners is a faith-based volunteer program that offers a unique opportunity to serve the poor children of the world. We sponsor domestic and international placements and require a 1 or 2 year commitment.
If you would like more information about this life-changing program, please write to:
Salesian Lay Missioners Attn: Adam Rudin 2 Lefevre Lane New Rochelle NY 10801-5710 Or visit our website at: www.SalesianLayMissioners.org or Email us at: slm@ salesianmissions.org SALESIAN 13
Share the Joy of Christmas and the New Year ... For For yourself, a loved one... or or family and friends! friends! Our new and very popular publications– “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” and our “2014 Angel Datebook” – are now available. Each book comes with a mailing envelope so you can send them to friends and loved ones. Share the joy and inspiration of the Christmas Season and the New Year. Send your request today for these beautiful books. Simply fill out the form below, indicate your choice and the quantity desired. The suggested donation is $2.00 for each book. For faster processing, call in your order or order online.
(actual size of books is 4” X 6”)
Summer/Fall 2013 Please send me the following books. My donation of $__________ is enclosed. (SUGGESTED DONATION IS $2.00 FOR EACH BOOk. MINIMUM REqUEST SHOULD BE FIvE
BOOkS OF ANY ONE TITLE)
“Sleep in Heavenly Peace” “2014 Angel Datebook”
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Send our new Christmas Book instead of an ordinary card!
Request these books on line at: www.salesianmissions.org/catalog 14 Summer/Fall 2013
Salesians In the U.S. And Canada the first Salesian missionaries set foot in California. The going Inwas1897, tough and slow – but the spirit of Don Bosco was with them and work progressed. Today over 335 Salesians are present and working with the young throughout the United States and Canada. 2009 saw the merging of the Salesian Eastern U.S. and Canadian Provinces. The hope of the Salesians in both countries is that this union, based in New Rochelle, New York will provide a more effective means of expanding Salesian works for the young and needy in North America.
Don Bosco Community Center Update by Father Richard Alejunas, S.D.B., Coordinator
Since our original story of the Don Bosco Community Center appeared in the Winter/Spring 2008 issue of Salesian Magazine, much has been accomplished‌ and much more still needs to be done! The DON BOSCO COMMUNITY CENTER (DBCC) in Port Chester, New York has a long and proud history of providing local community services for low and moderate income families, including a growing Hispanic immigrant population. SALESIAN 15
The current Learning Center serves over 75 children each day, but many must be turned away due to lack of space.
What started as a social, recreational and educational center in 1928 – founded by the Salesians of Don Bosco, the parishioners of the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Italian-American community of Port Chester – has transformed into a vital neighborhood resource that is open seven days a week. Over the past year, DBCC helped alleviate poverty, increase quality of life and build a strong civic society through the following programs: • The DON BOSCO BOYS & GIRLS CLUB which had 16,212 youth visits from its 906 neighborhood members, ages 8-18. More than half the youth members, who were unable to pay the $5 annual membership fee, were let in for free. • The DON BOSCO KIDS CAFÉ and 16 Summer/Fall 2013
SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM which served over 31,569 healthy snacks and free hot meals (suppers & lunches) to neighborhood children. • DON BOSCO SUMMER DAY CAMPS where 224 Port Chester youngsters were given the chance to participate in fun and healthy activities during July and August. More than 70% of campers received financial aid and over $75,000 in camp scholarships were awarded. • ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST WITH SANTA PARTY which brought holiday cheer to 500 local children.
Where we need to go and why we need to grow … In recent years, DBCC has expanded its services rapidly to meet the urgent needs of the poor. In 2003, the center was open approximately twenty hours a week to provide social service programs. Now, in 2013, it is open ninety-five hours a week offering an expansive array of social outreach programs. The impact has been enormous. Looking ahead, two new projects are planned as part of the DON BOSCO EDUCATION INITIATIVE, including:
The Don Bosco Boys and Girls Club offers a safe place to gather, form friendships and receive guidance.
• The new CULINARY ARTS INSTITUTE – CAFÉ ALMA to be housed at a local restaurant. In collaboration with local chefs and restaurant owners, DBCC began a culinary instruction program for teens but were confined by limited kitchen availability at the center. Only one course is currently offered in the evening since
the kitchen is used for a Soup Kitchen that serves adults at midday and children at dinner time. The proposed Culinary Arts Institute will enable the program to expand to three daily sessions: morning, afternoon, and evening. Teens and young adults will have the SALESIAN 17
Your help will allow the center to continue its work educating and providing safe after-school activities for local children.
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computer lab. Kids get turned away because the space is too small. One great result of this program is the successful transition of Spanish speaking children to English – opportunity to intern at local thus increasing the likelihood eateries, find work, or pursue of passing their New York further education in State exams and the culinary industry. being effectively In recent years, Furthermore, program DBCC has expanded mainstreamed into expansion will increase the local schools. its services rapidly capacity from 10-12 to meet the urgent As the needs of the students to 45-60. needs of the poor. community increases, the center must also • A new COMPUTER/ MEDIA SPACE to be expand. Help is deslinked to our current LEARNING perately needed to fund these CENTER. Presently, homework two new projects to fulfill the and English language tutors Center’s purpose and its motto: work with 75+ children a day “Building Community – One without the benefit of a formal Person at a Time.” Y 18 Summer/Fall 2013
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Is God calling you… to become a member of the Salesian Family, as a Priest, Brother, Sister or Cooperator?
• Don Bosco gathered a number of
priests and lay people together to found a religious congregation in the Catholic Church; to launch new approaches and new initiatives for the education of youth. He called this congregation the Salesian Society. It was named after St. Francis de Sales who was known for his kind and gentle manner, a trait which Don Bosco wanted his Salesians to acquire. Since that time, a large spiritual family has grown out of Don Bosco’s dream and vision, including the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters) and the Association of Salesian Cooperators. The Salesians can be found in over 130 countries, serving the young in schools, oratories, youth centers, training centers and parishes.
• •
For more information about SALESIAN PRIESTS and BROTHERS, please contact us: FATHER JAMES BERNING, S.D.B. SALESIAN OFFICE OF VOCATION MINISTRY 518-B VALLEY STREET, ORANGE, NJ 07050 Call: (973) 761-0201 • Email: info@salesiansofdonbosco.org Website: www.salesiansofdonbosco.org For more information about SALESIAN COOPERATORS, please contact us: MARCIAL GOMEZ ST. JOHN BOSCO CHURCH 2250 N. MCVICKER AVE., CHICAGO, IL 60639 Call: (708) 214-3664 Email: gomezmarcial@hotmail.com Website: www.salesian.ning.com
For more information about SALESIAN SISTERS, please contact us: SISTER COLLEEN, F.M.A. SALESIAN VOCATION OFFICE 659 BELMONT AVENUE, N. HALEDON, NJ 07508 Call: (732) 597-3988 • Email: happynun@yahoo.com Website: www.salesiansisters.org SALESIAN 19
Salesian Snapshots ... a scrapbook of stories from around the Salesian world SIERRA LEONE Saint John Bosco’ s Feast The Community of Don Bosco Fambul Childrens’ Home in Freetown, Sierra Leone, celebrated the Feast of St. John Bosco this year with parishioners and former street children. The childrens’ “Fambul Over 300 former street children Choir” added music and gathered with the Salesians to singing to the celebration of celebrate the Feast of St. John Bosco. the Mass. After the Solemn Eucharist, lunch was served to the nothing, now enjoy a safe home, food, children and staff members of the education and guidance – along with home. fun activities, which were always A four-hour cultural program folencouraged by Don Bosco himself! lowed as the youngsters played The children, who once lived and instruments and staged a talent show. survived on the streets, were thankful A live play which explained the life and happy to return to their Salesian and mission of Don Bosco was also home at the end of the day. presented to the enthusiastic crowd. Read more online at: www.salesianmissions.org/sierra-leone These children, who initially had 20 Summer/Fall 2013
ARGENTINA: Salesians Help Flood Victims The Salesians have initiated a program to help the victims of recent devastating floods in Buenos Aires, La Plata and surrounding areas in Many children and townspeople Argentina. helped distribute food and other supplies The program underto the stricken families. taken by youth groups and members of the Salesian Email. We had no drinking communities provides support water … electricity and various to people who have lost properservices were just starting to be ty, suffered damage to their restored. The view in the city homes, or were without water, was devastating, especially on electricity, communication or account of the number of dead transportation as a result of the and missing persons.” floods. Through your prayers and Just days after the flood, support, the Salesians came to Fr. Roque Cella, from the the aid of these flood victims in Community of the Sacred Heart Argentina, and life is returning to in La Plata, stated: “Until now, we normal. were completely cut off – no With your continued help electricity, no fixed line phones, and partnership we can continue no mobile phones once the batto respond to emergencies teries were run down, and no throughout the world. SALESIAN 21
CAMBODIA: New Vocational School Brings Hope Cambodia is in desperate need of more schools to educate its impoverished youth. The new Don Bosco Vocational Center in Kep – which officially The new Vocational Center is already opened this year – is a educating young people, but much more needs major step forward and to be done to complete the school. brings hope and opportunity to youth in need. hotel school is in the planning In a country where one out of stages that will prepare students every three families survives on for employment in the growing less than one dollar a day, the tourism industry. Salesian Don Bosco Vocational Our Salesian missionaries are Center is now ready to empower looking for additional funding to youth with the skills and knowledge support major infrastructure needed to break free from generaupgrades to the school, including tions of poverty and suffering. electrical improvements and a Although the school is operawater treatment system. These tional and already improving vital projects will help ensure the young lives, much work still long-term sustainability of the remains. Finishing touches are Vocational Center and offer hope being applied to the audiovisual for a bright future to even more installation, metal and wooddeserving students. working shops and campus roads Read more online at: www.salesianmissions.org/cambodia and pavements. In addition, a 22 Summer/Fall 2013
CROATIA: 2013 International Salesian Youth Games The 24th International Salesian Youth Games were held this past spring in Zagreb, Croatia. 1,036 youngsters from 13 counThe International Salesian Youth Games tries participated. opened with a “torch lighting” The objective of the and prayers. event was to encourage participation in sports to help spirit. In this environment he build character and instill values. spoke to the young people Every team was accompanied by about living a cheerful Christian a volunteer leader who acted as life that could lead to real holiits “heart,” almost like a spiritual ness. A Salesian presence in the guide. The games took as their field of sport is still important slogan: “Educate by Playing and and can be very effective, reachPlay by Educating” ing many young people who Rector Major, Fr. Pascual might otherwise receive no Chávez said, among other educative input.” things: “Right from the beginThe games concluded on the ning of the Oratory, Don Bosco evening of May 1st with an understood the educative value awards ceremony and each parof games and sport. He made ticipant received a medal. The the playground the center of the next International Salesian Youth house, a youthful environment Games will take place May, 2014 of joy, spontaneity, and family at Bratislava, Slovakia. Y SALESIAN 23
A Gift for Afghan Refugee Children
Their young lives have been filled with suffering. But thanks to the determination of the Salesians, Afghan refugee children living in Pakistan, have good reason to believe that brighter days are ahead … Until recently, these children had little hope. Their families were forced to flee their homes because of war, escaping to a foreign country where conditions are volatile. A lack of educational resources fueled the hardship. Many schools lacked sanitation and classroom walls were in danger of collapse. Salesian missionaries are now building new facilities, hiring more teachers and providing supplies – with the goal of having the schools become self-sufficient. Progress has been extraordinary. Schools are now structurally safe, with new bathrooms, and are equipped with books, desks, uniforms and even computers. 85% of 2,200 children are forecast to pass their examinations. On a recent visit to observe the program, Neill Holland of Salesian Missions in New York, was inspired by what he saw: “The students are among the most passionate of any I have seen in the world,” he reported. “They are more brighteyed, energetic, and outgoing than you would ever imagine considering what these kids have witnessed, fleeing across the border with their families, and for many, a life-long war in their homeland.” When you make our mission your mission – you give youth around the globe hope for a better life. On behalf of those touched by your kindness, thank you and God bless you. Y 24 Summer/Fall 2013
Patrick’s Story: From Street to University Imagine
yourself at age six, without your parents, mistreated by your relatives and put in charge of caring for your younger siblings. Any one of these situations would be cause enough to end up on the street. That’s what happened to Patrick, but he was blessed enough to meet someone who could give him reason to dream once again. Here is his story: My name is Patrick Ngugi Gichuhi. I was born in Kenya of a very humble family in 1986. I am the first of six children in a family of four boys and two girls. I had dreams just like any kid in a family. However, all these dreams were to be shattered in the years that followed. In 1991 my parents separated because my dad was a marijuana dealer, and he spent most of the time in prison rather than taking care of his family. My mother reached a breaking point after a series of SALESIAN 25
Fr. Anthony Mundamattam, Director of Operations at Bosco Boys in Kenya, with former street children now on the road to a bright future!
efforts to persuade my father to leave his illegal business – and then she abandoned us all. My father decided to take my brothers and I to our rural home in Nyeri, but instead of taking us straight to my grandfather’s house, (he was not in good terms with the extended family on my mother’s side) he dumped us in a nearby town called Kiganjo, and gave me the responsibility of taking care of my three younger brothers and finding my relatives. I finally found family members who could look after us, but to my surprise they weren’t at all accepting of us. There was a lot of mistreatment from my relatives. They didn’t take us in as their own and instead saw us as a burden. So in 1992 my younger brothers and I ran away from Nyeri and eventually reached Nairobi. There we became street kids. We decided to hustle, find food through begging, and always slept 26 Summer/Fall 2013
on the street. That lasted two long years. In 1995 we got arrested and were charged for being unlicensed parking attendants and were sent to a detention center at Kabete. A year later, the public prosecutor saw that nobody was coming to claim us and asked me what I wanted to do. I had heard some boys in the center talking of a place called Don Bosco where children could go to school, get nice food and clothes. Without hesitation, I said I wanted to be taken to Don Bosco! I was accepted into the Salesian home at Kariua, Nairobi, one of the Bosco Boys Program locations and began to study. Thanks to my good school grades, I became part of the first group at the Salesian school that advanced to senior classes in
Don Pascual Chávez, Salesian Rector Major, surrounded by a large group of “Bosco Boys.”
the public school. I completed everything there, and then with God’s grace, finished up with an International Business Administration degree specializing in finance. I am sincerely grateful to the Salesians of Don Bosco for their effort and determination in assisting young people like me to transform our lives. I also cannot forget all the benefactors and well-wishers who did so much to see me succeed in life. Most importantly I cannot forget our good Lord, Jesus Christ, who has made this success story a reality. At the end, indeed we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received or how much money we have made, or how many great things we have done. We will be judged by “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me.” (Matthew 25:34-36) The overall goal of Bosco Boys
is to provide a home, basic human needs and spiritual nourishment to needy children who formally lived (or are currently living) on the streets. Emphasis is put on education, because it is a necessary tool in equipping street children to become self-reliant. It allows them to become independent citizens capable of making a positive change in society. In addition to providing education, the Salesians also endeavor to meet the childrens’ basic needs of food, clothing and shelter – all in a loving, family atmosphere. This they do with the aim of providing an environment conducive to making a positive change in the lives and well-being of these former street children. Y SALESIAN 27
Improving Lives One Partnership (and One Pair of Shoes) at a Time n impoverished communities throughout the globe, children arrive at school in tattered shoes or barefoot (often after walking long distances). This can be a shameful and difficult experience that affects their ability to learn. But with the help of Salesian Mission’s partnership with TOMS, children are discovering how a new pair of shoes can brighten their lives and help them focus on their education.
I
Last year, TOMS employees made a trip to a Salesian center in Guatemala to see first-hand the difference that the Salesians are making in rural communities, and how new shoes are integrated into existing development programs. They heard from many women in the community who shared how their lives have been improved because of the work of the Salesians. The TOMS One for One. ÂŽ model provides new shoes repeatedly to children as they grow, by establishing a long-term commitment with partners. Salesian Missions was chosen by TOMS as a Giving Partner because they can ensure shipments make it into the hands (and onto the feet) of those whose lives will be impacted the most. 28 Summer/Fall 2013
by the Salesians which center around education that provides pathways to new opportunities. The new partnership has already provided shoes to thousands of youth participating in Salesian programs in countries including Guatemala, Uganda, the Philippines and Mexico.
The partnership between TOMS and Salesian Missions is making a real difference. Children no longer stand out among their classmates and they gain comfort in knowing kind and generous people care about them. Most importantly, children who receive the shoes gain a sense of pride and confidence that enables them to succeed in school and build hope for a better future.
About the Partnership Since 2012, Salesian Missions has partnered with TOMS to provide new shoes for children living in impoverished communities. New shoes are integrated into the full range of programs offered
About TOMS In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in a village in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One.速 Five years later, TOMS realized this movement could serve other basic needs and launched TOMS Eyewear. With every pair purchased, TOMS will help give sight to a person in need. One for One.速 As more everyday choices have the power to impact the lives of those around the world, the TOMS movement will continue to grow and evolve. Y SALESIAN 29
Count Your Blessings - Grant a Wish! The Salesians work in over 130 countries. Just imagine, then, how many of our missionaries write to tell us of their hopes and dreams, trials and successes. Maybe, as you count your blessings, you could grant a wish. God bless you! Fr. Mark
WISHES OF
THE
MONTH
• Help end child slavery. Salesians provide safe homes, education and hope for homeless, exploited and enslaved children throughout the world. See pg.5.
• Our Salesian Lay Missioners program, is in need of funds to support the volunteers during their 1 - 2 year commitment to help improve the lives of poor youth in our global missions. See pg. 10.
• Father Richard Alejunas, Coordinator of the Don Bosco Community Center in Port Chester, New York, asks your help in expanding the educational programs offered at the center to needy children and families. See pg. 15.
• The Salesian “Bosco Boys” Project In Nairobi, Africa, must continue the work of offering a safe haven for street children to lead productive, healthy lives. Can you help? See pg. 25.
• Valued partnerships like TOMS Shoes … and you … help us ship shoes, coats, books and food to poor children around the globe. See pg. 28.
GRANT A WISH REPLY FORM
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SUM/FALL 2013
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Thanks to all of you who returned the pewter pieces your received in our mailing earlier this year. Once again we were able to create another beautiful pewter chalice to use in our chapel. It is used here at Salesian Missions for one year, then sent to one of our mission chapels. Each chalice is a symbol of your love and dedication for poor youth and families around the globe. May God bless you for caring.
SALESIAN 31
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