Summer 2012
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Juvenile Detention Center Shows At-Risk Youth The Value Of Salesian Program As youngsters from the Salesian Don Bosco Center in Naples, Italy, toured a juvenile detention center, they saw firsthand where they could have ended up if not for the dedication of the Salesians and the generosity of caring friends like you. These visiting children had managed to escape lives of drugs, crime, homelessness and hunger by finding safe refuge at the Salesian facility, which is home to 90 kids ranging in age from 11 to 18. They had been placed in the care of the Salesians by city social services, juvenile courts and other organizations that assist children in need. In stark contrast, the detention center was filled with young inmates who ended up on a
different, more tragic path. In many ways, they were very much like their peers from Don Bosco – they were of similar ages, backgrounds and in some cases, even friends and family members. But the primary difference between the two groups can be attributed to the impact of the Don Bosco Center. As part of their visit to the
detention center, the Don Bosco children performed their own variation of the popular musical “Grease.” Theater plays an important role in the artisticrecreational activities offered by the Salesians because it’s an effective way to instill confidence, develop social skills and keep kids engaged. The entire experience was very emotional for everyone and the response was overwhelmingly appreciative. At the end of the show, as the children from Don Bosco were getting ready to leave, one of the incarcerated youngsters approached with tears in his eyes and said, “I feel even sadder this evening because I could have come here as an actor rather than being a spectator!”
This Month’s Child
Name:
Pyalo
Age:
7 Years Old
Home:
Togo, West Africa
At the tender age of just seven years old, a precious little girl named Pyalo had already been sold into domestic slavery by her impoverished parents looking for a few extra dollars and one less mouth to feed. Even more appalling, the practice of selling poor children to rich families is considered acceptable in many West African cultures. In fact, it’s even regarded as a s tatus s y mb ol for th e wealthy to own a “bonne” – which is the upscale label given to these child slaves. Against the overwhelming forces of a society that tolerates such human injustices, the Salesians in Togo are fighting for the rights – and the freedom – of young girls like Pyalo.
They first attempt to convince parents not to succumb to the temptation of quick dollars at the expense of the wellbeing of their child. If that doesn’t work, the Salesians then take the young girls into their care at the Don Bosco Center for Girls. The lives of thousands of girls are at stake in Togo alone. Until every one of them is rescued from slavery, the Salesians will continue their efforts to save each one. It’s a mission only made possible with your continued kindness and generosity. Please visit the Youtube link below to learn more about child slavery in Africa: http://youtu.be/dltX3QaZTRk
This Month’s Call For Prayer Too many children around the world are victims of abuse and exploitation. Please pray that our missionaries around the world have the resources and funding to provide the love, protection, guidance and support these children desperately need.