Salesians Highlight African Programs for “children at risk” in Armed Forces’ Recruitments

In countries around the globe, the officials say, “Salesian missionaries work with former child soldiers so that they may overcome the traumas of war and reintegrate into society.”

In the West African nation of Liberia, Mary Help of Christians School run by Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco – FMA) is empowering young students, majority are former child soldiers, with educational support.

Started in 1993 with over 560 students, the school also has a feeding program benefiting over 100 students on a daily basis.

To widen their support for the former child soldiers, Don Bosco Technical High School located in Monrovia launched a vocational training course for electro-technicians in 2019.

“An afternoon class is available to high school students, which complements their current educational path,” Salesian Missions officials say in the February 12 report, and add, “There is also a morning class for young workers to help them obtain certification to improve their options in the workforce.”

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They further say that the launch of the electro-technician training was part of an initiative that included the renovation of existing space at Don Bosco Technical High School to transform it into a workshop.

The officials say that the aim of the initiative was to “respond to the needs of the labor market while ensuring youth have access to vocational and technical training that assists them in finding long-term stable work.” 

They say that the electro-technician course is available each year to 90 high school students and 30 uncertified electricians.

In Mali, Salesian officials say that Père Michael Training Center in Bamako is bringing joy, providing education, and cultivating peace among children and older youth. 

“The center keeps its doors open all day and provides support to hundreds of youth from the Niarela district and the outskirts of the city. It also works as a deterrent for children being recruited as child soldiers,” the officials of the SDB entity say.

They further say that the youth come to the center to participate in co-curricular activities, and that the center also “provides a safe haven where youth have an opportunity to live, dream of a future, study, and learn the importance of being committed and collaborating in groups.”

The aim of the center, the officials say, is to keep young people aged between 12 to 25 years from the streets and from abusing drugs.

Those enrolled at the center are offered an educational space that also fosters cultural activities and allows the development of values, thus keeping the vulnerable youth away from the streets.

“Salesian missionaries have been able to access sports equipment for the girls' basketball team, set up a music training center, and organize health and hygiene awareness days to prevent diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle,” officials of the New-York-based Salesian entity say.

IDAUCS, also referred to as Red Hand Day, is an annual event marked on February 12. The day was started when the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict entered into force on 12 February 2002.

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This protocol was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) in May 2000 and has been ratified by 168 UN member states.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.