Salesians of Don Bosco
Across the Globe, We Are United in Our Dedication to The Building of Young Ones
The Salesians of Don Bosco is an esteemed international non-profit religious congregation dedicated to empowering youth and transforming lives. Founded by St. John Bosco, commonly known as Don Bosco, in the 19th century, the Salesians have grown to become a global organization with a profound impact on the lives of young people around the world.
Driven by their mission to be a loving presence among young people, the Salesians strive to create a better future for youth through education, pastoral care, and social development. Inspired by Don Bosco’s teachings and his preventive system of education, the congregation works tirelessly to provide young people with the tools, skills, and values necessary to thrive in today’s complex world.
With a presence in numerous countries across the globe, the Salesians serve diverse communities, embracing cultural diversity and fostering inclusivity. They engage in a wide range of educational, vocational, and social projects, establishing schools, technical institutes, youth centers, and orphanages to provide holistic support to young people in need.
As an international non-profit religious organization, the Salesians are driven by their unwavering commitment to social justice, equality, and the well-being of all individuals, especially the marginalized and disadvantaged. They actively collaborate with local communities, governments, and other organizations to address the pressing issues faced by young people, including poverty, lack of education, unemployment, and social exclusion.
The Salesians’ work is characterized by their dedication, compassion, and innovative approaches to youth empowerment. They strive to create a nurturing and supportive environment where young people can develop their talents, discover their potential, and become responsible citizens of the world.
Guided by the principles of love, reason, and faith, the Salesians of Don Bosco continue to make a significant difference in the lives of countless young people. Their mission is not merely to provide assistance, but to instill hope, empower individuals, and inspire positive change that will have a lasting impact on society.
Through their unwavering commitment and global reach, the Salesians of Don Bosco remain steadfast in their pursuit of creating a world where every young person has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
Who We Are -ANN PROVINCE
We transform youths at risk into successful citizens by equipping them with the skills they need to stay out of danger.
Since 1982 when the first Salesians stepped into Nigeria till date, the Salesians of Don Bosco have been studying the needs of children and young people in several parts of the country, listening and trying to read the ‘signs of time’ and intervening positively in their lives. Based on the philosophy of the organisation, which is working with and for young people, we believe firmly in the value of each person and making impacts in the development of youths especially through education, empowerment and skills training. With millions of children and young people living in extreme poverty, most of them abandoned, untrained and exploited, Nigeria has remained an active location for Salesian activities in order to give the vulnerable and disadvantaged young people hope for a better future.
Following the arrival of the first Salesians and realising the enormous work in Nigeria, the organisation has opened centres in 8 cities spread across the geopolitical zones of Nigeria;
• Akure in Ondo State, southwest Nigeria (1982)
• Ondo Town in Ondo State, southwest Nigeria (1982)
• Onitsha in Anambra State, southeast Nigeria (1988)
• Ibadan in Oyo State, southwest Nigeria (2002)
• Lagos State, southwest Nigeria (2011)
• Abuja, north central Nigeria (2013)
• Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria (2014)
• Koko in Kebbi State, northwest Nigeria (2014)
It must be noted that the Salesians of Don Bosco plan to spread to other locations in the very near future especially Edo State, Rivers State and Benue State.
In Nigeria, the Salesians of Don Bosco, as an organisation has made huge impact in its contribution to TVET development/promotion of skills acquisition, youth empowerment, girl-child education, provision of health to vulnerable groups, creating access to employment/jobs, rehabilitation of street children, social pastoral, education, community development, advocacy, assistance to children, youth & women at-risk and youth animation.
To achieve the mission of the organisation in Nigeria, the Salesians have established TVET centres in Ondo, Onitsha, Ijebu Ode and Koko Kebbi, health centre in Akure, Job Service Offices, Don Bosco Secondary School in Onitsha, Bosco Boys Home for street children in Ibadan and Lagos, Farm project in Sagamu and engaged in advocacy and awareness campaigns on HIV/AIDS, Pro-Life and the dangers of irregular migration and human trafficking. Through the Provincial Development Organism (PDO), the office responsible for all projects, the Salesians of Don Bosco have achieved laudable projects in Nigeria.
Our Approach
We Facilitate Safe Learning Spaces
At our core, we are committed to facilitating safe learning spaces for individuals of all ages. We believe that every person has the right to access education in an environment that is nurturing, inclusive, and secure. Whether it’s through our schools, training centers, or educational programs, we prioritize the well-being and safety of learners.
Creating safe learning spaces involves more than just physical security. We strive to foster an atmosphere of respect, understanding, and acceptance, where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves, engaging in discussions, and exploring their potential. Our dedicated staff members are trained to promote positive relationships, prevent bullying and discrimination, and address any concerns that may arise. We are dedicated to providing an environment where learners can grow academically, socially, and emotionally, free from fear or harm.
To ensure the safety of our learning spaces, we implement comprehensive policies and procedures, conduct regular risk assessments, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including parents, community members, and authorities. We believe in proactive measures to safeguard the well-being of our learners, including robust child protection protocols, adherence to safety regulations, and continuous professional development for our staff to stay updated on best practices. Our commitment to facilitating safe learning spaces is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of education and our dedication to nurturing the potential of every individual we serve.
04.
— Our CORE VALUES
- Transparency
- Mutual respect for each other
- Honesty
- Accountability
- Collective responsibility
- Respect for the rights of the child
01.
— Our Mission
We educate, train, form, inspire, promote self-sufficiency among youths for a productive transition into adulthood and empower young people towards human, social and spiritual growth in line with the goals of the International Cooperation for Development.
02.
— Our Vision
Our vision is to use the rich cultural and traditional values of Nigeria to enhance, through the principles of faith as lived by Don Bosco, the integral transformation of children and young people who are victims of ethnic and religious conflicts, widespread poverty and abuse of human rights into intellectual, knowledgeable and competent individuals, morally upright, socially committed and spiritually inspired citizens imbued with authentic Nigerian values at the service of Nigeria and the world today and tomorrow.
03.
— Our AIMS and OBJECTIVES
- Educate Young People to become value based and productive Citizens for the Development of Nigeria.
- Promote quality Education by enabling promising young men and women to become self-reliant.
- Provide Youth with Technical Training and Economic Support to promote Self-employment.
- Work for Social & Human Development of Youth into the worldwide movement against poverty.
- Professionalise our Human Development work, meeting the needs of deprived youth in an adequate way and at the lowest cost.
- Improve Sustainable Development and Human Promotion Projects.
05.
— Our GOOD PRACTICES
- Effective collaboration with development partners and Stakeholders
- Participating at local and international network activities/programmes.
- Partnering with other organizations on common objectives.
- Best management of donor resources to improve existing alarming situations.
- Accountable to donor/partner funding.
- Strategic Plan developed for effective and efficient service delivery.
- Implementing projects which brings positive impact on targeted groups.