Youth Ministry Team

The Salesian Youth Ministry in the Africa Nigeria–Niger (ANN) Province offers a coordinated, youth-centred presence across urban and rural communities, rooted in the charism of Saint John Bosco: accompaniment, reason, religion and loving-kindness. Its core aim is to encounter young people where they are, promote integral formation, and create pathways from education and recreation into dignified work and Christian discipleship. The Youth Ministry basically has five aspects: Youth Centres, vocations, schools (Formal and TVETS), Salesian Parishes, and social services.

Youth centres are the practical heartbeat of the ministry. Often attached to parishes or schools, these centres provide safe after-school spaces, life-skills workshops, sports, arts programs, and non-formal catechesis. They prioritise outreach to vulnerable and out-of-school youth through mentorship, literacy classes, entrepreneurship training and short TVET modules that build marketable skills (carpentry, tailoring, ICT, hospitality). Centres also serve as hubs for youth leadership formation and peer ministry.

Salesian parishes serve as pastoral anchors: sacramental ministry, family outreach, and community events are delivered with a special focus on young people and their families. Parish programs intentionally link catechesis with practical services — preparing youth for civic engagement, vocation discernment, and community leadership — while fostering small-group accompaniment (oratory-style gatherings) that combine faith, fun and formation.

Vocations work is proactive and vocationally sensitive. The province runs vocation promotion activities in schools and youth centres, offers weekend and summer vocation experiences, and maintains aspirant and formation houses where interested young people receive spiritual accompaniment, basic formation, and exposure to Salesian educational and pastoral life. This approach seeks to discern both priestly and lay Salesian vocations, encouraging local leadership and lay collaboration.

Social services form an important dimension: child-care and rehabilitation programs, street-youth outreach, family counselling, and limited health and nutrition initiatives. Where gaps exist, Salesian communities partner with local NGOs and diocesan social arms to extend shelter, legal aid, and emergency relief.

Education is a signature strength. The province runs formal schools (primary and secondary) that combine academic excellence with moral formation, and an expanding network of TVET centres offering accredited, job-oriented training. These institutions intentionally link