The most important contribution the SALESIANS have made
to international development is in the field of youth education.
Since its inception, Salesians
have run 3,408 schools, working
with over 3 million young men and women in 131 countries,
with a focus on teaching poor, disadvantaged, and street youths
of all ethnic, religious, and background groups so that they may
lead a healthy, successful lifestyle. There are two types of Salesian
education programs: Life Skills training at youth centers, and
classroom learning, both formal and vocational, at technical
vocational training or professional schools (trade schools).
SALESIAN YOUTH CENTERS provide continuous mentoring of
children, engaging them in a variety of formal education programs
as well as in personal growth activities such as reading, sports,
drama, craft making and counseling. Through “Life Skills” training,
youth are exposed to a learning system involving the integral
formation of the person as an individual and as a member of a
community. Youth centers also work closely with the family of
youths to promote their education in broader social, health-related,
and economic aspects, especially with families of girls.
• SALESIANS run 559 Trade/Technical
school, comprised of six-months to
four-year courses designed to develop
a productive, skilled workforce.
• Skill trades taught include tool and
die-making, printing and allied trades,
sewing, auto-mechanics, electronics,
welding, dressmaking, woodworking,
computer and office skills, among others.
Salesians are increasingly opening
their vocational education to provide
gender equity opportunities and focusing
on a three-fold programmatic
approach to education: community
empowerment, skills training, and job
placement within communities and
private sector. |
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