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Our magazine features in-depth stories of children who are turning their lives around, missionaries who are performing extraordinary work, and programs that are making a significant difference.
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SALESIAN®
Summer/Fall 2012
SALESIAN • Published Bi-Annually • Since 1950 • Salesian Missions, 2 Lefevre Lane, New Rochelle NY 10801-5710Issue 266 • Summer/Fall 2012, Volume 64, No. 2 (Issn. 0036-3480)
Leave a Legacyof Love and Hope…
And HelpMake the World aBetter Place.
One person, like you,can make a significant difference. Yourdecision to remember Salesian Missions inyour Will can bring positive change to thefuture of thousands of needy childrenstruggling each day just to survive.
Our programs around the world aresaving these precious lives… and helpingto make the world a better place.
By including Salesian Missions in yourplanned giving, your heart and soul areforever part of these good works.
So consider leaving a legacy of love andhope that will live on in generations to come.
Please remember Salesian Missionsin your Will…
2 LEFEVRE LANE, PO BOX 728NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728
TEL: (914) 633-8344
Want to know who we are,where we began,
and who inspires our work?Visit us at our website:
www.salesianmissions.orgWe’ll send you to over 130 countries
where the Salesians are working for theyoung, the poor and the abandoned.You will discover the many ways theSalesians offer a path for partnership.
Hope to see you soon!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE PG
A Legacy With Lasting ImpactHow one man’s generosity ismaking a difference for generationsof disadvantaged youth . . . . . . . 5
Notes From the Field:A personal account bySalesian Lay Missioner,Anne Dauer . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Salesians in the U.S. and Canada:Don Bosco Cristo Rey HighSchool, Washington DC . . . .16
Salesian Snapshots . . . . . . . . . 21
Rice Delivery Brings ExcitementTo Orphaned Children . . . . 26
A Second Chance At LifeHow a runaway child ended upon the path to a brighter future . . 28
3SALESIAN
Dear Friend and Partner in Mission!
I am so grateful to our dedicated missionaries and goodfriends like you who help us bring smiles, joy and hope to poorchildren around the globe. Thanks to your generosity, wehave been able to both expand and open new facilities thatgive these children the chance for a much brighter future.
As youngsters gain a sense of worth and self-confidence, I know they wishthey could personally thank each of you.
In this current issue of SALESIAN, you will witness how your caring handshave touched lives as far away as Argentina, where our school is giving youngpeople an opportunity for a quality education. For most of them, this is a dreamcome true. You will also learn about a unique Salesian high school inWashington, DC where at-risk youth can attend school and attain hands-onwork experience. Then it’s on to India, Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka andSlovakia where Salesians are endlessly working for the welfare of needy youth.
As you read through these pages, please realize that all this amazing, life-saving work would not be possible without you!
Since times are financially difficult for many people throughout the country,I am especially grateful and humbled by your generous sacrifices. We cannotthank you enough for all the good you do and we will continue to pray for you andyour loved ones. God bless you for your thoughtfulness!
Sincerely,
Father Mark Hyde, S.D.B.
P.S. For our online friends, please go to www.salesianmissions.org/dream forthe touching video about a homeless young boy helped by the Salesians inthe Philippines because of the goodness and generosity of good people likeyou. Thank you for caring and sharing.
Letter from the Editor
SALESIAN MISSIONSFINANCIAL PLANNING OFFICE2 LEFEvRE LANE, PO BOX 728,NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728
Send me more information about the returns and tax deductions I would receive under theSalesian Missions Annuity Plan. I understand that all personal information you receive about mewill be kept absolutely confidential. (Minimum amount for a gift annuity is $5,000 and theminimum age requirement is 55 deferred to age 60, or age 60 for immediate annuity)
WE CANNOT SEND INFORMATION WITHOUT DATE OF BIRTH
Name __________________________________________
Date of birth ___________________________ Sex______
Address ____________________________ Apt. #_______
City ____________________________________________
State _________________________ Zip_______________
Email __________________________________________
�Yes! Show me how I can help the children and myself!
AMOUNT OF GIFT CONSIDERED $ ___________
“ ”The Salesians showed us howwe could have income for life…and help the poor, too!
Give...& receive!Give...& receive!
“They told us how the Salesian Annuity Plan
could help poor children the world over. By
investing a minimum of $5,000, we would receive
a check from them on a regular basis for the rest
of our lives! Not only that, but both our initial gift
and the interest checks are tax deductible in part!
“This gift is more than a lifetime investment –
it brings us financial security and the satisfaction
that our annuity will help the needy around
the world for many lifetimes – long after
we’ve been called to God.
“Yes, the Salesians pay us a guaranteed
rate of income, based on our age. We
feel financially secure thanks to the
Salesians.” – Salesian Annuity recipient
Sum/Fall 2012
FOR JOINT ANNUITY (PLEASE PRINT):NAME OF OTHER PARTICIPANT:_________________________________________________________
DATE OF BIRTH: MONTH_______ DAY________YEAR ________
CONTACT US TODAYFOR OUR FIXED
RATES OF RETURN!FOR EXAMPLE, A 69-YEAR-OLDWILL GET A 5.0% RETURN!
FOR SINGLE ANNUITY (PLEASE PRINT):(Not available in the state of Washington)
From humble beginnings, the Pascual GentiliniAgricultural School in San Jose, Argentina, has blossomedinto a first-rate educational and training institution.Throughout the years, it has been credited for enablingthousands of disadvantaged young people to break freefrom the grip of poverty.
The school would not be in existence today if not for thegenerosity and vision of one man – the school’s namesake –nearly one hundred years ago. In his will, Mr. Gentilinidonated the land upon which the school is built. Hestipulated that his gift should benefit the neediest childrenand that the entire project be left in the capable handsof the Salesians.
Father Juan Guerra rose to the challenge andspearheaded the construction of the school. In 1931,he welcomed the first small group of students –
A LegacyWith Lasting ImpactHow one man’s generosity is making a differencefor generations of disadvantaged youth
5SALESIAN
Summer/Fall 20126
One of our manyeager students standsin front of the modern,well equipped school.However, it is always achallenge to cover theever-growing cost ofbuilding maintenance,equipment andsupplies.
sons of poor farmers and immi-grants.
The children huddled together,timid and cautious of the paththey would be taking. But soon,the caring gentle ways of theSalesians boosted their confi-dence and gained their trust. Theboys were offered a safe home,an education in farming meth-ods, and most of all, hope for thefuture.
As word spread of the chil-dren’s success, so did requests forenrollment. The school began toexpand and offer a greater selec-tion of courses. In 1947, it intro-
duced a basic program of “FarmManager” which later evolved into“General Agronomist”, an officialcertification still issued today.
The Gentilini AgriculturalSchool has come a long way. It nowserves 209 students from impover-ished families, supported by 40teachers and 32 staff members.Technical training involves up tosix years of study and includeslessons in community service, veg-etable gardening, cooking, music,annual crops, cultivation of tea,fruit farming, zootechnics, bee-keeping, cattle-raising, leadershiptraining and social work.
SALESIAN
(Above) Field work giveshands-on experiencein farming techniques
to the students..
(Right) Students gathertogether in front of one ofthe classroom buildings.
7
Students are enthusiastic abouttheir educational opportunitiesand are eager to learn modernmethods of farming combined withpractical business management.When they graduate, they willreturn home with the knowledgeand skills to not only improve theirown lives, but those of their fami-
lies and neighbors aswell. It’s the fulfillment ofa dream made possible by thegenerosity of Mr. Gentilini and thededication of many Salesian mis-sionaries and lay people through-out the years.
Like Mr. Gentilini, you too canleave a legacy of love and hopethat will live on in generations tocome. Please consider remember-ing Salesian Missions in your will.For more information, call orwrite to us or visit our website:www.salesianmissions.org. Y
Summer/Fall 20128
A warm, sincere THANK YOUto those of you who participatedin our Haiti Banner Appeal.
You took the time to writeyour prayer intentions andheartfelt messages on the cloth piece youreceived and returned to us. Now they arepart of this beautiful, inspirational bannerwhich will be displayed in a Salesian facilityin Haiti.
The youngsters who use this facilitywill always be reminded of your love forthem every time they see the banner youhelped create.
God bless you for caring!
Thank You!
A GiftFrom YouTo Haiti…
With Love!
SUM/FALL 2012
(PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY)
Is now this!Thanks to
generous peoplelike you!
� Enclosed is my gift of $15,000 to build a Village Memorial Chapel.� Enclosed is my gift of $20,000 to build a Memorial Chapel in a remote and difficult area.� Enclosed is my gift of $25,000 to build a Memorial Chapel in the most far removed
and neglected area.PLEASE CHECK ONE: � IN MEMORY OF: � IN HONOR OF: � DEDICATED TO:
NAME: ______________________________________________________________
� Please send me more information. (You can also E-mail or phone us, if you wish)Name____________________________________________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________________________Apt. #______
City____________________________State _____ Zip _______ Email: _____________________________________
2 LEFEVRE LANE, PO BOX 728 • NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728TELEPHONE: (914) 633-8344 • Email: [email protected]
Millions of people through-out Africa, Central andSouth America, India andAsia are celebrating Mass
and worshiping God in the most primitive conditions.Salesian missionaries are in desperate need of funds tobuild simple and decent houses of worship.
You can have a Memorial Chapel built in honor ofyour favorite saint and dedicate it to anyone youwish – living or deceased. What a wonderful way toremember a loved one – and help the Lord’s mostimpoverished followers.
EACH CHAPEL IS A UNIQUE DESIGNTHAT REFLECTS THE NEEDS OF THELOCAL COMMUNITY IT SERVES.
You can make an individual gift tobuild a Memorial Chapel, or groupsor organizations can pool theirdonations. If you wish, you canalso specify in your will that achapel be erected in your honoror for anyone you choose.
What was once mud and straw...
SALESIAN 9
Notes From the Field:A personal accountby Salesian Lay Missioner, ANNE DAUER
Summer/Fall 201210
Transforming theLives of Needy
Children at Don BoscoDeodurga, India
When 5-year-old Peterarrived at Don BoscoDeodurga – a boarding schoolfor some of the poorest chil-dren on earth – he clung tohis older sisters, Mariammaand Shantamma, in fear. Hisonly possessions were a pairof torn pajamas, two shirtswith missing buttons and apair of shorts. The girls hadonly two dresses each.
Anne cherished her time working amongthe children, who radiated such joy
when shown a bit of kindness and caring.
SALESIAN 11
Don Bosco Deodurga wasabout to become their new homeand the Salesians made sure thechildren felt welcome and safe. Itwas only a matter of minutesbefore three big smiles appearedon their happy faces.
It had been a long journey forthe three siblings. They were bornin one of the remote villages ofDeodurga, located in the state ofKarnataka in southern India. Arecent study identified the regionas one of the most undevelopedplaces in Asia due to extremepoverty, lack of education andarchaic traditions.
Most of the villagers are illiterate
in their own language and lackbasic knowledge about hygiene,health and finances. Sickness, dis-ease and death are common. Oftenan entire village can be strickenwith the same fungal infectionbecause all the mothers havewashed their families’ clothes inthe same puddle of muddy water.And, if a child becomes ill,chances are he or she will bedenied proper treatment becausethe hospital is too far away andmedicine is too expensive.
Rats, poisonous snakes, strayanimals and various insects fur-ther add to the risk and misery ofliving in these villages.
Poor familiesof Deodurgastruggle for foodand shelter. Thissimple hut andrudimentarytools are acommon sightin the region.
Because parents are unedu-cated, they see no need for theirchildren to attend school. Thisattitude traps newer generationsinto an impoverished lifestyle,and prevents them from ever get-ting the chance to leave their vil-lages. When children are oldenough, they are expected towork in order to help supporttheir families. Girls, who are gen-erally considered to be a burden,are married off at a young age.
Peter, and sisters Mariammaand Shantamma are typical vic-tims of this humanitarian tragedy.
Their mother, Sivamma, was givenup for marriage at the age of 15 toa 26-year-old unskilled laborermaking 70 cents a day.
The family was barely surviv-ing when, two years ago, a series ofdisasters struck. A poisonoussnake had crawled into their hutand fatally bit a fourth siblingwhile she slept. Soon afterward,heavy rains decimated the make-shift structure and the grievingfamily was left homeless on anannual income of just $223.
That’s when the Salesianscame to their rescue.
Good hygiene iscritical in partsof the worldwhere resourcesare scarce anddiseases spreadeasily. Here,children aretaught to brushtheir teeth withclean watersupplied tothe area.
Summer/Fall 201212
The family was given a spareroom at a nearby church until anew home could be built. In addi-tion, one of the Salesian priestsarranged to have the three school-aged children attend Don BoscoDeodurga for free, even thoughthe cost of the school is $270 perchild per year.
At first, the children’s fatherwas skeptical of the generousoffer, fearing that the Salesianswould demand money from himonce they had possession of hischildren. But theSalesians gained histrust and the fathergraciously accepted.
Today, Peter, Mari-amma and Shantammaare thriving. Soonafter they settled atthe school, they wereeach given brand newclothes. Shantammalooked adorable in herred blouse and darkblue jumper and Peterstood proud in his newshirt, shorts and belt.The children eachreceived the first pair
of shoes ever in theirlives. Peter smiled ear-to-ear as heopened his shoebox.
The children are under theloving care of the Salesian mis-sionaries, lay teachers and volun-teers. They have made manyfriends among their classmatesand other boarders. And they arealways seen laughing and joking.
Their futures now look bright.By the time they finish 10th grade,they will be literate in their ownlanguage plus proficient in English
Anne with a few of “her girls” in the courtyardof the boarding school.
SALESIAN 13
The Salesian Lay Missioners is a faith-based volunteer program thatoffers a unique opportunity to serve the poor children of the world.We sponsor domestic and international placements and require a 1 or2 year commitment.
If you would like more information about thislife-changing program, please write to:
Salesian Lay MissionersAttn: Adam Rudin2 Lefevre Lane
New Rochelle NY 10801-5710
Or visit our website at:www.SalesianLayMissioners.orgor email us at: [email protected]
and Hindi. They will have theopportunity to further their edu-cation and training so they canobtain decent paying jobs andbreak free from the cycle ofpoverty.
It’s a wonderful testament ofhow the dedication of theSalesians, the generosity of car-ing friends, and the determina-tion of impoverished childrencan transform lives and futuresin a profound way.
God bless you all!Anne
Summer/Fall 201214
Father Hermann Schulz runs a youthcenter and shelter that serves dozensof orphaned and neglected children.
He is 73 years old.
Who will take care of the children next?
Father Hermann Schulz has devoted his life to helping children and families in mostneed. He founded the Youth Homestead in Lithuania to provide loving care to acommunity of children who have been victims of violence, poverty and hunger.
DOZENS OF CHILDREN RELY ON FATHER SCHULZ EVERY DAY.BUT HE CAN’T CONTINUE HIS WORK FOREVER.
Fortunately, we have many eager young men and women to fill his shoes.But they need your help to take the next step.The Salesian missionaries and volunteers of tomorrowrequire financial assistance today for their education,training, housing, meals and travel … all the necessitiesfor their journey to the Salesian family.
The next generation of needy children isdepending on us. CAN WE DEPEND ON YOU?
� YES, you can count on me!Enclosed is my gift to ensure that future generations of needy children canget the care they need from dedicated Salesian missionaries and volunteers:
� $15 � $25 � $100 � Other $______________� I am interested in learning more about planned giving opportunities.� I have included Salesian Missions in my will.ENCLOSE CHECK, MONEY ORDER (PAYABLE TO: SALESIAN MISSIONS) OR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION:
EXP. DATE (MO/YR)
® � � �CID# REQUIRED (Last 3 digits onsignature panel on back of card)
CARDNUMBER
MAIL TO: SALESIAN MISSIONS 2 LEFEVRE LANE, PO BOX 728 • NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728
Name ___________________ Address ______________________________________________________Apt._____
City__________________________________________________________ State _________ Zip________________
Email__________________________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE X____________________________
SUM/FALL2012
Four years ago, it was just a con-cept in need of great faith and deter-mination to succeed. The Salesians ofDon Bosco were about to open a newhigh school in partnership withthe Archdiocese of Washington, DC.It would provide at-risk youngpeople from low-income families
SalesiansIn the U.S.
And CanadaIn 1897, the first Salesian missionaries set foot in California. The goingwas tough and slow – but the spirit of Don Bosco was with them and workprogressed. Today over 335 Salesians are present and working with theyoung throughout the United States and Canada.
2009 saw the merging of the Salesian Eastern U.S. and Canadian Provinces.The hope of the Salesians in both countries is that this union, based in NewRochelle, New York will provide a more effective means of expanding Salesianworks for the young and needy in North America.
16 Summer/Fall 2012
Do You Believe In Miracles?Disadvantaged students
from Washington, DCsay “Yes!”
submitted by Father steve shafran, s.D.B.
17SALESIAN
the opportunity to attaina quality education com-bined with invaluablebusiness skills and expe-rience.
The school wouldfollow the nationallyacclaimed Cristo Reymodel which combines aCatholic college prepara-tory curriculum with aninnovative corporatework-study program.
Don Bosco Cristo Reyopened its doors in the Fall of2008 to more than 125 financiallydisadvantaged but highly moti-vated young men and women. Itwas a celebration of hard workand determinationon the part of theSalesians who hiredan entire faculty,renovated a 50-plusyear old building andrecruited a 9th-gradeclass of deserving students.
While hopes were high, thelooming clouds of the worst eco-nomic recession in decades threat-ened the school’s very existence.The school’s success depended on
the willingness of the Washingtonbusiness community to hire thestudents.
“People who loved the missionsmiled politely and said to come
back in a couple ofyears when things turnaround,” explains Fr.Steve Shafran, thefounding president ofthe school. “We made apromise – we had a 9th
grade class. I had no Plan B.What would I tell these bright-eyed students and their enthusi-astic families?”
But miracles do happen! Despitethe challenges, the school exceeded
Students at morning briefing, before starting work atthe prestigious Jones Day Law Firm in Washington, DC.
”“
I marvel at whathas taken place
around me…- Fr. Steve
18 Summer/Fall 20127
everyone’s wildest expectations.Adjustments were made to com-pensate for the poor economy, cap-ital improvements wereput on hold, the facultygot creative with the jobteams, and an emphasiswas placed on giving eachstudent the most atten-tion possible.
Most importantly, asteady stream of smalldonations from caringfriends enabled the fledg-ling school to strugglethrough the first few years.
Today, Don Bosco
Cristo Rey has grown toover 300 students in allfour grade levels.Businesses throughoutthe Washington areaprovide jobs for everystudent, allowing eachone to work five fulldays per month in entry-level clerical positions.The money they earnpays a portion of theireducation. During thelast school year, stu-dents raised over $2.2
million through the CorporateWork Study Program in support oftheir own educations!
Deronte, aiming toward a profession in law,is shown here doing research in the law library.
Linda is a valuable asset at a nearby corporate complexwhen not attending classes at Don Bosco Cristo Rey.
What’s more, 100%of the 2012 graduatingclass has been admit-ted to college andwere awarded overone million dollars inmerit and needs-basedscholarships.
The spirited youngschool is off to anencouraging start – butmuch more workremains in the yearsahead! In order to befinancially sustainable,enrollment needs togrow to 500 studentswith an additional 12,000 square feetfor more classrooms, science labs, akitchen, resource center and an areafor counseling. More businessinvolvement is also necessary toaccommodate the school’s growth.
“We also need to find a wayto pay down the original $2.5 mil-lion capital loan that accruedfrom the renovation of the ele-mentary school we took over tomake Don Bosco Cristo Rey areality,” explains Fr. Steve. “Iknow we have some great chal-lenges ahead, but I’m hopeful
that there are many people whowant to join our efforts to sup-port the school and help us con-tinue the miracle.”
“I marvel at what has takenplace around me,” reflects Fr. Steve.“I am honored to have been calledto be part of this miracle, to workwith dedicated educators and toserve young people who want thetools that will help them break thecycle of poverty.”
We urge you to view the newvideo of Don Bosco Cristo Rey at:www.salesianmissions.org/school Y
19SALESIAN
The students are highly motivated and appreciative of theextraordinary opportunity offered to them.
(Please print carefully)
Name _______________________________________
Address______________________________________
___________________________________Apt.#______
City _________________________________________
State__________________________ Zip___________
Daytime Tel.__________________________________
Email _______________________________________
ENCLOSED IS MY CHECK, MONEY ORDER (PAYABLETO: SALESIAN MISSIONS) OR CREDIT CARD NUMBER:
ITEM QTY. SUGG. OFFERING TOTAL
50047 � NAVY THROW
50047 � BURGUNDY THROW
60105 ST. JOHN BOSCO MUG
EXP. DATE (MO/YR)
SIGNATURE X__________________________________
Please allow 2 weeks for delivery
®
� � �CID# REQUIRED(Last 3 digits on signature panel on back of card)
2 LEFEvRE LANE, PO BOX 728
NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728
SUMMER/FALL 2012
NAvY
$58.00$58.00$15.95
TOTAL OFFERING ENCL.
SPECIAL GIFTS FOR YOU AND THOSE YOU LOVE…Snuggle up in our SALESIAN THROW! Speciallydesigned for Salesian Missions, it prominently featuresour mission logo. Knitted of extra-heavy acrylicyarn, this generous throw measures 50”x 60” andis available in navy or burgundy (please specify onrequest form below). Suggested offering for each
Throw is $58.00. (FREE SHIPPING!)
BURGUNDY
20 Summer/Fall 2012
Quality ST. JOHN BOSCO PORCELAIN MUG foryour coffee or tea features a classic paintedportrait of the Salesian founder. The reverseside has an inspiring quote to lift your spiritsthroughout the day. Suggested offering for ourDon Bosco Mug is $15.95. (FREE SHIPPING!)
YOU MAY ALSO ORDER THESE ITEMS ONLINE AT: www.salesianmissions.org/catalog/other-gifts
sLOVAKIA: Theexperience ofDOMKA
DOMKA (Association ofSalesian Youth Domka) isone of the biggest youthorganizations in Slovakia. Ithas more than 8,000 mem-bers, mainly children andyoung adults, in 32 centersthroughout the country.
Devoted to educatingyouth, this Salesian venturebegan here in 1991, during atime of dramatic change in Slovakiatoward democracy.
Every day, hundreds of volun-teers invest their time, effort andtalents to DOMKA. Activitiesoffered include sports, art instruc-tion, social and educational pro-grams, camps, music concertsand more – all the while displayingSalesian values.
DOMKA is open to everyonelonging for friendship, develop-ment and a strong communityexperience. Although the youngpeople are the primary focus, adultmembers of Domka and youngfamilies are also welcome. Allthese groups come together tobuild a multigenerational educa-tive community.
Trust, friendship and education form a strong bondbetween the youngsters and the compassionate
volunteers of the DOMKA program.
21SALESIAN
Salesian Snapshots... a scrapbook of stories
from around the Salesian world
sOUTH KOReA:Olympic Championfunds a school insouth sudan
Kim Yu-na, the Olympic andWorld Figure Ice-SkatingChampion, has given a generousdonation to the Salesians to open aschool in South Sudan. TheSalesians are raising funds in thisnew African State to build elemen-tary schools.
This past Spring, Kim Yu-navisited the Salesian ProvincialHouse in Seoul and met Fr.Vincenzo Donati and Bro. GiacomoComino, both Salesian missionar-ies in Southern Sudan. She donat-ed $59,000 to personally financethe building of one of theseschools.
“I had a chance to visit Togo ayear ago as part of an effort to winsupport for Korea's bid for theWinter Olympics and I felt the needto help out children there," Kimtold them. "I want to offer whatlittle support I can," she added.
Fr. Donati thanked her profuse-ly and said one of the schools will
be named after Kim and asked theathlete to come visit the schoolafter it is completed.
The Salesians’ focus is onbuilding only elementary schoolsin this region, aiming to give theyoung children a solid core onwhich to grow. South Sudan is anindependent country scarcely ayear old, where the wounds ofcivil war are still open – and afuture can be built only by startingwith the young.
Summer/Fall 201222
Kim’s generous donation tothe Salesians will improve the
lives of many Sudanese children.
sRI LANKA:Refugees Get“New Beginnings”
For Sri Lankan refugeeswho fled a vicious civil con-flict in their own country,there is little choice but toseek safety at refugeecamps in India. Many donot have the resources toreturn to Sri Lanka, andmany are fearful to returnto their devastated homecountry. During the war, manywho tried to return faced abduc-tion by the army or rebel groups.To make matters more difficult,most refugees lack the essentialskills needed to find anything buthazardous and low-paying workin India.
“Imagine a young refugeefrom a far-flung encampment withlittle hope for any job, much lessfinancial security,” explains Fr.Vincent Thamburaj, a Salesianmissionary who oversees the “NewBeginnings” program in India.
This innovative program,developed by Salesian Missions,
empowers refugees with valuabletraining and support so they cansecure decent jobs that willenable them to better care fortheir families and work towardbrighter futures.
The New Beginnings programis the only full-time vocationaltechnical training program forSri Lankan refugees in southernIndia. Program administratorsestimate that 80 percent of thestudents from the first graduat-ing class were able to obtainemployment due to the educa-tion and support received by theSalesians. Y
SALESIAN 23
Thanks to the Salesian program in India,young Sri Lankan refugees can learn the skillsthat enable them to become self-sufficient.
Summer/Fall 201224
What Inspires You?Cast your vote for the cover design
of our January 2013 Salesian Inspirational Book!
2 LEFEvRE LANE, PO BOX 728
NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728
For over 20 years, friends like you have cherished our collection of inspirationalbooks. They have brought peace, comfort and joy to millions of people. They have beendistributed in nursing homes, prisons, schools and of course as gifts to good people likeyou who support our work.
Now, we want to give you the chance to tell us what inspires you. Here’s how:
Choose your favorite book cover by visiting:www.salesianmissions.org/inspiration
In addition to helping us make a meaningful decision, you will find that our new websitefeatures many inspiring stories of how your support is transforming the lives of needychildren, families and communities around the world.
If you are unable to access our website, you can cast your vote by mailing the form below.HURRY! DEADLINE FOR YOUR VOTE IS OCTOBER 19TH, 2012!
I am inspired by the cover checked: � � �(Please print clearly)
Name _________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________Apt.#____
City ___________________________________________________
State__________________________________ Zip_____________
Email _________________________________________________
Please return this form to:
Please vote today! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
His Love EnduresHis Love Endures His Love EnduresHis Love Endures
His Love EnduresHis Love Endures
His Love EnduresHis Love Endures
His Love EnduresHis Love Endures
His Love EnduresHis Love Endures
Request these books on line at: www.salesianmissions.org/catalog
Our new and very popular publications–“The King of Glory” and our “2013 AngelDatebook” – are now available. Each bookcomes with a mailing envelope so you cansend them to friends and loved ones.
Share the joy and inspiration of theChristmas Season and the New Year. Sendyour request today for these beautiful books.
Simply fill out the form below, indicate your choiceand the quantity desired. The suggested donation is$1.00 for each book.
For faster processing, call in your order or order on-line.
Send our new ChristmasBook instead of an ordinary card!
Summer/Fall 2012
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY
Please send me the following books.
My donation of $__________ is enclosed. (SUGGESTED DONATION
IS $1.00 FOR EACH BOOk. MINIMUM REqUEST SHOULD BE FIvE
BOOkS OF ANY ONE TITLE)
“The King of Glory” Qty________“2013 Angel Datebook” Qty________Name _________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________ Apt._____
City_____________________________State ________Zip_______________
Email _________________________________________________________
These books are always in great demand and supplies are limited.
So be sure to request them today! Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.
Inspirational Books Dept. HB2 LEFEvRE LANE, PO BOX 728, NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728
Share the Joy of Christmasand the New Year ...
For yourself, a loved one...or family and friends!
(actual size of books is 4” X 6”)
Share the Joy of Christmasand the New Year ...
For yourself, a loved one...or family and friends!
SALESIAN 25
Summer/Fall 201226
The exuberant children at the Kasisi orphanage in Zambiascrambled with outstretched arms to receive a plate of a newdelicacy – fortified rice! The taste delighted them, as it was abig improvement over their usual bland cornmeal.
In total, the Salesians coordinated and paid for the trans-portation of two 40-foot containers of food to Zambia – whichwas enough to provide 551,232 life-sustaining meals. The proj-ect was done in collaboration with Cross International whichdonated the rice and Numana, a nonprofit organization thatproduced the meals. Cooperation between nonprofits was
Rice Delivery Brings ExcitementTo Orphaned Children
SALESIAN 27
essential to ensure that everyaspect of the project could be com-pleted.
The packaged rice will offersimple, nutritious food to needychildren and their families. Themeals consist of rice, soy pro-tein, freeze-dried beans and 21vitamins and minerals proven tohelp the immune systems of mal-nourished people.
Thanks to the Salesian’sinvolvement in the project, thefortified rice reached the follow-ing places in desperate need forfood:
• All 7 Salesian Houses inZambia that serve disadvantagedchildren, including four technical
schools in Chingola,Lufubu, Mansa and Kazembe.
• A hospice for AIDS sufferersrun by the Boromeo Sisters inChilanga, Lusaka.
• A hospital in Mpansha,Archdiocese of Lusaka, which alsoruns a hospice for the terminally sick.
With sticky faces, hands andfull mouths, 1,000 children at theKasisi orphanage expressed theirappreciation with an enthusiastic“zikomo!” (thank you!) to each vol-unteer handing out the plates ofrice. With the continued support ofour caring friends, the Salesianscan provide many more nutritiousmeals to the children and familieswho need them most. Y
The rice arrives by large tractor trailers,but small vans are used to deliver this life-
sustaining food to remote villages.
Summer/Fall 201228
George was only three years old when his mother died. He hasno memory of her, but he still bears the emotional scars from
the years that followed.His father would bring home countless “step-mothers” who often
disapproved of the young boy. Yelling and screaming were common andGeorge became a frequent victim of verbal and physical abuse.
No longer able to bear the pain and suffering, George ran away fromhome at the age of 14. He ended up homeless, struggling to survive onthe dangerous and gritty streets of Nairobi, Kenya. Despite a lack offood, safe shelter and caring adults, George always felt he was still bet-ter off than living back at home – that’s how bad it had been.
“I used to sleep on the streets or the verandas of the shops and wakeup in the morning to go and hustle, pick up whatever I could to eat, andthen at night I would collect beer cans from bars and sell them, carry lug-gage for people, beg,” recalls George. “Sometimes I would earn up toSh500 ($5.87) and if one can use the money wisely things can be right.”
A Second Chance At LifeHow a runaway child ended up on
the path to a brighter future
SALESIAN 29
The resourceful young manwould also negotiate withthe night watchmen,especially those guardingrestaurants, who wouldgive him the leftovers. Itwas a bare existence thatlasted for three long months.
Then George’s fate changed,thanks to an encounter with a socialworker and volunteer from DonBosco Boys, a Salesian program forstreet children. They found Georgewandering the alleys of Nairobi andreached out to him.
George accepted their invitationto join Don Bosco Boys and theexperience has transformed his life.Today he is attendingschool and pursuing hisGod-given talents in musicand dance.
In fact, George recentlyparticipated in the KenyaNational Music Festival –the country’s largest talentshow – and won first prizehonors in the folk dancecategory. He was among agroup of elite performersinvited to meet thePresident at the State House
in Nairobi, a rare privilege.Now at the age of
18, George is setting hissights on a brightfuture. “I have manyvisions and I have putthem into categories. I
want to study hard and become alawyer and at the same time I wantto nurture my talent and become atop musician,” he explains.
He is also extremely grateful tothe Salesians for the second chancehe was given to lead a happy and ful-filling life … one made possible bythe dedication of everyone at DonBosco Boys and the generous sup-port of our friends. Y
George (in purple jacket) is congratulated by friends afterhis deserving win at the Kenya National Music Festival.
”“
George is settinghis sights on abright future…
• Salesians in Argentina. The Pascual Gentilini Agricultural School is in constantneed of training materials, supplies and equipment to help prepare pooryouth for a way to support themselves and their families. See pg.5.
• Our Salesian Lay Missioners program, is in need of funds to support thevolunteers during their 1 - 2 year commitment to help improve the lives of pooryouth in our global missions. See pg. 10.
• Father Steve Shafran, president of the Don Bosco Cristo Rey School inWashington, DC, asks your help to continue the miracle of the high school thatleads disadvantaged teens out of the cycle of poverty. See pg. 16.
• The Salesians pray for your help to continue delivering fortified rice meals tomalnourished children in Africa and throughout the world. See pg. 26.
• Street Children in Nairobi, Kenya find a safe home and bright future with theSalesians’ Don Bosco Boys Program. Please help! See pg. 28.
Wishes of the Month
Count Your Blessings - Grant a Wish!The Salesians work in over 130 countries. Just imagine,then, how many of our missionaries write to tell us oftheir hopes and dreams, trials and successes. Maybe,as you count your blessings, you could grant a wish.
God bless you!Fr. Mark
Grant a Wish Reply Form SUM/FALL 2012
� YES, I want to help make a wish come true for Salesians and thechildren and families they serve. I am enclosing my donation of:
� $7 � $10 � $25 � Other $_________ for the life-saving works featuredin this magazine and all the other Salesian programs that benefit the poor and needy.
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This is a GiftFrom You!
Thanks to all of you who returnedthe pewter pieces from our mailingearlier this year.
We were able, once again, tocreate another beautiful pewterchalice to use in our chapel.
Each chalice is used here atSalesian Missions for one year, thensent to one of our mission chapels.
Each chalice is a symbol of yourlove and dedication for poor youthand families around the globe.
May God bless you for caring.
CURRENTSWEEPSTAKES
WINNERSWINNER OF EARLY BIRD PRIZE
JUNE 30, 2012MR. & MRS. TOM TONTI, BRONX NY
WINNER OF GRAND PRIZEMAY 31, 2012
LAURA L. ROGERS, SAN FRANCISCO CA
WINNER OF EARLY BIRD PRIZEAPRIL 30, 2012
DR. MARTIN K. SPILMAN, SR., PALMYRA VA
WINNER OF GRAND PRIZEMARCH 31, 2012
MS. AIDA SELVAGGIO, BARRE VT
WINNER OF EARLY BIRD PRIZEFEBRUARY 29, 2012
ALBERTA C. RIGHTON, MERIDEN CT
WINNER OF GRAND PRIZEJANUARY 31, 2012
(ANONYMOUS) VERMILLION SD
31SALESIAN
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