Salesians to Establish Vocational Centre for People with Disabilities in Burundi

“An initial meeting was held at the local Salesian Center to discuss ways in which the community could support those with disabilities, including by offering vocational training so that people could live a more independent life,” Salesian Missions leadership says in the report.

Following the meeting, Fr. Benjamin met with people living with disabilities and listened to the ways in which they needed support and the injustices they have suffered, Salesian Missions officials have reported.

Some of the injustices that the people living with disabilities highlighted include “the isolation and judgment they encountered from other people, sometimes even their own families,” they have added.

“People with disabilities made many recommendations about how the Salesian community could support them, and Fr. Benjamin is now in the process of slowly implementing many new activities,” the leadership of the Salesian Missions says in the November 2 report.

Towards assisting the people living with disabilities, the bursar of the Salesian community in Rukago and the head of the Parish Caritas, Sr. Claudette Habarugira, “are in ongoing contact with those who attended the meeting to keep supporting and listening to their needs,” they have reported.

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As they prepare to establish the vocational training center, the SDB leadership is soliciting funds toward the purchase of sewing machines and other equipment to be used in the training, Salesian Missions officials indicate in their November 2 report.

“The course offered will provide a certificate of professional qualification upon completion,” they say.

Besides offering vocational training, the leadership of the development arm of the 161-year-old Religious Institute says that SDB members at the Center have planned to provide recreational, sporting and cultural activities with the aim of helping people with disabilities develop self-esteem, build identity, and maintain physical and mental health.