On World Youth Skills Day, Salesians Highlight Youth Empowerment Initiatives in Africa

In Cameroon, the officials in the July 15 report, the Don Bosco Vocational Center in Mimboman “held an open house to showcase not only the diversity and quality of its training courses but also the skills acquired by students and apprentices.”

“The students were also able to highlight all that they have learned in 13 disciplines including carpentry, computer science, tailoring, and metallurgy,” SDB officials say, adding that the display provided a platform for the students to sell their products and establish a network.

The Salesians add that learning facilities including classrooms and laboratories were constructed in the area to boost to equip vulnerable youth with necessary skills. 

They say, “A newer school building added in 2021 allows more students to attend and provides space for additional educational programs including a bachelor’s level course.”

Fr. Sabé José Maria, a member of Salesian based at the Don Bosco Vocational Center in Mimboman lauded the computer class initiative that enabled the realization of computer science classes.

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“This is the first time that our students are learning computer science using a computer. Our students have been studying computer science throughout the year without using a desktop or similar device,” Fr. Jose is quoted as saying, acknowledging with appreciation the procurement of 55 computers last year.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Salesian officials say that Don Bosco Ngangi, located in Goma, is transforming the lives of young people who are vulnerable to “communal violence”.

Besides the life and vocational skills that the youth receive, Salesian officials say that “Don Bosco Ngangi also provides a suitable environment for forming good Christians and honest, upright citizens.”

Since August 2021, SDB officials say that about “74 young ex-combatants and young girls and women who were collateral victims of community violence have been trained to become plumbers, bricklayers, hairdressers and beauticians.”

They add that the objective of the training in the region is not only to reduce violence among the youth but also to provide the youth with legitimate means of earning an honest income.

“Young girls and women are given a second chance at life after being victims of violence,” SDB officials say, and add, “At the end of the three months of training, these students will be citizens with the focus of reconciliation, peace and development.”

In Egypt, Sunrise Project that is spearheaded by Salesian missionaries is offering training to assist refugees in gaining the skills needed for employment and being self-employed.

The project that Salesian Missions first funded in 2014 “has improved the livelihoods and quality of life of more than 3,000 Sub-Saharan African, Yemeni and Syrian refugees and vulnerable Egyptians,” SDB officials say in the July15 report.

In the report on the annual event of WYSD marked July 15, the Director of Salesian Missions says that access to education lays the foundation for a better future for all youth.

“In many countries around the globe where poverty is high and access to education is not universal, it is crucial that Salesian missionaries continue to offer technical and vocational training to as many youths as possible to ensure that they have access to long-term stable employment,” Fr. Gus Baek has been quoted as saying. 

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The WYSD was instituted in July 2014 by the United Nations (UN) to “celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship.”

Since its inception, the UN notes that WYSD “has provided a unique opportunity for dialogue between young people, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, firms, employers’ and workers’ organizations, policy-makers and development partners.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.