Our Partners and Global Network

The Salesians of Don Bosco are active in 134 countries, supported by approximately 30,000 lay people, volunteers, and staff. They are present in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions, working to improve the quality of life for marginalised communities, particularly young people. Many projects address urgent local needs, supporting homeless and orphaned children. Don Bosco schools provide education and practical skills that enable youth to secure employment and become self-sufficient – directly advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth.  

Our Mission is to support Salesian partners in delivering vocational education to underprivileged young people in developing countries. We collaborate closely with local leaders who are committed to creating positive change within their communities. Because Salesians are predominantly local and remain in their countries for extended periods, they develop deep knowledge of community life, challenges, and opportunities. This ensures that projects are responsive, sustainable, and community led, advancing the SDG of developing sustainable cities and communities, and reducing inequalities.  

We are dedicated to addressing the SDG.   

International Salesian works include schools (academic, technical, and agricultural), school meal programs, orphanages, workshops for unemployed youth, emergency relief services, housing for street children, water projects, medical dispensaries, and support for disadvantaged families. These projects address the SDG Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being and Clean Water and Sanitation UN goals. Don Bosco schools are widely respected in their districts and play an important role in strengthening entire communities.  

Salesian Missions also provides emergency aid in times of crisis, including famine relief, rebuilding schools after earthquakes in Nepal and Ecuador, assisting flood victims in India, housing displaced people in South Sudan, and providing education, food, and supplies during pandemics. These responses are guided by the principles of humanity, impartiality, independence, and neutrality, as set out in the Core Humanitarian Standards on Quality and Accountability (CHS). This work contributes to the SDG No Poverty and Climate Action, by supporting vulnerable communities. 

Salesian Missions Australia recognises that effective humanitarian response requires cooperation. In times of crisis, we share information with stakeholders and local authorities, engage in joint planning, and coordinate activities to ensure an efficient and effective response without compromising humanitarian principles, ensuring the SDG; Partnership for the Goals is at the forefront of our work to better support the marginalised youth.  

Salesian Missions Australia supports hundreds of education and development projects across Cambodia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Myanmar, the Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Sudan, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and beyond. Our aim is to strengthen schools, orphanages, and community centres, enabling our partners to deliver lasting impact where it is needed most. 

Member of Australian Council for International Development

Salesian Missions Australia is a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), an association of non-government organisations in Australia working in the field of international aid and development.

Salesian Missions Australia is a signatory to the ACFID Code of Conduct (a voluntary, self-regulatory code of good practice) which specifies standards in organisational integrity, governance, communication with the public, finances, child protection, personnel and management practice. The Code aims to improve international development and humanitarian action outcomes and increase stakeholder trust by enhancing the transparency, accountability and effectiveness of ACFID members.

Salesian Missions Australia reviews its compliance to the ACFID Code of Conduct principles and procedures every three years. Our annual audited financial report complies with the standards set by the Code of Conduct. For further information, the ACFID Code can be found at www.acfid.asn.au 

Salesian Mission Australia are committed to full adherence of the ACFID Fundraising Charter – Download Here

Registered with The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission

ASMOAF is registered with The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), which is the independent national regulator of charities. 

The ACNC has been set up to achieve the following objects:

– maintain, protect and enhance public trust and confidence in the sector through increased accountability and transparency

– support and sustain a robust, vibrant, independent and innovative not-for-profit sector

– promote the reduction of unnecessary regulatory obligations on the sector

In order to achieve the objects, the ACNC:

– registers organisations as charities

– helps charities understand and meet their obligations through information, guidance, advice and other support

– helps the public understand the work of the not-for profit sector through information, guidance, advice and other support

– maintains a free and searchable public register so that anyone can look up information about registered charities

– is working with state and territory governments (as well as individual federal, state and territory government agencies) to develop a ‘report-once, use-often’ reporting framework for charities

Further information about the ACNC can be found at www.acnc.gov.au

Salesians of Don Bosco

The Salesians of Don Bosco are an international organisation of Catholic priests and brothers founded by St. John Bosco in 1859. They are devoted to serving young people, especially those who are disadvantaged or marginalised. 

In partnership with schools, youth centres, hostels, camps and parishes, the Salesians strive to bring the message of God to the lives of young people with joy and enthusiasm. They accompany the young on their journey through life, empowering them to become “good Christians and honest citizens.” 

St. John Bosco, affectionately known as Don Bosco. He began his mission by supporting, educating and befriending vulnerable young men who had been outcast from society. He dedicated his life to establishing oratories (youth centres) and schools to serve these marginalised boys. Today, the Salesians continue his mission around the world, remaining steadfast in their focus on education and the wellbeing of young people. 

The first Salesians arrived in Australia in 1922. The Australia–Pacific Province now includes Australia, Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand. The global Salesian family is a vast movement of people committed to the education and spiritual care of youth. It brings together countless lay collaborators who work alongside Salesian priests, brothers and sisters. Missionary work remains central to the Salesian charism, with missions active in many parts of the world. 

For more information about the Salesians of Don Bosco in Australia visit: www.salesians.org.au 

For more information about the worldwide Salesian congregation visit : www.sdb.org 

St John Bosco

Our story began on August 16, 1815, with the birth of our founder, John Bosco. At just nine years old, John had a dream that called him to dedicate his life to the education and care of poor and disadvantaged young people. 

From his earliest years, John followed this calling by inspiring and guiding his peers. A practical and compassionate young man, he lived with a deep love for God—something instilled in him by his mother, Margaret. His humanity, kindness, and balanced outlook shaped his lifelong mission to uplift others. 

In 1841, John was ordained a priest, and in 1859 he founded the Society of St. Francis de Sales, commonly known as the Salesians. This marked the beginning of a movement rooted in his educational philosophy of reason, religion, and loving kindness. 

Widely known as Don Bosco, “Don” being the Italian word for “Father”, he became a beloved figure dedicated to nurturing the hearts and minds of the young. Don Bosco passed away on 31 January 1888, at the age of 72. On Easter Sunday, 1 April 1934, Pope Pius XI, who had personally known him, canonised him as a Saint. 

From these humble beginnings, the Salesians have continued to inspire countless others to walk in the footsteps of St. John Bosco, including his devoted student, St. Dominic Savio. Over the decades, the Salesian mission has expanded across the world, reaching regions where the need is greatest. 

Today, the Salesians are present in more than 132 countries, touching the lives of millions of young people and their families through education, faith, and service.