Our Work
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.
Local Leadership, Global Impact
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.
Holistic Support for Youth, Families, and Communities
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.
Collaboration at the Heart of Our Humanitarian Mission
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.
Making the world a better place
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.
