Salesian Missions Funds Security & Studies in Zambia Postnovitiate

Salesian Missions Funds Security and Studies at the Postnovitiate in Zambia

(ANS – Makeni, Zambia – April 14, 2025) – The postnovitiate house in Makeni, part of the Sacred Heart Salesian community in Lusaka, Zambia, has recently been able to enhance its security and install solar lighting systems thanks to funding from Salesian Missions in New Rochelle. In a postnovitiate community, recently professed religious continue their formation in philosophy or other studies and deepen their commitment to the life and mission of their religious family.

With this generous donation, the Salesians in Makeni have installed new aluminum windows, burglar-proof bars, and a solar backup lighting system for alternative energy use. Before these upgrades, the community faced recurring issues such as theft of bicycles and computers. Without surveillance systems, it was impossible to identify the thieves or recover the stolen items.

“The project has brought great relief to all the Salesians,” shared one community member. “The new solar system has helped reduce the impact of power outages, and the improved security has eased our concerns about theft. The rooms have also been refurbished, providing students with comfortable sleeping arrangements.”

The funding from Salesian Missions also made it possible to purchase books for the library and IT equipment to enhance student learning. Thanks to the generosity of donors, seminarians preparing for the priesthood now have access to a wide range of educational resources, including over 300 textbooks, computers, and a printer.

One Salesian remarked, “This project brought joy to the academic dean and to the students, who now have access to the teaching materials they need in the library and can use computers to search for additional information that is not always available in books.”

Salesians in Zambia run various educational and social development programs to support vulnerable and at-risk youths, helping them build healthy and productive lives. Access to early education provides a solid foundation for future vocational training and employment. Along the way, their basic needs are met, ensuring they can focus fully on their studies.

Poverty remains widespread in Zambia, where 64% of the total population lives below the poverty line. In rural areas, according to UNICEF, the poverty rate is as high as 80%. Over the last 3 decades, income levels have steadily declined, and many people cannot afford basic necessities such as shelter, nutritious food, and medical care.