Salesian Missions Funds Classroom Expansion

Salesian Missions Funds Classroom Expansion
Technical-Vocational School in Madagascar Benefits

(ANS – Mahajanga, Madagascar – June 24, 2025) – Salesian missionaries are working on a construction project to expand classrooms at Don Bosco Mahajanga, a technical and vocational center in Madagascar. Donor funding from Salesian Missions in New Rochelle is financing the project. The funding has been used for the ground floor construction work that was needed, which is currently 80% finished. 

The classroom extension will enable the center to increase classroom sizing by 20 to 40 students per training cycle. These students typically range in age from 15 to 20, and they are often transitioning from general education or unemployment to skilled trades.

 The goal is to provide practical training relevant to the local economy, enhancing their employability and improving livelihoods. The students come from families with limited financial resources, and vocational training offers them a path to economic empowerment.

Fr. Bruno Ramaharaisoa, director, explained: “Beyond the direct beneficiaries, the project will also indirectly benefit the teaching staff and administration by creating a more conducive working environment and increasing the skilled workforce in the region. It is poised to have a significant positive impact on the educational opportunities and future prospects of numerous young individuals in the region, while also contributing to broader community development. The new building is seen as a catalyst for future positive initiatives in the field of education.”

Mahajanga is a large city located in the northwest coast of Madagascar. The schools in the area are insufficient. As a result, many youths are not able to access education. This leads to unemployment, child labor, and other economic and social issues. 

The Salesians have 11 centers and work in several locations in the country, including the Don Bosco House in Ivato in the outskirts of Antananarivo, the capital. Salesians have been in Ankililoaka since 1982. They have constructed schools and churches, as well as a youth center. They are working to ensure quality education and make sure no student is left behind.

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. 70% of Madagascar’s almost 19 million people live in poverty. 5.7 million of those are youths between the ages 10-24, according to UNICEF. This number is expected to double in 2025.

Source: MissionNewswire