Salesian Centers Receive Laptops and Soccer Balls

Salesian Centers Receive Laptops and Soccer Balls

Thanks to partnerships developed by Salesian Missions

(ANS – Akure, Nigeria – December 22, 2025) – Salesian missionaries in Nigeria received donations thanks to partnerships developed by Salesian Missions of New Rochelle. Thru the donations, students received laptops for their schoolwork and religious items. They also received soccer balls from the men’s soccer team from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn.

The laptops were distributed to communities where the needs are greatest, including the Salesian Technical and Vocational Training Center in Ondo, the Vocational Training Center in Koko, and students in formation in Ibadan and Akure. The soccer balls were shared across Salesian youth centers in Osogbo, Ibadan, Lagos, Koko, and Onitsha, bringing excitement for youths at these centers.

A Salesian said in a letter to donors, “On behalf of our youth ministry and communities, I write with great honor to express our heartfelt joy, appreciation, and thanksgiving for the generous gifts of laptops and balls we received. Your thoughtful donations have brought immense joy to our young people and to our centers.”

The Salesian added, “We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the tangible impact it has made. Your support strengthens our mission and inspires hope among the youth we serve. We remain open and hopeful to continue receiving such generous contributions in the future.”

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and the 9th most populous country in the world. By United Nations estimates, Nigeria will be one of the countries responsible for most of the world’s total population increase by 2050. While Nigeria has the 2d strongest economy in Africa, it also has extreme rates of poverty with 100 million people living on less than $1 a day.

About 64% of households in Nigeria consider themselves to be poor while 32% of households say their economic situation had worsened over a period of one year, according to UNICEF. Poverty still remains one of the most critical challenges facing the country, and population growth rates have meant a steady increase in the number of people living in poverty.

Source: Salesian Missions