The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has impacted countries around the globe and left people — particularly migrant workers — stranded, impacted livelihoods and pushed people further into poverty. Homeless children who beg on the streets to earn money for a small amount of food to eat are even more at risk. Some countries have limited access to medical care so prevention is even more critical.
Salesian organizations have been responding with food, hygiene supplies, medical care and awareness about the virus and prevention strategies. Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has answered the call to ensure this critical aid reaches those most in need.
“Salesian missionaries live in the communities in which they work so they are well-positioned to understand the local needs and come up with solutions to address them,” said Fr. Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “We have funded projects in seven countries to date that address nutritional support, sanitation and hygiene, and educational materials for prevention. These activities help respond to the local need and help families who have been pushed even further into poverty.”
While Salesian missionaries are responding to new needs brought about by the pandemic, they are still working to meet their core mission of providing programs and services children and families need to break the cycle of poverty for good. Missionaries are still feeding malnourished families, rescuing homeless children from the streets, educating impoverished children and teaching youth the skills they need to have hope for a brighter future.
Salesian Missions has set up a donation page for those who wish to provide support to projects like these: https://salesianmissions.org/lp/content-faith/.
