As followers of St John Bosco we are committed to helping youth build a better future. Education and training is central to the true development of each individual to achieve their full potential.

Our Pacific neighbours in Samoa and Fiji seek assistance and support, we hope you can help.

With 50% of Samoa’s population under the age of 20, and youth unemployment at almost 18%, both Don Bosco Technical Centre (DBTC) in Alafua and the Don Bosco Technical and Vocational College (DBTVC) in Salelologa, are providing education and training which is focused on teaching employable skills so that all students have the ability to develop a career.

• Don Bosco Technical Centre, Alafua – caters for over 350 young men and women (aged 16-22). DBTC offers a vocational education comprising of a threeyear course. All first-year students experience a combination of trades including plumbing, motor mechanics, carpentry, and hospitality. In the following years, students specialise in a trade 
  offering an Accredited Certificate in their chosen field. The school also promotes personal, moral and spiritual growth, leadership skills development and teamwork through 
  cultural and sporting activities. In recent years the school has gained a growing reputation and enrolments have doubled. Unfortunately, not all students are able to complete their education due to lack of family financial support. Student scholarship assistance is always welcomed.
• Don Bosco Co-educational Colleges & Vocational Centre, Salelologa - offer co-educational placements to over 150 students, many of which live in remote villages and can only attend by catching the school bus. DBTVC is a High School which offers an integrated curriculum with academic and technical subjects designed to provide students with employment and human relations skills, as well as self-reliance. Through the school’s work experience program, students meet potential employers and use skills they have learned.

Both schools require ongoing support to cover running costs, teacher’s salaries, maintenance and workshop materials.

In Fiji the Salesians have a House of Studies for students mainly from the Pacific who attend the local seminary and teachers’ college. For these Salesians the “outreach” to date has been focused on local primary schools, an orphanage and nearby villages. The Salesians have always been very active in their outreach with young people however have lacked a specific space to meet and gather. 

Over the past few years, through the generosity of benefactors, the Salesians have built a large Multi-Purpose Community and Youth Education Centre which is proving to be a great success. Most days over 200 young people flock to the Centre to enjoy games and activities with their friends and Salesian mentors. Young people of all different backgrounds, cultures and faiths are joining the programs and they aim to ensure that this Youth Centre and the programs are open to all who wish to join them. The goal of the Youth Centre is to provide a place inclusive of all, to give young people the room to play safely, learn from each other, celebrate their culture and have fun.

Please help us to support the Pacific, to give youth the education they deserve.