Salesian Parish holds educational camp for 200 youth

SOLOMON ISLANDS

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Christ the King Parish in Tetere, Solomon Islands, organized the four-day “Wantok Bosco” youth camp that brought together more than 200 youth. The camp included moments of prayer, interaction with peers, culture and recreation. Salesians also facilitated four education sessions on important issues concerning youth, including the dangers of addiction, cultivating potential, building self-esteem and establishing life goals, and the challenges of faith for modern young people.

A Salesian explained, “This camp was a great opportunity for youth to come together to reflect on their faith while also learning about issues, like addiction, that impact people their age. Understanding what leads to addiction and how to prevent it in their lives is essential for their healthy growth and development. All in the all the camp was a good chance for youth to connect with their peers while learning important lessons.”

Salesian missionaries also operate a school in Tetere. The Don Bosco Rural Training Center is working to bring educational and workforce development opportunities to poor youth in rural areas. Programs at the center help youth gain a basic education as well as the vocational or technical skills needed to find and retain employment.

More than 200 young men and women are enrolled at the school to learn farming and other high-demand trades. Courses are offered in planting and care of crops such as rice, corn, vegetables, root crops and fruit trees, as well as in basic fish farming and forestry. There are also courses in basic mechanics, carpentry, electrical work, computer skills and dressmaking. In addition, literacy and music classes are available in the evening.

About 12.7% of the population of the Solomon Islands lives below the poverty line. Roughly 20-25% of youth in the country never attend primary school with 30% of those attending never completing. Limited access to education and an adult literacy rate of less than 35% perpetuate the cycle of poverty from generation to generation.

Eighty-four percent of Solomon Islanders reside in rural areas and rely on subsistence farming for their livelihoods. Access to health care and other social services is very limited, and the poor to non-existent access to reliable transport, electricity, and telecommunications infrastructure compounds already challenging economic conditions. With the majority of youth living in remote areas with limited educational and employment prospects, overcoming poverty is an uphill battle.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

ANS – Solomon Islands – Over two hundred young people gathered for human and Christian formation

Salesian Missions – Solomon Islands

UNICEF – Solomon Islands

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