Salesians of Don Bosco
The Salesians of Don Bosco (officially the Society of St. Francis de Sales) are a Roman Catholic religious congregation founded in 1859 in Turin, Italy, by Saint John Bosco. The congregation is dedicated primarily to the education, pastoral care, and social advancement of children and young people especially those who are poor, marginalized, or at risk.
The Salesians first arrived in Zambia in October 1982, marking the beginning of the Salesian mission in what would later become the ZMB Vice-Province. This initial foundation responded to the pressing pastoral, educational, and social needs of young people, especially those who were poor and marginalized. The mission was part of the wider post-Vatican II missionary expansion of the Congregation following renewed commitments to Africa. As the Salesian works expanded in Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, and as local vocations steadily increased, the need for a structured canonical entity became evident.
What makes us different
Mission and Charism
The Salesian mission centres on forming young people to become good Christians and honest citizens. Their distinctive approach, known as the Preventive System, emphasizes reason, religion, and loving-kindness, fostering a supportive environment rather than punitive discipline.
Areas of Work
Salesians operate across multiple sectors, including: Formal Education: Primary and secondary schools Technical and Vocational Training: Skills development for employability Youth Pastoral Ministry: Youth centres, parishes, and oratories Social Services: Outreach to street-connected youth, refugees, and vulnerable communities Missionary Work: Evangelization and human development initiatives
Global Presence
Today, the Salesians are among the largest Catholic religious congregations, active in more than 130 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. Their work is often implemented in collaboration with lay partners, civil society organizations, and development agencies.
Salesians in Africa and Zambia
In Africa including Zambia, the Salesians focus strongly on youth empowerment through education, vocational skills training, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion programs, aligning faith-based values with sustainable development objectives
Our African Regions
inspiring true stories
28 Jun,2025 · by Admin
It’s no secret that access to quality education is unevenly distributed. Many children in underserved communities lack proper school infrastructure, qualified teachers, and essential learning resources. This disparity creates a cycle of disadvantage that persists from one generation to the next. Addressing this divide is crucial for breaking the chains of poverty and fostering sustainable development.