(ANS - Lospalos) - The Don Bosco Orphanage in Lospalos, directed by the Salesians, accommodates 109 children, providing them with accommodation, food, clothing, education and a family. The education given at the centre, as well as developing skills to prepare the young people to enter high school and learn a trade, aims to impart also the social skills needed for life, such as responsibility, discipline and organization.

The Salesians in East Timor run different programmes to help people reclaim their lives and rebuild the country after a devastating civil war that cost many lives, decimated entire communities and led to living conditions among the worst in the world.

Once the level of violence had decreased, efforts focused on helping the needy, restoring hope and offering new opportunities for the future. Among the various projects there is one at the Don Bosco Orphanage at Lospalos which welcomes more than a hundred of those children who lost everything during the fighting and whose family is now made up of other kids like themselves that are cared for by the Salesians.

Last year more than 20 children left the orphanage to continue their education in secondary schools in the country, thanks to integration programmes and the friendly family welcome.

At the Salesian centre the love that is given to the children is just as important as housing, hygiene care and nutrition. So also is their education and the opportunity to acquire new knowledge in a healthy environment that allows them to continue to a higher education level and to prepare for future employment opportunities.

Published 22/01/2015