Don Bosco Palabek: Partnership with Don Bosco Jugendhilfe Weltweit Fuels Hope and Development for South Sudanese Refugees

Palabek, Uganda – The Salesians of Don Bosco in the Africa of Great Lakes (AGL) Province are sustaining a crucial lifeline for thousands of South Sudanese refugees at the Palabek settlement, thanks to the unwavering support of the Swiss-based NGO, Don Bosco Jugendhilfe Weltweit.

The enduring partnership was recently reaffirmed during a visit by the Switzerland Procure, who traveled to Palabek to monitor the effective use of their aid and lay the groundwork for future initiatives.

Brother Hubert Twagirayezu, the Economer at Don Bosco Palabek, highlighted that the NGO’s support is focused on integral development.

Their projects center around three main areas: TVET education, sustainable agriculture, and foundational preschool education for the children. Brother Twagirayezu noted that this holistic approach began with their first project in 2019.

With the support of Don Bosco Jugendhilfe Weltweit, impact of the Salesians’ on-the-ground work is significant.

This includes the successful yearly training of more than 1,000 Youth and Women in essential skills like agriculture and animal husbandry, empowering refugees towards self-sufficiency.

Furthermore, the support enabled salesians to offer vital vocational training, providing courses in fields such as construction, tailoring, electrical and solar installation, and motorcycle mechanics. These programs are key to fostering financial independence for the young population at the camp.

Despite the successes, a challenge remains in fostering a supportive mindset within the community.

Brother Twagirayezu pointed out that a lack of adequate understanding regarding the importance of education hinders some refugees from fully capitalizing on the opportunities provided. In response, he issued a passionate appeal, particularly to the youth, to embrace education and skills training as the path forward for their future.