Salesian missionaries, with donor support from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, have made significant strides in providing comprehensive care for vulnerable youth at Don Bosco Anbu Illam Homes in India. The initiative supports 105 youth, including 55 boys at Bosco Illam and 50 girls at Saranalayam, all of whom come from backgrounds marked by extreme adversity such as being orphaned, abandoned, or neglected.
The homes are designed to ensure the safety, health, education, and overall well-being of these youth, empowering them to lead lives of dignity and independence. Funding received has been critical in purchasing provisions, including fresh vegetables, and two refrigerators to improve food storage, which enhances the children’s health through timely and balanced meals. Additionally, the funds help sustain residential care, ensuring ongoing access to quality education, health services, and daily necessities.
A Salesian representative stated, “Don Bosco Anbu Illam was able to make significant strides in improving the lives of vulnerable youth through comprehensive residential care. The project successfully covered essential needs such as shelter, nutritious food, educational support, and medical care. This support has ensured the children’s physical well-being, intellectual growth, and overall quality of life.”
Among the youth supported is Harshini, a determined 15-year-old from a small town in northern Tamil Nadu. After losing her father, Harshini’s family faced financial struggles, making it difficult for her mother to provide for her and her brother. Despite these challenges, Harshini excelled academically, placing first in her school during the 10th-grade board exams.
Thanks to the support from Don Bosco Anbu Illam, Harshini is now in 11th grade, driven by her ambition to become a doctor and serve neglected and destitute communities. Her journey exemplifies the transformative power of education and support, showcasing how initiatives like Don Bosco Anbu Illam can change lives.
