We, the Salesians of Don Bosco, are an international organization of men dedicated full time to the service of young people, especially those who are poorer and disadvantaged.
We are members of the Catholic Church and work in harmony with its teachings. We live in communities that are actively engaged in the world of youth.
Wherever we work, ‘Youth Resource Development’ through education, evangelization is the focus of all our concern – because we believe that our total dedication to the young is our best gift to humanity.
Founded by St. John Bosco, an Italian saint-educator of the nineteenth century, we are in 128 different nations. We came to Nigeria in 1982.
We strive to make Don Bosco’s dream a reality and to inculcate his unique style and charism.
Our pledge to young people is to deepen our credibility as ‘signs and bearers of God’s love’ to each of them.
Our preferential option is to work among the poor and abandoned youth of society.
Becoming ‘signs and bearers of God’s love’ is our path to holiness – a journey each of us has chosen to make with the young!
Why do we dedicate our lives and our activities to the service of young people?
We feel called by God to walk in the footsteps of our founder. “The Lord made clear to Don Bosco that he was to direct his mission first and foremost to the young especially to those who are poorer.”
We believe that this choice for young people is of supreme importance: “Young people are at the age when they must make basic life-choices which affect the future of society”.
We are convinced that our option for the poorer youth of society is imperative. They are at a greater disadvantage, more impressionable, more vulnerable and often exposed to grave danger thus making them easy “victims of injustice”.
“With Don Bosco we reaffirm our preference for the young who are ‘ poor, abandoned and in danger’, those who have greater need of love and evangelization, and we work especially in areas of greatest poverty.”