Our Mission
We support our partners in providing education and assistance that empowers
vulnerable young people and communities to overcome adversity and shape their own
futures.
We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a bright future. Through our global Salesian network, we support initiatives that address both the immediate needs and long-term aspirations of vulnerable young people and their communities.
Our work includes:
- Quality education
- Vocational and technical training
- Youth development programs
- Employment pathways
- Community support services
- Emergency relief and humanitarian assistance
- Healthcare and wellbeing initiatives
Education is at the heart of our mission. Through schools, vocational training, and community programs, we help young people gain the skills and opportunities needed to build independent futures.
And when crisis strikes, we also provide emergency relief, healthcare support, food, shelter, and essential services, ensuring young people and their families can continue to learn, grow, and thrive.
Continuing Don Bosco’s Mission Since the 1960s
Salesian Missions Australia is the international aid and development office of the Salesians of Don Bosco in the Australia-Pacific Province. Inspired by the vision of St John Bosco, we are committed to helping vulnerable young people build brighter futures through education, vocational training, community development, and humanitarian assistance.
For more than 60 years, we have partnered with Salesian communities around the world to alleviate poverty, create opportunities, and empower young people to reach their full potential.
In 1986, the organisation was granted tax-deductible status for donations supporting poverty alleviation in developing countries. In 2000, it became formally recognised as the Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund (ASMOAF), now widely known as Salesian Missions Australia.
Today, Salesian Missions Australia continues to support development and humanitarian projects through the generosity of donors and the dedication of Salesian partners working directly with local communities.
WHO ARE THE SALESIANS OF DON BOSCO?
Founded in 1859 by St. John Bosco, the Salesians of Don Bosco are an international community of Catholic priests, brothers, and lay collaborators dedicated to serving young people, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalised.
The Salesians of Don Bosco are part of the wider Salesian Family, a global network of religious congregations, secular institutes, associations, and lay groups inspired by the charism of St. John Bosco. Together, including the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA Salesian Sisters) and many other collaborators, they share a common mission of accompanying, educating, and empowering young people, especially those most in need.
Don Bosco began his work by welcoming vulnerable young people who had been excluded from society, providing them with education, friendship, guidance, and practical skills. His belief that every young person deserves dignity, opportunity, and hope remains the foundation of the Salesian mission today.
We Are Part of a Global Movement
Now present in 137 countries, Don Bosco’s Salesians continue this work through schools, youth centres, vocational training programs, parishes, shelters, and community initiatives.
The first Salesians arrived in Australia in 1922. Today, the Australia-Pacific Province includes Australia, Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand.
Together with thousands of Salesian priests, brothers, sisters, staff, volunteers, and lay partners, we are part of a global movement dedicated to the education, wellbeing, and empowerment of young people, particularly in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Supporting Our Pacific Family
As part of the Australia-Pacific Province, we have a special responsibility to support our Pacific neighbours.
Current initiatives include:
Samoa
- Don Bosco Technical Centre, Alafua
- Don Bosco High School and Vocational Centre, Salelologa
Fiji
- Salesian House of Studies and Parish, Nasinu, Suva
- Don Bosco Youth and Education Centre, Nasinu, Suva
These centres provide education, vocational training, pastoral support, and community programs that help young people realise their potential and contribute positively to their communities.
Making The World a Better Place
Every donation helps Salesian partners deliver practical, locally led solutions that address poverty and create opportunities for young people.
Whether supporting a school, vocational training centre, youth program, emergency response initiative, or community project, our goal remains the same:
To give every young person the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a better future.
