BOSCO CONNECT

The Maschio Memorial Foundation stands as a living tribute to the extraordinary life and mission of Fr. Aurelius Maschio, a pioneering Salesian who dedicated his life to the upliftment of the poor and the education of the young. Known for his deep compassion and bold vision, Fr. Maschio was instrumental in establishing numerous institutions across Mumbai and beyond, including the iconic Shrine of Don Bosco’s Madonna at Matunga. The Foundation continues his legacy by supporting a wide range of charitable initiatives—educational scholarships, healthcare assistance, shelter for the homeless, and vocational training for underprivileged youth. Guided by the Salesian spirit of “loving kindness,” the Foundation remains committed to empowering the marginalized and ensuring that no child is denied the opportunity to dream, grow, and succeed. Through your support, the Maschio Memorial Foundation becomes a channel of hope, echoing Fr. Maschio’s enduring message: “Love without frontiers.”

Restoring Dignity, Rebuilding Lives

The Youth at Risk (YAR) ministry lies at the very heart of the Salesian mission—reaching out to those young people who are most vulnerable, forgotten, and marginalized. Across the Mumbai Province, we work with street children, child laborers, school dropouts, victims of abuse, and those caught in cycles of poverty and neglect. Through our shelter homes, drop-in centers, counseling services, and rehabilitation programs, we offer not just food and shelter, but a renewed sense of worth and belonging. Every child we rescue is given a chance to heal, to learn, and to dream again. Our approach is holistic—addressing emotional, educational, and vocational needs—so that these young lives can be reintegrated into society with dignity and hope. The journey is long and often difficult, but with your support, we can continue to be a lifeline for the lost, a voice for the voiceless, and a family for the forgotten.

In a rapidly changing world, technical education is not just a pathway to employment—it is a lifeline for thousands of underprivileged youth seeking dignity and direction. The Salesian Province of Mumbai has long recognized this need and responded with a strong network of Don Bosco Technical Institutes across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. These institutes offer industry-relevant training in trades such as automobile engineering, electricals, welding, hospitality, IT, and more, equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in today’s job market. Rooted in Don Bosco’s preventive system of education, our technical schools go beyond skill-building—they foster discipline, confidence, and character. For many young people from marginalized backgrounds, this is their first step toward a life of stability and self-reliance. With your support, we can continue to expand these opportunities and ensure that no youth is left behind in the race for a better future.

In today’s digital age, computer literacy is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Recognizing this, the Salesian Province of Mumbai has made computer education a cornerstone of its mission to empower youth, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Across our schools, technical institutes, and youth centers, we offer structured training in basic computer skills, digital literacy, coding, graphic design, and office applications. These programs are designed not only to enhance employability but also to foster creativity, critical thinking, and confidence. For many of our students—especially those from rural or low-income urban communities—this is their first exposure to the digital world. By equipping them with these essential skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities, breaking cycles of poverty, and preparing them for a future where technology is key. Your support helps us expand these programs, upgrade infrastructure, and ensure that no child is left behind in the digital revolution. 

The Salesian Province of Mumbai is deeply committed to the empowerment of women and girls, recognizing that when a woman is empowered, an entire community is transformed. Across our schools, vocational training centers, and social outreach programs, we provide education, skill development, leadership training, and livelihood opportunities to women from marginalized and vulnerable backgrounds. From tailoring and computer literacy to entrepreneurship and self-help groups, our initiatives are designed to foster self-reliance, confidence, and dignity. We also offer counseling, legal awareness, and health education, ensuring that women are not only skilled but also informed and resilient. In tribal villages, urban slums, and rural communities, Salesian sisters and lay collaborators walk alongside women, helping them break free from cycles of poverty, discrimination, and dependence. Through your support, we can continue to build a future where every woman has the power to shape her own destiny.

Homes of Joy, Hope, and Formation

At the heart of the Salesian mission in the Mumbai Province are our vibrant Don Bosco Oratories—safe havens where young people, especially the poor and at-risk, find a sense of belonging, purpose, and joy. Spread across urban slums, rural villages, and tribal belts, these oratories are more than just spaces for recreation—they are schools of life. Here, children and youth are welcomed with open arms, engaged through sports, music, theatre, and catechesis, and gently guided toward values of faith, discipline, and service. For many, the oratory is the only place where they are seen, heard, and loved. It is where dreams are born, talents are discovered, and lives are transformed. In the spirit of Don Bosco, our oratories continue to be “a home that welcomes, a parish that evangelizes, a school that prepares for life, and a playground where friends meet.”