austraLasia

15 years of dedicated service to Lao youth

Vientiane, Laos, 8 September 2018 -- Since last 2004, more than 1000 young people from all corners of Lao PDR (Peoples Democratic Republic) received a good preparation for their life thanks to Don Bosco Youth Vocation Center in Vientiane. Thanks to the mutual cooperation and trust between the Lao Youth Union and Salesian Foundation of Don Bosco in Thailand this unique Don Bosco presence in this country is developing very well. Under the 5 year MOU between the Lay Youth Union and Don Bosco Foundation Thailand (2016-2021) more than 750 are trained in the 4 training departments. The THA province (Thailand-Cambodia-Laos) of the Salesians is funding with generosity the whole project from the beginning.

At present 143 young men assisted by 26 teachers and instructors under the guidance of a small Salesian community (Rector Fr. Patrick Maccioni) are trained in Automechanics, Technical Welding, Electricity and Motorcycle repair. More than 60 of them are living 24/24 in the boarding house of the VTC since they come from many far away provinces of the country. During their one year stay (automechanics and electricity) our 'Bosconians' learn not only the technical skills, but also grow in the human maturity, music, sports and community building. Before the end of each course there is an OJT (on job training), organized with the help of Lao Youth Union. Cultural outing to the capital museums, blood donation, services to the needed in the local community contribute to the holistic education.

After the 2017 animation visit of the World level Alumni of Don Bosco, also in Vientiane is growing the local unit of Past Pupils. Indeed all(!) of the VTC teachers and istructors are our former students. One year after the animation by Mr. Angel (Spain, Vicepresident for GEX = Young Alumni) and Mr. Alberto (Timor Leste, GEX Asia-Oceania) with the help of their Delegate - SDB Rector, the formation of Alumni animation team started just in these days.

Until now there is not yet any Lao Salesian of Don Bosco. Our Don Bosco Vientiane teachers and instructors - former students dream about first Lao Salesian member and commit themselves to follow the path of Don Bosco with whole heart!

Even if you don't travel to Laos, you can watch the wonderful video presentation of Vientiane VTC on Youtube this year: Whispering the Gospel in Asia: Laos Don Bosco