The charism of the Salesians of Don Bosco is centered on youth education, evangelization, and accompaniment, especially for young people who are poor, marginalized, or at risk. Inspired by St. John Bosco, the Salesians live a spirituality that combines pastoral zeal, joyful presence, and preventive education, fostering the holistic growth of youth through schools, vocational training, oratories, youth centers, parishes, and social programs. Their mission emphasizes love, reason, and religion as the foundation for forming responsible and faithful citizens and disciples of Christ.

The Salesians of Don Bosco were founded in 1859 in Turin, Italy, by St. John Bosco, who sought to care for the needs of poor and abandoned youth during the Industrial Revolution. Starting with a small group of priests and brothers dedicated to education and pastoral care, the congregation quickly expanded throughout Italy and then worldwide. Today, the Salesians are present in over 130 countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia, running schools, vocational centers, parishes, and youth programs. Their work combines education, evangelization, and social development, guided by Don Bosco’s preventive system of reason, religion, and loving-kindness.

Salesians – Generalate / International Vocation Office (Rome) Email: vocazioni@sdb.org Address: Via della Pisana 1111, 00163 Rome, Italy salesians.org/contact-us Salesians – Tanzania Local Contacts Dar es Salaam: sdb.tz@gmail.com