With its global reach, Salesian Missions is perfectly positioned to aid in emergency relief during times of natural disasters, traumatic circumstances and civil war. By launching special fundraising drives during humanitarian emergencies, Salesian Missions supports programs that relieve famine in Africa, assist flood victims in Asia, rebuild schools in Haiti and so much more.

Most recently, the U.N. High Commission for Refugees noted an unprecedented 65.6 million people have been forced from their homes on a global level. Among the displaced, more than 22.5 million are refugees. Sadly, more than half of all refugees are estimated to be children. Salesian Missions supports programs that provide humanitarian assistance, including educational and job training programs specifically designed to help refugee and internally displaced populations. Around the globe, Salesian programs offer hope and empowerment to refugee children and families, who are among the most vulnerable people in the world.

Aimed at maximizing the impact of donor-assisted programs and answering the call for emergency aid deliveries, Salesian Mission's Property and Logistics Program is carried out through generous assistance from government and private sector partners who contribute tax deductible in-kind donations and government excess property. Millions of dollars in U.S. Government-issued excess property and corporate in-kind donations are leveraged by Salesian Missions' annual award from the USAID Ocean Freight Reimbursement Grant for humanitarian aid shipments.

A child’s ability to receive an education is greatly increased when there isn’t worry about where the next meal is coming from. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, there are more than 795 million people who are undernourished around the globe. About half of them are young people. This is why, whenever possible, Salesian school programs integrate nutrition programs. Salesian Missions food aid programs feed students—reducing child malnutrition while increasing school attendance. Salesian programs also improve household food availability through increased agricultural productivity. This promotes growth and development as the sustainable and long-term way to combat poverty and enhance food security.

Education has proven to be an effective means of breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty while giving the most vulnerable youth a sense of personal dignity and self-worth. There are more than 5,500 Salesian schools around the globe providing education to young students to prepare them for advanced technical and vocation studies. In addition, nearly 1,040 Salesian vocational, technical, professional and agricultural schools give practical skills to youth to create productive and contributing adults in their communities—rebuilding communities and ending the cycle of poverty. A. These specialized programs help students become contributing adults in their communities. More than 80 colleges worldwide, with more than 40 professional degree programs, and nearly 90 adult educational centers.These schools go above and beyond educating. They also assist youth in making connections within industries while preparing them for the process of searching, finding and retaining employment.

It is hard to believe that an estimated 768 million people do not have access to clean water and almost 2.5 billion do not have adequate sanitation systems. Instead of being able to attend school, many children around the globe are forced to walk for hours to collect drinking water. Unfortunately, too often this water is contaminated and seriously sickens those who consume it. There is an immense need for clean and potable water in many of the countries where Salesian missionaries serve. Therefore, Salesian Missions has made water and sanitation systems a top priority.

The Salesian society is an exempt clerical religious congregation. Its main objective is the Christian perfection of its members, and every work of charity, both spiritual and material, on behalf of the young, especially those who are poor and neglected. Therefore, its object includes festive youth centers or oratories, boarding, trade and agricultural schools, houses for the training of those who aspire to the priesthood.

Salesian Missions cares about the growth and development of young girls and women. They are the backbone of the family structure. By providing women with education, training skills and support, families are made stronger. Social outreach programs, child care support and job training allow for women to have better jobs. As a result, they are better able to support their families and keep them intact.

Worldwide, Salesian missionaries care for the sick at more than 150 clinics, hospitals and dispensaries (many located in rural areas). Additionally, communicable disease prevention programs are making an impact. Health services can be found in many of the countries that have Salesian programs.