In a vision, Maria saw a large building with lots of girls running around, and heard a voice saying, “I entrust them to you”.
Many homes in the rural town of Venilale are occupied by young women and their small children, unable to work due to lack of education, training or opportunity.
Knowing the benefit education can have for employment and financial independence, the Salesian Sisters opened the Maria Mazzarello Vocational School in 1994.
The Maria Mazzarello Vocational School provides youth with access to culinary and hospitality training for tourism. Madalena* and Fernanda* are two of the many young girls who are fortunate enough to have an opportunity to study at the school.
With the purpose of working for the good of young people, the Salesian Sisters carried on this legacy and established the St Maria Mazzarello Vocational School – providing young girls with the opportunity to study culinary and hospitality skills.
To continue supporting young girls like Madalena (pictured) and Fernanda, the school requires updated equipment and facilities.
Journey with the Salesian Sisters as they provide a passage of hope for young girls in Timor-Leste.
Keeping the Maria Mazzarello Vocational School running means the Salesian Sisters can continue reaching out to young girls like Madalena* and Fernanda*, providing them with local opportunities to secure a future and gain financial independence.
The work of the Salesian Sisters truly captures the essence of Pope Francis’ World Mission Day message this year. With their hearts truly on fire and feet on the move, they have taken action, by actively serving their communities and those in most need.
Your action today can make a difference to the lives of young girls like Madalena and Fernanda, and help further the work of missionaries in Timor-Leste and around the world.
Will you journey with the Salesian Sisters as they nurture Timor-Leste’s future?