Who are we?
“It is not enough to love the young; they must know they are loved.”
– John ‘Don’ Bosco
Who are the salesians?
Our Journey
The Salesians of Don Bosco are a religious order of Catholic Priests and Brothers who dedicate their lives to serving vulnerable and at-risk children and youth. St. John “Don” Bosco established the Society of St. Francis of Sales in 1859, which is what we now know today as ‘the Salesians,’ and today we are in more than 130 countries and impact the lives of millions of children and youth.
1896:
Salesian missionaries begin their work in South Africa, inspired by the vision of Saint John Bosco to serve vulnerable young people through education and care.
1950s-1980s:
The mission expanded across Southern Africa into Eswatini in 1953 and Lesotho in 1980, growing schools, youth centers, skills programs, and community outreach initiatives.
Today:
The Salesians Planning and Development Office (SPDO) serves as the outreach arm connected to the Salesians of Don Bosco mission in Southern Africa, focused on supporting vulnerable youth through education, care, empowerment, and community development.
Tomorrow:
We are building a future where every young person has dignity, hope, and a chance to thrive.
“Education is a matter of the heart.”
St John Bosco.
The Salesians Planning and Development Office
About SPDO.
The Salesians Planning and Development Office (SPDO) is a Non-Profit Organization inspired by the mission of St John Don Bosco. We support the Salesian work across Southern Africa (South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho) by coordinating programs that empower vulnerable children and youth through education, care, skill development, and community upliftment.
What We Do.
Rooted in the Salesian values of Reason, Faith, and Loving-kindness, SPDO coordinates programs across Southern Africa by responding to the needs of vulnerable children and young people. Our work focuses on holistic development, addressing both the immediate needs and long-term growth.
We do this through:
Education Support:
We promote access to quality education and learning opportunities that equip young people with the knowledge and confidence to shape their future.
Care and Protection:
By supporting safe and nurturing environments that protect the dignity, well-being, and rights of children and young people.
Skill development:
We provide practical training and development opportunities that prepare the youth for employment, entrepreneurship, and independent living.
Community Empowerment:
We work alongside a host of communities, strengthening local capacity, building partnerships, and creating sustainable pathways for development.
Through these programs, SPDO brings the Salesian vision to life – to restore dignity, build opportunity, and create lasting hope for all young people.
why Youth?
“In every young person, a point of goodness is accessible. It is the primary duty of the educator to discover that sensitive chord of the heart to draw out the best in the young person.”
-Don Bosco.
Young people are the center of SPDO‘s mission because they represent the present and future of our communities. Many face challenges such as poverty, limited access to opportunities, and social vulnerability, which can hinder their development and potential.
By investing in the youth, we focus on early intervention and long-term empowerment – ensuring that young people are supported, guided, and equipped to make positive life choices. Our work is rooted in the belief that when the youth are given care, education, and opportunity, they can transform not only their own lives but also their communities.
why education?
“The school was not the end; it was rather the instrumental means for improving the way of life.”
-Don Bosco
Education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty and creating lasting change. It provides young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enable them to participate meaningfully in society.
Our programs go beyond formal learning. They include life skills, vocational training, mentorship, and value-based formation that help young people grow into responsible and capable individuals.
Together, these priorities guide our commitment to building a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
If you would like any further information about these policies or to discuss any concerns regarding child protection policies, email us: afmeconomer@salesians.org.za
Join us. Make a difference
“Without confidence and love, there can be no true education. If you want to be loved…you must love yourselves, and make your children feel that you love them.”
–Don Bosco
