A Salesian explained, “These students presented their business plans for study and selection. We provided the first part of the funding to help them create these plans and then the second to help those selected implement the activities in their plans. These students are now able to facilitate their small businesses. We are mentoring them in the process.”

One of the students supported is Aïcha Camara, who is developing an agricultural business called Toumou Global Business. Camara said, “I am in the agri-food processing industry. The funding from Salesian Missions has allowed my company to increase production capacity. Funding has also helped with the purchase of equipment and materials. All this contributes to the development of my company and I’m grateful for the support.”

According to the UNESCO Statistical Institute, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of exclusion from education. More than a fifth of children aged about 6-11 are out of school, a third of children aged about 12-14 and nearly 60% of young people aged about 15-17. The region faces a growing demand for education due to its steadily increasing school-age population. Girls face greater exclusion from school than boys of the same age.  

Source: missionnewswire.org