The Life and Legacy of ST. JOHN BOSCO in Skill Development for Youth
St. John Bosco, born in 1815 in Turin, Italy, was a man whose life and work were defined by an unwavering commitment to the education and upliftment of disadvantaged youth. Growing up in poverty after the death of his father, Don Bosco’s future path was deeply influenced by his early struggles and the dream he had at the age of nine, where he saw himself working with young people, especially the poor and marginalized.
His deep love for young people, particularly those who were abandoned or at risk, drove him to pursue a life of service as a priest. After completing his education with great personal sacrifice, including working as a tailor, cobbler, and waiter to support his studies, Don Bosco was ordained a priest at the age of 26. From that moment, he devoted his life to the welfare of orphans and street children in Turin, Italy, creating opportunities for them to escape the cycle of poverty through education and skill development.
One of Don Bosco’s greatest contributions to society was his revolutionary approach to educating young people. He believed that education should not just impart knowledge but also instil values of love, reason, and religion. His pedagogical method, which later became known as the Salesian Method, emphasized creating a family-like atmosphere where youth were treated with dignity and respect, and were provided with not only academic instruction but also practical vocational training.
The need for skill-based education for youth, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, was something Don Bosco recognized early on. To equip the young with the means to support themselves and build a brighter future, he established various workshops and trade schools. He started with teaching skills like tailoring, shoemaking, and carpentry, and soon added a printing press.
The first technical institute, created by Don Bosco to teach printing, marked a pivotal moment in his vision for the empowerment of young people. By giving them the opportunity to learn trades that would allow them to earn a living, Don Bosco gave these youths the tools they needed to break free from poverty and social isolation.
His holistic approach to education—one that combined technical skills with a strong moral and religious foundation—set the foundation for the Salesians of Don Bosco, the international society he founded to continue this work. The Salesians, today, operate over 3,000 schools, colleges, technical institutes, and youth centers in 132 countries, reaching out to young people regardless of their religious or social background. The Salesian method is still practiced in educational institutions worldwide, helping disadvantaged youth gain technical skills, vocational training, and the values of compassion, discipline, and personal integrity.
The Salesians are particularly committed to those Young at risk, including the homeless, orphaned, or abandoned youth. The work that began with Don Bosco’s first printing institute has grown into a global movement that serves as a beacon of hope for young people in need of both education and opportunity.
In the field of skilling youth, Don Bosco’s impact remains unparalleled. His belief that young people, especially those who are most vulnerable, deserve opportunities to develop their talents and abilities has inspired countless institutions to focus on skill-based education. The work he began with teaching trades like printing has expanded into a broad range of technical and vocational training programs, equipping youth with the skills necessary for the modern job market.
Don Bosco’s method and mission continue to resonate today, particularly with the Don Bosco Sagai Institute in Tamil Nadu, which carries forward his legacy by providing skill-based training to youth in the fields of printing, computer training, and other technical courses. By offering these opportunities, the institute empowers young people with the skills they need to create a brighter future for themselves and their families, just as Don Bosco did for countless young people during his time.
In conclusion, the life of St. John Bosco is a powerful testament to the transformative power of education and skill development. His legacy, through the Salesians of Don Bosco, continues to provide opportunities for millions of young people worldwide, especially those most in need, by equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in life. His first technical institute, which taught printing, is just one example of how his visionary approach to youth empowerment continues to shape the future of education and vocational training for disadvantaged youth around the globe.