HomeChurch in ActionSalesian Mission brings hope to Cambodia’s Indigenous youth

Salesian Mission brings hope to Cambodia’s Indigenous youth

In a journey spanning over 1,500 kilometers, the Don Bosco Kep delegation led by Fr. Albeiro Rodas, SDB, visited Indigenous and rural communities in Cambodia to promote education, cultural preservation, and environmental care. 

Inspired by the Salesian Strenna 2025 theme Anchored in Hope and Pope Francis’ Jubilee Pilgrims of Hope, the mission highlights the Salesian commitment to supporting young people on the margins, according to Agenzia iNfo Salesiana (ANS), the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation.

The mission supports 270 Indigenous and rural children through the Don Bosco Brother Sun Scholarship Program, funded by the Sawasdee Foundation, by providing them with academic kits and uniforms to start the new school year. 



The delegation’s objective was to evaluate the impact of these initiatives in keeping children in school and fostering a holistic approach to their development, including environmental awareness and the preservation of ancestral traditions.

The group, which included teacher Ngil Vy and three Indigenous students from the Jarai and Kuy ethnic groups, traveled across Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Kampong Thom provinces. 

They engaged with Catholic clergy, educators, and community leaders, observing the challenges faced by these communities, such as economic instability, environmental degradation, and internet addiction among teenagers, which has contributed to school dropouts.

In Mondulkiri, the delegation visited Kaev Sela, where Fr. Juan Solorzano of the Yarumal Missionaries has been working with the Bunong people for nearly three decades. 

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He has focused on preserving Indigenous languages, traditions, and spiritual practices while offering support in areas such as health and education.

The team spent the night at Fr. Solorzano’s residence, reflecting on ways to empower Indigenous youth and contribute to a better future. 

The journey also included a stop at Sen Monorom, where they visited the Salesian Sisters of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA). 

Fr. Rodas celebrated Mass at the sisters’ house, emphasizing the importance of the Salesian mission in supporting children and youth, particularly within Indigenous communities.

The mission will continue in Ratanakiri, Preah Vihear, and Oddar Meanchey provinces, with a focus on engaging with local communities to understand their experiences and challenges in education and cultural preservation.

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