SALESIANS OF DON BOSCO – LANSDOWNE – CAPE TOWN
Cape Town – South Africa
Social and educational context
Under the direction of Father François Dufour, a Salesian of Don Bosco, the SALESIAN INSTITUTE YOUTH PROJECTS (SIYP), located in the city of Cape Town in South Africa, focuses particularly on at-risk youth in the Cape Town region.
Young girls and boys have been growing up in poverty since childhood. They suffer from high rates of school dropout and become unemployed when they leave school. They come from communities that generally suffer from extreme drug and alcohol abuse, social dysfunction, poverty, violence, and organized crime. Moreover, the majority of these young people have never known their fathers.
Motivated by the values of Don Bosco, the local teams seek to develop their emotional, physical, moral, and spiritual potential. They have made the radical choice to offer them hope and dignity so they can take their rightful place in society.
The Learn to Live School of Skills – L2L therefore welcomes young people from vulnerable backgrounds, often exposed to violence, drugs, and school exclusion. The current site, located in downtown Cape Town, no longer guarantees the minor safety, does not meet the requirements Umalusi (accreditation criteria for private institutions or exam success requirements (such as the Matric) for students), and does not allow any educational or sports expansion.
The LEARN TO LIVE SCHOOL OF SKILLS – L2L project
The move to the Salesian site of Lansdowne will allow to create a secure school campus, modern and sustainable, designed to become a low-cost technical high school, accredited by Umalusi.
Planned infrastructure
• 10 new classrooms
• 10 technical workshops (automotive, welding, plumbing, hospitality, hairdressing...)
Computer lab & library
• Cafeteria, kitchen, staff rooms
• Psychosocial support spaces
• Sports facilities and green spaces
• Chapel/oratory with 30 seats
• Ecological and solar construction
Why the LEARN TO LIVE SCHOOL OF SKILLS – L2L project is essential
- Security campus reserved for minors, far from the risks of the city center.
- Access safer and more affordable transportation for families.
- Educational quality modern workshops, adapted classrooms, conducive learning environment.
- Social impact reduction of vulnerability, better employability, creation of a recognized technical pathway.
- Sustainability transition to a stable, accessible, and reproducible technical school model.
Expected impact
Thanks to this project, LEARN TO LIVE SCHOOL OF SKILLS – L2L will be able to:
- build a community of engaged and supportive alumni.
- welcome more young people at risk,
- offering in-demand technical skills,
- improve professional trajectories,
- strengthen the Salesian educational presence in an area of high need,
Financial needs
Partner support is essential to finance the overall cost of the project, which is estimated at approximately €2 million.
- feasibility studies and architectural plans,
- the construction of classrooms and workshops,
- the specialized technical equipment,
- sports facilities and green spaces,
- solar and ecological systems,
- the operational transition until 2027.
Conclusion
Support Learn to Live School of Skills – L2L, it is provide a safe, dignified, and professional future to young people who need it most.
It is also contributing to building a sustainable educational model, anchored in the community, and carrying hope for future generations.
Contribute to this project:
- by credit card on this site
- by bank transfer: IBAN: FR76 3000 4028 3700 0104 4883 694 / BIC: BNPAFRPPXXX
- by check made payable to «Fondation Don Bosco – Cape Town» sent to Fondation Don Bosco – 393 bis rue des Pyrénées – 75020 Paris
Contact: contacts@fondationdonbosco.org
The Don Bosco Foundation is authorized to receive donations eligible for income tax and IFI (property wealth tax) deductions, as well as bequests and life insurance policies.
