Sierra Leone has over 1,100 mission territories. There, missionaries face many challenges. One is education.
To help overcome the country's very high illiteracy and poverty rate, the Salesian missionaries help children and young people through schools, youth centers and parishes.
FR. ANTONIO GUTIERREZ
Salesian missionary in Sierra Leone
Many years ago - I was a young Salesian at that time, in 1976 – we, the Salesians, asked ourselves if we wanted to be with the youth. 24 years later, where will the youth be?
Today, the Americas are home to the largest amount of Spanish missionaries. However, in the 1970s, many Salesians settled in Africa, where their help was crucial in providing a better future for young people.
FR. ANTONIO GUTIERREZ
Salesian missionary in Sierra Leone
In South America, there were 4,500 Salesians. We came to Africa and there were 300 of us working in 11 countries. We said: 'Let's go to Africa.' Today, 40 years later, I think we are 1,600 Salesians working in Africa in 44 countries and with an incredible turnover because every year there are about 150 or 200 Salesians in the area.
The number of Catholics in Africa has increased significantly. Today, for example, if there are 100 Catholics in the world, 19 are Africans. Many of them have decided to enter the priesthood and the majority of the priests serve locally.
FR. ANTONIO GUTIERREZ
Salesian missionary in Sierra Leone
We have told them very clearly: 'We did not come here to just to help you; we came here to stay.' And today, 90% of them don't have this skin color; they are locals.
Throughout the year, many requests for help arrive in Rome from different territories. Once a year, all the national directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies meet in an annual assembly and approve projects to help these various mission dioceses.
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