SALESIANS FAMILY FUN DAY

Upon the Salesians arrival into Swaziland back in the 1950’s the first major initiative undertaken was the establishment and ongoing management of Salesian Primary and High School on what was then the outskirts of Manzini. This school was considered one of the best educational facilities in the country, with many of the countries leaders of today having undertaken their education at these schools.

Salesian Primary and High School was run and managed by the Salesians until the early 1990’s when a board of local community leaders took over management of the school. The Salesian involvement has continued though with several Salesians on staff and a Salesian always in the role of school manager. The Salesian ethos and presence continues to play a major role in the educational programme.

From their initial management of the Salesian schools, the Salesians involvement in the community has expanded over the years. The major Salesian project has been that of Manzini Youth Care, but there are other important activities such as their pastoral and chaplaincy work. The Salesians are chaplains at the University of Swaziland and Waterford School, as well as for the Portuguese Catholic community. Salesians travel around the country providing mass for the catholic communities in more remote locations without permanent parish priests as well as sharing in the provision of services at the country’s cathedral.

Salesians also manage six other catholic primary and secondary schools in Swaziland. They offer diocesan catechetical supervision, develop evangelical youth leaderships programmes, assist in development of school religious education curriculum and assist in the running of catholic teacher training programmes.