A dream first shared during the Salesian Family Spirituality Days in January has taken an important step towards becoming reality. During the Consulta of the Salesian Family held in Valdocco, Italy, the Friends of Don Bosco Malta and CMB (Comunità Missionaria di Villaregia – Madagascar) formally signed a cooperation agreement to establish a new educational and residential centre for vulnerable girls in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
The new project, named Centro Formativo “EFFATÀ”, will provide a safe home and vocational formation programme for girls aged between 14 and 19 who come from situations of social vulnerability. The centre will welcome young women who have already been supported through the CMB “Casa Henintsoa” project in Fianarantsoa, enabling them to continue their educational journey, acquire professional skills and prepare for meaningful employment and independent living.
Under the agreement, the Friends of Don Bosco Malta will financially support the operation of the home and will also explore opportunities for Maltese volunteers to serve within the project. The centre is expected to open its doors in October 2026, when the first group of girls will move into the new residence.
The agreement was signed by Bryan Magro, President of the World Confederation of Past Pupils and Friends of Don Bosco, and Guido Pedroni, founder of CMB. The project reflects the Salesian commitment to accompanying young people most in need, helping them develop autonomy, receive vocational training and build a dignified future through education and employment opportunities.
Commenting on the initiative, Bro Dominic Nam, World Delegate for the Past Pupils and Friends of Don Bosco, praised the collaboration as a tangible example of the richness of the Salesian Family, where different groups unite around a shared mission to continue Don Bosco’s work among vulnerable young people.
The EFFATÀ project stands as a concrete sign of hope and solidarity, demonstrating how international cooperation within the Salesian Family can transform lives and create new opportunities for young women in Madagascar.
