INCOME Generation
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By far the most important contribution that Salesian Missions has made to the youth of the world is to be found in the field of education. In 3,408 schools around the world, the Salesians help young people develop their personalities to the fullest so as to attain intellectual, emotional and spiritual maturity.

Salesian High and Primary school was established by the Salesian Fathers and Brothers upon their arrival into Swaziland. Many of Swaziland’s leaders and business men are proud to have been educated at the Salesian schools, including the prime minister himself. Such men wish to continue their relationship with the Salesians, the school and one another through the re-establishment of a Past Pupils Association. The Salesian Old Boys Association (SOBA) was relaunched in 2004 under the new name of The Salesian Past Pupils Association of Swaziland (SAPPAS). It has become the local chapter of the International Salesian Past Pupils Association.

Broad objectives of the organization are:

• To raise funds for the needy young people of the community
• To have some bearing on the promotion of Standards and conditions at the Salesian High School
• To bring the Salesian Past Pupils together in a meaningful way
• To form a club where SAPPAS members can meet and socialise
• To develop a core of educated people sharing common goals and ideas

The formation of this association will enable SAPPAS members to become the custodians of the many young and vulnerable children that raised funds aim to target. SAPPAS will ensure that the legacy of the Salesian teachings and contribution to Swaziland continues long into the future. Through its work and enacted philosophy SAPPAS will build upon such spiritual, educational and ethical foundations planted by the Salesians within Swaziland.

SAPPAS will also become a forum for galvanising business networks throughout Southern Africa. Members will be able to meet with one another within both social and business settings and share ideas, contacts and business visions.

SAPPAS aims to reunite the interested past pupils and encourage them to share their talents, skills, successes and enthusiasm to assist in educating the next generation of Swazis. Many Past pupils were themselves recipients of bursaries that assisted them in completing their secondary education and these people, along with all other beneficiaries of the Salesian Education, are very passionate about now giving back to the local community.

Finally, and very importantly, SAPPAS is about recognising that the talents and resources exist within Swaziland itself to give a hand up to the underprivileged. Rather than uniquely looking to international funding, SAPPAS aims to empower those locals that can offer much to help their own Swazi people. It is hoped that SAPPAS will become a model for such local involvement in the continual development of the country.

Funds raised through SAPPAS fundraising initiatives will go back into education through the Manzini Youth Care Bursary Programme. Whilst the majority of MYC funds come from overseas sources, this is an important fundraising initiative in that it asks those successful locals to contribute towards their own country’s educational development.