During a recent visit to the United States, Rev. Fr. Chikezie Ekugbah, Provincial Secretary of the Salesians of Don Bosco, ANN Province, and Director of Don Bosco Stitches, paid a courtesy visit to Salesians Mission, New Rochelle, one of the Province’s valued donor partners.
As a gesture of gratitude and appreciation, Fr. Chikezie presented a handcrafted painting from Don Bosco Stitches to the Salesians’ Mission team. The artwork, created within the Don Bosco Stitches program, symbolises creativity, dignity of work, and the transformative power of vocational training for young people.
Don Bosco Stitches is one of the Province’s flagship initiatives focused on empowering young women through fashion design and practical skills. Over the years, the support of Salesians Mission, New Rochelle, has played a significant role in sustaining this work and expanding opportunities for vulnerable youth to acquire skills, confidence, and pathways to self-reliance.
Speaking during the presentation, Fr. Chikezie expressed deep appreciation for the continued partnership and solidarity shown by Salesians Mission, New Rochelle. He noted that the painting represents more than art; it tells the story of a young lady who was rescued from illegal migration, whose life has been rebuilt through training, mentorship, and care through the Don Bosco Stitches. This story is similar to many others whose lives are being impacted by the Don Bosco Stitches initiative.
The moment of presentation was marked by warmth and shared commitment to the Salesian mission of serving young people, especially the most vulnerable. It also reaffirmed the strong bond between the ANN Province and its international partners, united by a common vision of hope, empowerment, and sustainable development.
We remain grateful to Salesians Mission, New Rochelle, for walking with us and believing in the potential of the young people we serve. Together, we continue to transform lives, one skill, one opportunity, and one act of solidarity at a time.