Don Bosco College and Vocational Technical Centre
Site Overview
Don Bosco College and Vocational Technical Centre, located in Salelologa on the island of Savai’i (Samoa), provides both academic secondary education and vocational training in trades such as auto mechanics, welding, plumbing, masonry, and office administration. The Centre serves youth from diverse and often disadvantaged backgrounds, offering a holistic formation grounded in the Salesian Preventive System. Salesian Lay Missioners contribute by assisting in classroom instruction, supporting technical workshops, mentoring students, and helping with community outreach and youth development programs. Their presence enhances the Centre’s mission to prepare students not only for employment, but also for lives of integrity, service, and faith.
Available Ministries
- Education
- Teacher (Primary)
- Teacher (Secondary)
- Vocational
- Electrical
- Plumbing
Location
Time Commitment
Opportunities
Current Volunteers
Ministry Background
The school operates both an academic and vocational program thus ensuring it is meeting the needs of a broad cross section of students. Students at Don Bosco High School undertake either one of these programs based on their capabilities and needs. The school provides vocational training in the areas of metalwork, woodwork, plumbing and cooking.
Only recently has the school been accredited with a hospitality course. Volunteers are also needed in this area of the curriculum.
Purpose & Objectives
Don Bosco High School and Vocational Technical Centre is located in Salelologa on the island of Savai’i. Don Bosco High School opened in 2011 to fill a major educational need on the island of Savai’i. The standard of education is generally lower on the larger, less populated and less developed of Samoa’s two main islands. The school aims to provide a Catholic education and raise educational standards for the young people in Savai’i.
Programs, Activities, & Other Projects
It is possible to actively participate in the local parish and village life. There is a lot of scope for engagement with the community beyond the school. There are three parishes run by the SDB’s and all of them have catechesis, youth groups and other groups associated.
Duties & Responsibilities
Depending on the experience and educational background of the volunteer they can engage in any of the following duties:
- Teaching English as a second language (ESL)
- Teaching other subjects such as Science and Mathematics
- Teaching technical skills for subjects including metalwork, woodwork, plumbing and cooking
- Teaching in hospitality subjects (cooking and sewing)
- Coaching students in after school sports
- Co-ordinating afterschool and weekend tutoring
Practical Qualifications/Skills Needed
Previous experience in the classroom and/or working with young people is necessary in order to work as a classroom teacher at Don Bosco College.
Useful Academic Preparation
Education, hospitality and technical degrees.
Useful Experience
Working with young people – particularly those above the age of 15.
Involvement with the religous community
Area Information
Don Bosco High School needs volunteers to work in the following areas:
- Teaching English as a second language (ESL)
- Teaching other subjects such as Science and Mathematics
- Teaching technical skills for subjects including metalwork, woodwork, plumbing and cooking
- Coaching students in after school sports
- Co-ordinating afterschool and weekend tutoring
Involvement with the greater community
There is a lot of opportunity to be involved with the wider community. This happens mostly through connecting with the local community through the local parishes.
Housing & Community
Live with Religious
Housing
They live in volunteer quarters adjacent to the SDB community.
Room
Daily Eucharist
Bathroom
Launder
There is a washing machine available.
Access to ATM
Local Diet
Taro and other Root Vegetables and tropical fruit.
Local Medical Facilities
There is hospital with limited facilities a 20 minute drive from the school. There is a bigger and much more resourced hospital on the main island of Samoa in Apia.