Salesians of Don Bosco - Lufubu
Site Overview
Located approximately 1,200 kilometers from Lusaka, Lufubu lies in a remote and rural part of Zambia’s Luapula Province in the north. The surrounding region is home to communities that depend primarily on fishing from the fresh waters of the Luapula River, though more families are turning to farming as a means of livelihood.
Since 2016, the Salesians have been a vital presence in Lufubu, operating Don Bosco Secondary School—a boarding school that now serves over 250 students. In a place where access to quality education is limited, the school provides not only academic instruction but also faith formation, technical skills, and life preparation grounded in the Salesian charism.
Volunteers in Lufubu are deeply engaged in the day-to-day life of the school and community. Volunteers assist with teaching, tutoring, youth ministry, and various practical needs on campus. Life in Lufubu is simple and community-oriented, offering a meaningful opportunity to accompany young people and serve in an area where the need is great and the missionary spirit is alive.
Available Ministries
- Education
- Agricultural
- Vocational
- Electrical
- House of Formation
- Parish
Current Volunteers
Ministry Background
Lufubu was established as a mission in 1930 by the Missionaries of Africa, commonly known as the “White Fathers.” In 1980, the mission was entrusted to the Salesians of Don Bosco by the local bishop at the time, Rt. Rev. Bishop James Spaita. Upon taking over, the Salesians immediately opened an agricultural school to train young couples and youth in farming, providing them with an alternative livelihood to fishing. At the same time, they established an oratory to offer young people much-needed recreational activities, as well as human and spiritual formation programs.
Purpose & Objectives
The main apostolate in Lufubu is the agricultural training school, which is supported by an active farm. In addition, the mission includes an oratory and a parish that serve the local community. The training college provides hostel accommodations for approximately 90 students. As of this year, Lufubu has also become a formation house, now hosting around 21 aspirants discerning their vocation.
Programs, Activities, & Other Projects
Other projects include the women’s empowerment initiative and children’s sponsorship programs.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Assisting local youth in the oratory
- Taking care of the oratory facility
- Organizing youth camps in the oratory
- Assisting with school administration
- Supporting the farm and women’s project
- Organizing programs for students in the hostels
- Assisting in the formation house through various initiatives
Practical Qualifications/Skills Needed
No special qualifications are required for this placement. A well-motivated volunteer who is willing to live a very simple life with minimal comforts and who can interact effectively with the local people is ideal. Given that this is a training school, it is an advantage—but not a requirement—for the volunteer to have some knowledge of farming or the ability to teach in a structured way. It is preferred that the volunteer has strong organizational skills and is capable of animating and engaging youth through a variety of group dynamics.
Useful Academic Preparation
For the purpose of obtaining a work permit, the volunteer should have completed and graduated from both high school and university with some formal qualifications.
Useful Experience
Experience in group dynamics
Special Challenges/Conditions
The volunteers work in the oratory, organizing various programs and recreational activities. They also assist in the agricultural school.
Involvement with the religous community
Area Information
The volunteers work in the oratory, organizing various programs and recreational activities. They also assist in the agricultural school.
Involvement with the greater community
The volunteer is engaged in the educative pastoral community.
Special Challenges & Conditions
- Poor internet connectivity
- Unreliable electricity supply
- Provincial headquarters located approximately 200 kilometers away
- Mosquitoes can be a frequent nuisance
Housing & Community
Live with Religious
Room
Daily Eucharist
Bathroom
Launder
Volunteers wash their own clothes.
Access to ATM
Local Diet
The volunteer joins the community for meals. Any special dietary needs are discussed with the house economer.
Local Medical Facilities
There is a health facility within walking distance. A larger hospital is located approximately 18 kilometers from Lufubu.