Don Bosco Center
Site Overview
The Don Bosco Center in Darkhan, Mongolia, is a vibrant Salesian mission serving children, youth, and families through education, pastoral care, and community outreach. Located in Mongolia’s second-largest city, the center is a key presence of the Salesians of Don Bosco in a region where the Catholic Church is small but growing.
The mission is centered on four primary apostolates: the Don Bosco Study Center, the Youth Center, Maria Auxilium Parish, and a summer cultivation center. Together, these ministries provide educational opportunities, safe spaces for recreation, and spiritual accompaniment to young people—many of whom come from economically challenged or non-Christian backgrounds.
The Salesian approach emphasizes presence, relationship, and joyful engagement. Volunteers become part of a close-knit community that accompanies youth through language education, pastoral activities, and daily interaction rooted in the spirit of Don Bosco.
Available Ministries
-
Catequesis & Retreat
-
Education
-
Parish
-
Youth & Campus Ministry
-
Youth Centre
Current Volunteers
Ministry Background
The Salesians have established a growing presence in Darkhan, responding to the needs of young people through education, youth programming, and parish ministry. The Don Bosco Center serves as a hub for these activities, offering structured programs while also providing a welcoming environment for informal gathering and accompaniment.
Purpose & Objectives
The purpose of this placement is to support the educational and pastoral mission of the Salesians by accompanying young people through teaching, presence, and relationship. A particular emphasis is placed on English language instruction, which provides valuable opportunities for youth and staff in a developing context.
Programs, Activities, & Other Projects
- Assisting with Korean or Chinese language programs
- Supporting parish youth formation and catechesis
- Helping organize summer cultivation camps and activities
- Developing new educational or recreational programs
Duties & Responsibilities
- Teach English language classes to children, youth, and possibly staff
- Assist with activities in the Youth Center (games, sports, informal education)
- Support parish life and youth engagement at Maria Auxilium Parish
- Help organize and participate in summer cultivation programs
- Provide a consistent, joyful Salesian presence among young people
- Assist with educational and recreational programming across the center
Practical Qualifications/Skills Needed
- Native or strong English-speaking ability (high priority)
- Ability to work with children and youth
- Strong communication and relational skills
- Flexibility and adaptability in a mission setting
- Creativity in teaching and leading activities
- Cultural openness and willingness to learn
Useful Academic Preparation
Background in education, English, youth ministry, or related fields is helpful but not required.
Useful Experience
- Teaching or tutoring experience (especially English)
- Experience working with youth in schools or ministry
- Previous volunteer or mission experience
- Experience in intercultural settings
Area Information
Darkhan, Mongolia — the second-largest city in the country, located north of Ulaanbaatar. The city has a mix of urban and developing infrastructure, with a strong sense of local community and a growing youth population.
Involvement with the religous community
Area Information
Darkhan, Mongolia — the second-largest city in the country, located north of Ulaanbaatar. The city has a mix of urban and developing infrastructure, with a strong sense of local community and a growing youth population.
Involvement with the greater community
Engagement with local youth through educational programs, recreational activities, and parish life. Opportunities to build relationships across cultural and religious backgrounds are central to the mission.
Special Challenges & Conditions
Volunteers must adapt to a significantly different cultural and environmental context, including language barriers and extreme winter weather. The mission requires flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to serve in a pioneering and developing setting.
Housing & Community
Live with Religious
Room
Daily Eucharist
Bathroom
Launder
Laundry facilities available within the community
Access to ATM
Local Diet
Mongolian diet is simple and hearty, often including meat, rice, noodles, and soups. Volunteers should be open to adapting to local food customs.
Local Medical Facilities
Basic medical services are available in Darkhan. More advanced care may require travel to Ulaanbaatar.
