Mary Help of Christians Center
Site Overview
At Don Bosco Dalat, Salesian Lay Missioners engage in transformative ministries by teaching English to the Brothers, Aspirants, and Students—providing daily language practice that goes beyond book-based learning. Volunteers also contribute to the vibrant Oratory program, where hundreds of children gather after school to play sports, enjoy music, and participate in interactive language games.
In addition to classroom instruction, missioners join community celebrations such as decorating for Christmas, making Banh Chung for Lunar New Year, and engaging in weekend apostolic activities at other parishes. This comprehensive involvement not only enriches the local community but also deepens the spiritual formation of every volunteer, reflecting the enduring legacy of Don Bosco.
Available Ministries
- Catequesis & Retreat
- Education
- Teacher (Primary)
- Teacher (Secondary)
- House of Formation
- Parish
- Youth Centre
Current Volunteers
Ministry Background
Presently, there are no volunteers to teach the Salesian Brothers English. Throughout the year the Brothers are taught by priests in the community. So, their knowledge of the English language is based heavily on books. The Fathers want the Brothers to have more practice speaking English. The same goes for the Aspirants and Students. The Oratory is open in the morning and afternoon of every day. Hundreds of children come to Don Bosco Da Lat’s Oratory afterschool. It provides a safe and welcoming environment for kids and young people to play sports, hang out, and make friends.
Purpose & Objectives
Don Bosco Da Lat is a Salesian community that trains Salesian brothers as well organizes an oratory for hundreds of children in the surrounding community. The volunteer is asked to teach English to the Brothers, Aspirants, Students and participate in the Oratory. Oratory is every day after school hours. The children play soccer, basketball, and practice music. There may also be an opportunity to help the children with their homework. (Being present with the kids).
Programs, Activities, & Other Projects
Throughout the year, the Brothers are involved with a variety of different activities such as decorating the community for Christmas or making Banh Chung (4,000) for the poor for Lunar New Year. Organizing basketball, football league, youth garthering. At weekend the Brothers go other parishes to do weekend apostolic. The volunteer is welcomed to join the Brothers for these activities but it is not required. The lay missioners should really participate in this, it is very formative and adds variety to the schedule.
Duties & Responsibilities
Teaching English for the Brothers, Aspirants and Students about 4 hours per day. Join all the activities of the community – hikes, games with the brothers, movie nights, etc.. Being with the youth. Come up with grammar and pronunciation games for the Brothers, interactive ways to practice.
Practical Qualifications/Skills Needed
Someone who wants to teach is specifically needed for this position because that is the main job. This is also largely a mentorship position. Many of the Brothers will go on to become missioners themselves and many had questions about what it is like to go to an entirely new country.
Useful Academic Preparation
Living with the young men in formation to becomed vowed Salesians. Come ready with quality grammar books and a dictionary.
Useful Experience
Should have a community life Loving the young Humor Harmonious Also, this site is very community based, you live with the brothers (in same building if girl, on same floor if boy) so maybe should have community experience before hand (even if just in a dorm- how to share a bathroom, etc.) humor is very important, and so is engaging even when youre not entirely sure what is going on.
Special Challenges/Conditions
Don Bosco Da Lat is in an urban environment. It is in the city of Da Lat, a small yet busy tourist destination. Many of the people around the city earn a living through serving tourists, so a part of the population can speak a little English. Many of the people here support themselves by running hotels, restaurants, and small stores. The people here are not well off but at the same time they are not extremely poor. There are a small percentage as is anywhere that are poor. Close to the center of town. Most of the kids in Oratory come to the site after school and definitely need help practicing English. Da Lat is a very touristy town, so it is interesting to see the dynamic between locals and tourists.
Involvement with the religous community
Area Information
Don Bosco Da Lat is in an urban environment. It is in the city of Da Lat, a small yet busy tourist destination. Many of the people around the city earn a living through serving tourists, so a part of the population can speak a little English. Many of the people here support themselves by running hotels, restaurants, and small stores. The people here are not well off but at the same time they are not extremely poor. There are a small percentage as is anywhere that are poor. Close to the center of town. Most of the kids in Oratory come to the site after school and definitely need help practicing English. Da Lat is a very touristy town, so it is interesting to see the dynamic between locals and tourists.
Involvement with the greater community
Special Challenges & Conditions
Housing & Community
Live with Religious
Housing
Room
Daily Eucharist
Bathroom
Launder
Access to ATM