Exciting things are happening for our Don Bosco schools in the Pacific. Currently, our computer labs are being outfitted with laptops donated through our partners, and the impact on our young people will be enormous. For many students across the Pacific, this is the first time they will have reliable access to the tools they need to build real digital skills in an ever-changing world.
This project has been made possible through the generosity and ongoing support of our partners, National Australia Bank, and it marks an important first step toward strengthening digital literacy for our students. We are also deeply grateful to our schools in Australia and to our dedicated Cagliero volunteers, whose commitment continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. But as we know, simply placing devices in a room does not automatically lead to empowerment. What truly makes the difference is the way we guide and support our young people as they learn, grow, and navigate new opportunities.
A Closer Look: Inside our Don Bosco Schools in Samoa
As many young people in Samoa experience hardships through poverty, family crisis, and social issues, Salesian Missions Australia plays a vital role. Our schools have long been known for helping students gain the skills and confidence they need to find work and build a better future. At the Don Bosco Technical Centre, this includes eight trade qualifications: plumbing, welding, electrical, automotive, mechanical engineering, sewing, hospitality, and fine arts, providing students with practical pathways from education into employment.
Across the country, access to digital tools is still limited. Only around 30% of Samoans have access to a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer, and almost half feel that technology is leaving them behind. This means many young people are missing out on digital literacy that’s becoming essential in almost every area of life. In response, our Don Bosco schools in Samoa continue to create new opportunities for students to learn and grow. As the world becomes more digital, our students deserve the chance to be part of it, to learn, to explore, and to step into the future with confidence. Digital literacy is not just a skill; it is now a doorway to further education, employment, and connection, and our schools are working hard to ensure no young person is left out.
In 2023, Cagliero volunteers Billy and Nora served as long‑term volunteers in our community in Salelologa. During their placement, they saw firsthand the challenges many young people face in accessing reliable technology. After finishing their placement, they continued to stay connected with the work of the Salesians of Don Bosco in the Pacific, and their ongoing support has had a real impact, including helping to link our community with the National Australia Bank, which led to the generous donation of refurbished laptops.
Right now, Cagliero volunteer Nick is on the ground in Samoa, helping bring the new computer lab to life. With his background in IT, he is setting up the space, organising the equipment, and making the whole environment more professional and user-friendly for both students and teachers. His practical know-how has already made a huge difference, and he continues to work closely with the Don Bosco schools to strengthen the school’s access to reliable technology.
The benefits of the computer lab are already being felt. Ten classes each week, all Year 2 and 3 classes, are now using the space for hands‑on digital learning, giving students regular opportunities to build practical computer skills. Year 1 classes are also held in the lab, helping students become familiar with the environment before they begin hands‑on work. Teachers are using the space to prepare lessons and make better use of digital tools in their teaching, which will directly benefit their students. Students have shown strong interest and enthusiasm, as the hands‑on nature of digital learning fits naturally alongside the practical workshop skills they are already developing. Over time, the new devices will support closer collaboration across our Don Bosco schools, and above all, access to reliable technology helps our young people begin their journey into digital literacy, giving them tools that will support them well into the future.
We are grateful for the continued support from NAB, our schools, donors, and volunteers. Thanks to this generosity, real progress is being made, but there is still important work ahead. Our schools in the Pacific continue to identify what is needed to strengthen digital learning. This includes creating more computer labs where they are needed and making sure these spaces are comfortable, practical, and set up for long‑term use.
We will continue to share updates as this work grows. If you would like to support these efforts and help our young people access the tools they need for the future, please visit our website for more information or contact us at the Salesian Missions Office.