Fr. Thomas, the Salesians UN representative and Br. Robert, the Claretian missionary UNEP Coordinator visit Don Bosco Tech Africa

Fr. Mathew Thomas, representing the Salesians of Don Bosco at the United Nations (UN), and Br. Robert Omondi, a Claretian missionary coordinating their congregational presence at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), paid a courtesy visit to the Don Bosco Tech Africa (DBTA) Office in Nairobi.

During the meeting, they were briefed on Don Bosco Tech Africa’s initiatives and their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Fr. Thomas expressed his satisfaction with the alignment of DBTA programs with the SDGs. He emphasized the necessity of networking for successful advocacy, highlighting that organizations like DBTA must collaborate with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to fulfil their missions. Given Don Bosco’s focus on youth, Fr. Thomas highlighted the pivotal role DBTA can play in advocating for young people at the UN level. He also stressed that this meeting marks the initial step in connecting DBTA to the UN, with DBTA poised to serve as a leading model for other Don Bosco Tech centres worldwide in obtaining UN accreditation.

Br. Robert commended DBTA for its efforts in empowering marginalized youth in Africa and suggested that DBTA could provide a unique voice for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) at the UN. He underscored the significance of empowering young people to voice their concerns in international forums such as the United Nations.

Fr. Thomas and Br. Robert assured DBTA of their support in the accreditation process at the UN.