Salesian Professional Schools

Salesian Professional Schools (Escolas Profissionais Salesianas) are a network of vocational and professional education institutions in Brazil, operating under the umbrella of Rede Salesiana Brasil (RSB). RSB is a vast movement in favor of youth, recognized nationally and internationally for its educational-pastoral practices. It represents the combined efforts of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), and countless collaborators across the country, engaged in spreading the charism of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello. The network's mission is to re-signify the Salesian mission in Brazil to educate and evangelize young people. Its vision is to consolidate networking among Salesian works in Brazil within ten years, aiming for the charismatic sustainability of the Salesian mission. The network seeks to contribute to the evangelization and education of youth according to the Salesian project of integral promotion, with the Salesian Educational-Pastoral Project (PEPS) as its reference charismatic and institutional project. According to the official website, Rede Salesiana Brasil de Escolas is the largest Catholic education network in the world, with 100 schools in Brazil alone, around 5,000 educators, and more than 60,000 students, from early childhood education to high school. The Salesian presence in Brazil spans over 135 years, with more than 100 schools, over 100 social works, and 15 university centers, as well as a publishing house, radio stations, museums, and youth groups. The Salesian Professional Schools specifically focus on professional and vocational education, preparing young people for the workforce while integrating Salesian values of reason, religion, and loving-kindness. The network is owned and operated by the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), two Catholic religious congregations founded by St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello respectively. The headquarters of Rede Salesiana Brasil is located in Brasília, Brazil. The schools operate as non-profit private educational institutions, funded through tuition, donations, and support from the congregations and partners. The network is actively involved in social action, with the Salesian Social Action being a driving force dedicated to creating positive impact through innovative social projects. Salesian Professional Schools offer a range of vocational and technical courses, often in fields such as mechanics, electronics, informatics, administration, and other professional areas, tailored to local labor market needs. They also provide general education from early childhood to high school in many cases. The educational approach is based on the Preventive System of Don Bosco, emphasizing reason, religion, and loving-kindness. The network also engages in pastoral activities, vocational orientation, and community service. Through its schools, the Salesian network aims to form "good Christians and honest citizens," a hallmark of Salesian education worldwide. In recent years, Rede Salesiana Brasil has focused on strengthening its network governance, communication, and formation initiatives. News from the official website highlights events such as the I Jornada Formativa da Formação Inicial, which gathered 171 participants from FMA and SDB in Aparecida, and participation in the 3rd Communication Congress of CRB Nacional, reflecting ongoing efforts in innovation, technology, and youth ministry. The network continues to expand its reach and impact, remaining a significant provider of professional education in Brazil.

The Salesian presence in Brazil began over 135 years ago, when the first Salesians arrived in the country. The Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), founded by St. John Bosco in Turin, Italy, in 1859, and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), founded by St. Mary Mazzarello in 1872, established schools, orphanages, and vocational training centers across Brazil. These institutions were dedicated to the education and evangelization of young people, especially the poor and marginalized, following the Preventive System of Don Bosco. Over the decades, the Salesian work in Brazil expanded significantly, with the establishment of numerous schools, social works, and later university centers. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the Salesian provinces in Brazil recognized the need for greater collaboration and networking to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of their mission. This led to the creation of Rede Salesiana Brasil (RSB), a network that unites the efforts of SDB and FMA across the country. Rede Salesiana Brasil de Escolas, the educational branch of RSB, is now the largest Catholic education network in the world, with 100 schools, around 5,000 educators, and more than 60,000 students. The network includes early childhood education, primary and secondary education, as well as professional and vocational schools. The Salesian Professional Schools are a key part of this network, offering technical and vocational training that prepares young people for the workforce while instilling Salesian values. The network has also expanded its presence in higher education, with 15 university centers, and in social action, with over 100 social works. It operates a publishing house, radio stations, museums, and youth groups, contributing to the holistic development of young people. In recent years, RSB has focused on strengthening its network governance, communication, and formation initiatives, as seen in events like the I Jornada Formativa da Formação Inicial and participation in the CRB Nacional Communication Congress. The network continues to adapt to the challenges of the contemporary world, emphasizing innovation, technology, and the integral promotion of youth.

• 1872

  Foundation of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) by St. Mary Mazzarello.

• 1859

  Foundation of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) by St. John Bosco in Turin, Italy.

• Arrival of the first Salesians in Brazil, beginning over 135 years of Salesian presence in the country.

• Creation of Rede Salesiana Brasil (RSB) to unite SDB and FMA efforts in networking.

• Rede Salesiana Brasil de Escolas becomes the largest Catholic education network in the world with 100 schools.

Largest Catholic education network in the world, focused on youth education and evangelization.

• Vocational and technical education

  Professional schools offering courses in various technical fields.

• Primary and secondary education

  General education from early childhood to high school.

• Social assistance programs

  Over 100 social works dedicated to youth development.

• University centers

  15 university centers providing higher education.

1. 1Rede Salesiana Brasilrsb.org.br
2. 2O maior risco da vida religiosa não é trabalhar muito. É trabalhar sem paixãorsb.org.br
3. 3Pátio Vocacional: P. Ricardo Carlos fala sobre chamado, vocação e missão salesianarsb.org.br
4. 4Presença Salesiana participa da 3ª edição do Congresso de Comunicação da CRB Nacionalrsb.org.br
5. 5Salesian Professional Schoolswikidata.org