The Salesians of Don Bosco-run Laura Vicuña School in Puerto Montt offers children with intellectual or physical disabilities the chance of a better future. Since 1996, the “Laura Vicuña” School has been supporting and accompanying young people with disabilities.
The children and adolescents come from low-income families. Many are of Indigenous origin and face social exclusion. The goal is to create real prospects for their future – through solid vocational training and integration into the labor market. To achieve this, the Salesians of Don Bosco work closely with local companies. Internships enable students to gain their first professional experience.
Our second project in Chile is located in the capital, Santiago de Chile. The local Salesian project supports more than 120 young people between the ages of 12 and 17. In the centers, they receive specialized psychological support as well as social and legal counseling, complemented by skills training and educational programs. In addition, all basic needs are covered, including nutrition, healthcare, and clothing. The project also provides an emergency night shelter and day centers.
Children. The list of the school includes 57 children and teenagers. The handicaps of the children are very different. In the school they receive comprehensive care.
With the Laura Vicuña School in Puerto Montt, the Salesians of Don Bosco create a real opportunity for the children and young people and their families. At the school, young people up to the age of 26 with mental and physical disabilities receive educational and vocational support.
Traveler. Lena and Peter are on a great Chile trip. They are cruising through the wonderful landscape in a jeep – and of course they also reach Puerto Montt. And there they hand over the donations to the kids.
In August 2025 we are finally back at the Laura Vicuña School. With us are bags, backpacks, and clothing. And now we know how the bureaucratic process through customs works. So it will go on.
In December 2025, Vreni will be on her way to Chile with supplies for the Laura Vicuña School. Once again, we are bringing a lot of warm clothing. Many thanks to Tatonka, Ortovox, and Lowa for their donations.
Contact persons: For us, Don Bosko and Frederico Lagi in Bonn will take care of everything. The local contact persons are also the Salesians, the school management. This is where we get all the information. The children get warm waistcoats, jackets and trousers. Thanks to ortovox for the support.
In January 2026, Heinzi travels to Chile. While there, he visits the projects of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Santiago de Chile and is truly impressed. He brings along plenty of clothing, shoes, and backpacks for the kids.
The kids: In Santiago de Chile, the women of the Salesians of Don Bosco care for more than 100 children and young people on site.