The mission of the Salesians of Don Bosco has always been towards young people in need. Their approach is based on the spirit and principles enunciated in the Preventive System by their founder St.John Bosco.

For the last years Osanna Pia Salesian Youth Hostel has been carrying out this most responsibe mission with dedication and they follow to the fullest the example set by their founder.

Originally the Hostel, which is situated at 85, Rudolphe Street, in Sliema, was the private residence of Osanna Pia Bell, born in Austria and who had settled in Malta in the late 1930s, who bequeathed the house to the Salesians of Don Bosco to turn it into an “open house” for young men who find themselves in difficulty and needing board and lodging.

In 1989, the Osanna Pia Hostel was inaugurated by Don Egidio Viganò, the 8 th successor of Don Bosco. This was the start of a new Salesian work on the Island for the welfare of the many young people who seek the assistance of the Salesians. Since then, this house has been offering shelter to young men who need a head start in society. The hostel accepts young men from 18 years onwards with particular needs, or going through situations that require immediate intervention and shelter.

Those seeking help come from all walks of life, facing crises such as family breakdowns, are homeless, face difficulties integrating into society and/or experiencing other traumatic situations.

The hostel provides a family type environment where a person is helped to feel welcomed and accepted. Residents are challenged to acquire the necessary social skills to understand who they are, what crises they are facing, what their strengths are and empower them to plan their future with tranquility and the required professional help.

The success of the mission has encouraged the Salesians to acquire the property next to the original house and extend the service to more young people.