DR CONGO: Construction on new secondary school building begins
Funding also provided for entire Boscolac educational complex
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have begun construction on a new secondary school building in the vulnerable neighborhood of Mugunga, on the outskirts of Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo*. Father Pascal Mumba Kati, director of the Boscolac community, led the symbolic laying of the first stone to mark the official launch.
This initiative responds to an urgent need for modern and accessible educational infrastructure for youth living in vulnerable conditions. Ongoing support of benefactors from the Italian association “Let’s Build a Smile!” provided funding for the new secondary school building as well as the entire Boscolac educational complex. Funding also included staff salaries and the sustainability of both educational and social programs.
“The construction of this school building would not have been possible without the financial support of the Italian association,” said Fr. Mumba Kati. “For years, this international solidarity organization has been committed to improving the lives of young people in Goma. Once again, they have shown love and compassion for Congolese youth.”
This new structure adds to the many other projects that the Italian association supports in Boscolac and the surrounding region, including a modern and well-equipped primary school, a vocational training center offering courses in sewing, hairdressing, beauty, masonry, and computing, and a health center and school infirmary.
Salesian missionaries have been working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for more than 100 years ensuring that children who are vulnerable are not forgotten. Salesian primary and secondary schools and programs lay the foundation for early learning while Salesian trade, vocational and agricultural programs offer many youth the opportunity for a stable and productive future.
Despite its vast material wealth, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has long been a very poor nation. Half of the country’s population lives below the poverty line living on less than $1 a day, especially those in rural communities. Because of ongoing strife and violence within the country, more than 8.5 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo
UNICEF – DR Congo
*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.
