ZAMBIA: Don Bosco Youth Center has new bathroom facility thanks to the Salesian Missions ‘Clean Water Initiative’
Project improves sanitation with toilets, showers for youth
ZAMBIA
(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries constructed a bathroom facility at the Don Bosco Youth Center, located in Kabwe, Zambia, thanks to donor funding from the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative”. Salesian Missions is the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Through the construction, six flushable toilets and six showers were installed, as well as lighting in the building.
This project is impacting more than 200 boys and 400 girls from Dominic Savio Secondary School who use the center, and close to 200 youth, mostly girls, who use the oratory for sports. Christian groups also use the center for recollection and retreats.
A Salesian noted, “The goal of the project was to provide good sanitation for the youth who come to the Salesian youth center and we’ve met that goal thanks to donors who helped us.”
The area around the center is urban with people earning a living by selling farm products along the streets and bus stations. There is a lack of clean water, few jobs for youth, poor or no sanitation, poor road networks and an unreliable health system. The education system is below standard due to over enrollment in schools. Don Bosco Youth Center is situated next to a large unorganized market where young people spend time.
Wilgis Matupa expressed happiness and gratitude to Salesian Missions. He said, “We appreciate the benefactors for being concerned with the health of the young people at the Salesian youth center. The toilets and showers are a life-saving measure and we are grateful.”
Rinet Njobvu, a young girl who attends the center activities, said, “It is important that girls have access to hygienic sanitation and the center has made that possible. We appreciate all those who helped us.”
Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy, productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.
To learn more about the Salesian Missions Clean Water Initiative, go to SalesianMissions.org/water.
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Sources:
Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)
Salesian Missions – Zambia
UNICEF – Zambia
