Nearly 900 students return to Salesian Industrial Technical Institute

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Industrial Technical Institute, located in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, welcomed nearly 900 of its 1,225 students back to campus in September, while adhering to Ebola prevention measures. Fifty-seven lay teachers and eight Salesians had prepared for school to start under strict guidelines.

Goma has faced war and an ongoing health emergency caused by the Ebola virus. Teachers and parents were focused on how the school year would be completed while keeping youth safe.

The school, one of the leading Salesian schools in the East Congo Vice-Province, offers youth education in general mechanics, automotive skills, electricity and electronics. Father Mathias Amani, community rector, addressed the students and noted that school will be a place for them to learn and connect with their peers.

A Salesian explained, “Safety is top of mind. There will undoubtedly be regular communication with parents to find solutions that will enable this school year to be completed. The goal shared by the educational community is to ensure that economic and health difficulties do not become an obstacle and that every student is able to attend lessons without interruption.”

Hand-washing stations have been installed at the school entrance, and other health safety measures have been incorporated into the daily routine to prevent the risk of an Ebola outbreak and to maintain a clean and safe working environment for everyone.

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.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Democratic Republic of the Congo – Start of the school year at the Don Bosco ITIG in Goma, in compliance with Ebola prevention measures

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in these countries 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.