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AFRICA: Families receive food aid as need grows

Salesians work to address needs of those facing food shortages and displacement in Horn of Africa

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions Australia has launched an emergency relief appeal for food relief to help support Salesian programs in the Horn of Africa. Salesians have been providing access to food relief, education, basic necessities and agriculture programs, especially in the wake of food shortages and unrest in the region.

Food shortages have increased in the Horn of Africa and Central Africa where Salesians have programs. According to an article in CathNews, food shortages continue to increase in these areas as the number of internally displaced people continues to swell as conflict in the region uproots people in search of safety.

In Tigray, Ethiopia*, Salesian missionaries are distributing food to more than 3,000 families while also repairing damaged schools and churches that currently house many families. In Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, increased conflict has sent thousands of people flooding into the city and seeking shelter on the playgrounds surrounding Don Bosco Ngangi Youth Center.

At Palabek Refugee Resettlement Camp in Uganda, Salesians operate many educational and social programs. With decreasing food rations available from the World Food Program, Salesians have been working through food distribution and agriculture programs to increase the food availability for those in the camp.

Father Ubaldino, rector of the Salesian community in Palabek Refugee Resettlement Camp, has established 25 farming groups, involving 1,250 people who attend to over 92 acres of maize, soybeans, and sunflowers. While maize is a diet staple of the people at Palabek, it cannot be consumed without processing. Salesian Missions Australia has purchased a maize huller and maize miller, which are vital in aiding the food crisis.

Fr. Ubaldino said, “The agriculture groups are very important because they enable those involved to contribute to their families, supplement food rations, and restore dignity.”

In Juba, South Sudan*, close to 4,000 children access Salesian primary and secondary school. In addition to providing access to education, Salesians are providing women’s programs and sports programs for children in the camp.

Salesians in Australia and around the globe will continue to monitor the growing crisis in the region and work to address it through food aid, other supplies and direct donations.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions Australia

CathNews – Salesian launch emergency appeal for displaced Africans

Salesian Missions Australia

Salesian Missions

*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.