Children who were living on street receive education and care in Salesian programs

(MissionNewswire) Salesian volunteers from Malta and France recently visited Cotonou, Benin to help provide support and resources for children who had been living on the streets. Two volunteers, Albert and Fay, were part of a mission led by “No Limits”, from the Friends of Don Bosco under the guidance and mentorship of Bryan Magro, the president of the World Confederation of Past Pupils.

The volunteers visited a center for street children run by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. Thanks to the generosity of many sponsors, Albert and Fay were able to provide the children with essentials including school supplies, hygiene products, and large bags of rice and pasta.

Magro explained, “This year was the volunteers’ second visit to Benin. Nothing is impossible when you believe in Don Bosco’s mission for the young, especially the poor, because love really opens all doors, and these children teach us the best lesson of love.”

Salesian programs in Cotonou provide education and care. At the centers, children have their basic needs met including shelter, nutrition, clothing, and access to adults who help them feel safe and protected from the exploitation and violence many faced while living on the streets.

These centers often first provide psychological assistance when a child enters the program. Staff members work to understand the family or child labor issues facing each child. Then, children receive health care, food support, hospitality, housing, school reintegration and vocational training. Education ranges from primary and secondary school to skills training to prepare them for the workforce.

Children in Benin face significant challenges gaining an education within the country’s poor educational system. According to UNICEF, Benin remains one of the poorest countries in the world with close to 70% of its population living in poverty. About half of all children between the ages of 5-13 are engaged in some kind of forced labor in the country and almost 20% are chronically undernourished. Youth in Benin also face overwhelming challenges in combating poverty, one of the root causes of child trafficking.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Benin – The Friends of Don Bosco reach Benin: a dream realised with love and dedication

Salesian Missions – Benin

UNICEF – Benin