Central Africa - MissionNewswire

MADAGASCAR: Salesian missionaries respond with aid after devastating cyclone

MissionNewswire — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 07:17:55 +0000

Project to also focus on reconstruction, strengthening resilience

MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are responding after Tropical Cyclone Gezani struck the city of Toamasina (Tamatave), on the east coast of Madagascar. With gusts reaching more than 180 miles an hour and torrential rains, the storm hit one of the most vulnerable areas of the country. Reports indicate that there are many dead, dozens injured and thousands left homeless, with large areas flooded.

The Salesian community, which has been in the city since 2018, suffered serious damage to the oratory, which welcomes about 550 youth every weekend. Also damaged were the Domenico Savio School, the Salesian parish and the infrastructure under construction for the future vocational training center.

“We have lost food and materials. The school canteen warehouse no longer exists,” explained Father Raharinjatovo Soloniaina Louis Patrick, parish priest in Tamatave, after assessing the damage on the ground.

Faced with this emergency, Salesians have launched an urgent project to meet immediate basic needs and to repair damaged infrastructure. The goal is to support 500 people and 50 families who have lost their homes through food distribution, essential medicines, free medical consultations and the construction of temporary shelters.

In addition, Salesians will repair their buildings’ roofs and educational and pastoral buildings that had damage, which is a priority to be able to resume activities with highly vulnerable youth.

In the Atsinanana region, where Tamatave is located, annual rainfall exceeds 3,000 mm (approximately 118 inches) and the area is frequently hit by tropical cyclones. Reconstruction will not only involve building walls, but also strengthening the resilience of communities who face this risk.

The Salesian Mission Office in Madrid is launching an appeal for solidarity in order to respond quickly to this disaster. This aid will make it possible to restore safe spaces for children’s education, ensure food security for affected families and support their recovery.

Amidst the destruction, Salesians will continue to provide support. A Salesian said, “We cannot leave our young people and their families alone at this time. They need food, shelter and hope.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Misiones Salesianas (via ANS article)

ANS – Madagascar – Cyclone Gezani devastates Tamatave, a city in eastern Madagascar, leaving thousands homeless

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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MADAGASCAR: Salesian technical and vocational center constructs new building thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

MissionNewswire — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:20:14 +0000

Project to benefit 400 students with the Salesian community

MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) Students attending the Salesian technical and vocational center, located in Mahajanga, Madagascar, will benefit from newly constructed facilities. The funding has come from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The work began in March 2025 and currently continues.

The project will benefit 400 students with the Salesian community as well as those living in the broader community who will have access to the education offered.

The TAFITA Enterprise is responsible for the construction of the ground and first floors of the building. The Salesian community has made the effort to increase its participation to cover certain expenses such as transport of materials, water and electricity, as well as other accessories for construction.

A Salesian noted, “This project is essential for the education of youth in the region. There is little access to high-quality vocational and technical training so youth can learn the skills for employment. We had more students than could fit in the current center and we need to expand to better meet the needs of the community. This construction project, once its finished, will allow us to provide better education to more students.”

Salesian missionaries have 11 centers and work in several locations in the country, including the Don Bosco House in Ivato in the outskirts of Antananarivo. Salesians have been in Ankililoaka since 1982. They have constructed schools and churches, as well as a youth center. They are working to ensure quality education and make sure no student is left behind.

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Seventy percent of Madagascar’s almost 19 million people live in poverty with 5.7 million of those youth between the ages of 10-24, according to UNICEF.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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CHAD: 1,000 youth benefit from new gym thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

MissionNewswire — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:40:40 +0000

Gym supports education and oratory activities

CHAD

(MissionNewswire) More than 1,000 youth living in poverty in a rural area of Koumra, Chad, have a new gym thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The gym was constructed primarily for the education of vulnerable youth and women.

Koumra, the capital of Mandoul Oriental, is a major agricultural and commercial center in southern Chad. The city faces structural challenges including insufficient energy with frequent power cuts and fuel shortages, limited urban infrastructure, and restricted access to basic services.

Salesian sisters with Daughters of Mary Help of Christians community were responsible for overseeing the project. The gymnasium will ensure the smooth operation of the youth center and the oratory. Together with the youth leaders, the gym will be properly cared for.

Allaïssem Xavier Ngarsales, aged 19, is a Salesian youth leader helping to support oratory activities on Sunday afternoons. She explained, “We entertain younger children with games and try to teach them things through play, sports, theater, and crafts. On very hot days and days of heavy rain, apart from a few trees, we had no shelter to safely accommodate the children.”

Ngarsales was excited by the prospect of a new gym. She said, “The gymnasium perfectly meets our needs. It provides a training space for us, a welcoming place for children and young people, a film screening venue, and a place where we can stay overnight during major events.”

She added, “It’s important to advertise so that all young people understand they are welcome at the center, that it’s for everyone. The benches and mats will allow us to accommodate large audiences for performances. In the future, we would like to have an office for the center, a meeting room, and a space where actors can prepare and change.”

Most of Chad is covered by desert and this presents a significant challenge for a developing country that depends largely on subsistence farming. The most successful practice is migratory farming, where herds can move and adapt to changing climate conditions, but even this practice is severely limited by resources.

Women in Chad also face significant gender discrimination. They often must work outside the home as well raise a family, tend the farms, gather water and cook. Yet they are culturally limited from access to education or training, and marginalized by society. These women are especially vulnerable to the psychological as well as physical effects of poverty.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Chad

World Food Programme – Chad

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DR CONGO: Close to 600 people receive healthy meals through Rise Against Hunger’s partnership with Salesian Missions

MissionNewswire — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:30:09 +0000

Shipment provides meals to 5 programs

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Oeuvres Maman Marguerite, a network of Salesian centers located in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, received a shipment of nutritious meals through a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit that helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience.

The shipment provided meals for feeding programs at a prison, a hospital, an orphanage, a retirement home and a training center. Close to 600 people were fed during the first half of 2025.

A Salesian noted, “Children used to go hungry in the centers, but today we have largely responded to these challenges. Food not only serves as nourishment for our young people but also as a means of keeping them in our homes and centers.”

Médine is one of the young women who received the meals. She lives in the Visitation House in the Kafubu neighborhood, an area on the outskirts of Lubumbashi. She ended up at the center after her parents’ divorce, bouncing between parents and spending a few days on the street. Médine was then directed to the Salesian center.

She credits the morning meal with giving her the energy to get through the entire day of training without getting tired, allowing her to participate fully in her school activities. All of the students eat twice daily.

The nutritious food has allowed her to improve academically and make significant progress. Compared to when she lived with her father, Médine’s health has drastically improved since arriving at the center. She no longer gets sick frequently and maintains a strong immune system.

Camel Kajila Ntambu, a school social worker, said, “Now that the youth are better fed in school, they are out of school less. We have come to understand that providing adequate nutrition was a key factor in minimizing absenteeism.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for more than 100 years, ensuring that the most vulnerable children 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:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

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.

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CHAD: Youth face struggles with education due to lack of electricity

MissionNewswire — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 08:00:29 +0000

Salesians look to install solar panels at Don Bosco Center

CHAD

(MissionNewswire) Youth in Chad are faced with numerous challenges including lack of access to basic infrastructure and education. Chad is experiencing a deep social and economic crisis. Millions of refugees have been trying to escape to Sudan since 2023. Those who remain have to face many obstacles, including the lack of electricity. This is a problem also experienced by the more than 100,000 inhabitants of Sarh, the third largest city in the country.

A Salesian said, “In many places around the world, electricity is an obvious fact of life whose importance is only felt when an occasional brief blackout reminds us of the fragility of all digital systems and modern societies. But there are still many places where this primary benefit is not taken for granted, and its absence puts a mortgage on the human development of young people and societies as in the Salesian mission in Sarh, Chad.”

The Salesian added, “In Chad, it is normal to go to school under a big tree. The image may seem poetic and evocative, but in reality it brings about immense difficulties. If it rains, everything comes to a halt. The Salesian center in Sarh has made it possible for the students to have covered spaces available. But when it gets dark, the children struggle to finish their homework and the older children cannot use the computers.”

Yannick, age 15, attends the local Don Bosco Center every day. He explained, “I often come here to the Salesians. For me, it means being able to read and study, because here there is a well-stocked library for books that we don’t have at home and where I can deepen my culture. There is also a computer lab where I can do school work. Unfortunately, there is often a lack of electricity. That is here at the Don Bosco Center and in the whole city. There is no light and that slows everything down.”

Pierre Claver Agbetiafan, Salesian coadjutor and director of the mission orator, confirmed the challenges. “When we don’t have electricity we sometimes turn on the electric generator, but it is too expensive and diesel is hard to find.”

To help rectify the situation, Don Bosco Nel Mondo Foundation, located in Rome, has devised a significant project. Salesians want to install 40 solar panels on the Don Bosco Center, which would guarantee clean and stable energy for the 500 children enrolled in the nursery and primary schools, for the 50 youth studying computer science, and to the approximately 5,000 girls and boys who attend the youth center. The organization is seeking funding at this time so youth like Yannick will be able to study properly.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Chad – The future of young people in Sarh is waiting for some light

Don Bosco Nel Mondo Foundation

Salesian Missions – Chad

World Food Programme – Chad

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MADAGASCAR: Salesian missionaries launch language tutoring program for 60 youth

MissionNewswire — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:30:24 +0000

MADAGASCAR

Youth significantly improved language skills

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries started a tutoring program at the Victoire Rasoamanarivo High School in Ankililoaka, Madagascar, in September 2024. Since inception, the program has strengthened the French and English language skills of 60 youth aged 11-17 who were struggling in school and beyond. Two thirds are students from poor families.

Four teachers and four supervisors as well as a full-time supervisor were hired. Through the program, Salesians were also able to purchase equipment such as microphones, loudspeakers, mixers and amplifiers to be used for cultural activities.

Special tee-shirts were made as the official uniform for the students participating in the language groups. The shirts serve as advertising to attract other students. Cultural events in French and English were organized to immerse students in the language and help them not to be afraid of making mistakes. The events, which were also open to the public, took place at both the Victoire Rasoamanarivo High School and at other local schools.

A Salesian explained, “We managed to organize a big cultural event that we invited the authorities from the city of Ankililioaka, parents and students from other schools. It was a great success.”

The school year ended with a recreational event for the program’s teachers and students.

Throughout the year, the students were given monitoring tests and regular assessments to measure their progress, and notable improvement has been reported.

The Salesian added, “We are convinced that this program is a salvation for poor young people who do not have the means to pay for language courses. The school results clearly demonstrate our success. The result of the official state examination at the end of the first secondary cycle was 100%. We are grateful to those who supported this program.”

The Salesians have been in Ankililoaka since 1982. It is a rural city in the south of Madagascar where several ethnic groups live together. Since then, Salesians have opened schools, churches, a radio station and a youth center and have carried out projects that assist youth and families in need.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Madagascar – No student is left behind in Ankililoaka

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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DR CONGO: More than 500 students graduate from Don Bosco University

MissionNewswire — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 08:58:43 +0000

Education helps students gain self-sufficiency

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) More than 500 students graduated from Don Bosco University in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, in the 2024-2025 academic year. In September, the school celebrated the graduates from the four faculties of computer science, financial management and engineering, human and social services, and theology.

A Salesian explained, “The celebration brought together students and their parents, family members, teachers, members of the university administration, as well as representatives of the local ecclesiastical and religious authorities. Among the graduates, for the first time, were students from the theologicum and post-novitiate, highlighting the recent expansion of the university as part of its educational and religious mission.”

The Salesian added, “This education that the students receive will help them find and retain stable employment. This will help them with self-sufficiency and put them in a position to aid their families and communities.”

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 – D.R. Congo – Academic Degree Ceremony 2025 at the Don Bosco University in Lubumbashi

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.

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CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Funding from Salesian Missions helps ship critical medical supplies for clinic

MissionNewswire — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:06:46 +0000

Partnership works to ensure medical supplies reach those most in need

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Bangui, Central African Republic*, had the supplies needed for a medical clinic thanks to a shipment of goods funded in part by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The shipment was sent by Collaboration Santé Internationale (International Health Collaboration), a Canadian organization focused on responding to the needs of health centers in developing countries.

Funding for the shipment was provided by both Salesian Missions and Don Bosco Foundation Paris. The shipment contained electric hospital beds, neonatal incubators, exam tables, filing cabinets, lab coats, amoxicillin, quinine, first aid supplies and vitamins.

The medical clinic was completed with funding from the French government through Don Bosco Foundation Paris. Don Bosco Foundation Paris requested assistance from Salesian Missions with funding for the shipment and for its extensive experience in shipping humanitarian aid around the globe.

“Partnerships help ensure that medical supplies and other critical humanitarian aid reaches those most in need,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “While education is the priority for Salesians around the globe, they also focus on ensuring that those in poverty have their basic needs met including essential medical care.”

Since 1996, Collaboration Santé Internationale has been the only nonprofit and international cooperation organization accredited by the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services to recover and give a second life to surplus health care supplies for humanitarian aid purposes. Since its founding, the organization has sent the equivalent of $250 million in medical equipment, supplies and medicines to support several hundred health centers in more than 90 countries.

The Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries on the African continent — despite being very rich in resources such as uranium, gold and diamonds. It is also very unstable politically due to the regime changes and civil wars that have occurred over the last 20 years.

According to the World Bank, in 2024, approximately 71% of people lived below the international poverty line, with 65.7% living on less than $2.15 per day. The infant mortality rate is among the highest in the world, and the most common causes are diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, respiratory infections and acute malnutrition.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Central African Republic

World Bank – Central African Republic

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DR CONGO: Construction on new secondary school building begins

MissionNewswire — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 08:03:48 +0000

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.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – Laying the First Stone of the New Secondary School Building in Boscolac: A New Step Forward for Youth Education in Mugunga

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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DR CONGO: Salesians respond to devastating humanitarian crisis

MissionNewswire — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 08:53:43 +0000

Whole families experiencing hunger daily

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are working to provide support for people living in the province of North Kivu in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo*, which is on the brink of humanitarian collapse. With more than 21.2 million people in need of assistance in the country and 7 million internally displaced, the conflict is devastating lives, communities, and futures.

Salesians report that in the villages adjacent to Goma and the Don Bosco Ngangi Center, suffering can be read on the faces of those who have survived. Whole families, returning to their destroyed land after months in the refugee camps, face daily hunger. They gather wild vegetables, eat once a day, and sleep on the ground.

According to data collected by the Salesian International Volunteer for Development (VIS), 70% of families consume less than two meals a day and for many, food stocks do not exceed five days. Soaring prices, up to 35% in Goma and Bukavu, have excluded two out of three families from local markets.

Housing is also a crisis within a crisis with more than half of the families living in precarious and overcrowded conditions including the 84% who do not have mattresses or blankets and 75% who do not have access to basic products for their personal hygiene.

Children have been dramatically affected with their schools destroyed. As a result, some youth think of joining armed groups or turning to street trading. “I don’t see my future in school. I would like to learn a trade and help my family,” said a young displaced person.

Salesians with the Opera Don Bosco Onlus Foundation in Milan, Italy, are living alongside the affected communities. Their goal is to alleviate suffering, rebuild hope and preserve human dignity. A Salesian noted, “There is a need to for food aid, to support local livelihoods, such as agriculture and trade, and to protect women and children, the first victims of this tragedy. North and South Kivu are asking for solidarity during this challenging time.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – Millions of lives threatened by hunger and displacement. Crisis worsens, solidarity urgently needed

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Salesian missionaries respond with emergency aid for flood victims

MissionNewswire — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 08:18:55 +0000

3 Salesian communities impacted by flood waters

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have been responding to a devastating flood that occurred in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, on June 14. Heavy rains killed 29 people and damaged buildings. The Salesian communities located in Masina, Kingabwa and Lukunga were impacted by the flood waters.

In Masina, the wall of the St. Thomas Aquinas community collapsed. In Lukunga, the wall of the Don Bosco center fell, and the Marie Auxiliatrice community in Kingabwa was seriously flooded.

A Salesian noted, “The floods damaged infrastructure, destroyed houses, and endangered the lives of many of the young people and families attending Salesian facilities. Entire families lost their homes, their belongings and, in some cases, their loved ones. They are now homeless, destitute and exposed to the health risks associated with flooding.”

Salesians in Masina, Kingabwa and Lukunga have schools, oratories, youth centers, and shelters for children and youth. Faced with this emergency situation, Salesians want to help the victims and restore the safety of the Salesian infrastructure and living conditions for the affected populations.

Mission Don Bosco, the Salesian Missions Office in Turin, Italy, has been working to address some of the needs. Salesians have launched a project to provide emergency aid, including food, hygiene kits with soaps and medicines, mattresses, sheets, and blankets for temporary shelters. There will also be psychosocial support provided for bereaved and traumatized families. Following these immediate services, Salesians will work to create income-generating activities and cooperatives to help the affected families become self-sufficient.

In addition, Salesians will secure and restore damaged schools, training centers and oratories with sustainable materials and construction techniques adapted to the climatic conditions of the place. The goal is to ensure continuity for thousands of youth, guaranteeing access to education and offering prospects for the future.

Mission Don Bosco has indicated, “This is not just a response to a crisis, but a direct investment in the security, resilience and future of vulnerable communities in Kinshasa.”

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ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – Devastating flooding in Kinshasa. The Salesians, also affected, in the front line of emergency response

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Salesian graduates receive professional starter kits in their chosen trades

MissionNewswire — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 08:11:58 +0000

Initiative aims to help young people find path to work

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian graduates in vocational trades in Democratic Republic of the Congo* received professional starter kits for their careers in painting, masonry, tailoring and plumbing at the completion of their training. An event to provide these graduates with the kits took place at the Provincial House of the Salesian Vice-Province Mary Help of Christians (ACC) in Masina, near Kinshasa.

The tools will help graduates continue their trades, integrate into society, and earn a living from self-employment or working for someone else. The training programs are held as a result of collaboration with the Salesian Mission Office of Bonn, Germany.

A Salesian noted, “Most of these graduates came to the Salesian Vocational Center in Masina from Pakadjuma, a deprived area in Kinshasa’s Limete commune, where youth are at risk of unemployment, crime, drugs and prostitution. The initiative aims to help young people the find a path to work and dignity.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of the Congo – Job Integration Kits Delivered to Young Technicians

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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MADAGASCAR: Salesian missionaries expand classrooms at Don Bosco Mahajanga thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

MissionNewswire — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 08:16:08 +0000

Students receive practical training relevant to local economy

MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are working on a construction project to expand classrooms at Don Bosco Mahajanga, a technical and vocational center in Madagascar. Donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, is financing the project. The funding has been utilized for the ground floor construction work that was needed, which is currently 80% finished.

The classroom extension project will enable the center to increase classroom sizing by 20 to 40 students per training cycle. These students typically range from ages 15-20, and they are often transitioning from general education or unemployment to skilled trades. The goal is to provide practical training relevant to the local economy, enhancing their employability and improving livelihoods. The students come from families with limited financial resources, and vocational training offers them a path to economic empowerment.

Father Bruno Ramaharaisoa, director, explained, “Beyond the direct beneficiaries, the project will also indirectly benefit the teaching staff and administration by creating a more conducive working environment and increasing the skilled workforce in the region. It is poised to have a significant positive impact on the educational opportunities and future prospects of numerous young individuals in the region, while also contributing to broader community development. The new building is seen as a catalyst for future positive initiatives in the field of education.”

Mahajanga is a large city located in the northwest coast of Madagascar. The schools in the area are insufficient. As a result, many youth are not able to access education. This leads to unemployment, child labor, and other economic and social issues.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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DR CONGO: More than 1,200 people receive healthy meals through Rise Against Hunger’s partnership with Salesian Missions

MissionNewswire — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 08:47:00 +0000

Shipment provides meals for 6 programs

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Oeuvres Maman Marguerite, a network of Salesian centers located in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, received a shipment of nutritious meals through a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization growing a global movement to end hunger.

The shipment provided meals for six programs at a prison, a hospital, orphanages, a hospice for the elderly and training centers. More than 1,200 people were fed during the second half of 2024.

One of the recipients is Mechak Kahozi, aged 14, who is attending the Bakanja Ville Welcome House. Kahozi had lived with his father, stepmother and aunt until he was mistreated at home and took to the streets. He has been living at the Salesian house since 2023. Kahozi is back in school and looking forward to a brighter future. He would like to become a mechanic and have his own garage. He’d also like to be a mentor to children like him.

Kahozi said, “Since I started eating Rise Against Hunger meals, I feel good and healthy. I really enjoy it. It’s important for me because it gives me good health, and we don’t get sick frequently anymore. I like to sit next to everyone I live with when it’s time to eat dinner.”

Father Emmanuel Kiza, director, noted, “We provide comprehensive services for youth in need, including material goods, food, clothing, health support, schooling, and spiritual and moral support. The need for food is a major challenge, so Rise Against Hunger meals help our organization to continue its work.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Newly expanded hospitals receive medical equipment

MissionNewswire — Tue, 13 May 2025 08:29:51 +0000

Equipment includes neonatal incubators

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

(MissionNewswire) Two newly expanded hospitals in the Central African Republic* received medical equipment through financing by the Canadian International Health Collaboration, an organization accredited by Canada’s Ministry of Health and Social Services for the collection of humanitarian medical supplies. Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, helped cover the shipping costs.

While the buildings for the dispensaries were ready, they still needed proper medical equipment. A recent shipment from France included two neonatal incubators, medical beds, stretchers, wheelchairs, storage cabinets, examination tables and other medical instruments. The health centers are overseen by the Don Bosco Foundation in Paris and are funded by the French Development Agency which operates under the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

A Salesian said, “With these new resources, the Salesian health clinics in Bangui will be able to expand their services and provide better medical care to the most vulnerable populations in the region.”

Last year, the Salesian health dispensary dedicated to Saint Artemide Zatti was inaugurated in the 8th district of Bangui, the country’s capital. Earlier, the expansion of the Salesian dispensary in Galabadja, another neighborhood in Bangui, was also completed.

The 8th district of Bangui is one of the poorest areas in one of the poorest capitals on the African continent. Hospitals are often far away, and many pregnant women cannot reach medical facilities in time for childbirth, contributing to a high infant mortality rate.

According to the World Bank, in 2024, approximately 71% of people live below the international poverty line, with 65.7% living on less than $2.15 per day. The infant mortality rate is among the highest in the world, and the most common causes are diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, respiratory infections and acute malnutrition.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Central African Republic – Over €100,000 in Medical Equipment for Two Salesian Health Clinics in Bangui

Salesian Missions – Central African Republic

World Bank – Central African Republic

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MADAGASCAR: Salesians launch fundraising campaign to help after devastating cyclone

MissionNewswire — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 08:30:07 +0000

Communities in Toliara region face severe destruction

MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) Mission Don Bosco, the Salesian Solidarity Fund of the Saint Anthony Province of the Salesians in Portugal, has recently launched the “A Gesture for Madagascar” campaign to respond to Salesians who are facing a humanitarian crisis following the passage of Tropical Cyclone Honde. The initiative aims to raise funds to support the affected communities, particularly in the Toliara region, where the cyclone’s impact has been devastating.

Since the cyclone struck the country on Feb. 27, Madagascar has been experiencing severe hardship given the torrential rains and wind. Tropical Cyclone Honde caused extensive damage to infrastructure and livelihoods, severely endangering food security and access to medical care. Hundreds of people have been left isolated, and many families are in urgent need of food, medicine and essential supplies, as well as temporary shelters.

Father Innocent Bizimana, superior of the Maria Immacolata Vice-Province of Madagascar, noted that Tropical Cyclone Honde inflicted severe destruction on infrastructure, homes and essential facilities. He said, “Hundreds of families have lost their homes and have no access to food or medical care.”

Salesians in Portugal are working to raise the funding needed to help Salesians in Madagascar respond to this humanitarian crisis. Salesians are often on the front lines of humanitarian disasters because they live in the communities in which they work. They are often the first ones to provide an initial response and remain long after other aid organizations have left, helping families and communities rebuild.

Salesian missionaries have 11 centers and work in several locations in the country, including the Don Bosco House in Ivato in the outskirts of Antananarivo. Salesians have been in Ankililoaka since 1982. They have constructed schools and churches, as well as a youth center for the most disadvantaged youth. They are working to ensure quality education and make sure no student is left behind.

Madagascar, an island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, is one of the poorest countries in the world. Seventy percent of Madagascar’s almost 19 million people live in poverty with 5.7 million of those youth between the ages of 10-24, according to UNICEF. This number is expected to double in 2025.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Portugal – “Missão Dom Bosco” Launches Solidarity Campaign for Madagascar

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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DR CONGO: More than 5,500 youth take part in Salesian Games

MissionNewswire — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 08:30:57 +0000

Salesians celebrating 50th anniversary of event

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) The City of Youth Salesian Center, in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, opened the 50th anniversary of the Salesian Games. This year’s event was held under the theme “Young People, in Brotherhood and Hope, We Celebrate Half a Century of the Salesian Games.” The event brings together thousands of youth each year from Salesian institutions, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, diocesan parishes and private schools.

More than 5,500 athletes are participating across 264 teams and 26 clubs, competing in soccer, basketball, volleyball, and handball. The event also features dance teams, cheerleading and acrobatic competitions, boxing matches, karate tournaments, and even fashion clubs, reflecting the cultural diversity and richness of the occasion. There are 127 schools represented.

Bishop Gaston Ruvezi, from the Diocese of Sakania-Kipushi, presided over the Catholic Mass marking the official opening of the games. The opening ceremony was attended by numerous religious and political authorities.

With competitions scheduled every weekend until May 1, culminating in the grand finals of the tournaments, this special edition of the games promises to be unforgettable. The Salesian Games, which integrate sports, culture, and educational values, remain a unique Salesian tradition dedicated to the holistic development of young people.

The event organizers said, “The Salesian Games are truly a wonderful space where the spirit of play and fraternity reign supreme. If the games continue to thrive after 50 years, it is because the spirit of Don Bosco still lives within them, guiding and inspiring young people.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of the Congo – 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Salesian Games in Central Africa: A Tradition of Brotherhood and Hope

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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MADAGASCAR: Radio Don Bosco trains program hosts as station expands reach

MissionNewswire — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 08:22:41 +0000

Program produced in collaboration with commissions of the Episcopal Conference of Madagascar

MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) Radio Don Bosco, located in Ivato, Madagascar, recently held a digital training session for hosts of the weekly program Education for Life and Love (EVA). The station, which has deep roots in Malagasy society and a commitment to staying “always in tune with its listeners”, will be expanding its reach by making its programs available online.

To adapt to this new format, hosts were trained in live on-camera communication techniques and best practices for engaging video audiences. The afternoon session of the training was dedicated to hands-on exercises to put their new skills into practice.

Broadcast every Thursday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. the EVA program is produced in collaboration with commissions of the Episcopal Conference of Madagascar. It covers a wide range of topics such as development, health, family, environment, justice and culture. Experts regularly contribute to the program, often returning each month to delve deeper into specific subjects.

A Salesian noted, “Thanks to this approach, the program has gained great popularity in recent years. To ensure its continued success, the training session provided an opportunity for hosts and guest experts to enhance their skills with the support of Radio Don Bosco’s staff.”

Before the official launch of the digital expansion, pilot episodes and test broadcasts will take place over several weeks. The content will be available on YouTube and Facebook, the two most popular social media platforms in Madagascar.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Madagascar – Skill Development for Radio DJs and Technological Progress Mark the Presence of “Radio Don Bosco”

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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DR CONGO: Salesians report uncertainty in Goma

MissionNewswire — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:47:15 +0000

Salesians assisting more than 30,000 displaced people

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Several Salesian centers were damaged in the early February violence in North Kivu Province, northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo*. After days of violence in Goma, rebels who invaded the city declared a unilateral ceasefire. The Salesian Mission Office in Madrid is hopeful that the ceasefire lasts and dialogue between the parties can begin.

A Salesian said, “They established a provisional government and demanded the resumption of activities and the return of the city to normal life. However, the city is still in a state of emergency with no schools, security, or airport, and the population is experiencing great insecurity. We are still waiting and live in great uncertainty, since the concern is that this truce is nothing more than a strategic pause.”

The Congolese government has not yet provided official figures, but the death toll could exceed 5,000 people. In addition, thousands of people had to flee their homes to save their lives. The Salesian noted, “The scene in Goma was terrifying, bullets and gunshots could be heard all over the city.”

Salesians have been working in Goma since 1981 and have vocational training centers, primary and secondary schools, and a home for children in vulnerable situations. In addition, they are assisting more than 30,000 displaced people who have taken refuge in the Don Bosco Ngangi Center. Other people who are displaced remain sheltered in the settlements of Rusayo and Kanyaruchinya.

Some Salesian educational facilities were damaged. The Salesian explained, “The classrooms at the Don Bosco Vocational Center were hit by bullets that pierced the roofs. In addition, the computer lab was destroyed by a bomb. Now neither the roof nor the computers are there. The neighborhood we are in, near the airport, has suffered heavy clashes in recent days as well.”

The Salesian Mission Office calls on the conflicting parties to engage in dialogue to achieve lasting peace. It also warns of the high risk of displaced children suffering violations of their rights. The Salesian concluded, “The Don Bosco Ngangi Center is ready to receive unaccompanied minors because their parents are missing or have died.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Misiones Salesianas

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – The city of Goma still unsafe

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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DR CONGO: Salesian missionaries support recently displaced people in Goma

MissionNewswire — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 08:28:42 +0000

Goma taken over by rebel troops on Jan. 27

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are working to support more than 30,000 people in a camp in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo*. On Jan. 27, the city of Goma was taken over by rebel troops that have been surrounding it for months. More than 2,000 people joined the 3,500 families who were already being cared for in the camp that was set up in the soccer fields of the Salesian center a year ago.

A Salesian explained, “Goma is closed. There are no schools and the shops are not open. Everyone is waiting to see what might happen.”

The Salesian added, “There are more than 30,000 people, mostly women and children that have come to us for safety. More spaces are already being prepared at Don Bosco Ngangi for the possible arrival of displaced people, and thousands of people have entered and occupied spaces in the soccer fields and also inside the building.”

Among the many Salesian organizations that support the Salesians in Goma is the Salesian Mission office in Madrid, Spain, which is committed to helping provide support for those displaced.

Luis Manuel Moral, director of the Salesian Mission office in Madrid, said, “The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a country where more than 2.8 million children suffer from acute malnutrition. We are also Salesian missionaries who are helping in the Kanyaruchinya settlement, which today has more than 75,000 displaced persons.”

The country has already suffered more than 30 years of fighting involving more than 122 rebel groups fighting for control of minerals. The country has 80% of the world’s reserves of coltan, which is necessary for the batteries of electronic devices and electric cars. The population is suffering a continuous humanitarian disaster that worsened at the end of 2022 and that today leaves almost 7 million people displaced and more than 25.4 million in need of aid to survive.

Salesian missionaries have been working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for more than 100 years ensuring that the most vulnerable children 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:

Photo courtesy of Misiones Salesianas

ANS – Democratic Republic of the Congo – ‘Thousands of people take refuge in the mission after Goma has been invaded’

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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DR CONGO: New girls’ boarding school opens at Don Bosco Ngangi Center

MissionNewswire — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 08:57:26 +0000

New facility part of comprehensive center for education

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesians have launched a new girls’ boarding school at Foyer Anuarite within the Don Bosco Ngangi Youth Center in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo*. The new facility will house 56 girls and provide a safe and educational environment while promoting vocational training and awareness of girls’ rights. The work is in collaboration with Maison Marguerite, another center operating in the same complex.

The project was financed by Don Bosco Bonn in Germany and is part of the Afrique Centrale 23-122 initiative, which aims to support the socio-economic reintegration of vulnerable girls, particularly those affected by the ongoing conflict between the army and rebel factions in the North Kivu Province. Many girls and young women have faced gender-based violence as a result.

The opening ceremony included a Catholic Mass celebrated by Father Gauthier Tshibangu, provincial delegate for Central and East Africa, who in his homily expressed his joy at seeing the enthusiasm of the girls and all the participants. He rejoiced at the completion of this long-awaited building.

Fr. Tshibangu also prayed for the benefactors, especially those from Don Bosco Bonn, who made this project possible, while also acknowledging the efforts of the other partners. After Mass, there was a tour of the building, followed by the blessing of the premises. The day continued with a photo session and recreational games for all the youth.

“Don Bosco Center Ngangi is one of the most comprehensive Salesian organizations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Built on the grounds of a school and sports field, the center has grown to provide vocational training, refugee housing, rehabilitation for child soldiers, and programs for those needing nutritional and medical care.”

The center also provides aid and services to the many refugee camps that exist in the areas surrounding Goma. Refugees, children who are orphans or have been abandoned, and victims of disaster are among the school students who rely on the center. For most of them, it’s also the only place where they receive a nutritious meal each day.

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – Opening of the girls’ boarding school at the “Foyer Anuarite” at the Don Bosco Ngangi Youth Centre in Goma

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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MADAGASCAR: Students improve language skills for future employment

MissionNewswire — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 08:02:55 +0000

Salesians launch new English and French language program

MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the Victoire Rasoamanarivo High School, located in Ankililoaka, Madagascar, have launched a new English and French program for students who struggle with learning a foreign language. The goal of the project, funded by donors, is to improve the language level of students and provide them with fundamental skills for future employment.

The project will educate 60 students ages 11-7. Funding will support the recruitment of qualified teachers with experience in teaching students with language difficulties. Classes will be held four hours a week for 10 weeks. There will be small groups to personalize learning and promote written and oral communication skills. The project will also provide textbooks and exercises as well as audio and video teaching materials. Students will have regular tests and evaluations to ensure they are making progress.

Ankililoaka is rural and mainly made up of farmers and breeders. Different ethnic groups live together in an area impacted by long periods of severe drought that in recent years has endangered the survival of harvests and the people who live there. Increasing poverty has caused difficulties for families. As a result, youth already faced with low levels of general education are dropping out of school more frequently.

A Salesian said, “We want to support our students’ growth and development. One of the areas where students struggle is with foreign language development. The goal is to help them learn languages that will directly help them in future job prospects, which will help make them more self-sufficient to improve their lives and the entire community.”

Salesian missionaries have 11 centers and work in several locations in the country, including the Don Bosco House in Ivato in the outskirts of Antananarivo. Salesians have been in Ankililoaka since 1982. They have constructed schools and churches, as well as a youth center for the most disadvantaged youth. They are working to ensure quality education and make sure no student is left behind.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Madagascar – Fostering foreign language learning to promote individual and community development

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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DR CONGO: Medical dispensary expands to meet growing needs

MissionNewswire — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 08:01:08 +0000

Funding from ‘The Heart of Elisa in the Heart of Africa’ project honors memory of Elisa Claps

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian International Volunteering for Development (VIS) is strengthening the medical dispensary at Don Bosco Ngangi Center in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo*. The medical dispensary provides essential medical care to thousands of people every day. Due to recent escalation of conflict in the country, emergency and medical needs have multiplied, including increased malnutrition of youth under age 5 and care for pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding.

Through “The Heart of Elisa in the Heart of Africa” project, VIS is supporting the expansion to meet growing demands of the dispensary. The project honors Elisa Claps, a teenager from Italy who was murdered in 1993. Her parents set up the project to honor Claps, who wanted to become a doctor and work in Africa.

Through the project, the Claps family sent the funding for a dedicated nutrition program for boys and girls under the age of 5, which was launched in October 2023. The project is also funding a new waiting room and new medical machinery to strengthen the kinds of care offered.

A Salesian said, “The waiting room where patients wait to be treated every day will be renovated and equipped, and will bear the name of Elisa. Thanks to the project, those facing malnutrition will also be able to receive enriched protein food as well as basic medicines and milk, if necessary.”

Michela Vallarino, president of the VIS, said, “We are honored and grateful that our organization can be a tool through which to bring some light to the story of Elisa Claps, more than 30 years after her death. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, one of the poorest and most unstable countries in the world, where VIS has been operating since 2002, her memory will support the health and wellness of youth and their families in Goma.”

Two events, one in Potenza, Italy, and the other in Goma, were held on Sept. 12 to honor the donation. Elisa’s brother, Gildo Claps, said, “I really wanted to be there in person, but what matters is that Elisa’s dream finally comes to life. Her memory and her desire to help others is being kept alive through this donation. In Goma, Elisa’s heart beats again after silence for 30 years.”

The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the largest countries in Africa with a population of more than 102 million people. Nearly 70% of the population live in conditions of extreme poverty with limited access to health services. There are armed militias engaged in conflict exacerbating already challenging conditions.

In Goma, the capital of North Kivu, there are clashes between the regular army and militias. Don Bosco Ngangi Center is located nearby and has set up a camp for people displaced by this conflict. It is overcrowded and conditions are difficult. Cholera and hunger are the most troubling with 90% of young children suffering from malnutrition.

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

ANS – Italy – “The heart of Elisa in the heart of Africa”. A VIS healthcare project in tribute to the memory of Elisa Claps

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Salesians supporting displaced people during mpox health emergency

MissionNewswire — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 08:33:23 +0000

International emergency declared due to increase in mpox cases

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries working and living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo* are responding to two emergencies. They have been providing aid and support for people who have been impacted by the ongoing violence in the country. Now, Salesians are faced with growing cases of mpox.

On Aug. 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an international emergency due to the increase in cases of mpox. In 2024, there have been more than 15,000 cases, and more than 500 people have died from this disease in Africa, most of them in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The scientific community warns that the increase is worrying, especially due to the high number of infections among children. According to WHO data, more than 10,000 children up to the age of 15 have been infected in 2024, and 39% of those infected are children under the age of 5.

The mpox epidemic represents a great risk for the country. A Salesian missionary working with displaced people in Goma explained, “Those who are displaced and living in the Don Bosco Ngangi camp are exposed to this new mpox epidemic. They live in overcrowded conditions and the hygienic conditions are not adequate. Our doctors warn that these are people with an already very weak immune system and that an epidemic could have really dangerous effects.”

Four cases of the infection have already occurred where the Don Bosco Ngangi Center, which oversees the camp, is located. The Salesian noted, “Practices similar to those implemented to combat COVID-19 must be put in place everywhere to avoid contagion. The epidemic emergency has already been declared, but many people are not yet aware of it and lead their daily lives normally. Awareness and prevention work are needed.”

Salesian missionaries manage 33 centers in 14 cities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With a focus on education, they operate primary and secondary schools, vocational training centers, kindergartens for the youngest, and care and recovery centers for children living on the streets and girls in vulnerable situations. Salesians also work with displaced populations and in areas where people live in extreme poverty.

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – The dramatic situation in the country, affected by violence, displacement and the increase mpox cases

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Nearly 600 people receive healthy meals through Rise Against Hunger partnership with Salesian Missions

MissionNewswire — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 08:25:50 +0000

Shipment provides meals for 5 programs, including orphanages

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Oeuvres Maman Marguerite, a network of Salesian centers located in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, received a shipment of nutritious meals consisting of rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and vitamins, through a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization growing a global movement to end hunger.

The shipment provided meals for five programs, including a prison, a hospital, orphanages, a hospice for the elderly and training centers. Close to 600 people were fed during the first half of 2024.

One of the recipient programs is the Sr. Emmanuelle House, located in Kasungami in the annex commune of the city of Lubumbashi. It is a private plot of land with a house that is home to 20 youth. Sarah Ngoy Kabedi, age 16, is one of the residents at the Sr. Emmanuelle House. She is in seventh grade and is behind in her studies due to a family situation and a lack of funding for schooling. That has not stopped Kabedi from having dreams for the future.

She said, “I dream of being a hairdresser and beautician, having a great salon, working for myself and earning a living. Above all, it is a passion for me to take care of other people’s hair and style it in addition to doing makeup, which is very popular for different ceremonies and special occasions. I can make a good living. One day, I might also learn to style men’s hair to capitalize on all potential clients.”

In regard to the meals she received, Kabedi said, “I like to eat meals with my friends with whom I live. I know that the meals contain vitamins which impacts my health and also my concentration at school. I am healthy today thanks to the Rise Against Hunger meals. Every time I consume it, it always has a positive impact on my health and my current body weight testifies to this.”

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Salesian shelter promotes family in workshop

MissionNewswire — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 08:24:13 +0000

Event part of initiatives offering better future to youth

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) The Gahinja Welcome House, part of Don Bosco Ngangi in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo,* organized an educational outing for 50 children who are living on the street. The event, made possible thanks to the financial support of Don Bosco Bonn in Germany, is part of a series of initiatives offering a better future to youth who are vulnerable and at risk of social exclusion.

During the event, youth took part in walks, dances and songs, and the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Father Dieudonné Sande Mutonkole, director of the Don Bosco Ngangi. An awareness-raising session was then held based on the theme, “Individual, behavioral and social characteristics that promote resilience and family adaptation.”

A Salesian noted, “The youth were encouraged to consider being with family as the ideal environment for their development and to cultivate parental love and acceptance. Some of these children living on the streets can go home to their families. Salesians do provide support, education and shelter for other street children who do not have this option.”

The day ended with a game of volleyball and a shared meal among the youth, a symbol of fraternity and solidarity.

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – An educational day for street children

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Salesians provide aid to people displaced by conflict, violence

MissionNewswire — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 08:59:48 +0000

Salesians remain vigilant as conflicts continue

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesians with the Assumption Province of Central Africa in the Province of North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, continue to provide support for those who have been impacted by the ongoing violence in the country. Salesians report that two conflicts are aggravating the already precarious humanitarian situation.

Over the last two years, more than 1.5 million people have been forced from their homes in the Goma region due to clashes between rebel gangs as well as the Congolese army and auxiliary forces associated with it. Fighting intensified at the beginning of 2024.

The United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) noted at the end February: “This crisis is characterized by the abundance of armed actors in the conflict, mass flight and a growing number of people in need of humanitarian aid.”

A lesser-known conflict is raging around Beni, north of Goma in an area bordering Uganda. In early June, 150 civilians were killed by armed groups of fundamentalists, who for several years have been hiding in the immense equatorial forest of the region.

Salesians in the region are working to provide support. There are more than 3,500 families living on the grounds of Don Bosco Ngangi. Salesians have also been providing food and non-food items for those displaced and dependent on humanitarian aid. Salesians have distributed corn, soy and sorghum to the children, as well as offered games, hot meals, school and medical care.

In addition, Salesians have a medical dispensary at Don Bosco Ngangi and plan to offer schooling to the displaced children and vocational training education for the older youth. The goal upcoming is to offer training for social workers on how to best help unaccompanied minors as well as economic support for families to be able to start small income-generating activities.

Salesians in the country are calling on the international community to help with donations and humanitarian aid to help alleviate the challenges the displaced people have faced.

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – “The Congolese people, by their nature, are a people of hope”

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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MADAGASCAR: Graduates succeed

MissionNewswire — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 08:39:29 +0000

Salesian missionary shares news of Notre Dame de Clairvaux Center students

MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are providing education and support for poor youth at the Notre Dame de Clairvaux Center in Ivato, Madagascar. At the end of June, students took state exams to obtain the Certificate of Professional Qualification. The exams were followed by a reception where students received certificates. The next step is for them to begin their final internship in various companies for hands-on training.

Father Erminio de Santis has worked at the Notre Dame de Clairvaux Center for 20 years. In a letter, he spoke about two young students who were impacted by the school. He wrote, “A young man who graduated last year, Rivo, attended the school with his twin Rija. Rivo attended the electrician course and Rija attended the car mechanic course. Rivo told me that his brother works as a mechanic, while he and all his classmates, who had an internship in a large electrical company, now work there on a regular contract. He said that the company, which is looking for other workers, has already booked those coming from this year’s course.”

Rivo and Rija had been forced to leave home when they were young because of their father, who was violent and abused alcohol. Their mother, who is sick, was unable to support the family. They live with their grandmother in a small house. Today, because of the Salesian school, they are able to support their family.

Salesian missionaries have 11 centers and work in several locations in the country, including the Don Bosco House in Ivato in the outskirts of the capital of Antananarivo.

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

ANS – Madagascar – The letter of Fr de Santis and the testimony of Rivo and Rija: stories that encourage and give hope for the Salesian educational mission

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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DR CONGO: Women, minors learn rights

MissionNewswire — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 08:26:05 +0000

Salesian missionaries provide education to raise awareness of rights of women and minors

Salesian missionaries in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in the Democratic Republic of the Congo*, led by Father Carlos Balezi Kabumba, recently concluded a series of educational sessions aimed at raising awareness of the rights of women and minors. The training was held for children at the Salesian House in Gahinja and for girls from the Maison Marguerite Center.

At the end of the course, participants received certificates of completion. Salesians thanked the Salesian Mission Office in Bonn, Germany, for financial support and its commitment to the protection of the rights of women and children in this conflict-torn region.

Pascal Bauma, project manager, noted, “This initiative has been useful to assess the situation of many children living on the street, especially in the city of Goma. Many young people, due to difficult family situations, are forced to take to the streets. This problem is also aggravated by the influx of people displaced by the war in and around Goma.” Over the last years, Salesians have been dedicated to caring for displaced children, who are living at Salesian houses in the region.

Salesians in Goma have described the difficult situation. Streets that allowed food supplies to be brought in are no longer accessible. A serious famine looms for all the inhabitants. The population continues to live under extreme duress.

Salesians in the region are working to provide support. There are more than 3,500 families living on the grounds of Don Bosco Ngangi. There were another 1,000 at Don Bosco Shasha until the rebels moved in. Now it is nearly empty. Salesians have also been providing food and non-food items for those displaced and dependent on humanitarian aid. Salesians have distributed corn, soy and sorghum to the children, as well as offered games, hot meals, school and medical care.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of the Congo – Raising awareness among the children at the Salesian houses in Gahinja and “Maison Marguerite” on the rights of women and minors

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Displaced people receive healthy nutrition through partnerships

MissionNewswire — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 08:24:42 +0000

Camp Don Bosco now home to 21,000 internally displaced people

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) People who have been internally displaced and are living at Camp Don Bosco, located at the Don Bosco Ngangi Youth Center in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, had access to healthy nutrition thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit Christian organization committed to “feeding God’s children hungry in body and spirit.”

The donation, sent in partnership with Flexport.org, which managed the logistics and sponsored the shipping costs for two containers, helped 2,780 people over three months in 2023. Salesian Missions will partner with Flexport.org for additional upcoming humanitarian aid shipments.

“The humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo does not receive much attention and resources globally. Being able to support this underfunded emergency response and help those in dire needs is precisely why we established the Flexport.org Fund,” said Kristen Czapar Dohnt, head of Flexport.org. “Partnering with Salesian Missions to transport this life-saving food is a true honor.”

The war between a rebel group and the loyalist FARDC army has been going on for nearly two years. Camp Don Bosco was set up in the fall of 2022. Don Bosco Ngangi Youth Center welcomed the displaced people and allowed them to use a plot of land that was once used for youth sports activities. Most of the now 21,000 people camped on the land have been displaced from Rutshuru and Nyiragongo.

Camps for displaced people, such as Camp Don Bosco, are overcrowded and lack adequate infrastructure. Living conditions are extremely precarious, with limited access to clean water, sanitation, food and health care. Disease, malnutrition and other health problems spread rapidly in such conditions.

A Salesian noted, “The highly nutritious food from Feed My Starving Children has been warmly welcomed by the families living in the camp. The families know that they are getting much-needed nutrition and are able to provide healthy meals for their families. Families with children testify that this food is highly nutritious and facilitates a quick recovery of malnourished children.”

Malnutrition is high. War and forced displacement have disrupted people’s livelihoods. Agricultural land has been abandoned leading to increase in poverty, food insecurity and dependence on humanitarian assistance. People in the camp are suffering psychological trauma impacting their emotional well-being.

A Salesian explained, “Food donations go a long way in helping this population remain fed and have a little hope for the future.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Feed My Starving Children

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: 600 youth receive meals through Salesian Missions, Rise Against Hunger

MissionNewswire — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 08:15:30 +0000

5 programs receive meals, including shelter for at-risk girls

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Oeuvres Maman Marguerite, a network of Salesian centers located in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, received a shipment of meals consisting of rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and vitamins thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization growing a global movement to end hunger. The shipment provided meals for five Salesian centers, feeding 600 youth during the second half of 2023.

Magone Girl’s House, which provides shelter for at-risk girls who are unable to be cared for by their parents, was one of the programs served. The network of three girls’ homes cares for young women and enables them to study in the city’s primary and secondary schools.

The Magone Girl’s House faces serious financial issues. It struggles to ensure food security, sufficient health care or the cost of school fees. In addition, there is a lack of drinking water in the neighborhood so the goal is to drill a well in the future to obtain drinking water on-site.

One of the young women who received the food aid is Naomie, age 15. Naomie lived with her biological mother and adoptive father until her parents died on the same day. She was then sent to live with her adoptive father’s family, who lived in the city of Likasi. Naomie was treated terribly and accused of witchcraft. She was rejected by the family who abandoned her in the city streets of Lubumbashi.

During this time, she met a social worker from the Mother Marguerite Home, who took her to the shelter in Bakanja Ville, a Salesian center for street children. She lived there for about a week until she went to the Magone Girl’s House.

Naomie was enrolled in a seven-month literacy program where she was able to learn to read and write after not going to school as a small child. She now continues her studies with others who live in the community. Since Naomie started eating the Rise Against Hunger meals, she has regained strength and can complete her household chores without getting fatigued.

“I want to become a strong, responsible, and hard-working woman to help my little brothers and sisters finish their studies,” Naomie said. “Since eating the Rise Against Hunger meals I have regained my health and strength. This is important for me to be able to study. I also feel stronger and healthier than before.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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MADAGASCAR: Salesian reflects on school year

MissionNewswire — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 08:22:16 +0000

Missionary praises work of youth and children in their classes

MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are providing education and support for poor youth at the Notre Dame de Clairvaux Center in Ivato, Madagascar. Father Erminio de Santis, originally from Italy, is one of those Salesian missionaries. He has been serving in Salesian centers in Madagascar for the past 40 years. For 20 of those years, Fr. de Santis has worked at the Notre Dame de Clairvaux Center.

“This time has passed quickly,” he said. “I want to say right away that the results of the first quarter of the school year were encouraging. Only nine of the 270 young people in the vocational center did not obtain the grade average, but we have no doubt that they will achieve it before the end of the year. We have publicly rewarded the best in each class. Some of them have obtained a scholarship, to the great joy and relief of their families who are freed from small school expenses.”

Fr. de Santis also praised the hard work of the children at the oratory who are in the elementary school. The school is focused on recovery for those students who have been abandoned on the streets. He noted, “The recovery work there is more difficult, not many of them having even started school until they were 10 or 11 years old, or having abandoned it a long time ago. But the results of the past years show us that almost everyone obtains their elementary certificate, and then the children come to train in our vocational center.”

Fr. de Santis reflected on one young student who didn’t show up after the holidays. Niríko, age 17, had begun to help his mother during the holidays, and he did not feel like abandoning her to go back to school. He had been with the Salesians for three years, completing his elementary education and advancing on to vocational training to become a carpenter.

His home life is challenging. His mother lives in a wooden hut with two young children and tries to earn money by serving a local family. Fr. de Santis said, “Niríko has compromised his education by not returning but how can we blame him for supporting his mother. We try to help where we can but family support like this is difficult because financially it’s already difficult to feed and train the children.”

Salesian missionaries have 11 centers and work in several locations in the country, including the Don Bosco House in Ivato in the outskirts of the capital of Antananarivo.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Madagascar – The silent but valuable work of the Notre Dame de Clairvaux Salesian mission

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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DR CONGO: Radio station loses equipment in storm

MissionNewswire — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 08:27:26 +0000

Community radio station requires funding for new transmitter

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Radio Don Bosco Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo* lost some of its most valuable equipment during February rainstorms. Its 2,000-kilowatt transmitter was severely damaged by lightning, which hit the facilities and destroyed the motherboard circuit. The failure was so severe that it had a considerable impact on the signal, making it impossible to transmit for several days.

This loss has compromised broadcasting programs and the stability of what is the first Salesian radio station in Central Africa, which will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in April. Father Maciej Makuła, member of Salesian social communication and contact person in the sector for the Africa-Madagascar region, witnessed the event during his visit to the country. He noted the difficulties because it is a community radio station and lacks funding.

Given these challenges, Radio Don Bosco Lubumbashi is launching an appeal for donations from other Salesian broadcasters around the globe to help buy a new transmitter or access another one, even if used. The station wants to continue enriching the culture of youth in Lubumbashi and the surrounding are. The goal is to expand to other locations including Goma, Bukavu, Kalemie and possibly throughout the national territory.

A Salesian noted, “Radio Don Bosco Lubumbashi is also looking to improve its technical skills. They are looking for a range of specialties to help the station, including computer specialists, content creators, social network specialists, influencers, electronic engineers, online or print journalists, and consistent donor support. If the radio station sees the growth and development of these specialties, they will be more technologically advanced and have greater social impact on the population.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of the Congo – A decade after its foundation Radio Don Bosco Lubumbashi launches an appeal for solidarity to ensure its survival

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Displaced people offered shelter, support

MissionNewswire — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 08:52:09 +0000

Salesians respond to needs due to continuing clashes in Masisi territory

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are providing shelter and support for those who have been displaced by recent fighting in the Masisi territory in Sake, near Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo*. Clashes between the regular army and the rebels have intensified, causing more than 3,000 people to flee the area to seek shelter and safety.

Salesians on the ground report that the humanitarian situation is serious and risks getting worse. Bombs have fallen in Sake and shots can be heard throughout the area. The situation has left people without food or water. Due to poor hygienic conditions, people are facing cholera.

“Along the Sake-Goma road, toward Mugunga, we see children, young and old, sitting, tired, they don’t know where to go,” explained Pascal Bauma, from the Salesians of Goma Project Office. “They were displaced people who had previously set their sights on Sake. Now, following the clashes, they were forced to leave Sake and head toward Goma. This is the second time these people have had to flee for safety.”

Given the ongoing clashes in the region, there is no more space available in the refugee camps. Those who are displaced must find alternative living arrangements.

“We cannot yet estimate the number of people who have moved from Sake to Goma because the situation is ongoing,” added Bauma. “Thousands of families have been forced to leave. There are those who stayed in Shasha and Sake because they were afraid of living as a displaced person. Others stayed in Mugunga waiting for the situation to improve so they can quickly return home.”

In Goma, people who have been displaced are living in difficult conditions. Streets that allowed food supplies to be brought in are no longer accessible. If things do not change, a serious famine looms for all the inhabitants of Goma, reported the Salesians. The scarcity of some foodstuffs is already noted, and the population is living under extreme duress. The added worry is that the city will fall into the hands of the rebels.

Salesians in the country are calling on the international community to help with donations and humanitarian aid to help alleviate the challenges the displaces have faced.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – More violence in the east. Salesians at the service of the needy

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Salesian missionaries open new health center

MissionNewswire — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 08:41:34 +0000

Building dedicated as symbol of love and hope

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have opened the Gabriele Confortini Health Center in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*. The new health center will offer essential medical services for poor families and provide prevention programming aiming to improve the health of the community, especially children and women.

An opening ceremony took place on Feb. 3 in the presence of donors from Italy. The center is being managed by the general directorate of Afia Don Bosco Polyclinic and was made possible by the Confortini family, originally from Verona, Italy, who financed the construction work. The building was dedicated to the memory of Gabriele Confortini, who died after a long illness at the age of 13.

Confortini’s aunt, Anna Maria Coelli, sold her apartments shortly before she passed away in order to finance the construction of a health center in memory of her nephew. The two shared a close relationship and she wanted to save the lives of poor children in a country that desperately needs access to quality health services. Monica and Linda Confortini, Gabriele’s mother and sister, and Dario, Anna Maria Coelli’s husband, took part in the opening ceremony of the center.

Father Guillermo Basanēs, superior of the Assumption of Mary Salesian Province of Central Africa, expressed his sincere thanks to the Confortini family and urged the nursing staff to take care of patients with great love.

Representing the local civil authorities, the area health director, said: “I was called to this opening to verify that this center meets the required standards. Even before it opens its doors, I have no doubts about its credibility knowing that the Salesians of Don Bosco are responsible for it.”

The building was built by the Indian company A One Builders. Father Guislain Kaya, administrator of the Afia Don Bosco Polyclinic, publicly paid tribute to the company for completing the work on schedule.

At the closing of the ceremony, Father Mathias Amani, the province’s social communication delegate, said, “This center represents much more than a medical infrastructure. It is a tangible symbol of love, international solidarity and hope. It’s a sign imprinted in the hearts of those who have known Gabriele and those who will benefit from the care offered by this center.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – Opening of the Gabriele Confortini Health Centre at the Ruashi Youth House

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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MADAGASCAR: 800 youth take part in activities

MissionNewswire — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:59:06 +0000

Salesians also provide education, meet basic needs in community

MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have been providing support for youth in Madagascar since 1981. They offer education, literacy, and professional training, as well as pastoral care and oratories for youth. Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world and more than 60% of the population is under age 20.

The town of Ankililoaka has been home to a Salesian community for more than 40 years. Located in the southwest of Madagascar, the town and the area are poor. People are mostly supported by agriculture even though there is often a lack of water. In addition to education, Salesians focus efforts on ensuring that the people have their basic needs met. There has also been an oratory for youth since the beginning.

A Salesian noted, “The oratory has always been an important point of reference for youth where they are protected and learn the true meaning of friendship, respect, collaboration and responsibility. It’s been a space in which they grow, play and pray in the little church that is the heart of this oratory. More than 800 youth attend the activities there that are coordinated by 35 leaders.”

The Salesian added, “Play and sport have always been important to the Salesians and the youth we serve. There is much for youth to learn while they are having fun with their peers. At the oratory in Ankililoaka, we offer both basketball and volleyball. As the oratory continues to grow and serve even more youth, we are looking for international support to build two playgrounds. Mission Don Bosco in Italy is currently looking for the support to helps us carry out this project.”

Salesian missionaries have 11 centers and work in several locations in the country, including the Don Bosco House in Ivato in the outskirts of the capital of Antananarivo.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Madagascar – The oratory in Ankililoaka has a new life

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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DR CONGO: Refugees receive support

MissionNewswire — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 08:28:14 +0000

Veteran Club Don Bosco provides aid for refugees in Bulengo camp

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) The Veteran Club Don Bosco in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, celebrated its ninth anniversary with efforts to give back and support the local community. The group consists of men and women of all ages, including the elderly, adults, young adults and children. It started at the Salesian oratory at the Industrial Technical Institute of Goma and was managed for many years by Salesian Brother Honorato Alonso.

The day of giving back began with a Catholic Mass followed by a photo session. Then, the group moved to Bulengo, one of the largest refugee camps just outside of Goma. The camp is the result of a long and complex war that has been raging in the country. People survive thanks to local help and support by international organizations. Health and safety conditions are lacking and youth do not have opportunities to go to school and learn.

Veteran Club Don Bosco provided aid for these marginalized people. Each member of the group contributed money, food, clothes and anything that would be useful to those living in the camp. On Nov. 12, the group gave the refugees what they had collected, and the beneficiaries thanked them for their support.

A Salesian noted, “It was a successful day of giving back to the local community. At the end of the visit, the whole group returned to the Industrial Technical Institute in Goma, to share a moment of reflection and fraternity. After, there were recreational activities and lunch. At the end of the day, members of Veteran Club Don Bosco expressed the hope that what they did would inspire others to do the same.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – The first nine years of the Vétéran Club Don Bosco: a group, a conviction, a commitment

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Afia Don Bosco Hospital receives donor funding for new generator

MissionNewswire — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 08:11:17 +0000

Hospital experiences frequent power outages

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Afia Don Bosco Hospital, located in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, has a new generator to supply the hospital with consistent electricity thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The hospital, which runs 65% of the time on a generator, experiences frequent power outages, which impact its ability to provide proper medical care for patients.

The hospital provides medical care for the large population in Lubumbashi and its surroundings. Patients of all ages rely on the hospital services, including Salesians and families being served from the Salesian center in the area. The old generator that had been in use for some time recently broke, leaving the hospital in a precarious situation. With the new generator, the hospital will run more effectively and efficiently.

Afia Don Bosco Hospital has 156 beds and specialized services including radiology, an emergency department, general medicine, internal medicine, pneumology, gynecological and obstetric, dermatology, dentistry, kinesiotherapy, pediatric, general surgery, neurosurgery, psychiatry, ophthalmology, oncology and more.

Dr. Christian Mbuya, the medical director at the hospital, said, “We send out heartfelt thanks to benefactors, who are supporting Afia Don Bosco Hospital. This donation is important for the health and well-being of each patient. Thanks to this electrical supply, it will reduce the risk linked to the lack of power in this health and hospital environment.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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CAMEROON: Training program improves lives of youth

MissionNewswire — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 08:11:14 +0000

Bosco Global project provides educational support for at-risk youth

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Yaoundé, Cameroon, completed the “Improving assistance to disadvantaged young people in Yaoundé through quality training” project in October. The project was carried out by Bosco Global in Spain and funded by the Municipal Council of Tenerife, Spain. The goal was to improve the lives of youth in vulnerable situations by supporting educational assistance at the Don Bosco Center in the Mimboman district.

Education in the district is important for youth given the challenging conditions they face. The area where they live is on the outskirts of the city and has no paved roads, precarious health services, overcrowded schools and a high crime rate among youth who do not see a better future.

Dr. Virginia Martín, technical consultant with Bosco Global for the project, said, “Fortunately, in this hostile environment the Don Bosco educational complex in Mimboman stands out. It consists of a primary and secondary school, a vocational training center, and the Don Bosco Youth Center that is open to all young people in the neighborhood.”

Martín added, “As a result of this project, the library at the center has been equipped with books, computers, a photocopier, and a librarian has been hired. There are extended opening hours to allow access not only to the students of the center but also to the rest of the neighborhood. A school canteen was also built and the vocational training workshops for aluminum carpentry, woodworking, and tailoring were equipped. In addition, teachers were trained in the correct use of the new equipment, and all the improvements were disseminated to the educational community and the neighborhood.”

After the project, Bosco Global highlighted the outcomes with a special presentation at the San Juan Bosco Salesian Secondary School in La Cuesta, Tenerife, to raise awareness of the situation of Mimboman’s youth and the importance of fighting for the right to education in any country in the world.

More than 30% of Cameroon’s population lives below the poverty line and human development indicators remain low, according to the World Food Programme. Poverty is the highest in the Far North, North, Adamawa and East regions. In northern regions, people are often affected by natural disasters and below-average harvests which contribute to a continuing cycle of poverty and hunger.

Salesian missionaries in Cameroon provide education and social development services to poor youth so they are able to gain the training needed to find and retain long-term employment. They in turn are able to give back to their families and communities.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Cameroon – “Bosco Global” promotes quality education

Bosco Global

Salesian Missions

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DR CONGO: Salesians care for displaced families

MissionNewswire — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 08:51:31 +0000

Conflict has left more than 6.2 million people displaced

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries at Don Bosco Shasha, Don Bosco Ngangi Youth Center and the Salesian Industrial Technical Institute in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, are continuing to provide support for those who have been internally displaced in the country. Conflict has left more than 6.2 million people displaced across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika, according to the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR.

The country is battling conflict fueled by competition for the region’s rich resources including diamonds, cobalt, gold and oil. The March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group launched an offensive on Oct. 20, 2022, and seized a large part of the Rutshuru territory, displacing people who had fled to the region to escape conflict between the M23 and Congolese armed forces. With the takeover, these people had to flee again.

As a result, the Nyiragongo Territory, bordering the city of Goma, has welcomed thousands of those who have been internally displaced. Many are in the Kanyaruchinya Internally Displaced Persons camp. There has also been serious fighting in Masisi territory, where the towns of Kitshanga and Mushaki have fallen under M23 control. Rutshuru and Masisi are the main sources of food for the city of Goma, and as a result food prices are very unstable. Also, due to the vast numbers of displaced people, several other camps have sprung up. The situation has stressed humanitarian organizations that are already overstretched with their resources.

There are more than 25,000 families living in the camps at Kanyaruchinya, Don Bosco Ngangi, Don Bosco Shasha and Bulengo. Salesians are working to collaborate with other partners to better coordinate interventions at the local level. Many households in the various camps rely on the assistance of the Salesians, who provide food to displaced families as well as spiritual support.

A Salesian said, “The conditions of the camps are challenging. Thanks to donors though some families now have tarpaulins on their shelters. Increases in the cost of living have exacerbated the crisis, with food, fuel and other goods rising in price. Pregnant women, the elderly, people living with disabilities, and widows/widowers are finding it hard to get by in these conditions, having left everything behind in their homelands. The needs are enormous. The children need a space for games and for psychosocial care, helping them to deal with the trauma of the war. Salesians are already doing what they can to organize activities, but have yet to be able to provide these for all the children across the different camps.”

Salesians are also concerned about youth missing their education. Some children missed the 2022-2023 school year and it is very likely that they will miss the 2023-2024 school year. There is currently no hope of a return to their villages, where the security situation remains precarious. There is an urgent need for youth to be enrolled in either local schools or vocational training courses to reduce the risk of violence and exploitation. There is also a need for households to learn income-generating activities in order to reduce their total dependence on humanitarian aid, especially considering that not everyone has access to aid.

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Sources:

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

ANS – DR Congo – Helping Families Displaced by Conflict

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Students benefit from job kits

MissionNewswire — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 08:05:43 +0000

Kits give youth support as they finish courses

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Sixty youth attending the Vocational Training Center in Boscolac, located in Mugunga, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, were provided kits at the end of their cutting and sewing and cosmetic hairstyling training. The kits are part of a project known as AFC-22 implemented by the Salesian Eastern Delegation of the Central Africa Province planning and development office and financed by Don Bosco Mission based in Bonn, Germany.

In his address at the event where the kits were distributed, Father Carlos Balezi Kabumba, director of the development office, thanked benefactors on behalf of the youth and noted that the training they received will be beneficial to the entire society. Youth now have the skills for employment, which will aid welfare of their families and the entire community.

The ceremony was also attended by Father Pascal Mumba Kati, rector of the Boscolac Community, and Brother Honorato Alonso, outgoing head of the Boscolac Vocational Training Center, who encouraged youth to put the knowledge they have learned to good use and to spread the moral and spiritual values taught by the Salesians.

“Having the skills and tools for employment gives youth an opportunity to hit the ground running after graduation,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesians want to ensure that youth are able to gain long-term stable employment and become self-sufficient. Kits like these go a long way to ensure youth are starting out life with the right support.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – D.R. Congo – Sixty young people trained in trades receive the Boscolac VTC vocational reintegration kit

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Donations keep youth in school

MissionNewswire — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 08:39:04 +0000

Students also benefit from donations for educational tools

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Youth in the Salesian community of Boscolac, located in Mugunga, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, have useful tools for their education thanks to Marineo Solidale, an Italian organization, and Poste Italiane, the Italian postal service.

Marineo Solidale has been supporting Salesian programs for several years. This year, Marineo Solidale is coming to the aid of youth in Boscolac community by paying their school fees. Youth at Maison des Jeunes in Lubumbashi have also had their school fees paid as well as benefited from sports uniforms, soccer balls and volleyballs. In addition, thanks to donor funding, youth at Maison des Jeunes have new welding stations, grinders, drills, clamps and many other useful items for professional training courses.

Both Maison des Jeunes and the Boscolac communities host professional training workshops, with courses on carpentry, welding, construction, cutting and sewing, hairdressing, and beautician skills. Salesians aim to educate youth so they can become employed and responsible citizens.

“We want to do our best by providing maximum assistance to our children,” said Father Pascal Mumba, a Salesian from the Province of Central Africa. “That is why we can only express our heartfelt thanks to Marineo Solidale for their help and to Poste Italiane, which sponsored this project to carry out these activities. Thank you for supporting the Salesian mission.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – International solidarity bringing aid and development: from Sicily to Central Africa

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Center in need of new water source

MissionNewswire — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 08:43:07 +0000

Water system unable to meet growing demand

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) The Muetu Don Bosco Center in the Makala neighborhood of Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, needs a new water source to meet the growing demand in the community, reported Mission Don Bosco in Turin, Italy. Founded in 1995, the Don Bosco Center provides services for 4,900 people.

With a population of 3 million people, Mbuji-Mayi is the second largest city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the capital of the Kasai Oriental province. Since 1990, the province has been experiencing widespread unemployment, unequal distribution of wealth, low agricultural production compared to demand and exploitation in the diamond extraction market.

Despite the wealth of mineral resources, the city is one of the poorest in the country. Close to 75% of people live on less than $0.50, a day and more than 80% of the population does not have access to health services, school education or water. The greatest difficulties are concentrated in the peripheral areas of the city, such as the district of Makala, where people lack a water source and are at risk of violence. Those accessing the center and others in Makala are forced to go in search of water in other regions, putting them more at risk.

Father Mario Perez, a Salesian missionary in Mbuji-Mayi, explained, “Most of the members of Mbuji-Mayi’s families are unemployed or survive on small earnings working in diamond mines or in agricultural fields more than 25 kilometers (approximately 15.5 miles) from the residence. In this area, almost all households do not have access to electricity or drinking water. Here the water, health and nutritional emergency is the horizon in which almost the entire population lives.”

Fr. Perez added, “During the rainy season, residents try to collect rainwater, but even in this period, due to the lack of infrastructure, they are unable to cover the family needs. During the dry season, they obtain supplies from the Bushimaie river, which is contaminated by very harmful chemical substances and fecal bacteria, and spreads numerous diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, poliomyelitis and diarrhea, which is often fatal, especially for children under age 5.”

The Don Bosco Center currently has a water supply system that allows for 2,800 liters (approximately 740 gallons) of drinking water daily. Given the greater need, Salesians buy another 15,000 liters (approximately 4,000 gallons) of filtered water every day. In recent years, spending has become unsustainable and it does not guarantee they have water to meet the need.

The goal is to dig a deep well to provide water for the entire Salesian community and beyond. With the outbreak of another cholera epidemic that continues to claim victims every day, the implementation of this project is considered an urgent priority by the Salesians and by local authorities. The goal is provide a safe and sufficient water source to promote proper hygiene and allow for safe drinking water. This would also limit the risk of young women and girls searching for water.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – A well for thousands of thirsty people

Mission Don Bosco

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Salesians support people displaced by war

MissionNewswire — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 08:29:49 +0000

Don Bosco Shasha providing shelter and nutritional support

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have been providing support for people displaced by the fighting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo*. Since Feb. 10, 2023, Don Bosco Shasha has been sheltering people who fled to safety in the field of the primary school. Currently, displaced families are using the classrooms for shelter.

While Salesians are providing what they can, it has become increasingly difficult for the people living in the camp. Father Kizito Tembo, a Salesian priest at Don Bosco Shasha, explained, “In the camp, life seems to have stopped. They wake up in the morning not knowing what they are going to eat or how the day will end. Worse still is when it was raining. Families huddle around the fire to keep warm. The most vulnerable are pregnant women, the elderly, the sick and children.”

People are also getting sick on their long journey from their villages to Don Bosco Shasha and while in the camp. Fr. Tembo said, “After a long road of exile, those who had caught diseases along the way began to succumb. Children have become victims of cholera, measles and malnourishment. Pregnant women have miscarriages and others have stillbirths. Misery upon misery. Breastfeeding women do not have enough breast milk, which is a disaster for babies.”

Salesians are providing porridge for the children who are facing malnutrition and for the sick in the hopes that food will make them strong enough to fight their illness. Salesians are also trying to get youth back into school.

Fr. Tembo added, “We intend to give all the children the chance to go back to school with the other students at the Don Bosco Shasha primary school. We are also offering skill training for older youth who want to learn a skill for employment. But this recovery is slow, because our forces are too limited.”

Fr. Tembo calls on the international community to remember the plight of those impacted by the ongoing violence and the many who have had to flee with nothing more than the clothes on their backs.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Shasha

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Displaced children benefit from food support

MissionNewswire — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 08:05:57 +0000

Salesian missionaries addressing child malnutrition at camps near Goma

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the East Delegation of the Central Africa Province, in collaboration with the Salesian-run International Volunteering for Development (VIS), have been focused on providing food rations and other support for those who have been displaced and are seeking shelter at Don Bosco Ngangi in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo.*

During June 2023, more than 500 children under age 5 and their parents received concentrated cereal porridge every day. In addition, 36 children under age 5, who are facing severe acute malnutrition, benefited from a substantial meal each day in addition to the daily porridge.

Toward the end of the month, 500 of the most vulnerable families — people with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and heads of larges families — received food assistance including maize flour, beans, vegetable oil and salt, as well as soap.

Salesians in Goma and the surrounding areas are supporting people who have been displaced. The conflict has left more than 5.8 million people displaced across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Since the beginning of October 2022, more than 28,000 people have sought refuge from violence at Don Bosco Ngangi. Salesian missionaries, with support of volunteers from VIS, are supporting people as best they can. Those displaced are also turning to Don Bosco Shasha, located outside of Goma.

Father Carlos Balezi, emergency coordinator, said that Salesian assistance for those displaced was possible in close collaboration with VIS and the support of their partners as well as the Salesian Mission Offices in Bonn, Germany: Madrid; Turin, Italy and Salesian Missions USA, among others.

The team in charge of field activities, led by Salesian Brother Augustin Mupoyi, recently provided malnutrition screening and treatment for parasites for 271 children, including 161 girls from the Don Bosco Shasha site.

“Severe acute malnutrition is a clear public health problem especially among displaced people, weaned children, and pregnant and lactating women,” said Father Kizito Tembo, Salesian community leader in Shasha. “There are at least 420 families impacted by malnutrition currently in our camp that we are trying to provide support for at this time. This is not an exhaustive list and we believe there are many more.”

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

ANS – DR Congo – Intense humanitarian activities by Salesians in Goma Don Bosco Shasha centre for displaced persons

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Salesians help combat child malnutrition in camps

MissionNewswire — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 08:18:35 +0000

People who have been displaced seeking shelter at Don Bosco Shasha, Don Bosco Ngangi

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are working to address child malnutrition in camps for those internally displaced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.* Salesians in Goma and the surrounding areas are supporting people who have been displaced because of ongoing conflict. The conflict has left more than 5.8 million people displaced across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Thousands of displaced people have settled on the grounds of Don Bosco Shasha with Salesians providing food and shelter. Those impacted by the war are also going to Don Bosco Ngangi in Goma, where some 28,000 people are seeking shelter on the center’s grounds.

Recently, Salesians have provided additional food support. Don Bosco Ngangi Center in Goma distributed hot meals, milk and cookies to 500 displaced children. Father Carlos Belozi, economer of the East Delegation of the Central African Province, expressed his gratitude to the many donors whose generosity has helped these children who have been traumatized by war.

In addition, Salesian Emergency Coordination developed a new program to give porridge and a meal to children showing signs of malnutrition at Don Bosco Shasha. A Salesian noted, “We are doing our best with limited means. We have had an influx of people coming to the camp and we have limited supplies. Through the generous support of donors, we are doing all we can to provide shelter, nutrition and other necessities.”

Given the ongoing violence, Salesians are working on a more long-term solution for those who have been displaced and are launching projects to provide people with more support. The goal is to provide more provisions and psychological support to the people, including education for minors.

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

ANS – D.R. Congo – Distribution of hot meals for the World Day of the African Child

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: 300 displaced families provided food

MissionNewswire — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 08:16:33 +0000

Salesians at Don Bosco Shasha and Don Bosco Ngangi work to provide shelter, food and other supplies

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Mission Don Bosco, located in Turin, Italy, with the help of volunteers from the Salesian-run International Volunteering for Development (VIS), distributed food and soap to more than 300 families staying at the Don Bosco Shasha camp in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.* The food rations consisted of cornmeal, beans, vegetable oil and salt.

This distribution is part of ongoing humanitarian aid for the thousands of internally displaced people settled in camps in Goma and the surrounding areas. Salesians have been sheltering vulnerable people in the camps, including the elderly, those with disabilities, mothers and pregnant women, since the start of the fighting earlier in 2023.

The conflict has left more than 5.8 million people displaced across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika, according to UNHCR – the United Nations Refugee Agency. Thousands of displaced people settled on the grounds of Don Bosco Shasha. Those impacted by the war are also going to Don Bosco Ngangi in Goma, where some 28,000 people sought shelter on the center’s grounds.

A Salesian missionary said, “Salesians are doing everything they can to help those who continue to live in precarious conditions and who lose the hope of returning to their villages as each day passes. Peace has been slow to return and people are doing the best they can to keep safe.”

Salesians at both Don Bosco Shasha and Don Bosco Ngangi are working to provide shelter, food and other supplies to people in need. Supplies are running low as people are in desperate need of humanitarian aid. Salesians around the globe are doing the best they can in offering support, especially in the form of food aid.

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

ANS – D.R. Congo – Salesians help more than 300 displaced families in Don Bosco Shasha

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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MADAGASCAR: Salesians provide nutrition, support for families

MissionNewswire — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 08:10:04 +0000

Work includes psychological support to help families overcome difficulties

MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to provide support for 20 families in the Ivato district of Madagascar thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

With the funding, Salesians purchased rice, pulses, sugar and more to meet the daily food needs of the families, along with soap and candles. Salesians also taught the families about the importance of taking care of their bodies and health, with a focus on personal hygiene and nutrition. In addition, Salesians provided psychological support to help families overcome the difficulties they encounter in their daily lives.

One Salesian missionary said, “This project is helping people in need by providing them with basic necessities, hygiene supplies and medicines to improve their lives. We are convinced that these activities have helped to improve their health and general well-being. We hope that this project can be continued in the future to help more people in need.”

Salesian missionaries have been living and working in Madagascar since 1981. Today, they have 11 centers and work in several locations, including the Don Bosco House in Ivato in the outskirts of the capital of Antananarivo.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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DR CONGO: Displaced families benefit from food rations

MissionNewswire — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 08:04:59 +0000

Families are among those seeking shelter at Don Bosco Ngangi in Goma

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries from the Central Africa Province, in collaboration with the Salesian-run International Volunteering for Development (VIS), distributed food rations to more than 300 families who have been displaced and are seeking shelter at Don Bosco Ngangi in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo.*

Recipients of the food rations include the elderly, those with disabilities, pregnant women and lactating mothers. The rations for each family had bags of cornmeal, beans, vegetable oil, cooking salt and soap. The distribution took place in the multi-purpose hall of the AMANI center.

Salesians in Goma and the surrounding areas are supporting people who have been displaced because of ongoing conflict. The conflict has left more than 5.8 million people displaced across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Father Guillermo Basañes, superior of the Central Africa Province, expressed his gratitude to all donors who have helped in the food ration donation. He said, “People of goodwill have joined this initiative to save lives.”

Given the ongoing violence, Salesians, with the help of VIS, are working on a more long-term solution for those who have been displaced and are launching a project to provide people with more support. The goal is to provide more provisions and psychological support to the people, including education for minors.

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – Salesians’ support for displaced people sheltered at “Don Bosco Ngangi” center continues; Provincial, also at front line

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Food rations provided to families at refugee camp

MissionNewswire — Wed, 24 May 2023 08:53:46 +0000

Camp lacks food, clean water, toilets and schooling, says Salesian

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries, through the Emergency Coordination for Displaced Persons, distributed food rations consisting of cornmeal, beans, cooking salt, vegetable oil and soap to 320 families in the Kanyaruchinya camp, north of Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo.* The distribution was made possible thanks to the support of the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid.

One Salesian said, “The beneficiaries were the most vulnerable people in the camp, including the elderly, those with disabilities, mothers and pregnant women. This is the third time Salesians have provided vulnerable people in the camp with food and basic necessities. The last time was during a period of famine that hit the camp occupants earlier this year. The camp lacks food, clean water, toilets and schooling.”

This camp is the first and largest internally displaced persons camp in the Rutshuru and Nyiragongo territories. Despite being an officially recognized camp, assistance is sporadic.

This food distribution came a week after the one made at Don Bosco Shasha for those who have sought shelter there from the ongoing fighting in the country. Salesians in Goma and surrounding areas are supporting people who have been displaced because of ongoing conflict. The conflict has left more than 5.8 million people displaced across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika, according to UNHCR – the United Nations Refugee Agency.

Thousands of displaced people settled on the grounds of Don Bosco Shasha with Salesians providing food and shelter. Those impacted by the war are also going to Don Bosco Ngangi in Goma, where some 28,000 people are seeking shelter on the center’s grounds.

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

ANS – D.R. Congo – Salesians from AFC-EST Delegation bring humanitarian aid to displaced people in Kanyaruchinya camp

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Students graduate with employable skills

MissionNewswire — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 08:19:27 +0000

Youth were once living on the street with no access to shelter or education

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) The Tuwe Wafundi School of Trades, part of the Don Bosco Center in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, provides education to homeless youth ages 17-22. These youth were once living on the street with no access to shelter or education. Salesians estimate upward of 6,000 youth, more than 1,000 of whom are girls, are homeless in the city. At the Salesian center, they access 13 months of free vocational training in carpentry, auto mechanics, assembly welding and masonry.

Typically, each year 100 students are admitted. More than a year ago, the class size expanded to 150 students. They were youth who had little hope for the future. When they arrived at the Don Bosco Center, they underwent two months of literacy or remedial education, eight months of practical training in a trade, and then three months of work experience with craftspeople on a construction site, in a workshop, or in a small business.

Of the 150 who started their education, 116 received their professional certificates on March 5. Many of the graduates are already working, given jobs with the companies where they interned. Of the graduates, 24 young women participated in the program and 23 completed and passed. One young woman from the masonry program received the highest grades in the entire school.

“The Don Bosco Center provides education for youth who have no where else to turn,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Gaining an education in a trade allows students to access classroom education and then put their skills into practice in a real working environment. If students do a good job at their internship, many are hired before they even graduate. The goal is to give youth access to skills that ensure long-term stable employment.”

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. More than 4.1 million Congolese are now displaced with 620,000 seeking refuge in neighboring countries. More than 7.5 million people do not have enough food to eat.

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

ANS – DR Congo – 116 street boys and girls graduate from Salesian school in Bukavu

Don Bosco Center Bukavu Facebook

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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DR CONGO: Displaced people obtain medical care

MissionNewswire — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 08:09:38 +0000

Don Bosco Ngangi medical center transformed into an emergency hospital

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) While the province of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo* is still facing ongoing clashes that have been displacing thousands of people, Salesian missionaries continue with their work. The medical center at Don Bosco Ngangi in Goma just delivered triplets for Dorcas Ndibungo, who had a boy and two girls.

Ndibungo, age 36, has been at Don Bosco Ngangi since she was displaced in November 2022. She fled Kibumba village in the Nyiragongo territory north of Goma with her eight children. She has been seeking shelter at the center since then and was fortunate to have the medical center to aid in her pregnancy and delivery.

Initially set up to provide care for youth living at Don Bosco Ngangi, the medical center later began providing maternity, consultation, laboratory, hospitalization, prevention, pharmacy and nutrition services. This has been particularly important with the addition of 28,000 people who have sought shelter on the center’s fields.

The medical center has been transformed into an emergency hospital for thousands who have been displaced. The medical team includes a doctor, a laboratory technician, a physiotherapist, a clinical psychologist, two hygienists and five nurses. The team is providing both preventive and medical care for those who have been injured and have emergencies.

In the first two months of assisting those displaced, the medical center treated 1,702 people, and in the last week of February and the first week of March, care was provided for 766 vulnerable people. A total of 16 women gave birth, nine patients were referred to more specialized facilities and 18 were hospitalized.

Father Jean-Pierre Muhima, director of the Don Bosco Ngangi center, explained where the additional resources have come from to meet the expanded need. He said, “Wherever there is need, misery, violence, suffering, Don Bosco must be there. We started with the means we had at our disposal. We have also been fortunate to have benefactors in the field of health, including Salesian Mission offices around the world, and other organizations such as the International Volunteers for Development (VIS), Save the Children, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, among others.”

Given the violence does not seem to be deescalating, Salesians, with the help of VIS, are working on a more long-term solution for those who have been displaced and are launching a project to provide people with more support. The goal is to provide more provisions and psychological support to the people including education for minors.

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – A sign of hope in the midst of war: a woman gives birth to triplets in the health center of the Don Bosco Ngangi Youth Centre

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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MADAGASCAR: Salesians support young prisoners

MissionNewswire — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 08:43:48 +0000

Youth receive meals, take part in activities

MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries deliver meals and provide social support for boys in the state-run rehabilitation center in Antananarivo, Madagascar. Salesians also provide engaging recreational activities.

Data released by the United Nations Children’s Fund showed more than 1 million children are deprived of their liberty in prisons around the world. In some countries, youth are arrested and detained for reasons such as running away from home, sleeping on the streets, and skipping school. They are tried as adults, condemned to serve their sentence in adult prisons and receive equal treatment with adults by the police.

Salesians aim to help youth get through these tough prison sentences by showing them compassion, which will help with reintegration into society once they are released.

“Music, theater, sports, as well as spiritual formation through the celebration of Mass, catechism, and the screening of religious and educational documentaries are some of the activities that we provide for youth,” said Father Giovanni Corselli, a Salesian missionary who has been in Madagascar for nearly 40 years and is director of the Ankililoaka house.

Fr. Corselli added, “On average, there are around 100 boys, ages 9-17, but the number of minors detained varies according to the roundups that the policemen carry out at night or during the day and where they surprise teenagers running around trying to steal. Often, it is the parents themselves who put them there because they do not know what to do with them.”

During the week, the young prisoners are subject to rigid prison rules which do not provide play and free time, but on Sundays, they can participate in sports and recreational activities. Games and raffles are organized at the center two or three times a year. It is also an opportunity to distribute useful items for daily life. The prizes are clothes, school supplies and chocolate, among other items. As the authorities are unable to provide regular and balanced meals, Salesians distribute full meals to the young prisoners through the novices, who then eat with them.

Fr. Corselli explained, “It is delicate and complex to manage those who have committed a crime with those whose only fault is living on the streets without the support of their families or children whose families are unable to care for them. We have tried to save some of them, but with others, we haven’t succeeded because they need constant care and it’s just not possible for us.”

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

ANS – Madagascar – In Anjanamasina juvenile prison, Salesians apply Don Bosco’s teaching to the letter: make boys feel loved

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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DR CONGO: Homeless youth benefit from food partnership

MissionNewswire — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 08:32:52 +0000

Youth at center access long-term services and help with education

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Youth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo* received healthy nutrition thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization growing a global movement to end hunger. The rice-meals were sent to the Salesian Projects Office of the Central Africa Province and distributed to Salesian programs in the second half of 2022.

One of the recipients was the Bakanja Center, which serves youth who arrive from the Salesian Bakanja Ville, which acts as a drop-in and reception center for homeless youth who are looking to escape the challenges of living on the streets.

At the Bakanja Center, youth can access more long-term services that help with their recovery and education. Sami Mujinga Lapp is one of the youth who received the rice-meal donation at the Bakanja Center.

Lapp said, “I feel at home in this center that has welcomed me after living on the street. After receiving my education with the Salesians, I would like to be a great mechanic. I think that I would like to move to Zambia to earn a living. I want to contribute to society and help other street youth.”

Lapp also enjoys the camaraderie of eating with his friends. He added, “Often I sit next to my friends and we share our meals and talk and joke. We like to laugh together. Since I started eating the Rise Against Hunger meals, I feel healthy, and my weight even increased. It is a very good meal, especially for malnourished children. I would say it’s important for me to eat this meal because it contains the necessary vitamins for the body. For our community, this meal has allowed those of us who were undernourished a chance to regain normal health.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Artillery fire causes displaced people to flee Don Bosco Shasha

MissionNewswire — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 08:31:46 +0000

Thousands had settled on grounds during ongoing conflict

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO.

(MissionNewswire) Salesians in Goma and surrounding areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo* are supporting people who have been displaced because of ongoing conflict. The conflict has left more than 5.8 million people displaced across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika, according to UNHCR – the United Nations Refugee Agency.

Thousands of displaced people settled on the grounds of Don Bosco Shasha with Salesians providing food and shelter. Recently, the use of heavy weapons by Congolese loyalist forces has caused panic for those staying on the Salesian land. As a result, thousands of people are on the run again to unknown destinations.

Fear peaked on March 7, when rockets fired by Congolese loyalist forces stationed in the Salesian concession and its northern periphery reached Karuba, about 30 kilometers (about 18.6 miles) from the Salesian house, causing casualties among peaceful farmers in the area. The side from Karuba responded with artillery fire that fell in the Salesian concession.

According to reports from Jambo Vijana, a magazine published by youth from Salesian programs with the Eastern Delegation of Central Africa, this artillery fire resulted in the death of one person and wounded two.

At the time, 415 children and youth from Salesian schools and 23 teachers immediately fled Shasha. In addition, 250 sharecropper families and 20 plantation workers also dispersed. Further, 623 displaced families, nearly 5,000 people, hastily emptied their makeshift shelters on Salesian land. The nearest health facility is without medical staff. In all war zones, there is a massive exodus of people and fighting.

Those impacted by the war are also going to Don Bosco Ngangi in Goma, where some 28,000 people are seeking shelter on the center’s grounds. The hope is that the artillery fire will cease soon so people can go back to living their lives in Shasha.

Given the violence in the country does not seem to be deescalating, Salesians are working on a more long-term solution and are launching a project to provide people with more support. The goal is to provide more provisions and psychological support to the people, including education for minors.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – Salesians, direct and indirect traditional beneficiaries, and displaced people fleeing “Don Bosco Shasha”

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Salesian missionaries support people fleeing conflict

MissionNewswire — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 08:16:55 +0000

Thousands of displaced people have settled on the grounds of Don Bosco Shasha

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesians in Goma and the surrounding areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo* are supporting people who have been displaced because of ongoing conflict. The conflict has left more than 5.8 million people displaced across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika, according to UNHCR – the United Nations Refugee Agency.

Since the beginning of October 2022, more than 28,000 people seeking refuge from violence have arrived at Don Bosco Ngangi. Salesian missionaries, with support of volunteers from the Salesian-run International Volunteering for Development (VIS), are supporting people as best they can. Those displaced are also turning to Don Bosco Shasha, located outside of Goma.

Thousands of displaced people have settled on the grounds of Don Bosco Shasha, and Salesians are trying to provide food and shelter. A Salesian with the East Delegation of the Central Africa Province said, “We have received yet another group of war-displaced people in our community of Don Bosco Shasha. We are trying to see how we can help them. They have fled leaving almost everything in their homes and are in a very precarious situation. We need to remain united in prayer for this situation which is going to continue.”

On Feb. 9, forces from one of the warring parties entered the area of Kimoka, a village located eight kilometers (about 5 miles) from the town of Sake and just 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from Shasha. The Salesian said, “Around 10 a.m. there was a stampede in the area. The parents of our students from Don Bosco Shasha came and collected their children to get ready to move out. By 2 p.m. the displaced had settled on our grounds and in front of the classrooms. We opened the doors for them. On the first night alone, we took in 582 refugees from 89 households.”

Salesians at both Don Bosco Ngangi and Don Bosco Shasha are working to provide shelter, food and other supplies to people in need. Supplies are running low as people are in desperate need of humanitarian aid. Salesians around the globe are doing the best they can in offering support, especially in the form of food aid.

The Salesian missionary said, “We say a big thank you to all the people who are helping us to help all these displaced people. We will continue with other activities according to the needs we identify in the camp.”

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – Thousands of displaced people need help at “Don Bosco Shasha” center

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: People sheltering at Don Bosco Ngangi helped with food shipment

MissionNewswire — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 08:27:18 +0000

The shipment of rice-meals and other food helped 1,440 households

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) People who have been internally displaced during the ongoing conflict in the North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo* and are seeking shelter at Don Bosco Ngangi in Goma had access to nutritional support thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit Christian organization committed to “feeding God’s children hungry in body and spirit.” The shipment of rice-meals and other food helped 1,440 households.

The conflict has left more than 5.8 million people displaced across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika, according to UNHCR – the United Nations Refugee Agency. Since the beginning of October 2022, more than 28,000 people seeking refuge from violence have arrived at Don Bosco Ngangi. Salesian missionaries, with support of volunteers from the Salesian-run International Volunteering for Development (VIS), are supporting people as best as they can.

Those who have been displaced and seeking shelter with the Salesians include 19,000 children, who are suffering from insufficient food and are challenged by harsh living conditions. Salesians have identified more than 1,000 children under age 5 who have been showing signs of malnutrition due to lack of food in sufficient quality and quantity while the war has continued.

One Salesian missionary said, “This area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is extremely fertile and most families work in the agricultural center. However, more than 90 percent of the farmers had already sown their crops and were at a stage where the agricultural crops needed more maintenance in order to hope for a very good harvest. Unfortunately, the war caught them unprepared, and they were forced to leave their homes and take refuge in Ngangi.”

People who received the rice-meals have been extremely grateful for the donation, especially the children who look forward to mealtimes. Salesians report that the rice-meals have helped to address malnutrition. As the war rages on, Salesian missionaries and VIS continue to look for ways to help support those who have been displaced.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Feed My Starving Children

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Salesians at Don Bosco Ngangi provide shelter and food for displaced people

MissionNewswire — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 08:28:54 +0000

More than 28,000 people seeking refuge from violence have arrived at Don Bosco Ngangi since October 2022

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) The conflict and violence in the North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo* is still raging. People are caught between war and violence, leaving 5.8 million people displaced across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika, according to UNHCR – the United Nations Refugee Agency.

Since the beginning of October 2022, more than 28,000 people seeking refuge from violence have arrived at Don Bosco Ngangi, located in Goma. Salesian missionaries, with support of volunteers from the Salesian-run International Volunteering for Development (VIS), are supporting people as best they can.

“This latest wave of violence has prompted tens of thousands of people to leave their homes in search of relative safety in several areas of North Kivu Province, including Goma,” explained Father Piero Gavioli, an Italian missionary in the DR Congo for nearly 50 years. “This has caused the three soccer fields at the Don Bosco Ngangi Center to fill with those displaced. The latest figures speak of some 3,530 households, including more than 19,000 minors. It is an emergency situation that calls all humanitarian workers and members of society to assist a community in distress.”

Salesians report that in January, the rebel military advanced and cut off the second main link that supplied the city of Goma with various products, after the first had been cut off in late 2022. As a result, the situation in North Kivu deteriorated significantly. There have been massacres, sexual abuse, organ trafficking, enlistment of minors in the conflict, kidnappings for ransom and more unspeakable acts of violence.

Already Salesians have improved the physical situation by providing more access to water from the Don Bosco Center to improve sanitation and hygiene, installing lighting at the site, and creating a 12-person security team. Salesians have also distributed soybean and corn gruel to 365 displaced children and 357 adults, provided additional food and cooking utensils to 300 families, and gave tarpaulins to 120 families. Medical care has also been important. So far, 1,844 people have received medical care including 84 hospitalized and 32 transferred to other medical facilities. There have been 14 births.

Given the violence does not seem to be deescalating, Salesians with the help of VIS are working on a more long-term solution and are launching a project to provide people with more support. The goal is to provide more provisions and psychological support to the people including education for minors.

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – 26 thousand displaced people need everything at grounds of “Don Bosco Ngangi” work

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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DR CONGO: Young woman thrives as mason

MissionNewswire — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 08:16:44 +0000

Technical trade courses provide an empowering career path for women

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Technical School, located in the city of Bukavu in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo*, provides education to both young men and women. While many women do not take courses traditionally reserved for men, some women see these courses as a way to a viable and empowering career path. For example, Blandine, age 20, was the only woman in her mason course.

Blandine is the eldest of seven siblings, and although she always dreamed of studying English and becoming an interpreter, her family’s financial situation and the responsibility of taking care of her siblings prevented her from doing so. When she was told that she could learn a trade at Don Bosco Technical School, Blandine didn’t hesitate. She decided to become a bricklayer and was the only woman in her class to try. Thanks to her education, she now has a steady job, helps her family and can pay for her younger siblings’ schooling.

Blandine explained, “Not all girls have to be seamstresses and not all boys have to be mechanics or welders. I was always interested in how to build walls and buildings, and since there is a lot of construction going on in Bukavu right now, I thought it would be a good future for me and that I would be good at it.”

Blandine set a goal and took all the exams, participating in the practical training along with her male classmates. She obtained her professional certificate and will always be grateful for the theoretical, practical, and religious education she received from the Salesians.

After finishing her studies, Blandine got her first contract. “In these two years, I have worked at five construction sites and have always been complimented on my work. I never lacked employment. Thanks to a stable and professional job, I have money for my expenses, to save and to help at home. Now I can pay my younger siblings’ school fees, and we are planning to expand our house as well.”

Blandine encourages other young women to follow in her footsteps if they are interested in the profession. “I advise girls to learn manual jobs that are thought to be reserved only for boys, because of course we are just as capable. This is the best way to ensure that we are not taken advantage of, that we don’t marry too young, and that our rights are clear.”

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – Blandine, the only female mason in her class, life changed by Don Bosco center in Bukavu

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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DR CONGO: Displaced people find safety

MissionNewswire — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 08:23:59 +0000

Salesians support almost 28,000 displaced people on grounds of Don Bosco Ngangi

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Since the beginning of October 2022, almost 28,000 people seeking refuge from violence have arrived at Don Bosco Ngangi, located in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo*. Salesian missionaries are reporting that the war between the regular armed forces and the M23 rebel group has caused thousands of people to flee toward the city in search of safety and shelter.

Salesian missionaries with Don Bosco Ngangi, with support of volunteers from the Salesian-run International Volunteering for Development (VIS), are supporting people as best they can. Those displaced were provided with water as they set up make-shift shelter on the playgrounds. Electricity was also provided from the Salesian enter.

More than 100 children under age 5, including a dozen newborns and their mothers, are fed a tonic soup every day. Children received treatment for the elimination of worms and parasites, which was offered by the medical staff from the Ngangi Center clinic. Also, more than 80 families receive a dry ration of enriched rice with various seasonings every day.

A Salesian missionary said, “Sparks of charity and compassion can be seen among those displaced and those providing care. About 20 elderly people, including two octogenarians from the distant territory of Rutshuru, were brought into the center to help improve their condition from being outside. They are gradually stabilizing. We are also working to improve the health and psychophysical balance of some widowed women, two of whom are mothers of eight children under the age of 10.”

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – Don Bosco is present among thousands of displaced people in north of Goma city

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MADAGASCAR: Youth at risk receive support

MissionNewswire — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 08:15:09 +0000

Salesian-run Notre Dame de Clairvaux Center houses more than 100 youth

MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run Notre Dame de Clairvaux Center, located in Ivato, Madagascar, houses more than 100 youth ages 12-22. The Salesian facility is a home for orphaned, at-risk or street children. They are offered comprehensive support including medical care, food, clothing, shelter and education. Salesians want to offer them a chance at a better future.

Youth also have an opportunity to take technical and vocational training in subjects like automotive mechanics, welding, agriculture, animal husbandry, carpentry, and masonry. These subjects are available to enhance youth’s employable skills but also address the needs of the community. In addition to job skills training, the center has a job search office with a coordinator who helps youth who are graduating find and retain stable work.

Carlos is one young man who has benefited from the center. Born into a very poor family, he recently finished his welding apprenticeship. Carlos is intelligent and kind, but behind his infectious smile lies a traumatic past. He experienced extreme physical abuse by his father as punishment for ruining a meal. Carlos managed to escape and, after asking a local priest for help, was taken to the Salesian center.

His father is now in prison but his relatives still vow to take revenge and kill him to erase the disgrace. For Carlos, returning to his village is now impossible. He sees his mother and three siblings only once a year because the trip is difficult and extremely expensive. Without her husband, his mother struggles to put food on the table for the family.

With school finished, Carlos works in a machine shop. He hopes and prays that one day his family situation will change. Until then, he is supported by his boss as well as the Salesian missionaries who housed and educated him. He finds hope for the future despite his challenging past.

“Salesian missionaries have been operating Notre Dame de Clairvaux since 1984,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “The center provides support to children and youth living in extreme poverty, many of whom are fatherless or orphans who have been abandoned by both parents. Youth have their needs met and can focus on getting an education for their future.”

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

ANS – Madagascar – Carlos, the boy who managed to save himself and who, thanks to the Salesians, also found his own career path

Notre Dame de Clairvaux Facebook

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

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DR CONGO: Salesians continue to support internally displaced taking shelter at Don Bosco Ngangi

MissionNewswire — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 08:01:54 +0000

People have had to flee for their safety leaving behind everything

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Thousands of people from the area north of the city of Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, have sought shelter on the playgrounds surrounding Don Bosco Ngangi. Salesian missionaries are reporting that the war between the regular armed forces and M23 rebel group has caused thousands of people to flee toward the city in search of safety and shelter.

Men, women, and children who are depressed, tired, hungry, and traumatized have set up a camp in the center’s three sports areas. The situation is dire as there are not enough supplies for people and this area was not set up for a camp like this. There were no latrines, drinking water, food or firewood. During the first day, about thirty trees were cut down to obtain wood to build more stable shelters and wood for cooking. In addition, about 10 food plantations of local residents were damaged.

Salesians are working to provide support and organization for this camp. Father Jean Pierre Muhima, director of Don Bosco Ngangi, and Brother Augustin Mupoyi, bursar, visited the camp and made an assessment of the most immediate needs required for the people. In collaboration with Mercy Corps, toilets were immediately installed. Nineteen people who were sick and weak and in the most desperate need of care were brought in from the camp and housed in a dormitory in order to protect them against bad weather.

Supplies were also provided to those who are most vulnerable including the elderly, pregnant women and women who are still breastfeeding. Close to 300 people received tarpaulins, soap, mattresses and clothing. In addition, 300 people received food assistance including rice, salt, flour, and vegetable oil, along with non-food items. More than 30 children received clothing and shoes.

“Salesians are working to support the influx of people to Don Bosco Ngangi and provide them with the necessities while they are displaced,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “People have had to flee for their safety leaving behind everything. Salesians are calling on the international community to help support their efforts during this difficult time.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of World Coordinator, SBD fundraising (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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AFRICA: Families receive food aid as need grows

MissionNewswire — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 08:06:58 +0000

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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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions Australia

CathNews – Salesian launch emergency appeal for displaced Africans

Salesian Missions Australia

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DR CONGO: 166 young women graduate vocational training

MissionNewswire — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 08:56:41 +0000

Efforts part of project to empower women to help eradicate violence

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Young women in need of vocational training turn to Don Bosco Ngangi Youth Center in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, for courses at Salesian centers such as Maison Marguerite and Foyer Annuarite. Recently, 166 young women, including many single mothers, graduated from vocational training. More than 80 of them were trained in cutting and sewing, 49 as hairdressers and beauticians, and 33 in culinary arts.

International Voluntary Service (VIS) supported Salesian efforts to train young women as part of the project to eradicate forms of violence against adolescent girls and adult women in vulnerable situations as well as victims of conflict in Goma. Empowering women is only one step in the fight to end violence.

The graduation ceremony began with a Catholic Mass presided over by Father Jean-Pierre Muhima, rector of Don Bosco Ngangi Youth Center. This was followed by the distribution of the vocational placement kits to the newly graduated women. There were numerous state authorities in charge of vocational training from labor and social affairs, Salesian trainers, and lay staff from VIS present at the graduation.

“Young girls and women who have access to education have a chance at a better life,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “By empowering women through education, we are putting their futures in their hands. They will be able to earn an income and support their children, make healthier choices and have more stability in their lives while giving back to their communities.”

Don Bosco Ngangi Youth Center has been providing social development, medical, and educational services to poor youth and their families since 1988. Started first as a youth center, it expanded to provide assistance to those in the region affected by war, other violence and natural disasters. In 1997, the center added kindergarten, elementary, secondary and vocational education as well as a literacy center and medical facility. In the midst of wars, violence, and poverty, the center has welcomed, educated, cared for, and supported more than 26,000 children.

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

ANS – D.R. Congo – 166 girls and mothers in need graduate from “Don Bosco Ngangi” vocational training programs

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

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EQUATORIAL GUINEA: Young mothers gain vocational skills

MissionNewswire — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 08:33:17 +0000

Salesian program has 30 young women who are pregnant or have newborn babies

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries offer a range of social services and educational programs in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea. Salesians operate a parish, a youth center, primary and secondary schools, and a vocational center. The Salesian vocational center is currently offering the program “Vocational Training for Young Mothers in Malabo.”

The program caters to young women who had to drop out of school early because of pregnancies, those who were forced out of the home by their parents or those with children who are not recognized by their fathers. Currently, the Salesian program has 30 young women who are pregnant or have newborn babies. The program is supported by Don Bosco in the World Foundation, which promotes and supports programs in Salesian organizations around the globe.

This program is particularly important because laws in Malabo prevent pregnant young women and young mothers from attending school. Without the opportunity offered by the Salesians to learn a trade, these young women would not be able to gain an education. They would remain in a system that stigmatizes and punishes them while restricting them from gaining the skills for stable employment.

“This Salesian vocational training program provides young women an opportunity for education when they have been denied an ability to gain these skills,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Without an education or any skills for employment, young women are not able to care for themselves or their children. The skill they are learning will not only improve their lives but ensure that their children’s basic needs are met and that they too can go on and gain an education, having a solid start in life.”

Equatorial Guinea is experiencing a deep economic crisis caused by the worldwide decline in oil prices. The poverty in which most of the population was already living has worsened even more with the loss of jobs due to the closure of oil facilities.

In 2020, the United Nations Development Programme ranked Equatorial Guinea 145 out of 189 countries in its Human Development Report. While poverty statistics are hard to come by because the government in the country controls the media, the U.N. has noted that more than half of Equatorial Guinea’s population is living in conditions of poverty and still lacks access to clean water. The country also lacks good infrastructure including schools and hospitals.

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

ANS – Equatorial Guinea – “Vocational training for young mothers of Malabo”: a schooling and reintegration project for adolescent mothers

Human Development Report 2022

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DR CONGO: Thousands fleeing war set up camp

MissionNewswire — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 08:30:09 +0000

Salesian missionaries provide shelter and aid to those displaced by war

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, are reporting that the war between the regular armed forces and the rebels of the M23 group, accused of being supported by some neighboring countries, has caused thousands of people to flee toward the city. Mostly women and children are suffering and dying.

Thousands of people from the area north of the city of Goma have come to the playgrounds surrounding Don Bosco Ngangi. They are seeking peace and security and have set up a camp for displaced people in the center’s three sports areas and on the fields of neighboring communities. Men, women, and children who are fleeing the combat zones in the Rutshuru Territory, North Kivu Province, are visibly tired, hungry, and traumatized.

The situation is dire as there are not enough supplies for people and this area was not set up for a camp like this. There are no latrines, drinking water, food or firewood. During the first day, about 30 trees were cut down to build more stable shelters and provide wood for cooking. In addition, about 10 food plantations of local residents were damaged. Supplies are desperately needed and Salesians are calling for help.

Father Aurélien Mukangwa, Salesian provincial delegate for the eastern zone of the Central Africa Province, resides in Goma and recently released a statement about the ongoing situations. He wrote, “We have just returned from a patrol completed as far as Kilimanyoka to learn about the conditions of the people displaced by the war, who are still without assistance, and especially the situation of the displaced youth and children. We also went to Kanyarucinya parish for a discussion with the pastor who has already referred an orphan to our Don Bosco Ngangi center. It is difficult to witness, unable to intervene, the misery to which so many innocent people are being forced. There are more than 2,500 displaced and homeless families.”

Fr. Mukangwa requested, “That is why I ask you, dear brethren who are in Goma, to be open and willing, according to your possibilities (and as a community) to do something for the displaced youth, in collaboration with the Project Office of the AFC-EST Delegation. The time has come when we must go out to meet the youth, our target recipients, in the existential peripheries. I invite you to go and see for yourself so that you can see this for yourselves. Let us unite in prayer for peace in the east of our country.”

Salesian missionaries in the Democratic Republic of theCongo have responded with support and humanitarian aid. Salesians noted “Let us make this situation known and, according to our possibilities, let us bring humanitarian aid and call for peace in the Great Lakes region. And let us pray both for the victims of this situation, and for those in power.”

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – An appeal to help people fleeing war

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – A camp of displaced people spontaneously arises around Salesian work “Don Bosco Ngangi”

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DR CONGO: Youth receive nutritional support at Don Bosco Kansebula thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

MissionNewswire — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 08:28:24 +0000

Don Bosco Kansebula also has a 44-hectare farm that supplies food

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) More than 360 youth received nutritional support at Don Bosco Kansebula, located in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Youth benefiting from this food were ages 6-22. Many are are in secondary school and college as well as 82 young Salesians studying at Don Bosco Kansebula. Single mothers from the villages also received this donation. The goal was to provide ongoing balanced nutrition for young Salesians and other vulnerable youth.

Don Bosco Kansebula also has a 44-hectare farm that supplies food for the Salesian formation house and to the village nearby. Since its beginning, Don Bosco Kansebula has provided young Salesians with philosophy education and has given them shelter and nutritional support while at the school. Villagers living near Don Bosco Kansebula have used the farm to cultivate food for themselves and the community.

One of the beneficiaries was Kyundundu Mbilizi Fabrice, who is 25 and in high school, Fabrice said, “I studied agriculture in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo at Uvira. Now, I am at Kansebula as Salesian of Don Bosco in post-novitiate. At Kansebula, we have a garden and we produce vegetables and keep some domestical animals. Villages and confreres have benefited from what is produced in the garden and in the farm as well. I am really happy for what our benefactors are doing for us in order to fight hunger and I encourage them to continue in that direction.”

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

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UNICEF – DR Congo

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DR CONGO: Access to health care to expand

MissionNewswire — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 08:17:28 +0000

Salesian missionaries launch modernization project for Afia Don Bosco Polyclinic

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have launched a modernization project for Afia Don Bosco Polyclinic in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*. Built in 1987, the Salesian health clinic provides health care to people living in Lubumbashi. After more than 30 years in operation, the clinic is now in a position to expand and upgrade its facilities.

At a launch event, Father Ghislain Kaya, general director of Afia Don Bosco Polyclinic, and Father Guillermo Basañes, superior of the Mary Most Holy Assumption of Central Africa Province, laid the foundation stone that launches the new construction.

In his speech, Fr. Basañes highlighted that the time had come to modernize the health facility to provide quality health care, and he highlighted the work of Salesians in this region. Fr. Kaya explained the new modernization plan and introduced the construction company that will do the work for the next nine months.

Dr. Franck Monga, who is in charge of the Lubumbashi Health District, also attended the ceremony. He acknowledged the value and contribution of Afia Don Bosco Polyclinic for the local community and expressed his confidence on behalf of the people of his area. He thanked the Salesians for the clinic, which has become a partner of the Congolese government in the health sector.

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – Laying of foundation stone for modernization project of “Afia Don Bosco” Polyclinic in Lubumbashi

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DR CONGO: Donor funding supports orphans, teachers

MissionNewswire — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 08:55:40 +0000

Donor funding from Salesian Missions paid school fees for 55 orphans at Don Bosco Shasha

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Orphans attending Don Bosco Shasha, located in the Mupfunya Shanga-Shasha village in the Democratic Republic of the Congo*, received support through donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding paid teachers’ salaries and covered the cost of school fees for 55 orphans, including 23 girls, whose families could not afford schooling.

The Masisi Territory is facing armed conflicts and is one of the worst areas of violence. Conflicts have increased the number of orphans and displaced people within the territory. When conditions are too hard and incomes are low, many families remove their children from school because they do not see it as a necessary expense.

The students receiving funding through this project were selected because they have benefited from counseling and additional psychological support. Many of them have continued on with their education despite facing depression and anxiety. Salesians have paid for their schooling as well as additional social support and psychological care.

One of the students, Buuma Bihira Phélicien, is from a family of five children, of which three of them have died. The father also passed away last year leaving the family with little support. Phélicien said, “After my father passed, I was told I had to leave school but the Salesians supported me. My mother sells bananas. It’s a small business that feeds us, but she couldn’t pay for our schooling after the death of our father. Father Kizito, director of Don Bosco Shasha, helped us a lot and he told us that there are benefactors from Salesian Missions who have supported us during this year, offering us free education. I thank all the benefactors who have supported us. I hope that this will continue because if the support ends, I will be forced to abandon my studies.”

Furaha Elodie Karamba, age 9, was also provided free education through this donor funding. Karamaba said, “I am in the 3rd year and live with my mother. There are six children and my father left us because of bad debts. My mother works in the field and we are living in difficulty. Salesians have paid for my schooling this year. I thank those who have helped and I hope that I will be able to continue to study like the other children.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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CAMEROON: Men in prison learn skills for future

MissionNewswire — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 08:51:58 +0000

Salesian missionaries teach soap-making in Ebolowa prison

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are helping prisoners learn a trade in Ebolowa, Cameroon. Father Artur Bartol, a Polish Salesian missionary, leads a Salesian parish in developing projects and educating youth. He is also a chaplain at the prison in Ebolowa. There prisoners live in overcrowded conditions and receive little food or attention from the authorities. Fr. Bartol has recently taught the prisoners how to make liquid soap so that they can earn a living when they are released.

The prisoners have been convicted of various crimes and live in very difficult conditions. Fr. Bartol does not judge them for their actions but rather helps them spiritually and prepares them in the hopes that they can turn their lives around.

He said, “That’s how we help the prisoners. They learn how to make soap so that after they serve their time, they can produce it for sale and earn a living with dignity. We organized not only courses for soap-making, but also for learning to read and write because not everyone was able to do that. And during vacation periods or holidays we also set up sports tournaments.”

Fr. Bartol first taught the men to make soap powder and then liquid soap. He enlisted the help of soap-making professionals to organize a comprehensive course inside the prison. The course first explains the theoretical part of making soap and then there is a practical workshop to learn by hands-on training. Students are given notebooks to write down the proportions and how many scoops or caps were needed to make the soap. They can refer back to this when they are in the workshop.

The finished products are packaged in containers and sold with stickers that read, “Soap produced in Ebolowa Prison under the direction of Don Bosco.”

More than 30 percent of Cameroon’s population lives below the poverty line and human development indicators remain low, according to the World Food Programme. Poverty is the highest in the Far North, North, Adamaoua and East regions. In northern regions, people are often affected by natural disasters and below-average harvests which contribute to a continuing cycle of poverty and hunger.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Cameroon – Ebolowa prison prisoners learn how to make liquid soap thanks to Don Bosco and the Salesians

Salesian Missions

World Food Programme – Cameroon

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DR CONGO: Rice-meals increase student attendance

MissionNewswire — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 08:33:22 +0000

Oeuvres Maman Marguerite Center receives shipment of rice-meals thanks to Rise Against Hunger

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) The Oeuvres Maman Marguerite Center, located in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, received a shipment of rice-meals thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco and Rise Against Hunger, an international relief organization that provides food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable.

Bavon, age 14, is one of the youth who received the rice-meals. He is an orphan living at the Magone Salesian boarding center and attends sixth grade at a primary school nearby. His dream is to become a builder.

Bavon received was happy to receive meals at the Salesian center and said, “Since I have started eating, my health has improved, due to the vitamins that are found in the meal. I like to eat it with my brothers and sisters in the community right after I rest and relax.”

Nicole Kasongo, organizational coordinator, reflected on what the rice-meals meant to the community. “There is a stability of young people in foster homes and Salesian centers, less dropout from classes, improvement in the health of young beneficiaries, motivation, and joy on the part of young people,” she said.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Rise Against Hunger

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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DR CONGO: Social workers strengthen their skills

MissionNewswire — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 08:13:23 +0000

Don Bosco Ngangi Youth Center holds course on providing services for street children

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Ngangi Youth Center held a special course for Salesian staff focused on street children in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo*. The course was organized by Father Jean-Pierre Muhima, rector of the Salesian Community in Ngangi, under the guidance of Father Aimé Lulinda, a specialist in social pedagogy and a researcher on the problems of street children.

During the course, close to 20 social workers and psychologists explored the principles used in Salesian centers for street children including reception, support, reintegration, or reunification. Their skills were strengthened on the criteria, tools, and stages of reintegration or family reunification. Fr. Lulinda also shared his analysis of the reasons why children who seek support in Salesian centers sometimes return to the streets.

Don Bosco Ngangi Youth Center has been providing social development, medical and educational services to poor youth and their families since 1988. Started first as a youth center, it expanded to provide assistance to those in the region affected by war, other violence and natural disasters. In 1997, the center added kindergarten, elementary, secondary and vocational education as well as a literacy center and medical facility. In the midst of wars, violence and poverty, the center has welcomed, educated, cared for and supported more than 26,000 children.

“Don Bosco Ngangi is one of the most diverse and comprehensive Salesian organizations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Built on the grounds of a school and sports field, the Don Bosco Ngangi Youth Center has grown to provide vocational training, refugee housing, rehabilitation for child soldiers, and programs for those needing nutritional and medical care.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – DR Congo – Salesian home workers for street children participate in training session at “Don Bosco Ngangi”

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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DR CONGO: President of Mission Don Bosco visits Salesian programs

MissionNewswire — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 08:55:47 +0000

Salesians have programs in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Father Daniel Antúnez, president of Mission Don Bosco in Turin, Italy, and Ester Negro, the organization’s photographer, recently spent time visiting Salesian programs in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo* and Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo*.

The trip is a first response to the invitation of the Vatican’s cardinal secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who earlier made a pastoral visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo on behalf of Pope Francis, who had remained at the Vatican because of a knee ailment.

Both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo struggle due to poverty, difficult economies, and the environment. In a statement, Cardinal Parolin denounced “the lust for raw materials, the thirst for money and power close the doors of peace and represent an attack on people’s right to life and serenity.”

Fr. Antúnez explained, “The Don Bosco missions operate in territories where there is child exploitation in mines, ancestral prejudice against those born with physical abnormalities, and violence against young women. They live on the borders of areas subject to the action of anti-government gun groups. A few days before his killing on Feb. 22, 2021, Italian Ambassador Luca Attanasio had gone to greet Salesians and cooperators in Goma, in the troubled Kivu region.”

Salesians have been dedicated to the development of youth of this region for many years. They have provided social programs, youth shelters for homeless youth, youth centers, parishes and schools in Kinshasa for 110 years and in Brazzaville for 60.

Salesians also provide other specialized programs which Fr. Antúnez visited including in Mbuji-Mayi where Salesians work to safeguard children accused of witchcraft and are persecuted in their villages. In Tshikapa, Salesians are exploring the possibility of building an elementary school in an area infamous for the exploitation of diamond mines, an activity that also involves child labor and where the illiteracy rate reaches 47 percent.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – Missionary journey of “Missioni Don Bosco” in the two Congo

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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DR CONGO: Youth gain skills, develop talents

MissionNewswire — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 08:43:29 +0000

Salesian Boscolac community provides education and social programs for 100 youth

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) At the end of the school year, the Salesian community of the Boscolac, located in Mugunga, Democratic Republic of the Congo, organized an event to thank people who supported the Salesian mission throughout the year. Boscolac is the only Salesian educational center in this suburban area about 12 miles (20 kilometers) from the city of Goma. The most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations live there, and youth are happy to participate in the educational, recreational, and religious activities available.

Boscolac provides an opportunity for youth to learn a trade at the Salesian vocational training center. Youth take courses in cutting and sewing and develop their talents at the oratory through theater, music, and sports. Close to 100 youth attend these activities.

Boscolac was made possible thanks to the group Marineo Solidale, which initially supported the schooling of 10 youth and the purchase of materials for the oratory’s activities. Other benefactors have also been important for the continuation of activities.

“Youth who are living in poverty and are able to access education and social programs have a chance at a better life,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian programs aim to help children live safely while getting the emotional support they need and the education that will help them lead productive lives.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – D.R. Congo – “Boscolac” gives young people opportunity to learn a trade and develop their talents

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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CHAD: Programs for youth extend beyond schools

MissionNewswire — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 08:16:56 +0000

Salesian missionaries provide education and for the basic needs of youth in their programs

CHAD

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have been living and working with poor youth in Chad in central Africa since 1995. They established their first programs in Sarh, the third largest city in the country, which has more than 120,000 residents. Three years later, missionaries began other programs in the capital of N’Djamena, and in 2013, in the city of Doba.

In Sarh, Salesian missionaries operate a kindergarten, a school for older youth, a youth center and a church parish. Salesian work also takes them into more than 116 villages in the surrounding areas. The goal is to provide people with their most basic needs including food, clothing, and medical assistance while encouraging youth to attend the local Salesian school.

Education has proven to be an effective means of breaking the cycle of poverty while giving the most vulnerable youth a sense of personal dignity and self-worth. Salesian primary and secondary schools lay a foundation for future education while Salesian vocational, technical, professional and agricultural schools provide practical skills so youth have an opportunity to become contributing adults in their communities — rebuilding communities and ending the cycle of poverty.

“Education is always our primary focus,” says Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “We know, however, that youth in Chad are dealing with much more than just having access to education. Salesian programs are tailored to meet the needs of the youth in the communities they serve. Homeless and malnourished youth are simply not able to focus effectively on their studies while they struggle to meet their basic needs. Our services provide food and shelter so youth are able to focus on the education provided.”

Chad is one of the poorest countries in the world. According to the World Food Programme, 42 percent of its population lives below the poverty line. Chad is a low-income country with limited income-generating opportunities and restricted access to social services. The Human Development Index ranks it 187 out of 189 countries in 2020.

Frequent droughts have also aggravated already challenging conditions. Recent climate changes have decreased rainfalls and consistent overuse has led to soil erosion and land degradation. As a result, farmers lack infrastructure, support and resources needed to grow sufficient food to feed the country properly.

The World Food Programme has noted that there are 3 million vulnerable people affected by chronic food insecurity and climate-related disasters in 2022. In addition, 37.8 percent of children under age 5 suffer from stunting, according to the Global Nutrition Report, with low height for their age caused by chronic malnutrition.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Chad – Salesians in Doba, committed to ensuring children’s nutrition

Salesian Missions – Chad

World Food Programme – Chad

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DR CONGO: Students learn to protect environment

MissionNewswire — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 08:44:49 +0000

St. John Bosco Higher Institute of Philosophy Kansebula holds scientific day focused on the environment

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) The St. John Bosco Higher Institute of Philosophy Kansebula, located in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, held a scientific day focused on the theme “Commitment to a new relationship between man and nature. Foundation of durable and sustainable development for an emerging Congo.” This ecological theme was developed by 10 university professors who spoke about their areas of expertise on the day.

The event was attended by final year students from various Salesian secondary schools, student delegations from various Catholic and public colleges and universities, and various religious communities. The goal was to help young students and faculty understand the importance of protecting the environment and the role that they play in sustainable development.

Salesian missionaries around the globe have been launching environmental and sustainable projects. These activities are in response to Pope Francis’ 2020 Laudato Si’, which underlined the importance of education and training that will help youth foster environmental responsibility. Rector Major Father Ángel Fernández Artime noted the importance of concrete initiatives in the care of the environment.

“The scientific day held at the St. John Bosco Higher Institute of Philosophy is one among many sustainable development initiatives being launched by Salesians around the globe,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Not only do greener practices help the environment and ensure a better life for the youth we serve, but they also help Salesians save energy costs, which is then used to aid programming.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – D.R. Congo – Salesians call for commitment to a new relationship between man and nature

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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DR CONGO: Students gain skills in business operations

MissionNewswire — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 08:46:11 +0000

Students from Don Bosco Ngangi Institute visit printing centers for educational tour

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Students in their final year of the printing training course at the Don Bosco Ngangi Institute, located in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, have been visiting printing centers in Bukavu to learn more about business operations.

The institute set up the meetings to enable students to learn the tools and machines used for printing and also to familiarize them with other systems. Father Piero Gavioli, rector of the Don Bosco Ngangi Institute, offered the students business advice. The students expressed that they were happy and excited about the new practical knowledge they gained.

The broader Don Bosco Center Ngangi, of which the skills training institute is a part, has been providing social development, medical, and educational services to poor youth and their families since 1988. Started as a youth center, the Don Bosco Center expanded to provide assistance to those in the region affected by war, other violence and natural disasters. In 1997, the center added kindergarten, elementary, secondary, and vocational education, as well as a literacy center and medical facility.

“Don Bosco Center Ngangi is one of the most diverse and comprehensive Salesian organizations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Built on the grounds of a school and sports field, the center has grown to provide a diverse array of educational and social programs to poor youth and their families in Bukavu and Goma. Visits to businesses like the printing shops provide students with the hands-on practical knowledge they need to start work after graduating.”

Salesian missionaries have been working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for more than 100 years ensuring that the most vulnerable children 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 – D.R. Congo – Students from “Don Bosco Ngangi” printing course visit Bukavu’s printing centers to increase their knowledge

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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CAMEROON: Vocational students highlight skills

MissionNewswire — Fri, 27 May 2022 08:46:30 +0000

Don Bosco Vocational Center holds open house to showcase students’ educational progress

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Vocational Center, located in Mimboman, Cameroon, held an open house to showcase not only the diversity and quality of the training courses but also the skills acquired by students and apprentices. Students taking courses were able to highlight all that they have learned in 13 disciplines including carpentry, computer science, tailoring, and metallurgy. The open house also provided an opportunity for students to sell products and establish partnerships with other institutions.

The school provides education for vulnerable youth in the Mimboman neighborhood of Yaoundé. A three-story building includes 12 classrooms, laboratories and offices. A newer school building added in 2021 allows more students to attend and provides space for additional educational programs including a bachelor’s level course.

Last year, the school was able to buy 55 new computers, which enabled more students to enroll in the computer science class. “This is the first time that our students are learning computer science using a computer,” said Father Sabé José Maria, economer at the college, said at the time. “Our students have been studying computer science throughout the year without using a desktop or similar device. Now, we are thrilled that they can do so, and students are very excited about it.”

Fr. Maria added, “Very few schools in Yaoundé have computer resources at their disposal. We dream of providing two computer rooms with 55 computers in each room. This would give our school the golden opportunity to offer computer science education of quality, in order for our students to be properly trained, as they deserve.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – Cameroon – Don Bosco Vocational Center of Mimboman highlights formation and students’ skills

Salesian Missions

World Food Programme – Cameroon

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EQUATORIAL GUINEA: The Salesian Missions ‘Clean Water Initiative’ brings fresh water to parish

MissionNewswire — Wed, 25 May 2022 08:48:03 +0000

The project is one of 18 planned for rural villages in the area

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian parish in the town of Beayop, in the Diocese of Ebibeyín, Equatorial Guinea, has clean, fresh water thanks to the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative.” The project provided funding for a new water well, tower and pump. The project is one of 18 planned for rural villages in the area.

The province of Kie-Ntem, in which the Diocese of Ebibeyín is located, is in Equatorial Guinea’s northeast and has a population of 263,000 people. The area is especially rural and the provincial capital Ebibeyín is 221 kilometers (approximately 137 miles) from the next largest city of Bata. In this remote, impoverished diocese, there are several parishes where the population lives without safe drinking water.

Salesians will help alleviate the crisis by increasing sanitation, improving the health of children, and supplying clean drinking water by constructing wells and cisterns. The water project in Beayop began in 2019, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a pause in construction. The project resumed at the start of 2022, and residents are grateful for this new water source.

“Water is essential for life, and it’s critical that Salesian programs around the globe have access to safe, clean water for the health and safety of those we serve,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Improving water and sanitation facilities brings a sense of dignity to communities and promotes proper hygiene and safe drinking water.”

U.N.-Water estimates that worldwide more than 2 billion people are living without access to safe water. One in four primary schools has no drinking water service, with students using unprotected water sources or going thirsty. In addition, U.N.-Water notes that more than 700 children under age 5 die every day from diarrheal disease linked to unsafe water and poor sanitation.

In response to this crisis, Salesian Missions continues its “Clean Water Initiative” to make building wells and supplying fresh, clean water a top priority for every community in every country in which Salesian missionaries work.

To give to this project to ensure that villages in the Diocese of Ebibeyín have access to clean, fresh water or other similar projects, give at the Salesian Missions Clean Water Initiative.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions

World Water Day 2022

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MADAGASCAR: Radio Don Bosco to address challenges of young people

MissionNewswire — Thu, 05 May 2022 08:29:55 +0000

Salesians discuss Radio Don Bosco project to provide more educational content for youth

MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with the Mary Immaculate Vice-Province of Madagascar in Ivato, Madagascar, met with the directors of Catholic radio stations and the heads of Salesian vocational training centers. They discussed a new Radio Don Bosco Madagascar project known as “Improvement of the quality of Radio Don Bosco and expansion of the offer through distance learning and media education.”

A Salesian representative with Radio Don Bosco said, “We will have several things to do together. We are working on the strategic and programmatic reorientation of Radio Don Bosco Madagascar and Radio Don Bosco Live to address challenges of young people in Madagascar. The goal is to make the content of the programs more educational.”

Since its inception, Radio Don Bosco Madagascar has demonstrated its adaptability and response to internal changes or external needs with strategic reorientation that has allowed it to remain current. Now, as part of this project, the knowledge and skills of the radio staff will be updated to allow them to provide the educational programs more effectively.

By promoting social and educational content that helps youth gain an education and be ready for employment, Salesians are helping youth who traditionally have had insufficient access to education and who have seen their educational and social condition deteriorate further because of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are also plans to offer additional training measures to promote the use of information and communication technologies in educational institutions.

For close to 80 percent of the country’s inhabitants who live in rural areas and practice subsistence farming, living conditions have been steadily declining in recent years, particularly when it comes to access to transportation, health services, education and markets. Because of the lack of hygiene and access to safe drinking water, coupled with chronic malnutrition, people in Madagascar often suffer from respiratory ailments, tuberculosis and hepatitis.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Madagascar – Workshop of information and sharing for Radio Don Bosco Madagascar’s new project

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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DR CONGO: Farm helps students overcome food insecurity

MissionNewswire — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 08:59:41 +0000

Don Bosco Kansebula improves the yield from its farm thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Kansebula in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, was able to improve the yield from its farm thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The “Food security for the youth of Don Bosco Kansebula” project helped to provide food for 360 children and youth ages 6-22, as well as 83 young Salesians who are studying philosophy at Don Bosco Kansebula.

Most of the children and youth who received nutritional support are attending the local secondary school and college and live in the village. Single mothers were also supported as a part of this project.

Don Bosco Kansebula has a 44-hectare farm that supplies food for the Salesian formation house and to the village nearby. Since its beginning, Don Bosco Kansebula has provided young Salesians with philosophy education and has given them shelter and nutritional support while at the school. Villagers living near Don Bosco Kansebula have used the farm to cultivate food for themselves and the community.

Most of the youth in the village cannot afford to have more than one meal a day and the quality of the food is not sufficient. With COVID-19, many have been pushed further into poverty and do not have the means to support themselves. The goal of this project was to help increase the yield from the farm to provide for the nutritional needs of those in Salesian programs and in the village.

Wilondja Mayayu Luc is a young Salesian and one of the recipients. He is in his third year studying philosophy and completed high school as a technician agronomist. He said, “I am very happy for the generosity shown in supporting our small community projects. The financial assistance provided has helped us solve difficulties related to food insecurity. With this project, we were able to start raising broilers and laying hens and buy some goats. We have also added some vegetables to ensure food security. It was a great joy in our community to have a diversity of vegetables and animals.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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DR CONGO: Workshop focuses on protecting children and youth

MissionNewswire — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 08:34:21 +0000

Don Bosco Center Ngangi provides capacity-building workshop on the protection of minors

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Center Ngangi, located in the eastern city of Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, provided a capacity-building workshop on the protection of minors. The workshop brought together 30 Salesian missionaries, Salesian sisters from Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Salvatorian sisters and lay collaborators.

Father Jean-Pierre Muhima, rector of Don Bosco Center Ngangi, said the goal was to provide people working in the field of child protection with a solid legal and practical foundation for better performance. The workshop, given by Salesian Father Pascal Mumba, focused on the civil rights of children under international and national law and the policy of protection of minors and vulnerable persons in the Salesian Province of Central Africa.

“Continuing education is important in any profession and particularly for Salesian staff working with at-risk children and vulnerable populations,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “While education is always the primary focus, youth who come to our programs are dealing with trauma and neglect that must be addressed first before we can expect them to excel in their studies.”

Don Bosco Center Ngangi has been providing social development, medical and educational services to poor youth and their families since 1988. Started as a youth center, it expanded to provide assistance to those in the region affected by war, other violence and natural disasters.

In 1997, the center added a kindergarten and elementary, secondary, and vocational schools, as well as a literacy center and medical facility. The center also provides aid and services to the many refugee camps that exist in the areas surrounding Goma. Refugees, orphans, abandoned children and victims of disaster are among the school students, and they rely on the center. For most of them, it’s also the only place where they receive a nutritious meal each day.

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Sources:

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

ANS – D.R. Congo – Protection of minors and vulnerable people, guarantee of success for Salesian mission

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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DR CONGO: Youth share messages of hope

MissionNewswire — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 08:33:05 +0000

Young members of Senior Salesian Missionary Group visit the elderly from Bolingo hospice

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) In celebration of the second anniversary of the Senior Salesian Missionary Group, young members visited the elderly from the Bolingo hospice, part of the Saint Achille Kiwanuka parish in the district of Kingabwa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. After a Catholic Mass, youth visited the elderly, brought donations and shared a meal.

The Senior Salesian Missionary Group brings together youth from the Salesian Province of Africa Congo. Some of the youth are still students while others have finished their studies and are working. The group’s goal is to spread Don Bosco’s missionary enthusiasm and provide youth an opportunity to give back to those in need in their community.

“Volunteering is a great way for youth to feel connected within their communities and share a message of hope,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “It also enables them to connect with their peers and work together to help those at risk or marginalized in the community.”

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ANS – D.R. Congo – Salesian Senior Missionary Group visits elders of “Bolingo” hospice

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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CAMEROON: Youth celebrate Regional Oratory Day

MissionNewswire — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 16:38:13 +0000

Salesians bring together 600 youth from 9 oratories in the Yaoundé region to celebrate Regional Oratory Day

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries and sisters brought together 600 youth from nine oratories in the Yaoundé, Cameroon region to celebrate Regional Oratory Day. There was an opening Catholic Mass, followed by a presentation, lunch, and friendly soccer, basketball and volleyball tournaments. The highlight of the day was the cultural festival, where each oratory presented cultural songs and dances.

Father Privat Fouda, delegate for youth ministry of the Salesian theological students of Yaoundé, said, “It is an overwhelming experience to be surrounded by so many young people. As Don Bosco said ‘for you we live and for you we are also ready to sacrifice our life.’”

Salesian missionaries in Cameroon provide education and social development services to poor youth so they are able to gain the training needed to find and retain long-term employment. They in turn are then able to give back to their families and communities.

In 2020, Salesian missionaries expanded the secondary school in Yaoundé to provide better access to quality education for vulnerable youth in the Mimboman neighborhood. A three-story building was designed that features 12 classrooms, laboratories and offices. The project allowed for an increased number of youth to attend school. The new building also paved the way for additional educational programs including a bachelor’s level course.

The expansion at the school came at a critical time for youth in Cameroon. Ongoing violence in Cameroon’s northwest and southwest has created a fast-growing humanitarian emergency affecting some 1.9 million people, according to the United Nations. More than 700,000 children have been impacted by school closures due to often brutal violence.

The U.N. has indicated that nine out of 10 regions of the country continue to be impacted by one of three humanitarian crises: the crisis in the North-West and South-West, conflict in the Far North, and a refugee crisis, with people fleeing the Central African Republic. As a result, the U.N. noted that more than a million children are in need of educational support.

Forty percent of Cameroon’s 23.7 million people live below the poverty line and human development indicators remain low, according to the World Food Programme. Poverty is the highest concentrated in the Far North, North, Adamawa and East regions. In northern regions, people are often affected by natural disasters and below-average harvests which contribute to a continuing cycle of poverty and hunger. The World Food Programme has noted that the number of people facing food insecurity in Cameroon is estimated at 3.9 million, including 211,000 severely food insecure.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Cameroon – Regional Oratory Day with 600 young people

Salesian Missions

United Nations – Violence in Cameroon, impacting over 700,000 children shut out of school

World Food Programme – Cameroon

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DR CONGO: Students gain a voice in school elections

MissionNewswire — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 08:43:22 +0000

427 students from Don Bosco Ngangi participate in school election process

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Students attending Don Bosco Ngangi in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, had an opportunity to take part in the democratic process with a school election. The 427 students voted for which student would represent them in the 2021-2022 school year.

The four candidates had an opportunity to present their platforms to the student body and answer questions. This was overseen by Father Augustin Mupoyi, prefect of studies. The school’s director of studies also did a presentation for the students about the importance of elections and stressed how important it was that students participate and are informed. After the candidates made their pitches, the vote was held and Prosper Nfundiko Kabalama was elected.

“This was a great example for students how their voices matter in the election process,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Many of the students attending Don Bosco Ngangi come from conditions of poverty and are at-risk of violence and other abuses. This is an important lesson for them where they could actively participate in the election process and see the outcome of their choice. It was empowering for students who often don’t have a voice.”

Don Bosco Ngangi is working to transform the lives of youth who are at high risk of becoming victims of communal violence. In addition to the life skills and technical and vocational skills training youth receive, Don Bosco Ngangi also provides a suitable environment for forming good Christians and honest, upright citizens.

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Sources:

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

ANS – D.R. Congo – The students of “Don Bosco Ngangi” learn to exercise democracy

Don Bosco Ngangi Center

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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DR CONGO: Salesians to rebuild after storm damages school facilities

MissionNewswire — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 08:40:58 +0000

Boarding school building at Salesian-run Cité des Jeunes School lost its roof due to strong winds and torrential rain

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run Cité des Jeunes School in Lubumbashi, in the south of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, had the roof blown off its boarding building due to strong winds and torrential rain. The impact of the storm ripped off the entire metal structure and metal sheets, which also caused bricks to fall from the wall and several doors and windows to break. Youth have been evacuated, and no one was hurt during the incident.

The boarding school welcomes 100 youth each year, and 80 percent of them live in extreme poverty. Without the boarding building, these youth have nowhere to sleep. The goal now is to find the funding and support to be able to rebuild.

“When incidents like this happen at Salesian programs it becomes challenging because of the limited resources available to rebuild,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Children who are able to access programs like this that help them come in off the streets—where they face poverty and are at risk for exploitation—have a chance at a better life. Salesian programs aim to help children live safely while getting the emotional support they need and the education that will help them live independently.”

Salesian missionaries have prioritized helping youth living on the streets in Lubumbashi. While the city has wealth from both agricultural and mineral resources, it faces numerous economic and social challenges. Children leave their homes for many reasons including divorce, family abuse and poverty. Living on the streets is dangerous for these youth as they are exposed to abuses, and many are forced to turn to petty crime to survive. Salesian missionaries encourage youth to seek the support of caring adults who can help them turn their lives around and connect them with appropriate shelter and education.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – An unfortunate accident damages the Salesian “Cité des Jeunes” in Lubumbashi

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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CAMEROON: New youth center opens

MissionNewswire — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 08:28:22 +0000

Salesian missionaries launch Bosco Youth Center in the Nkol’Afeme community

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries from the Saint Augustine Theologate launched Bosco Youth Center in the Nkol’Afeme community in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Saint Augustine Theologate provides theological formation for 52 confreres from 15 countries. The project is a joint collaboration between the Salesians and the Salesian Mary Queen of the Apostles Parish.

The new youth center will provide youth with education and social programs, as well as recreation and sports. It is offering soccer, basketball and volleyball training every Saturday and Sunday. There are also dance and singing classes, guitar and piano classes, and a brass brand. The center also has games and monthly spiritual activities and competitions.

A friendly soccer match was held between the parish team and boys of the youth center on inauguration day. The day came to an end with a talent competition and dance and singing performed by the youth. One of the youth said, “It’s fun to be at Don Bosco.”

Salesians in the Nkol’Afeme community are working to become more familiar with the local culture and people, and they want to create a model youth center for education and culture. The goal is a center where youth can receive spiritual support and feel at home with their peers.

Having a safe place for youth to meet and seek the support of trusted adults is more important than ever in Cameroon. Ongoing violence in Cameroon’s northwest and southwest has created a fast-growing humanitarian emergency now affecting some 1.9 million people, according to the United Nations. Fighting between various armed groups and the Cameroonian armed forces has continued for the past three years, with civilians bearing the brunt of unlawful killings, kidnappings, and widespread destruction of houses and villages. Government intervention has been limited.

Salesian missionaries in Cameroon provide education and social development services to poor youth so they are able to gain the training needed to find and retain long-term employment. They in turn are then able to give back to their families and communities.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Cameroon – Inauguration of Bosco Youth Centre at “Saint Augustine” Theologate in Yaoundé

Salesian Missions

World Food Programme – Cameroon

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MADAGASCAR: Partnership brings better nutrition to youth

MissionNewswire — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 08:55:51 +0000

Youth attending Salesian programs had better nutrition thanks to rice-meal shipment from Feed My Starving Children

MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) Youth attending Salesian programs in Madagascar had access to better nutrition thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit Christian organization committed to “feeding God’s children hungry in body and spirit.”

The 2020 shipment was shared among Salesian communities in Fianarantsoa and Mahajanga and Don Bosco House Ivato and Our Lady of Clairvaux Ivato in the capital city of Antananarivo. Among the recipients were three children, Bruno, Evelyne and Jacky, from Ankofafa, the poorest neighborhood of Fianarantsoa.

At the time of the rice-meal shipment, the Salesian school had been closed for five months because of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting quarantines. While some schools continued to teach at a distance, poor youth who relied on feeding programs at the school suffered the most.

A Salesian in Madagascar reported, “Feed My Starving Children rice-meals are highly valued by the poor because they are rich in nutrients. Some children who were malnourished have regained strength and health. Since June, we have bought rice from the market and beans to continue distribution to the poor, replacing Feed My Starving Children rice.”

Without a shipment from Feed My Starving Children, Salesians see the difference in the children’s health. In times of need, Salesians supply the poor with local oil, beans and rice, but funding is tight and was even tighter at the height of the pandemic when donations slowed.

“The confinement prevented the poor from doing little daily chores that allow them to survive. It was a real emergency,” added the Salesian missionary. “Feed My Starving Children rice also enabled us to help families who had had problems with cyclones following the floods.”

Salesian missionaries have been living and working in Madagascar since 1981. Today, they have 11 centers and work in several locations.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Feed My Starving Children

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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CAMEROON: Students learn computer science with added equipment thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

MissionNewswire — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 08:37:43 +0000

Students attending Don Bosco College Mimboman have access to additional computer equipment thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

(MissionNewswire) More than 500 youth attending Don Bosco College Mimboman in Yaoundé, Cameroon, have access to additional computer equipment thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Prior to the donation, there were only 20 computers available to the students in the new school, which opened this academic year. With the funding, 55 computers will be available so more students can enroll in the computer science class.

“This is the first time that our students are learning computer science using a computer,” said Father Sabé José Maria, economer at the college. “Our students have been studying computer science throughout the year without using a desktop or similar device. Now, we are thrilled that they can do so, and students are very excited about it. On behalf of our student population, we truly appreciate your help to make this situation a reality.”

The school provides education for vulnerable youth in the Mimboman neighborhood of Yaoundé. A three-story building includes 12 classrooms, laboratories and offices, and it is allowing more youth to attend school in the region. The new building also provides space for additional educational programs including a bachelor’s level course.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions

World Food Programme – Cameroon

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UGANDA: Refugees help solve food shortage

MissionNewswire — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 08:24:39 +0000

Refugees at Palabek Refugee Resettlement Camp see harvest of their community garden crops

UGANDA

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries living and working at Palabek Refugee Resettlement Camp in Uganda are addressing food shortfalls for refugees. Salesians have been encouraging donations of seeds so refugees can plant and harvest their own food in community gardens that have been set up. Recently, a harvest took place from the work done and donations over the last several months. JuWe Vereinigung Don Bosco Werk in Switzerland has collaborated in these efforts.

While the camp is receiving some direct food donations, Salesian missionaries wanted refugees to take part in helping to solve the food shortage. Refugees, with Salesian support, are cultivating their own food including cereals, vegetables, and some cash crops such as sim sim, groundnuts and sunflower. Community gardens have been launched on farm land rented from local Ugandans. Salesians have provided several hundred kilos of maize, beans, soya beans, sim sim, groundnuts and many assorted vegetable seeds. They have also provided tons of cassava cuttings.

Palabek Refugee Resettlement Camp is currently home to more than 56,000 refugees and asylum seekers. It was officially set up in April 2016 to reduce congestion in larger refugee camps in the northwestern corner of Uganda. Several agencies are involved in providing food and education within Palabek. While some have left because of the pandemic, Salesians have remained.

Even before COVID-19, living conditions in Palabek were not easy. Food distribution was scarce and there were difficulties in accessing drinking water. With the arrival of the pandemic, everything has become even more complicated. The amount of food delivered to refugees once a month has been reduced by 30 percent, classes and activities were suspended, and episodes of violence, alcoholism, and teenage pregnancies began.

Earlier this year, Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, provided food, 300 blankets for those with disabilities, cookware and other items for people in need. The funding also paid for transportation costs from Kampala to Palabek, gas for transport vehicles around the camp and motorbike repairs. Other funding provided incentives to social workers who are working in the camp under difficult circumstances.

“With Salesian Missions support we have been able to provide food and other necessities for people in need, particularly those with disabilities,” said Father Ubaldino, a Salesian missionary working at Palabek. “This donation is greatly appreciated because there is hunger and malnutrition and other nutritional deficiencies among the refugees. This creates much frustration, anger and other social disturbances. With this donation and others, Salesians have distributed many tons of food and clothing, especially to the poorest.”

Salesian missionaries at the settlement are offering much needed psychosocial support and pastoral care for thousands of Christian residents. They also operate four nursery schools that educate more than 1,000 children. In addition, there are over 700 children attending Salesian primary and secondary schools, and more than 700 families are supported by other initiatives. Salesian missionaries also launched a vocational training center to offer life skills and other training to help young refugees prepare for employment.

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Don Bosco Palabek Refugee Resettlement Camp

Salesian Missions – Uganda

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DR CONGO: Bakery supports youth training programs

MissionNewswire — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 15:46:13 +0000

Salesians open second Mamma Margherita Bakery to help earn income to support programming for poor youth

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Projects Office of the Central Africa Province opened a second Mamma Margherita Bakery. This new bakery is located in the Kilobelobe district, a municipality annexed to Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. During the blessing ceremony, Father Edouard Kinsamba Mutale noted that the bakery helps to train youth in baking and also provides ongoing income to support other training programs for poor and disadvantaged youth.

Nicole Kasongo, director of the Salesian Projects Office, said, “Buying bread means supporting a child. The Mamma Margherita Bakery, which was created two years ago, will also open a third store in the next few days in the Plateau Karavia district.”

Salesian missionaries encourage youth to seek the support of caring adults who can help them turn their lives around and connect them with appropriate shelter and education. In Lubumbashi, missionaries operate Bakanja Ville, which is part of the local Salesian Bakanja Center for homeless children. Bakanja Ville marks the first stop in the process of welcoming children into the Salesian program, acting as a drop-in and reception center for homeless youth who are looking to escape the challenges of living on the streets.

The doors of Bakanja Ville are always open. Youth can access the program to take a shower, sleep, eat, wash their clothes and engage in activities. A file is opened for each young person who enters. Then, Salesian missionaries begin a search for family to see if reintegration is possible with the help of social workers. If not, youth are tracked into other Salesian programs where they can access education and have their basic needs met. Salesian missionaries also go out into the street twice a month to help connect with street children in their own environment to tell them about the program and offer them a safe place to stay.

“Children who are living on the streets experience discrimination and exclusion every day,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Children who are able to access programs that help them come in off the streets—where they face poverty and are at-risk for exploitation—have a chance at a better life. Salesian programs aim to help children live safely while getting the emotional support they need and the education that will help them live independently.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – D.R. Congo – The “Mamma Margherita Bakery” opens a new store

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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DR CONGO: Children and families supported after volcanic eruption

MissionNewswire — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 08:50:45 +0000

Don Bosco Ngangi Center is helping to support children and families returning after devastating volcanic eruption

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Youth who were evacuated from Don Bosco Ngangi Center in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, during the Nyiragongo volcanic eruption have returned to the center. The volcano erupted May 22 and Salesians, Salvatorian Sisters and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians had to remove all of the children from the Maison Ushindi orphanage and the young residents of the Saint Kizito Institute in order to keep them safe.

For those who lived through the worst, the fear still remains. Lava reached several villages, destroying homes, cultivated fields, electrical lines and water tanks. Many people left their homes not knowing how long they’d be gone or if they would have a home or possessions when they returned.

For a week, 283 children, 187 older youth and 82 adults found refuge in the Salesian farm in Shasha, where the living situation was difficult due to lack of space and sanitation facilities. Hygienic conditions were precarious, and people lived with the constant fear that COVID-19 might spread among those displaced.

“Now that we’re in the post-evacuation phase, it’s different emergency,” said a representative of Mission Don Bosco in Turin, Italy, which helps support the Don Bosco Ngangi Center. “Here there is less fear, but more misery. We still have children begging in the streets and older people who need support wandering the city all dirty and covered in rags.”

The representative added, “Even if the worst danger has passed, it is now necessary to intervene to help people find a home and dignity. We need to make sure children have a safe place to live, wash, feed and grow. There is a need for mattresses, blankets, food and powdered milk for babies.”

Don Bosco Ngangi Center, which is home to 250 children across two sites, was spared any damage, but families who were receiving help from the Salesians had their homes destroyed. Hundreds of houses and goods have been reduced to ash, and many families lost the few possessions they had.

Faced with this new situation and need for humanitarian aid, Salesian missionaries in Goma have launched an appeal for aid to help the youth they serve and the families who have sought help and safety.

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. More than 4.1 million Congolese are now displaced with 620,000 seeking refuge in neighboring countries. More than 7.5 million people do not have enough food to eat.

Salesian missionaries have been working in the country for more than 100 years ensuring that the most vulnerable children 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 Congo – After fear of eruption of Goma’s Nyiragongo volcano, recovery being planned

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Young children attend school through scholarships

MissionNewswire — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 08:30:53 +0000

Scholarship programs helps to ensure young children are able to attend school

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have worked in the Central African Republic since 1994 with their first center in Damala. Today, Salesians have programs in multiple locations. In Galabadja and Gamala, Salesians operate a youth center, a family home and an oratory, as well as educational centers for kindergartens, elementary schools, a high school and a vocational school.

Salesians also operate a scholarship program for youth. Most of the children who receive the scholarships are early in their education and are 7-8 years old. For example, Anne Laure, age 7, attends the St. John Bosco primary school in Galabadja. Her young parents struggled to pay for school expenses because her mother is unemployed and her father is a student. Salesians found the funding through sponsorship in the form of scholarship to cover the costs of her schooling.

Providing scholarship funding for a child from the Central African Republic means giving hope and helping to provide for the future in a country where the future is almost never talked about. Scholarships help by guaranteeing school fees, school supplies, medical care and food for children so they can learn and thrive.

“Salesian missionaries have been working to provide educational and support services to youth in need as well as to those who were internally displaced by war,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Educational and social development programs help youth regain a sense of normalcy while allowing them to move past the violence and focus on more productive activities.”

The Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries on the African continent—despite being very rich in resources such as uranium, gold and diamonds. It is also very unstable politically due to the regime changes and civil wars that have occurred over the last 20 years.

According to the United Nations, 2.8 million people, or about half of the total population, depend on humanitarian aid. Thousands of people are displaced, forced to leave their homes due to numerous internal conflicts. The infant mortality rate is among the highest in the world, and the most common causes are diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, respiratory infections and acute malnutrition.

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

ANS – Central African Republic – The value of scholarships in a very poor country

Salesian Missions – Central African Republic

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.

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REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Coaches receive training to help vulnerable youth

MissionNewswire — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 08:25:10 +0000

10 coaches and educators receive updated training from the Real Madrid Foundation

(MissionNewswire) Ten coaches and educators at the Real Madrid Foundation’s socio-sports school in Pointe Noire, Republic of the Congo, had a chance to take their first online training session on soccer and ethics. The school has been operating in collaboration with Salesian missionaries since 2012. Coaches and educators refreshed their knowledge, and they learned about new teaching tools to enhance their training. In addition to training on sports, the participants attended workshops on health and hygiene issues and children’s rights, and they received school materials and food.

Salesian missionaries operate a vocational training center and a youth program that are attended by the 120 youth who take part in the Real Madrid Foundation’s socio-sport school. Youth who attend the programs come from poor and vulnerable families who lives in Pointe Noire, the second most populated city in the Republic of the Congo. Most of the youth live in the Tié-Tié neighborhood, where the socio-sports school is located. This neighborhood has high unemployment rates and a shortage of basic supplies and educational and health infrastructure.

Both the Real Madrid Foundation and the Salesians are aware that sports are important for social integration and the promotion of values like teamwork, communication, respect and team spirit. As part of the Real Madrid Foundation’s “They play, we educate” program, participants receive nutrition, family and psychological support, regular health checkups, the opportunity to participate in social and educational workshops, gymnastics, crafts, reading, and citizenship activities. Training sessions on topics such as health, hygiene, values, and the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse are also provided.

The Salesian Center in Pointe Noire was established in 1964. Since that time, Salesians have established a parish, youth oratory, primary and secondary school, boarding school, vocational training center, and a shelter for youth experiencing difficulties. Salesian missionaries also provide pastoral care in the local prisons.

The Republic of the Congo’s population is concentrated in the southwestern portion of the country leaving the vast areas of tropical jungle in the north virtually uninhabited. One of the most urbanized countries in Africa, it has 70 percent of its total population living in a few urban areas. In recent years, industrial and commercial activity has declined rapidly in rural areas, leaving rural economies dependent on the government for support and subsistence.

According to Rural Poverty Portal, poverty has worsened in the Republic of the Congo since the 1980s, resulting in half the country’s population living below the poverty line. Close to 65 percent of the country’s poor live in rural areas where nearly 50 percent of the population is unemployed with little access to education or long-term stable employment. While more than 75 percent of people living in urban centers have access to water, access drastically decreases to 11 percent in rural areas. In addition, more than one third of children under age 5 that live in rural areas suffer from malnutrition.

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Sources:

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

Real Madrid Foundation – The coaches at the Foundation’s school in Congo have been trained to educate over 100 highly vulnerable minors

Rural Poverty – Republic of Congo

Salesian Missions

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DR CONGO: 250 children provided safety during Nyiragongo volcanic eruption

MissionNewswire — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 08:20:20 +0000

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Ngangi Center in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, is responding to the needs of people impacted by the recent Nyiragongo volcanic eruption. At close to 11:30 p.m. on May 22, Salesians, Salvatorian Sisters and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians had to remove all of the children from the Maison Ushindi orphanage and the young residents of the Saint Kizito Institute in order to keep them safe.

Don Bosco Ngangi Center was providing accommodations for 250 children in two sites until a new evacuation order forced them to move the children again. The Maison Mama Marguerite cares for 135 girls and small children, and the Maison Gahinja has 95 children and boys up to age 19. Salesians and the children have been moved to Shasha, a city located about 40 km from Goma, where the Salesians have a plantation of several hectares. On May 27, 10 out of the 18 neighborhoods in Goma were forced to evacuate.

A Salesian missionary said, “A miracle happened, because the lava flow from the nearby volcano stopped a few meters from the Don Bosco Ngangi Center. The conditions in which these children are housed are precarious. No water, no electricity, no space to play, and not enough food.”

The volcano had not erupted for more 19 years with the last eruption occurring on Jan. 17, 2002, when more than 100 people died and lava covered the entire eastern part of Goma. Thousands of people were forced to flee their homes, taking refuge in Gisenyi, in neighboring Rwanda, or in Sake. According to UNICEF, the latest eruption caused the deaths of 15 people, and 159 children were still missing as of the Monday after the event.

Families are receiving help from the Salesians as many who have had their homes destroyed wait to be able to start over. Hundreds of houses and goods have been reduced to ash, and many families lost the few possessions they had.

The eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano represents yet another disaster in a region that has already faced Ebola, the COVID-19 pandemic and indiscriminate killings in Ngangi, Majengo, Turunga and Buhene. Tremors continue to frighten city dwellers, especially young children and other vulnerable people.

Despite its vast material wealth, the DRC 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. More than 4.1 million Congolese are now displaced with 620,000 seeking refuge in neighboring countries. More than 7.5 million people do not have enough food to eat.

Salesian missionaries have been working in the DRC for more than 100 years ensuring that the most vulnerable children 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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ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – SOS for eruption of Nyiragongo volcano in Goma

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – After volcano eruption, total evacuation of several Goma districts ordered

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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DR CONGO: Young women inspired to be leaders in traditionally male professions

MissionNewswire — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 15:26:58 +0000

Salesian Tuwe Wafundi School of Trades holds conference for young women leaders

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Tuwe Wafundi School of Trades, part of the Don Bosco Center in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), welcomed 21 girls and young women who asked to learn a profession traditionally reserved for males, such as bricklayer, carpenter, mechanic and welder. Recently, a conference was held for these students with Marie Claire, a woman entrepreneur who is responsible for a local carpentry workshop.

Irène Nabintu, an apprentice in automotive mechanics, said, “With her personal experiences, she told us that to live and be a female leader, we need to have some principles, some rules that we give ourselves.”

Claire said these rules included: avoiding always expecting help from others; working hard and showing that they can do it by themselves, alone: loving their profession; praying to God because it is he who comforts and gives confidence during the journey of work; and doing everything on schedule. She also cautioned the students to not envy what they don’t have.

Claire is a married, mother of nine children who are all well-educated thanks to her work. She told the students to continue their education. She said, “To qualify as boys do, intelligence and strength are needed, and to work with courage. Without disrespecting men, you can make yourself accepted as a true female leader.”

The end of the conference featured a question and answer session. One young woman noted that she’d like to work but her boyfriend is against the idea. Claire noted, “If someone loves a person, he will also love everything that she is, lives and does.” The conference program for the young woman was enlightening and encouraging to help them become future leaders in their chosen fields.

Father Piero Gavioli, director of the Salesian House in Bukavu, said, “Until a few months ago, the girls of the Tuwe Wafundi school were on the street, without a diploma, without a job and without a future. The Salesian school offers them the possibility of finding a place in society and a chance to one day become true women leaders.”

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Sources:

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – Educating young people to be leaders of today and tomorrow

Don Bosco Center Bukavu Facebook

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR Congo

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MADAGASCAR: Youth receive food support along with education and job training

MissionNewswire — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 08:41:20 +0000

Youth attending Notre Dame de Clairvaux receive food support thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions

MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) Youth attending the Salesian-run Notre Dame de Clairvaux in Ivato, Madagascar, were provided nutritional support for two months thanks to funding received from donors through Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. In addition to school and job training, youth are offered free morning and midday meals. More than 1,000 meals are provided each weekday. Additional meals are provided over the weekend.

The center provides support to children and youth living in extreme poverty, many of whom are fatherless or orphans who have been abandoned by both parents. Some are being raised by aunts and grandmothers. Currently, there are 170 primary school students and 265 students in the vocational training center. Notre Dame de Clairvaux also has 125 interns preparing for work. The center has a job search office with a coordinator that helps youth who are graduating find and retain stable work.

Youth attending the Salesian-run Notre Dame de Clairvaux in Ivato, Madagascar, received nutritional support thanks to funding received through Salesian Missions.

Salesian missionaries have been operating Notre Dame de Clairvaux since 1984. They started with 90 youth in 1984 and grew to 450. They receive support from donors and associations, including Belgium’s Via Don Bosco.

Father Erminio De Santis, director of Notre Dame de Clairvaux, said, “We are also striving to produce our own rice fields and develop a small farm of poultry, pigs and dairy cows for additional nutritional support for those we serve. We are also optimizing our workshops to increase income-generating activities and always looking for new activities compatible with the training we give to our young people.”

Willis is one of the youth attending Notre Dame de Clairvaux who benefited from the food support. From a poor family, he is the youngest of seven brothers and sisters. When Willis was 9 years old, his father lost his job and his parents separated. He was forced to drop out of school. The following year the family lost his sister to an illness and his mother. Another older sister has serious mental health issues.

Willis has had to fend for himself for most of his life. He has developed some psychological problems as a result of the long lack of affection and the daily difficulties of finding food. At one point he faced drug use. Fortunately, he was brought by guardians to Notre Dame de Clairvaux in October 2020, and since then he has been gaining an education and learning a trade. He is happy in his environment and thankful for a second chance in life.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Notre Dame de Clairvaux Facebook

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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CAMEROON: Funding supports pandemic safety, school fees for students

MissionNewswire — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 08:29:01 +0000

Salesian missionaries in Yaoundé were able to take COVID-19 pandemic precautions thanks to funding from Salesian Missions

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Mimboman, Yaoundé, Cameroon, were able to take COVID-19 pandemic precautions and support youth finishing school thanks to funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Some of the funding went toward buying cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer for staff and students.

Funding from Salesian Missions also helped ensure youth could finish their education in Cameroon.

There are more than 1,000 students and 100 teachers between the Don Bosco College and the Vocational Training Center. Spaces within the college and center are also used on weekends for Mary Help of Christians parish and youth center. Close to 4,000 people use these spaces on a regular basis so having the supplies for ongoing cleaning and disinfecting was necessary to fight against COVID-19. Salesians were able to buy enough supplies for several months.

The local Salesian church was also regularly disinfected by a young man who works for a cleaning service at Yaoundé City Hall. He taught Salesian staff how to disinfect properly and helped purchase cleaning supplies at an affordable price.

Salesian missionaries were able to provide hand sanitizing gel for staff, students and visitors. Small containers of gel were kept in offices and classrooms. Further, Salesians were able to provide hand-washing stations with soap and water at Don Bosco College, Vocational Training Center, and Mary Help of Christians parish and youth center.

Funding from Salesian Missions also helped ensure youth could finish their education. Youth whose parents could no longer pay their school fees received financial support. The funding helped youth finish the school year and either graduate and find employment or advance to their next year of schooling.

Finally, the funding also helped support four individuals who were in dire need of medical attention. The medical issues were not COVID-19 related but without the funding the individuals would not have survived. One woman was rushed into surgery with an appendicitis, another needed life-saving medical care for kidney issues and two others were dealing with complications from hepatitis.

The pandemic created an economic crisis in Cameroon. The country has had large losses as a result of the closure of exports. Service providers, such as taxi drivers, craftsmen and traders, have been out of work. Cameroon is also challenged by the presence of Islamist terrorist groups like Boko Haram in the north, a group of secessionist armies from the northwest and Central African refugees from the east. All this affects youth who are trying to study and gain an education.

“Salesian missionaries from around the globe have sprung to action and have been working tirelessly for those in need,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “In addition to direct support to families in need, Salesian centers and institutions have also supported their communities. We appreciate our donors who have helped Salesians in Cameroon with their efforts to mitigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic.”

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Sources:

Photos courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions

UN – Nearly two million Cameroonians face humanitarian emergency: UNICEF

World Food Programme – Cameroon

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EQUATORIAL GUINEA: Salesian partnership with Real Madrid Foundation helps youth

MissionNewswire — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 08:38:09 +0000

Close to 100 children at the Don Bosco School in Malabo participate in a socio-sports program run by the Real Madrid Foundation

(MissionNewswire) Close to 100 children at the Don Bosco School in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, participate in a socio-sports program run by the Real Madrid Foundation. Through soccer and basketball, boys and girls between the ages of 9-17 learn the values of team play and improve their eating habits, hygiene and academic performance.

The partnership between the Real Madrid Foundation and the Salesians began in 2010 in a Salesian school in Senegal and continued to schools in Central and South America. The first social-sports school was in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2012, social-sports schools opened in Portugal. Today, the collaboration has 21 projects in 14 countries and serves nearly 4,000 children each season, using educational sport and its values as a catalyst for the social betterment of youth and communities.

Both the Real Madrid Foundation and the Salesians are aware that sports are important for social integration and the promotion of values like teamwork, communication, respect and team spirit. The social-sports schools are housed in Salesian schools. As part of the Real Madrid Foundation’s “They play, we educate” program, participants receive nutrition, family and psychological support, regular health checkups, the opportunity to participate in social and educational workshops, gymnastics, crafts and reading, and citizenship activities. Training sessions on topics such as health, hygiene, values, and the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse are also provided.

Mayoka, a 16-year-old girl who plays basketball at the Don Bosco School in in Malabo, said, “What I like most is the joy and the atmosphere of camaraderie between us. They help us with our studies and we really enjoy learning the sport we like. We wouldn’t mind if it were every day of the week!”

During the school year, the goal in the first quarter is to get to know the participants and explain the activities with friendly tournaments. In the second quarter, the emphasis is on training the coaches and supporting student in their studies through reinforcement lessons.

In March 2020, the pandemic stopped all activities due to the mandatory lockdown. The school continued to operate online, supporting children and their families with advice on how to prevent COVID-19. This year, activities are continuing according to the capacity limits and all necessary preventive measures including the use of masks during tutoring, disinfecting hands before entering the playing field or in any activity organized by the school, and taking the temperature of the participants before they enter the sports complex.

In 2020, the United Nations Development Programme ranked Equatorial Guinea 145 out of 189 countries in its Human Development Report. While poverty statistics are hard to come by because the government in the country controls the media, the UN has noted that more than half of Equatorial Guinea’s population still lacks access to clean water. UNICEF has found that 26 percent of the population uses unimproved drinking water sources, and only 66 percent have access to basic sanitation services. The country also lacks good infrastructure including schools and hospitals.

Sources:

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

ANS – Equatorial Guinea – Study, sport and joy in Real Madrid sports school “Don Bosco-Malabo”

Human Development Report 2020

Real Madrid Foundation

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MADAGASCAR: Support gives hope to homeless youth

MissionNewswire — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 08:42:29 +0000

Salesian missionaries provide support to homeless youth who have been sent to state re-education center

MADAGASCAR

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have been providing services for youth in Anjanamasina, a suburb of the capital city Antananarivo, Madagascar. They are working at the invitation of prison authorities to help children and youth who have been sent to the state re-education center, which houses more than 100 youth.

At the prison, youth who were living on the street because they have no family support often are put in the same house as those who have committed a crime. Poverty and a lack of education contribute to the rising numbers of children in this circumstance. Many families cannot afford to care for their children, and education is seen as an afterthought to providing for basic needs.

Every Sunday and on midweek Catholic feast days, Salesian missionaries distribute meals and provide musical, theatrical and sporting activities. They also provide spiritual services with the celebration of Mass and the sacraments, catechism, and special religious and educational projects. Missionaries help youth feel loved and important to someone, not a burden to be cast aside.

Don Bosco Mission, in Turin, Italy, has committed to supporting Salesian activities in Anjanamasina, guaranteeing Sunday lunch and recreational and sports activities.

“Youth who are in these facilities because they were living on the street deserve a second chance at life,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesians help youth with their spiritual growth, social support and provide hope for a better future.”

Madagascar, an island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of eastern Africa, is one of the poorest countries in the world. Seventy percent of Madagascar’s almost 19 million people live in poverty with 5.7 million of those being youth between the ages of 10-24, according to UNICEF. This number is expected to double by 2025.

In order to help youth break the cycle of poverty and hopelessness, Salesian missionaries in Madagascar operate elementary, middle and high schools throughout the country. The focus of the schools is on providing educational opportunities, increasing literacy and laying a foundation for education well past the compulsory education in the country. Access to education and training in social and life skills encourages graduates to find livable wage employment, breaking the cycle of poverty.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Madagascar – Bringing a little joy, attention and hope to kids of Anjanamasina

Don Bosco Mission

Don Bosco Mission Facebook

Salesian Missions – Madagascar

UNICEF – Madagascar

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