DR CONGO: Displaced families benefit from food rations
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).
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 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.
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.
###
Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
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.
