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DR CONGO: Displaced people find safety

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.”

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.

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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Sources:

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

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.