DR CONGO: New girls’ boarding school opens at Don Bosco Ngangi Center
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.
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.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
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.
