DR CONGO: Salesian missionaries open new health center
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.”
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)
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.
