DR CONGO: Salesian graduates receive professional starter kits in their chosen trades
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.”
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.
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)
ANS – Democratic Republic of the Congo – Job Integration Kits Delivered to Young Technicians
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.
