DR CONGO: Salesian missionaries respond with emergency aid for flood victims
3 Salesian communities impacted by flood waters
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have been responding to a devastating flood that occurred in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, on June 14. Heavy rains killed 29 people and damaged buildings. The Salesian communities located in Masina, Kingabwa and Lukunga were impacted by the flood waters.
In Masina, the wall of the St. Thomas Aquinas community collapsed. In Lukunga, the wall of the Don Bosco center fell, and the Marie Auxiliatrice community in Kingabwa was seriously flooded.
A Salesian noted, “The floods damaged infrastructure, destroyed houses, and endangered the lives of many of the young people and families attending Salesian facilities. Entire families lost their homes, their belongings and, in some cases, their loved ones. They are now homeless, destitute and exposed to the health risks associated with flooding.”
Salesians in Masina, Kingabwa and Lukunga have schools, oratories, youth centers, and shelters for children and youth. Faced with this emergency situation, Salesians want to help the victims and restore the safety of the Salesian infrastructure and living conditions for the affected populations.
Mission Don Bosco, the Salesian Missions Office in Turin, Italy, has been working to address some of the needs. Salesians have launched a project to provide emergency aid, including food, hygiene kits with soaps and medicines, mattresses, sheets, and blankets for temporary shelters. There will also be psychosocial support provided for bereaved and traumatized families. Following these immediate services, Salesians will work to create income-generating activities and cooperatives to help the affected families become self-sufficient.
In addition, Salesians will secure and restore damaged schools, training centers and oratories with sustainable materials and construction techniques adapted to the climatic conditions of the place. The goal is to ensure continuity for thousands of youth, guaranteeing access to education and offering prospects for the future.
Mission Don Bosco has indicated, “This is not just a response to a crisis, but a direct investment in the security, resilience and future of vulnerable communities in Kinshasa.”
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:
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.
