Event part of initiatives offering better future to youth

(MissionNewswire) The Gahinja Welcome House, part of Don Bosco Ngangi in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo,* organized an educational outing for 50 children who are living on the street. The event, made possible thanks to the financial support of Don Bosco Bonn in Germany, is part of a series of initiatives offering a better future to youth who are vulnerable and at risk of social exclusion.

During the event, youth took part in walks, dances and songs, and the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Father Dieudonné Sande Mutonkole, director of the Don Bosco Ngangi. An awareness-raising session was then held based on the theme, “Individual, behavioral and social characteristics that promote resilience and family adaptation.”

A Salesian noted, “The youth were encouraged to consider being with family as the ideal environment for their development and to cultivate parental love and acceptance. Some of these children living on the streets can go home to their families. Salesians do provide support, education and shelter for other street children who do not have this option.”

The day ended with a game of volleyball and a shared meal among the youth, a symbol of fraternity and solidarity.

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)

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – An educational day for street children

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 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.