People who have been displaced seeking shelter at Don Bosco Shasha, Don Bosco Ngangi

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are working to address child malnutrition in camps for those internally displaced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.* Salesians in Goma and the surrounding areas are supporting people who have been displaced because of ongoing conflict. The conflict has left more than 5.8 million people displaced across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Thousands of displaced people have settled on the grounds of Don Bosco Shasha with Salesians providing food and shelter. Those impacted by the war are also going to Don Bosco Ngangi in Goma, where some 28,000 people are seeking shelter on the center’s grounds.

Recently, Salesians have provided additional food support. Don Bosco Ngangi Center in Goma distributed hot meals, milk and cookies to 500 displaced children. Father Carlos Belozi, economer of the East Delegation of the Central African Province, expressed his gratitude to the many donors whose generosity has helped these children who have been traumatized by war.

In addition, Salesian Emergency Coordination developed a new program to give porridge and a meal to children showing signs of malnutrition at Don Bosco Shasha. A Salesian noted, “We are doing our best with limited means. We have had an influx of people coming to the camp and we have limited supplies. Through the generous support of donors, we are doing all we can to provide shelter, nutrition and other necessities.”

Given the ongoing violence, Salesians are working on a more long-term solution for those who have been displaced and are launching projects to provide people with more support. The goal is to provide more provisions and psychological support to the people, including education for minors.

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 – D.R. Congo – Distribution of hot meals for the World Day of the African Child

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.