Kits give youth support as they finish courses

(MissionNewswire) Sixty youth attending the Vocational Training Center in Boscolac, located in Mugunga, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, were provided kits at the end of their cutting and sewing and cosmetic hairstyling training. The kits are part of a project known as AFC-22 implemented by the Salesian Eastern Delegation of the Central Africa Province planning and development office and financed by Don Bosco Mission based in Bonn, Germany.

In his address at the event where the kits were distributed, Father Carlos Balezi Kabumba, director of the development office, thanked benefactors on behalf of the youth and noted that the training they received will be beneficial to the entire society. Youth now have the skills for employment, which will aid welfare of their families and the entire community.

The ceremony was also attended by Father Pascal Mumba Kati, rector of the Boscolac Community, and Brother Honorato Alonso, outgoing head of the Boscolac Vocational Training Center, who encouraged youth to put the knowledge they have learned to good use and to spread the moral and spiritual values taught by the Salesians.

“Having the skills and tools for employment gives youth an opportunity to hit the ground running after graduation,” said Father Timothy Ploch, interim director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesians want to ensure that youth are able to gain long-term stable employment and become self-sufficient. Kits like these go a long way to ensure youth are starting out life with the right support.”

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 – Sixty young people trained in trades receive the Boscolac VTC vocational reintegration kit

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.