Young members of Senior Salesian Missionary Group visit the elderly from Bolingo hospice

(MissionNewswire) In celebration of the second anniversary of the Senior Salesian Missionary Group, young members visited the elderly from the Bolingo hospice, part of the Saint Achille Kiwanuka parish in the district of Kingabwa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. After a Catholic Mass, youth visited the elderly, brought donations and shared a meal.

The Senior Salesian Missionary Group brings together youth from the Salesian Province of Africa Congo. Some of the youth are still students while others have finished their studies and are working. The group’s goal is to spread Don Bosco’s missionary enthusiasm and provide youth an opportunity to give back to those in need in their community.

“Volunteering is a great way for youth to feel connected within their communities and share a message of hope,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “It also enables them to connect with their peers and work together to help those at risk or marginalized in the community.”

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.

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. More than 4.1 million Congolese are now displaced with 620,000 seeking refuge in neighboring countries. More than 7.5 million people do not have enough food to eat.

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Sources:

ANS – D.R. Congo – Salesian Senior Missionary Group visits elders of “Bolingo” hospice

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.