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NIGERIA: Salesian missionaries facilitate programs that improve education, nutrition and clean water access in communities

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are working to improve education, social support and clean water access for youth living in Nigerian communities. In January 2017, Salesian missionaries launched the Bosco Boys Home in Ibadan, the state capital of Nigeria’s Oyo state with a population of more than 3 million people. The new Salesian Home was developed to address the rising issue of street youth.

Young people, some as young as 9 years old, end up living on the streets because of serious social and family problems. On the streets, they are faced with exploitation, delinquency and addiction. In 2018, the Bosco Boys Home cared for 55 children at the shelter. Children were provided accommodation, nutrition, healthcare, rehabilitation, psycho-social support and reintegration and education assistance.

Salesian missionaries aim to protect youth and their rights and offer them the support to become contributing members of their communities. Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, supported the center with donations including food, household items and medical supplies.

In addition, a Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative” has funded a project to provide borewells to 10 communities in Nigeria. The implementation of the first phase of the project started in August 2018 and was completed in February 2019. Local contractors worked under the supervision of Salesian missionaries who ensured the work was done properly and on budget. Drilling and tank installation have been completed at all five locations. As part of the second phase of the project, the construction of boreholes has begun at additional Salesian centers.

“Having access to clean water is essential for the health and safety of those we serve around the globe,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions. “Improving water and sanitation facilities brings a sense of dignity for the children we serve and ensures that teachers and students are working and learning in an environment that promotes proper hygiene and has safe drinking water. This reduces the number of waterborne illnesses that can affect those in our schools, keeping them away from important study time.”

According to UNICEF, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and the ninth most populous country in the world. With an estimated population of 150 million, one in every five Africans is a Nigerian. The country has been undergoing explosive population growth and has one of the highest growth and fertility rates in the world. By UN estimates, Nigeria will be one of the countries responsible for most of the world’s total population increase by 2050.

While Nigeria has the second strongest economy in Africa, it also has extreme rates of poverty with 100 million people living on less than $1 a day. About 64 percent of households in Nigeria consider themselves to be poor while 32 percent of households say their economic situation had worsened over a period of one year, according to UNICEF. Poverty still remains one of the most critical challenges facing the country and population growth rates have meant a steady increase in the number of people living in conditions of poverty.

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Sources:

Don Bosco Youth Network West Africa Annual Report 2018

NIGERIA: Five Salesian communities have access to clean water thanks to funding from Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative”

NIGERIA: Salesians Launch New Bosco Boys Home to Provide Programs for Street Youth

Salesian Missions

UNICEF – Nigeria