Close to 800 youth benefited from improvements

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries at St. Jude Science & Technical College, located in Vandeikya, in the Benue State of Nigeria, were able to renovate a hostel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The work included structural repairs of the walls, flooring, tiling, and ceiling, refurbishment of windows and doors, painting, and final touches such as adding bunk beds. Close to 800 youth benefited from these improvements.

A Salesian noted, “The improved living conditions have supported our students. They have new lighting to improve visibility, better ventilation and more space. The bunk beds are providing adequate sleeping arrangements, reducing overcrowding and stress associated with poor living conditions.”

Eze Favour is one of the students, and she is studying to be a medical doctor. Before the renovation, the students were in a building with a leaking roof and lack of space, with some students sleeping on the floor. Favour is filled with joy for the transformation that has taken place.

She noted, “The hostel is now presentable, allowing the students to sleep well. The building is very welcoming and presentable. All the students are enjoying the new hostel. We wish it had been done sooner because the living conditions are so much better. I’m able to focus and study better now.”

About 64% of households in Nigeria consider themselves to be poor while 32% 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:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Nigeria

UNICEF – Nigeria