PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Annual event brings joy
Salesians provide gifts for 180 families
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
(MissionNewswire) Salesian cooperators in Kokopo, Papua New Guinea, conducted a series of awareness programs in the villages belonging to the Mary Help of Christians parish, including Tobera, Malex and Ramale. The events started at the beginning of Advent and culminated on St. Stephen’s Day on Dec. 26. On Christmas day, gifts were given to 180 families. Salesians also extended these activities to the Rakunai parish on Christmas.
Salesians held a Christmas Mass as well as a celebration with songs and dances. This annual event is the result of collaboration between all members of the Salesian family and the friends of Don Bosco.
A Salesian noted, “This event brings much joy to the children and families we serve. It’s a time for the community to come together to celebrate the holidays and connect with one another. It’s also the time for Salesians and school staff at Don Bosco Technical School to celebrate the accomplishments of youth this past school term.”
Salesian missionaries in the country provide primary and secondary education as well as technical skills training to prepare youth for the workforce. Missionaries also help to ensure that basic needs like shelter, food and water are met so students are able to focus on their studies.
Papua New Guinea has a population of approximately 7.5 million people. It is a resource-rich country with oil, gas and gold reserves as well as fertile land capable of producing high crop yields. Despite this, an estimated 40% of Papua New Guineans live below the poverty line of $1.25 per day, according to the World Bank.
Close to 50% of adults are illiterate and 25% of children are unable to attend school in Papua New Guinea. Part of the problem with getting to school, work and hospitals has to do with the country’s infrastructure. In rural areas, where nearly 88% of the population resides, there are few roads or means of transportation to get to schools or places of employment.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
Don Bosco Secondary Technical School
Salesian Missions – Papua New Guinea
World Bank – Papua New Guinea Poverty
