Each year, Radio Don Bosco develops a theme around which all its programs revolve. This year, the focus is on education for peace. By the end of 2016, presidential and parliamentary elections will be held in the DR Congo. Father Wilfried Mushagalusa, director general of the station, has noted that the goal this year is to prepare youth to face the elections with confidence, maturity and responsibility.

The radio station has received praise from the DR Congo government for its innovative and important programming. The country’s governmental minister of communications said last year that Radio Don Bosco was among the most important radio stations in the region and constitutes a real instrument of human promotion for young people. The radio station is in the process of seeking funding and assistance to repair some broken equipment to continue operations. In January 2016, lightning struck the building where the station is located and damaged much of the equipment, especially the transmitter.

“Salesian missionaries have been working in the DR Congo for more than 100 years ensuring that the most vulnerable children are not forgotten,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Primary and secondary schools lay the foundation for early learning while Salesian trade, vocational and agricultural programs provide youth with an opportunity for a stable and productive future. The radio station is yet another avenue to reach youth and promote hope through education and social development services while giving those new to the workforce a chance to gain experience.”

The DR Congo has been plagued by intense civil war and internal conflict since the outbreak of fighting in 1998. As a result, there have been close to 5.4 million deaths, according to the International Rescue Committee. Most deaths resulted from non-violent causes such as malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia and malnutrition, all typically preventable under normal circumstances but often fatal in times of conflict. Close to 1.5 million people have been internally displaced or have become refugees in neighboring countries after having fled the country to escape the continued violence.

Young people make up about 19 percent of the country’s population but account for 47 percent of deaths during this conflict. Poverty is rampant, according to UNICEF, and 72 percent of rural households and 59 percent of urban households are poor. Nearly 40 percent of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition and most of the population lives with moderate to serious food insecurity. The 2013 Human Development Index ranked the DR Congo186th out of 187 countries and territories listed.

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Sources:

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – Radio Don Bosco Lubumbashi, a meeting point for young people

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.

The post DR CONGO: Radio Don Bosco Provides Youth Post-Graduate Work Experience first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The new Salesian school started with 100 students, filling it to capacity. Beginning with a remedial education with a focus on literacy, the school works to raise its students’ knowledge base in order to prepare them for advanced skill training. Within the first two months of the school’s opening, its first students had advanced to learning French and computer skills and then commenced professional training. The school program includes a daily meal for each student as well as sports that are offered twice a week. The current curriculum spans eight months and graduates trained carpenters, builders and drivers.

“Most of these young people have very limited education,” says Father Robert, a newly ordained priest, bursar and principal of the school. “They have attended a few years of primary school and then left because their families could not pay school fees. Other young people, victims of the same conditions, have found work at the port of Bukavu. We opened the school for youth in order to give them the opportunity to learn a trade and gain employment.”

In addition to the school, Don Bosco Center Bukavu offeres sports and games four afternoons each week for 100 young people from the community. It also provides French lessons once a week to more than 50 area youth. The resident Salesian brother at the center participates in Sunday activities in the prison chaplaincy, a well-organized group of religious and lay people who work compassionately with the prison population. Missionaries at the center have been asked to help educate 30 of the younger prisoners so that upon release, they will be able to learn a trade and become productive members of society.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been plagued by intense civil war and internal conflict since the outbreak of fighting in 1998. As a result, there have been close to 5.4 million deaths, according to the International Rescue Committee. Most deaths resulted from non-violent causes such as malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia and malnutrition, all typically preventable under normal circumstances but often fatal in times of conflict. Close to 1.5 million people have been internally displaced or have become refugees in neighboring countries after having fled the country to escape the continued violence.

Young people make up about 19 percent of the country’s population but account for 47 percent of deaths during this conflict. Poverty is rampant, according to UNICEF, and 72 percent of rural households and 59 percent of urban households are poor. Nearly 40 percent of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition and most of the population lives with moderate to serious food insecurity. The 2013 Human Development Index ranked the Democratic Republic of the Congo 186th out of 187 countries and territories listed.

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. Primary and secondary education schools and programs lay the foundation for early learning while Salesian trade, vocational and agricultural programs provide youth with an opportunity for a stable and productive future.

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Sources:

ANS – Don Bosco Bukavu looking for a way to build a future for marginalized youth

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.

The post DR CONGO: Salesian Missionaries Train 100 Youth at New Don Bosco Center first appeared on MissionNewswire.

While the city of Lubumbashi has both agricultural and mineral resource wealth, the area faces numerous economic and social challenges. The city and surrounding areas have close to 8.2 million people, most living in poverty. More than 60 percent of the population is less than 20 years old. A large percentage of children and young adults have dropped out of school because they are unable to pay for tuition, uniforms and school supplies. This leaves many young adults unemployed and living on the streets.

The Kansebula St Jean Bosco Institute and the Chem Chem Center are providing educational opportunities for at-risk youth living in poverty within in the community. The Kansebula Institute emphasizes a human science curriculum while the Chem Chem Center specializes in agricultural training. Both facilities prepare youth for the workforce but face challenges around energy and water sources due to their remote locations. Neither facility has water services provided by its town or government and must rely on local resources such as wells and rivers.

Salesian missionaries began the two water projects to ensure clean fresh water for the students and the sustainability of the water sources for their facilities. At Kansebula, the project consists of erecting a high water tower and two 2,500 liter water tanks in connection to the existing water system. Once completed, this project will improve water management and protect the water pump in use. At Chem Chem the project entails upgrading the existing water system to allow proper quantities of clean water for students. This is being accomplished by deepening the existing well, erecting a high water tower and installing two 2,500 liter water tanks.

According to UN-Water, the United Nations inter-agency coordination mechanism on all freshwater related issues, 1.3 billion people cannot access electricity, 768 million people lack access to improved water sources and 2.5 billion people have no improved sanitation, worldwide. For those who have no access to clean water, water related disease is common with more than 840,000 people dying each year from water related diseases.

In response to this crisis, Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has made building wells and supplying fresh, clean water, a top priority for every community in every country in which Salesian missionaries work. The two projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are just two of many underway.

“Water is essential for life,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions. “From helping to ensure our communities have access to clean water for drinking and agriculture to helping build a hydro-electric power station, Salesian missionaries working in 132 countries around the globe are always looking to expand their services to meet the needs of the poor youth and families they serve.”

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been plagued by intense civil war and internal conflict since the outbreak of fighting in 1998. As a result, there have been close to 5.4 million deaths, according to the International Rescue Committee. Most deaths resulted from non-violent causes such as malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia and malnutrition, all typically preventable under normal circumstances but often fatal in times of conflict. Close to 1.5 million people have been internally displaced or have become refugees in neighboring countries after having fled the country to escape the continued violence.

Young people make up about 19 percent of the country’s population but account for 47 percent of deaths during this conflict. Poverty is rampant, according to UNICEF, and 72 percent of rural households and 59 percent of urban households are poor. Nearly 40 percent of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition and most of the population lives with moderate to serious food insecurity. The 2013 Human Development Index ranked the Democratic Republic of the Congo 186th out of 187 countries and territories listed.

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. Primary and secondary education schools and programs lay the foundation for early learning while Salesian trade, vocational and agricultural programs provide youth with an opportunity for a stable and productive future.

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Sources:

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.

The post DR CONGO: Two Water Projects are Ensuring Fresh Clean Water for Salesian Students first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Started first as a youth center, the Don Bosco Center expanded to provide assistance to those in the region affected by war, other violence and natural disasters, like the eruption of the volcano Nyragongo in 2002. In 1997, the center added kindergarten, elementary, secondary and vocational education as well as a literacy center and medical facility.

In 2009, the Don Bosco Center Ngangi was awarded the International Award, Los Niños Primero (Children First), from the Spanish Committee of UNICEF in recognition of its outstanding work on behalf of children and poor youth in the region of northern Kivu. In the midst of wars, violence and poverty, the Don Bosco Center welcomed, educated, cared for and supported more than 26,000 children.

“Don Bosco Center Ngangi is one of the most diverse and comprehensive Salesian organizations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Built on the grounds of a school and sports field, the center has grown to provide vocational training, refugee housing, rehabilitation for child soldiers and programs for those needing nutritional and medical care.”

The center also provides aid and services to the many refugee camps that exist in the areas surrounding Goma. Refugees, orphans, abandoned children and victims of disaster are among the school students who rely on the center. For most of them, it’s also the only place where they receive a nutritious meal each day.

“Despite overwhelming obstacles confronting these children—not to mention the challenges of teaching and feeding them with limited resources—the results are encouraging and inspiring,” adds Fr. Hyde.

With an eye on sustainability, for the last three years the center has been selling the vegetables and other products grown on its agricultural school’s farm and plantation. The farm allows students to showcase skills learned in the classroom.

“All of the many services provided through the center are free and are aimed at people who have no possibility of paying,” says Father Piero Gavioli, rector of the Don Bosco Center Ngangi. “There is always the risks of shortfalls in the annual budget, but the center manages to stay afloat thanks to donations and the money raised through the agriculture school.”

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been plagued by intense civil war and internal conflict since the outbreak of fighting in 1998. As a result, there have been close to 5.4 million deaths, according to the International Rescue Committee. Most deaths resulted from non-violent causes such as malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia and malnutrition, all typically preventable under normal circumstances but often fatal in times of conflict. Close to 1.5 million people have been internally displaced or have become refugees in neighboring countries after having fled the country to escape the continued violence.

Young people make up about 19 percent of the country’s population but account for 47 percent of deaths during this conflict. Poverty is rampant, according to UNICEF, and 72 percent of rural households and 59 percent of urban households are poor. Nearly 40 percent of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition and most of the population lives with moderate to serious food insecurity. The 2013 Human Development Index ranked the Democratic Republic of the Congo 186th out of 187 countries and territories listed.

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 the opportunity for a stable and productive future.

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Sources:

ANS – Don Bosco Centre of Goma Ngangi: give more to those who have received less from life

UNICEF – DR Congo

Salesians at the United Nations

*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.

The post DR CONGO: Don Bosco Center Ngangi Serves More Than 4,600 Poor Youth and Their Families first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The new center will provide resources and expertise to help improve crop yields, profitability and the overall quality of life for farmers and their families. The input of local farmers will help direct the center’s resources and training curriculum. Salesian missionaries have a long history providing agricultural education through the operation of more than 90 agriculture schools around the world.

“There is a clear willingness to believe in a future of their own making” said Alfredo Sinatora, VIS volunteer. “Participants have outlined a plan for a service center that goes far beyond the simple distribution of equipment and agricultural supplies and creates something the whole community can celebrate as their own.”

Salesian-run agricultural programs in the country are customized to meet local farming needs in education, equipment and supplies. Salesian agricultural technical training programs encompass one to six years of study and teach modern methods of farming together with business management classes. Programs often include courses in community service, vegetable gardening, cooking, maintenance, annual crops, cultivation of tea, fruit farming, zootechnics, bee-keeping, cattle-raising, leadership training and social work, among others.

“Investing in agriculture education in developing countries is vital to a community’s livelihood and essential not only to overcome hunger and poverty, but also to ensure overall economic growth for the surrounding villages and cities,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian-run agricultural schools offer more than just agricultural training – they are often part of a larger program that also offers literacy education and other vocational training, in addition to feeding programs for hungry children.”

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been plagued by intense civil war and internal conflict since the outbreak of fighting in 1998. As a result, there have been close to 5.4 million deaths, according to the International Rescue Committee. Most deaths resulted from non-violent causes such as malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia and malnutrition, all typically preventable under normal circumstances but often fatal in times of conflict. Close to 1.5 million people have been internally displaced or have become refugees in neighboring countries after having fled the country to escape the continued violence.

Young people make up about 19 percent of the country’s population but account for 47 percent of deaths during this conflict. Poverty is rampant, according to UNICEF, and 72 percent of rural households and 59 percent of urban households are poor. Nearly 40 percent of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition and most of the population lives with moderate to serious food insecurity. The 2013 Human Development Index ranked the Democratic Republic of the Congo 186th out of 187 countries and territories listed.

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. Primary and secondary education schools and programs lay the foundation for early learning while Salesian trade, vocational and agricultural programs provide youth with an opportunity for a stable and productive future.

Sources

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.

The post DR CONGO: New Salesian Agricultural Service Center in Development first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Young people make up about 19 percent of the country’s population but account for 47 percent of deaths during this conflict. Poverty is rampant, according to UNICEF, and 72 percent of rural households and 59 percent of urban households are poor. Nearly 40 percent of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition and most of the population lives with moderate to serious food insecurity. The 2013 Human Development Index ranked the Democratic Republic of the Congo 186th out of 187 countries and territories listed.

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. At the Don Bosco Ngangi Center in Goma, located in the eastern part of the country on the Rwanda border, the missionaries run programs for more than 3,500 children and 1,500 refugees. The Center, located on a ten acre compound, was founded in 1988 and provides shelter, education, medical care and a nutrition program.

“Youth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are in great need,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Continuing violence and conflict has left youth unable to meet their most basic needs. They need proper nutrition, shelter, safety and education in order to survive and thrive. Salesian programs at the Don Bosco Ngangi Center are working to ensure the safety of children and refugees and provide them the resources to break the cycle of poverty and lead productive lives.”

In addition to offering educational programs, the Don Bosco Ngangi Center has a medical clinic that consists of outpatient services and separate medical wards for general medical cases, pediatric care and cholera treatment. With two doctors and four nurses on staff, the clinic is able to treat a complex array of life threatening illnesses and injuries, although often with limited medical supplies and equipment.

The medical clinic also has a nutritional center for severe cases of pediatric starvation. Currently, this center provides intensive nutritional support to 150 severely malnourished infants, toddlers and children in the Goma area.

Over the last several years, through donations to Project Congo, a US-based charitable organization that works to send food, medical equipment, supplies and medications to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the medical clinic has been able to expand its services to include lifesaving medical equipment and supplies. The addition of several oxygen concentrators allowed the clinic to more adequately provide for patients with tuberculosis and respiratory disease as well as offer suctioning for newborn infants, 30 percent of whom are born premature. The clinic was also able to add X-ray and EKG capabilities.

In the fall of 2010, the nutritional center moved into a new building, allowing the medical center to expand, doubling its square footage and making room for a dedicated surgery and endoscopy suite, dental and ophthalmology areas and expanded patient care areas. Following this expansion, in 2011, World Wide Labs, a non-profit corporation committed to providing affordable and durable laboratory equipment and supplies to Christian mission hospitals and clinics in developing countries, installed a medical laboratory with a wide array of medical testing equipment.

The expansion has allowed the clinic to see more patients and serve a broader array of medical illnesses and injuries. Salesian missionaries in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to find ways to expand their services and programs to best fit the needs of those they serve.

“Despite overwhelming obstacles confronting children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo—not to mention the challenges of feeding them and providing medical care with limited resources—the results have been encouraging and inspiring,” adds Fr. Hyde.

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Sources

International Rescue Committee – Congo Crisis

Project Congo – Don Bosco Ngangi Center

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.

The post DR CONGO: Don Bosco Medical Clinic and Nutritional Center Saving the Lives of Youth and Refugees first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Young people make up about 19 percent of the country’s population but account for 47 percent of deaths during this conflict. Poverty is rampant, according to UNICEF, and 72 percent of rural households and 59 percent of urban households are poor. Nearly 40 percent of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition and most of the population lives under conditions of moderate to serious food insecurity. The 2013 Human Development Index ranked the Democratic Republic of the Congo 186th out of 187 countries and territories listed.

Salesians have been working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for more than 100 years, ensuring that the most vulnerable children are not forgotten through several educational initiatives. Initiatives much needed in a country where 7 million children do not have access to education because their families cannot afford to pay the required tuition for school.

The newest Salesian initiative is the development of a professional technical institute in Tshikapaon in the district of Kasai, a few miles from the border of Angola. Here, youth will have access to technical training that will allow them to advance their studies in professional fields and learn the skills necessary to find and retain employment.

The Institute will be the first and only technical school in the city and is still under construction, although 10 of the 20 classrooms and two storerooms have been completed and are ready for use. The Salesians have been working within the community to establish the program and develop the necessary resources and networks to make it successful.

“There is a great need for education in the country,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Education provides a path out of poverty and the youth we educate today will be those giving back and rebuilding their communities in the years to come.”

Also in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Salesians operate the Don Bosco Ngangi Center in Goma which serves as a haven for the poor and suffering. Many of the children who attend programs there have nowhere else to turn. Built on the grounds of a school and sports field, the center has grown to provide vocational training, refugee housing, a rehabilitation facility for child soldiers, nutritional center and medical center.

In addition, Don Bosco Ngangi Center provides aid and services to the many surrounding refugees camps. Orphans, abandoned children, victims of disaster and refugees are among the 2,338 students who rely on the center as their only hope for a better future. For most of them, it’s also the only place where they can get a nutritious meal each day.

“Despite overwhelming obstacles confronting these children—not to mention the challenges of teaching and feeding them with limited resources—the results are encouraging and inspiring,” adds Fr. Hyde.

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Sources

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – New Salesian Community

International Rescue Committee – Congo Crisis

UN – Thousands displaced by latest fighting in DR Congo – UN agency

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.

The post DR CONGO: New Professional Technical Institute Provides Hope to Poor Youth first appeared on MissionNewswire.