Beginning directly after the war ended, Salesian missionaries sought and received aid for the reconstruction of schools, vocational training centers, medical clinics, bridges and general infrastructure. While they did not receive aid for the reconstruction of churches, missionaries sought financial support from within local communities and Salesian congregations. To date, more than seven Salesian churches have been rebuilt across Angola. In addition to being places of worship, Salesian churches function as community hubs where residents can gather and access services.

“Stable infrastructure is vital in a community,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian schools, churches and community centers provide life-changing services to youth and their families living in conditions of poverty. These buildings also bring a sense of normalcy back to communities that experienced more than 27 years of destruction and war.”

During the civil war, educational disparities were widespread but recent reforms have paved the way for more youth to have better access to education and social equality. According to UNICEF, more than 36 percent of the population lives in poverty. In addition, more than one in 10 children under the age of 14 has lost one or both parents and 43,000 are separated from their families. As a result, nearly a third of these children are working and child trafficking has become an emerging problem in the country.

With a 67 percent illiteracy rate, the educational opportunities provided by Salesian programs can be truly life changing. Through these programs, both youth and adults have access to schools and educational programs. Classes range from simple lessons in reading and writing for adults in refugee camps to shelter and education for street children. Students are also able to access life skills training, workforce development opportunities and nutrition programs.

“At-risk children, teenagers and young adults across the country are achieving in the classroom,” adds Fr. Hyde. “They participate in programs that promote social inclusion, emotional development and access to education.”

In Luanda, the capital and largest city in Angola, the Salesian-run St. Kizito House functions as both a day and night shelter and offers a clean environment for boys who are accustomed to life on the streets. The house has a large playground at the back, ideal for sporting activities, and also boasts a new plumbing system with running water, bathroom facilities and a well-equipped kitchen. Currently, St. Kizito houses 20 boys between the ages of 10 and 15.

At the Don Bosco Sambizanga School in Lixeira, one of the poorest areas within the city of Luanda, Salesian missionaries run the Don Bosco Band. The band is one of many programs offered at the school and serves disadvantaged youth, many of whom have discovered a passion for music through their participation in the program. Started in 2008, the band currently has more than 80 participants.

Organized band activities have replaced idle time when students would often browse the internet or loiter in markets or on the streets with little to do. Participation in the band brings much needed structure to students’ lives as well as teaching valuable concepts like teamwork and collaboration. Participants become an integral part of the band’s larger community and find purpose in working together toward a common goal.

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Sources:

ANS – Angola – Salesians rebuilding churches, schools and infrastructure

Salesian Missions – Angola

UNICEF – Angola Statistics

The post ANGOLA: Salesian Missionaries Rebuild Infrastructure to Deliver Education and Social Programs first appeared on MissionNewswire.

In Angola, 68 percent of the population lives in poverty – with 26 percent living in extreme poverty, according to United Nations Development Program statistics. Further, more than one in 10 children under the age of 14 has lost one or both parents and 43,000 are separated from their families. Nearly a third of these youth are working, according to UNICEF. Child trafficking is also an emerging problem in the country.

The Salesians have long been providing services to help the youth of Angola get off the streets, gain access to education and nutrition and find a way out of poverty. In several Salesian-run programs in Angola youth find shelter, nutrition, education – and hope.

According to UNICEF, Angola has a 67 percent illiteracy rate, making the educational opportunities provided by Salesian programs truly life changing. Through Salesian programs, both youth and adults have access to schools and educational programs in nine different communities. Classes range from simple lessons in reading and writing for adults in refugee camps to shelter and education for street children.

“At-risk children, teenagers and young adults across Angola are achieving in the classroom,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Mission – the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “They participate in programs that promote social inclusion, emotional development and access to education.”

The new St. Kizito house which functions as a day and night shelter is welcoming, colorful and offers a clean environment for the boys who are accustomed to life on the streets. The house has a large playground at the back, ideal for sporting activities, and also boasts a new plumbing system with running water, bathroom facilities and a well-equipped kitchen.

Currently, St. Kizito houses 20 boys between the ages of 10 and 15. Accepting refuge in the house is one of the first steps on the difficult path from life on the streets to education and the recovery of personal dignity often lost on the streets of Luanda. The new house is named after St. Kizito, a Ugandan, who died a martyr at 14 years of age. He served as the inspiration for the boys and Father Roberto Musante when coming up with the motto of the house, “We give a helping hand so that no-one goes back.”

“Our programs for street youth do more than just provide shelter and basic needs,” says Fr. Hyde. “Programs like St. Kizito house provide a foundation for youth to have a stable nurturing environment so they can access education and find a way out of poverty.”

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Sources:

ANS: Angola – A new house for street boys: a helping hand so that no-one goes back

Salesian Missions – Angola

UNICEF – Angola Statistics

The post ANGOLA: New Home For Boys Gives Hope to Street Children, Chance to Escape the Cycle of Poverty first appeared on MissionNewswire.