The Democratic Republic of Congo is notorious for having immense riches while many of its citizens suffer in extreme poverty. Seven million children are not educated because their families cannot afford to pay the required tuition for school. The country ranks dead last for human development.

In response to this atrocity, the Salesians are making sure that many of the country’s most vulnerable children are not forgotten. The Don Bosco Ngangi Center at Goma welcomes any child — free of charge — who has absolutely nowhere else to turn.

Orphans, abandoned children, victims of disaster and refugees are among the 2,338 students who rely on Don Bosco Ngangi 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. Students at Don Bosco Ngangi consistently boast the highest scored on the national exam for secondary school admission — a hopeful sign that children of most need can be empowered to succeed.