The Central African Republic faces intensifying violence. According to UNICEF spokesperson Donaig Le Du at an August 2017 press briefing, at this time the country is one of the worst in the world to be a child.
He emphasized that out of an estimated population of a little over 5 million, one in five children is either a refugee or displaced. This includes an estimated 688,700 internally displaced people at the start of 2018. This surpasses the number of displaced people displaced in April 2014, following the peak of the country’s crisis.
Unsustainable agriculture practices have also contributed to its alarming food insecurity rates. Years of conflict and political instability have damaged agricultural activities, and nearly 75 percent of the country’s population relies on these agricultural activities for food and income.
Malnutrition in the Central African Republic is one of the top concerns for the country. Nearly one-third of the population (1.3 million people) is food insecure, with 47.7 percent of the entire population undernourished. More than 10 percent of children suffer from malnutrition.
Just as they did during the height of the violence in 2014, Salesian missionaries are working to help those in need of safe shelter while continuing on with educational and social development programs, even as many other organizations leave the country.
Salesian missionaries aim to provide primary and secondary education to poor youth to lay the foundation for later learning. The Salesian center in Damala has an orphanage, youth center, professional center and high school. At the center in Galabadja, Salesian missionaries offer primary and secondary education along with a college and professional training program. A youth center and medical clinic are also available.
The Salesian-run Spaces for Peace program at both the Damala and Galabadja centers also provides one meal a day to more than 1,500 students during their school day, helps 700 students with school supplies and scholarships, and assists 120 older youth gain the skills necessary to find and retain employment.
From Central African Republic
From Central African Republic
Today, in what seems to be the darkest hour in the war-torn country of the Central African Republic (CAR), 15,000 children and young people are ready and eager to join the worldwide “Scouting” movement, and brighten their coun
Salesian Missions includes agriculture in its vocational training programs – to ensure that youth of Rwanda learn better agricultural practices as well as keep the school self-sustaining in the face of the country’s food shortages.
Salesian Missions includes agriculture in its vocational training programs – to ensure that youth of Rwanda learn better agricultural practices as well as keep the school self-sustaining in the face of the country’s food shortages.
Salesian Missions includes agriculture in its vocational training programs – to ensure that youth of Rwanda learn better agricultural practices as well as keep the school self-sustaining in the face of the country’s food shortages.