Giving hope to millions of youth around the globe
Giving hope to millions of youth around the globe
According to the World Bank, 46 percent of those living in the Ivory Coast live in conditions of poverty — with more than a quarter of the population living in severe poverty on less than $1.25 a day. The Ivory Coast has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in West Africa. While a wide range of national and international initiatives focus on HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention and testing, the collapse of public health facilities in the north, as a result of years of conflict, has made the situation worse.
During the country’s time of war, Salesian missionaries provided life-saving shelter, food and security for the thousands fleeing violence and seeking refuge on their grounds.
Today, Salesian missionaries continue their work providing shelter, education and social development services to youth and their families in need. They also work with the victims of the war to heal the country’s deep wounds. They listen, help victims seek compensation and work to reach social reconciliation between opposing groups. Known for their work with child soldiers around the globe, Salesian missionaries are also providing training for youth, some who had been aggressors during the war.
Salesian programs in Abidjan, the economic capital of the Ivory Coast, provide primary and secondary education to help young students gain the basics in education. This lays a foundation for higher education and skills training to learn trades for employment.
Living and working in cities across the Ivory Coast, Salesian missionaries focus their attention on working with youth and their families in need to provide education, food security, health clinics and workforce development services. Youth who are able to gain an education and eventually employment are able to positively contribute to their families and communities.
In Duékoué, Salesian missionaries are working with the victims of war to heal their emotional wounds. They listen, help victims seek compensation and work to reach some form of social reconciliation between opposing groups. Known for their work with child soldiers around the globe, Salesian missionaries are also providing training for youth, some of whom had been aggressors during the war.
In March 2011, the Salesian mission of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus in Duékoué saved the lives of 30,000 people who took refuge on its grounds of just 6 acres of land. The city had been under siege when the crisis in the Ivory Coast escalated into full-scale military conflict between forces loyal to Laurent Gbagbo, the president of the Ivory Coast since 2000, and supporters of the internationally recognized president-elect Alassane Ouattara.
During the advance of rebel troops on Duékoué, murder, rape, mutilation and acts of humiliation were everyday occurrences. Only the Salesian compound was spared. Salesian Father Carlos Berro noted that the armed forces respected the nature of the parish and church and did not enter to commit acts of barbarity.
Salesian programs in Abidjan have new school, office and bedroom furniture thanks to a recent donation. This was made possible by an ongoing partnership between Salesian Missions and the Institution Recycling Network (IRN), an organization that matches surplus items with organizations and people who need them.
The IRN donation provided new desks, chairs, tables, bookcases and filing cabinets for Salesian-run institutions in Abidjan including a parish, a school, several houses for street children and a youth center. Desks and chairs help to provide a more dignified and organized educational environment for students to complete their studies. As a result, students are often more focused on their classroom work and more prepared for their lessons.
From Ivory Coast
From Ivory Coast
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