5 programs receive meals, including shelter for at-risk girls.  

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (April 4, 2024) Oeuvres Maman Marguerite, a network of Salesian centers located in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, received a shipment of meals consisting of rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and vitamins thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization growing a global movement to end hunger. The shipment provided meals for five Salesian centers, feeding 600 youth during the second half of 2023. 

Magone Girl’s House, which provides shelter for at-risk girls who are unable to be cared for by their parents, was one of the programs served. The network of three girls’ homes cares for young women and enables them to study in the city’s primary and secondary schools. 

The Magone Girl’s House faces serious financial issues. It struggles to ensure food security, sufficient health care or the cost of school fees. In addition, there is a lack of drinking water in the neighborhood so the goal is to drill a well in the future to obtain drinking water on-site. 

One of the young women who received the food aid is Naomie, age 15. Naomie lived with her biological mother and adoptive father until her parents died on the same day. She was then sent to live with her adoptive father’s family, who lived in the city of Likasi. Naomie was treated terribly and accused of witchcraft. She was rejected by the family who abandoned her in the city streets of Lubumbashi. 

During this time, she met a social worker from the Mother Marguerite Home, who took her to the shelter in Bakanja Ville, a Salesian center for street children. She lived there for about a week until she went to the Magone Girl’s House. 

Naomie was enrolled in a seven-month literacy program where she was able to learn to read and write after not going to school as a small child. She now continues her studies with others who live in the community. Since Naomie started eating the Rise Against Hunger meals, she has regained strength and can complete her household chores without getting fatigued. 

“I want to become a strong, responsible, and hard-working woman to help my little brothers and sisters finish their studies,” Naomie said. “Since eating the Rise Against Hunger meals I have regained my health and strength. This is important for me to be able to study. I also feel stronger and healthier than before.” 

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 youth the opportunity for a stable and productive future. 

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in these countries 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. 

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