Oeuvres Maman Marguerite, a network of Salesian centers located in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, received a shipment of nutritious meals consisting of rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and vitamins, through 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 programs, including a prison, a hospital, orphanages, a hospice for the elderly and training centers. Close to 600 people were fed during the first half of 2024.
One of the recipient programs is the Sr. Emmanuelle House, located in Kasungami in the annex commune of the city of Lubumbashi. It is a private plot of land with a house that is home to 20 youth. Sarah Ngoy Kabedi, age 16, is one of the residents at the Sr. Emmanuelle House. She is in seventh grade and is behind in her studies due to a family situation and a lack of funding for schooling. That has not stopped Kabedi from having dreams for the future.
She said, “I dream of being a hairdresser and beautician, having a great salon, working for myself and earning a living. Above all, it is a passion for me to take care of other people’s hair and style it in addition to doing makeup, which is very popular for different ceremonies and special occasions. I can make a good living. One day, I might also learn to style men’s hair to capitalize on all potential clients.”
In regard to the meals she received, Kabedi said, “I like to eat meals with my friends with whom I live. I know that the meals contain vitamins which impacts my health and also my concentration at school. I am healthy today thanks to the Rise Against Hunger meals. Every time I consume it, it always has a positive impact on my health and my current body weight testifies to this.”
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.
Source: Salesian Missions
