The new facility, which will house 56 girls, is designed to provide a safe and educational environment while promoting vocational training and awareness of girls' rights, in collaboration with “Maison Marguerite”, another centre operating in the same complex.
The opening ceremony was attended by the main stakeholders, including the girls who will benefit from the centre, young people from the Don Bosco Ngangi centre, the ‘Foyer Anuarite’ teams, the staff of the Planning and Development Office, the Salesian community in Ngangi and numerous guests.
The ceremony opened with a solemn Mass celebrated by Fr Gauthier Tshibangu, Provincial Delegate for Central and East Africa (AFC-EST), who in his homily expressed his joy at seeing the enthusiasm of the girls and all the participants. He rejoiced at the completion of this long-awaited building and recommended that it be put to good use, ‘like a caring mother’. Fr Tshibangu also prayed for the benefactors, especially those of Don Bosco Mission Bonn, who made this project possible, acknowledging the efforts of the other partners, especially the local Project Office and the Salesian NGO ‘VIS - International Volunteering for Development’. Afterwards, Father Aimé Lulinda, Bursar of the St Joseph Delegation of AFC-EST, also gave a speech of thanks, emphasising the contributions of all those who collaborated.
Special thanks were also addressed to the Provincial Superior of the Assumption Province of Central Africa (AFC), Fr Guillermo Basañes, and his Council for their vision and support in the implementation of this project, which will benefit many girls in North Kivu.
After Mass, all present had the opportunity to take a tour of the building, followed by the blessing of the premises. The day continued with a photo session and recreational games for all the children, boys, girls and young people present, in an atmosphere of celebration and friendship.
Jambo Vijana
Magazine of AFC-EST
