The Religious Institute of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SBD) feeds the vulnerable children in Rundu, Namibia, due to the draught in the country.
In an article published on 29 June by Mission newswire, it was noted that in the “drought-stricken” southern African nation, children between the ages of three and 11 have received breakfast and lunch thanks to Salesian Missions donors. , the development section of the Salesians in the United States.
“The Salesians who run the Don Bosco Youth Center were able to provide 200 children with two meals a day to help ensure healthy nutrition and give them the energy they need to be able to concentrate at school,” it was reported.
The beneficiary minors who received breakfast and lunch come from poor families.
In a January report, Welwitschia Farmers Union Vice President Samuel Tsuseb said the prolonged lack of rain has brought “operational challenges for farmers in the Kunene region, especially for livestock production.”
Namibian government officials said several measures have been put in place to mitigate the effects of the drought.
The Don Bosco Youth Center was established in 2002 to provide shelter and services to homeless youth.
“The center offers computer classes for 65 students, preschool for 70 children and school for 104 students who have dropped out of formal education. Additionally, more than 80 youth attend daily speaking activities, including sports programming,” Mission newswire reported.
According to a World Bank report, Namibia is one of nine African nations considered to be upper middle income. The report, which was last updated on April 7, indicates that poverty is still prevalent with extreme wealth imbalances.
For their part, the Salesians said that their programs in Namibia focus on education, helping young people with technical and university studies; as well as in supporting families so that they can meet their basic needs.