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Argentina – Salesians come to the help of flood victims

Brazil – The rain storms in Rio de Janeiro have caused damage to the Salesian schools

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(ANS – Rio de Janeiro) – The heavy rains which hit the city of Rio de Janeiro in the first days of this month of April caused a number of casualties and deprived many people of all that they had. Among those who lost everything in the flooding were also many families of students at Salesian schools, who, however, were able to count on the solidarity of pupils and staff from the Salesian Network of Schools (RSE), mobilised on their behalf.

Following the floods many professionals and volunteers  have been doing all they can to help. There have been over 200 casualties in addition to the many who lost all their possessions and are totally dependent on assistance.

The Salesian schools in Rio de Janeiro and Niterói have re-commenced lessons. Although the buildings have not been seriously damaged  there is deep sorrow for the tragedy among staff and students alike who have responded to the calamity with great solidarity.

Sr Regina María Meirelles, Superior of the Mary Help of Christians Institute in Rio de Janeiro, says that staff and pupils have been making collections for the homeless in Morro and Mangueira, near the school. The School Chaplaincy department is organising the collection of toilet articles, non-perishable food, babies’ milk, clothes, blankets and shoes.

On Monday 12 April the Salesians in Niterói gave an account of the structural damage sustained and the difficulties of some of the staff and students’ families who in the flooding have lost property, friends and relatives.

In addition to the Schools’ Network, other schools in the area have been busy collecting funds and aid. The parish of Our Lady Help of Christians near Santa Rosa, has become one of the collecting points.

Published 15/04/2010