(ANS - Rome) - With the 23^rd Christmas Concert, to be broadcast on Channel 5 in prime time Friday 18 December, the DON BOSCO IN THE WORLD Foundation is supporting the "Rua Dom Bosco: life after the streets” project run in Luanda by the Salesians of Angola. The aim of the project is to reduce the numbers of vulnerable and unaccompanied children and adolescents on the streets, and the risks to which they are exposed.

The direct beneficiaries of the Salesian project are 240 Meninos de rua (street children) from the slums of Luanda, including 98 former street children aged 14 to 18 now accommodated in the residential centre of Kala-Kala. The broadcast will be on Channel 5 in the early evening of 18 December and simultaneously on RTL102,5. During the time of broadcast donations can be given through the telephone number 45592.

Angola is still experiencing poverty especially in regard to education, health and basic public services. In 70% of the area of Luanda there is a shortage of water, energy and basic goods.  The network formed by the Salesians of Don Bosco of the Vice-Province of Angola fits into this context and works especially with the Meninos de rua, street children in their hundreds who have left home voluntarily or were removed from their families for social reasons or violence, or because they were accused of witchcraft. As part of their social protection work, the Salesians offer shelter, education, training and reintegration into society and family, wherever possible.

Their work is at different levels. They have five centres, offering day-care and residential care, for children aged 8 to 13 years and adolescents aged 14 to 18 years (Casa Magone, São Kizito, Casa Margarida, Casa São Domingo Savio, Kala Kala). In addition to these five centres there are two semi-autonomous houses for young people aged 18 to 20, (Casa Padre Urbano e Casa São Vicente).

For more information: Fondazione DON BOSCO NEL MONDO.

Published 17/12/2015