Salesian Missions' "Clean Water Initiative" Aids Namibian Parish

St. John Bosco Parish has clean water access thanks to Salesian Missions’ “Clean Water Initiative”

(ANS – Rundu, Namibia – June 30, 2021) – Youths attending St. John Bosco Parish, which is part of Don Bosco Youth Center in Rundu, Namibia, have access to clean, safe water through the installation of a new water tank, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions of New Rochelle. The project, part of Salesian Missions’ “Clean Water Initiative,” affects more than 7,300 people who are part of the church community.

In Namibia, more than one quarter of the population lacks access to clean water, and more than half lack access to proper sanitation facilities. Inadequate water and sanitation are major causes of disease, reducing a community’s ability to thrive. Before the new water tank was installed, the church had no running water or proper sanitation. As a result, no one could use the church facilities, and often programs at the youth center were cancelled.

Salesian missionaries now report that the water situation has improved, church services can start, and they are compliant with COVID-19 requirements. Salesians are able to help prevent waterborne illness, and increased numbers of youths attend programs.

“The water project at St. John Bosco Parish was met with great success,” said Fr. Louis Malama, project manager at Don Bosco Youth Center. “The new water tank has improved and provided sufficient clean and safe water for youths who come for various programs and church services. We are thankful to our donors and to Salesian Missions.”

According to the World Bank, Namibia is one of just nine countries in Africa considered as upper middle income, but poverty is still prevalent with extreme wealth imbalances. Namibia’s poverty rate is 32%, with an unemployment rate of 29.6%. Poverty in Namibia is acute in the northern regions of Kavango, Oshikoto, Zambezi, Kunene, and Ohangwena, where upwards of one-third of the population lives in poverty. HIV prevalence in the country is 16.9%.

Salesian programs across Namibia are primarily focused on education. Salesian primary and secondary education in the country helps youths prepare for later technical, vocational, or university study. Other programs help to support poor youths and their families by meeting the basic needs of shelter, proper nutrition, and medical care.

Source: Salesian Missions