Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Agenzia Fides) – From Australia, solidarity is crossing the Indian Ocean and reaching the continent of Africa. The Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Australia have launched an awareness campaign for solidarity for the victims of the humanitarian tragedy taking place in the Democratic Republic of Congo (the former Zaire).
The PMS in Australia have launched a newsletter on the large African nation, to be placed in all the churches, schools, associations, and religious congregations throughout the country. The informational piece is an effort to spread awareness among the faithful of the dramatic situation that the Congolese people are experienceing, and the serious consequences of the internal war taking place between the army and rebels, which is having heavy repercussions on civilians. According to the United Nations, over 100,000 refugees are completely on their own, without any form of protection or sustenance. It is a humanitarian tragedy that has claimed innocent victims and which requires prompt action on the part of the international community. Thus, the PMS are calling for governments to intervene and in the meantime, they are launching a solidarity campaign to alleviate the terrible sufferings of the Congolese people.
“With all that is occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is especially important that, as Catholics, we make our voice heard, calling all Australians to participate in the campaign for humanitarian aid,” said Martin Teulan, National Director of the PMS in Australia.
In Congo, the PMS of Australia are carrying out several projects for children, guaranteeing material support and cultural formation to hundreds of children. They are also establishing buildings for lodging, clothing, food, and education for hundreds of orphans and children living on the street, for a total cost of over 300,000 dollars per year.
The PMS note that in Congo, nearly 50% of the population are under 14 years of age and that the infant mortality rate is 93 out of every 1,000 (while in Australia the percentile is 5 out of every 1,000). Thus, support for children remains a priority for them. The PMS is currently able to assist 835 children in the city of Mwene-Ditu (in the southern part of the country), who attend Moyo Mupeluke Wamaria Grammar School. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/11/2008)
