Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Aachen (Agenzia Fides) - "Amor de Dios" ("The love of God") is the name of a school center that is part of Santiago Island in Cape Verde. The center, which includes a school, several nurseries, and a home for street children, was inaugurated by President of the Commission for the Missions of the German Bishops' Conference (DBK), Archbishop Ludwig Schick of Bamberg. The Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood (or Holy Childhood Association) in German "Die Sternsinger" (Star Singers) is supporting this institution for children and young people, which not only offers them a place where they are welcomed, but allows them to receive an education and learn a trade.
The center is open to street children aged 8 to 18 who are often traumatized and in need of psychological support before they can begin to attend school or learn a trade. Protection and education are particularly important for the local youth, because they often do not find these qualities in their families. As many times the mothers are forced to work, leaving their children home alone, a kindergarten for 180 children is under construction in Praia. It will also include a clinic for mothers to acquire knowledge on nutrition and hygiene.
The children at the Santiago center were amazed when Archbishop Schick talked about how the German children of the HCA, in the period between Christmas and Epiphany, dress up as Magi and go from house to house to collect donations for their peers around the world.
"The institutions supported by the HCA on the islands of Cape Verde do an outstanding job of integral development. They are a great help for the construction of society in this country, given that children and youth are the hope for the future of every society," said Archbishop Schick, who visited five centers supported by the organization. The visit was organized in collaboration with the John Paul II Foundation for the Sahel, which for over 20 years has been helping people in the Sahel Region. (MS) (Agenzia Fides 13/02/2010)
