Agenzia Fides

Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – A recently inaugurated Centre Sainte Famille - Point d’eau, in Kinshasa, run by Guanelliani religious will offer daytime assistance to street children. Congo's children live on the streets for various reasons: some accused of witchcraft by their families, for others the cause is war, parental divorce, or dire poverty … “A phenomenon which represents the extremely difficult situation of children in Congo, particularly in the capital Kinshasa” Fr. Mauro Cecchinato, director of activity in the city and in charge of the Mobile Team, informs Fides. “We welcome our little street children, we listen to them, serve them, meet their needs”. On 19 June the new Point d’eau will open officially to welcome the first children. We wish, Fr. Mauro concludes, to offer these children a ‘home' where they feel welcome, safe and protected. At night fall the Centre becomes a dormitory for about 80 children, keeping them away from the dangers of the street. We strive to offer them a dignified life, with simple but essential things, a place where each child feels welcome, loved and accepted”. (AP) (14/6/2010 Agenzia Fides)