Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) – The children of the La Boca barrio, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, are at risk for drug abuse. This is an area with a high population density, with a lack of services for families and work-related problems. Most of the families immigrated from neighboring countries, both parents are unemployed, and they are living in extreme poverty. They live in makeshift houses which become the setting for domestic violence and neglect. In the center "Casita de Maria", run by the Salesian Sisters, there are about 50 street children - boys and girls from poor families - at risk of falling into the network of illegal drug trafficking. The sisters are involved in providing assistance to children and families who are most in need and trying to offer an alternative path, with the aim of ensuring basic education for children and what is needed in order to live in dignity and with healthy development. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 28/10/2010)
