(ANS - Pugnido) - The refugee camp at Pugnido, the oldest in the Gambella region of western Ethiopia, is home to around 60,000 people, most of whom have been subjected to violence during the conflict in South Sudan. Since 2006 the Salesian mission has grown and developed in order to be better able to meet the needs of the growing population of refugees and the people living in surrounding areas.
Not far from Pugnido is Jikawo, a town that last April suffered an attack that caused 208 deaths. More than 100 children were abducted. The survivors are now refugees being assisted by the Salesian missionaries in Pugnido. "The worst is over, and now the children are being returned to their families", says Fr George Pontiggia, a Salesian missionary in the refugee camp. "It's a nightmare that is repeated constantly, though this time it was worse than usual," he says.
Without wasting any time, the Salesians are continuing their educational work and evangelization with the young people. The goal is to ensure that young people have most of their basic needs met so that they can concentrate on the education they receive, and thus achieve the skills necessary to get and keep a stable job.
The Salesians face significant challenges in Pugnido and they are committed to ensuring that all children have access to education, to food, clean water and health care.
In the Salesian mission in Pugnido young people are the protagonists, just as Don Bosco would have wished. "They have an incredible life force and transmit joy and love," says Fr Pontiggia.
The Pugnido mission has grown and developed with the help of many benefactors. "In the name of these young people we thank them. Their support makes it possible for us to help these young people to grow ... And infinite gratitude goes also to those who help by praying for us. It is an invisible bridge, however strong that keeps us together," he concluded. Read more here
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