Mwetu Don Bosco School House

The Province of Kasai Oriental has long been marginalised, with its population considered to be the opposition. 75% of the population lives on less than $0.20 per day and life expectancy is 42 years. Medical services are inadequate and expensive, and schools cover less than 50% of the demand. In the city, less than 20% of the population has access to clean water and electricity.

Abandoned and street children are plentiful and their numbers are growing. Deprived of all protection and education, and subject to all forms of discrimination and exploitation, these children and young adults have no future other than that of delinquency. Many suffer disastrous consequences, including stigmatisation as “child witches”, drug trafficking, exploitation in diamond mines, prostitution, imprisonment, etc.