Ukraine - A presence among the poor

07 September 2016

(ANS - Odessa) - Odessa it has always been an important city for business, thanks primarily to its port, which is an important docking point. The city is different from the rest of Ukraine. In the centre of Odessa, on the coast, there are hotels, boulevards and luxury shops. But even in Odessa there is a vast, poor residential area, which contrasts dramatically with the downtown area. Most people live in blocks of houses that are falling apart with miserable sheet metal garages alongside.

The Salesians live in one of those dilapidated buildings. Since 1999, the confreres have been living in a building that also houses a chapel, the oratory, kindergarten, elementary school and the hostel for boarders. In recent years, some of the rooms were renovated and well equipped. Nevertheless, the whole building needs to be renovated. Currently the priority is thermal insulation in order to reduce heating costs - a very important factor, especially because of the unstable economic situation in Ukraine, which has led to an increase in gas and electricity prices.

The Rector of the Odessa community, the Polish missionary Fr Miguel Wocial, says that at present the life of the confreres is very difficult because of the cold and damp. This will get worse during winter and the rainy days. The walls are covered with fungi that could affect the health of the children attending nursery and primary school. The renovation of the walls will definitely improve their living conditions and facilitate the work and study of all who use the building (about 600 people per year).

Moreover, the money saved on electricity and heating will be used to carry out the activities of the Salesian mission in Odessa, whose main objective is always to give young people opportunities for spiritual, personal and social development.

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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