In a note, Don Leonardo Di Mauro, responsible for the Service of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) for charitable interventions in favor of Third World countries, defines the projects started in Central Africa thanks to the 8xmille contribution. “Through these funds – he explains – the Italian Church manages to be present and be close to many people who need help and who are often forgotten”.
For example, near Bangui, with the help of the Discalced Carmelite Friars, the "Carmel Agricultural School" was born and in November opened its doors to around forty young people who want to become small agricultural entrepreneurs. But the 8xmille also concretely helps the pediatric hospital in the Central African capital, managed since 2018 by the Opera San Francesco Saverio CUAMM and which works not only to guarantee medical assistance to the population, but also to improve the skills of local medical and healthcare personnel.
It should be remembered that the dramatic situation in Central Africa was at the center of the Pope's appeal at the end of the Angelus on January 6th, Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord: "I am following with attention and concern the events in the Central African Republic - said the Pontiff last Wednesday - where elections were recently held, with which the people expressed their desire to continue on the path of peace . I therefore invite all parties to a fraternal and respectful dialogue, to reject hatred and avoid all forms of violence."