The Catholic community of Kapesa is happy with the new chapel. For years, people had been praying in a neighboring school classroom. Having a church of their own has brought a deep sense of pride in their freedom of worship. 

One of the elders in the community, Benedict Chitundu, said, “In the beginning we did not have a proper established church. The late Father Gotter, a Polish missionary, had established this center in 2005 without a proper structure. For so long, we had wished to have a place of worship of our own. Our former parish priest, Father Gabriel Mwenya, saw that our situation was not conducive for prayer. We had to use a classroom on Sundays, and sometimes the head teacher would refuse to give us the keys. This left us without a place. We people are very proud and grateful for this great gesture, recognizing us with a beautiful house of God, a place of worship and a place of refuge in terms of distress.”

Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy, productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.