Sister Teresa Le My feels deeply moved when thinking about the countless children around the world who need care and someone to share life with them. As a result, she came to live in Angola to help the people there. Sister Teresa is contributing to community development in Angola through educational activities. The sisters here run a school system from elementary to high school, as well as a vocational training center.
Angola was formerly a Portuguese colony and officially gained independence in 1975. The country is home to various ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture and language. However, a common characteristic is the extreme poverty of the people. Their staple foods include cassava flour, corn, and beans. Their houses are very simple, made of mud, and during heavy rains, homes can be washed away. Additionally, family and marriage ministry here is a challenge because many people still live under a polygamous system. Children are often born without proper documentation, parents may not know all their children, and sometimes children don’t even know who their parents are, which exacerbates poverty. This reality presents significant challenges for those working on community development missions here.
Education is an urgent need in Angola, as many children do not have the opportunity to attend school, or if they do, they don’t receive a quality education. Because of this, the sisters have to organize additional classes on Sundays so that the children not only have a place to play but also learn to read and write. However, due to the lack of material resources, any available space can become a classroom. Sister Teresa shared that there are many poor children in Angola, and even the smallest gestures, like giving them a simple toy or a piece of candy, bring them immense happiness.
Despite facing many challenges in her mission to educate and uplift the youth in Angola, Sister Teresa remains confident that she will receive the necessary support. With this conviction, she serves wholeheartedly with love.
