Angola
Young people in Angola receive education about HIV through Caritas. Community leaders and educators feel that reaching children early on is critical. Photo by David Snyder for CRS
Despite Angola's rich natural mineral resources, a civil war that lasted more than 30 years devastated the country and left it in deep poverty. Since the war ended in 2002, people have resettled in their villages but have yet to fully rebuild their lives. Returning home isn't always easy, with neighbors holding grudges that continue to tear apart Angola's social fabric. The government struggles to meet citizens' basic needs, including health care, education and access to clean water. Catholic Relief Services works with the Catholic Church to help Angolans thrive in a better, peaceful future.
Stats
| Population: | 12,799,293 (July 2009 est.) |
| Size: | 481,353 sq mi; slightly less than twice the size of Texas |
| People Served: | 1,759,103 (2011 est.) |
History
Catholic Relief Services began working in Angola in 1989 at the invitation of the Angolan Bishops' Conference. Initially, CRS assisted with relief efforts during the long civil war. When the 30-year war officially ended in 2002, Angola entered an accelerated period of reconstruction. Since that time, CRS and the Church have provided emergency relief during natural disasters and long-term projects to improve Angolans' quality of life. CRS currently has 30 staff members in Angola, working out of two offices in Lobito and Luanda.
Partners
Caritas Benguela is CRS Angola's oldest partnership, dating back to 1989 when CRS was invited to work in Angola by Benguela's bishop. During the civil war, Caritas Benguela worked with CRS to provide emergency health and food assistance in war-affected areas. During the postwar transition from emergency response to development projects, Caritas Benguela has, with technical assistance from CRS, strengthened civic institutions and helped with HIV and AIDS projects in Benguela Province.
Programs
AgricultureCivil Society and Governance
Disaster Response
Health
HIV and AIDS
