austraLasia #3415
Don Bosco welcomes disaster victims
Aus Government lends a hand
13 April 2014 -- The recent cyclone which destroyed so much of the Solomon Islands' infrastructure on the large, and central island of Guadalcanal, will take years to recover from.
The Salesians have two presences there, one at Henderson, outside of Honiara, the Capital, and one still further out, at Tetere.
All these areas were affected, but Don Bosco Henderson has been able to take in a growing number of displaced families.
The Australian Government, through its High Commission in the Solomons, has long been a 'friend of Don Bosco', and especially at this time of tragedy.
"I understand your pain and I am with those who have lost family members, relatives and friends", said Australian Senator Brett Mason as he spoke to the disaster victims at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson on 11th April.
Andrew Byrne, Australian High Commissioner, Sue Connell, Head of DFAT-Australian AID in the Solomon Islands and others accompanied the Senator on his visit. Later, they distributed blankets and much needed survival kits with household items for each of the families.
In simple traditional style the group welcomed the VIP guests with a garland. Nervous and afraid a few women sang 'We come together' and Francis Garimana spoke on behalf of the entire group. He thanked the Australian Government for the help rendered during the recent floods and requested for support to rebuild their homes. He expressed his gratitude to Don Bosco for the venue in which they are staying. The Guadalcanal Province personnel brought them from the Rove evacuation centre on 8th April. "While several persons are donating food items, water and sanitization facilities need urgent attention", he said.
240 persons have been residing at the Don Bosco Technical Institute, Gymnasium, since Tuesday 8th April. The people are divided into five groups for easy distribution of food and other materials. All are from the Foxwood area and are being cared for by the Guadalcanal Province.
Medical personnel examined the children and treated them for ailments. Late in the evening, Emma Sogavare and her group joined them to pray and share home cooked food. The children enjoyed soft drinks donated by Szeba. The film on the life of Don Bosco was then screened and the group retired for the night, thanking God for His protection and the care and concern of many people.
Don Bosco welcomes disaster victims
Aus Government lends a hand
13 April 2014 -- The recent cyclone which destroyed so much of the Solomon Islands' infrastructure on the large, and central island of Guadalcanal, will take years to recover from.
The Salesians have two presences there, one at Henderson, outside of Honiara, the Capital, and one still further out, at Tetere.
All these areas were affected, but Don Bosco Henderson has been able to take in a growing number of displaced families.
The Australian Government, through its High Commission in the Solomons, has long been a 'friend of Don Bosco', and especially at this time of tragedy.
"I understand your pain and I am with those who have lost family members, relatives and friends", said Australian Senator Brett Mason as he spoke to the disaster victims at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson on 11th April.
Andrew Byrne, Australian High Commissioner, Sue Connell, Head of DFAT-Australian AID in the Solomon Islands and others accompanied the Senator on his visit. Later, they distributed blankets and much needed survival kits with household items for each of the families.
In simple traditional style the group welcomed the VIP guests with a garland. Nervous and afraid a few women sang 'We come together' and Francis Garimana spoke on behalf of the entire group. He thanked the Australian Government for the help rendered during the recent floods and requested for support to rebuild their homes. He expressed his gratitude to Don Bosco for the venue in which they are staying. The Guadalcanal Province personnel brought them from the Rove evacuation centre on 8th April. "While several persons are donating food items, water and sanitization facilities need urgent attention", he said.
240 persons have been residing at the Don Bosco Technical Institute, Gymnasium, since Tuesday 8th April. The people are divided into five groups for easy distribution of food and other materials. All are from the Foxwood area and are being cared for by the Guadalcanal Province.
Medical personnel examined the children and treated them for ailments. Late in the evening, Emma Sogavare and her group joined them to pray and share home cooked food. The children enjoyed soft drinks donated by Szeba. The film on the life of Don Bosco was then screened and the group retired for the night, thanking God for His protection and the care and concern of many people.
