(ANS – Henderson) – 240 disaster victims from the Foxwood and Nalibiu areas, and from Tumurora Primary School, spent 15 days at the Don Bosco Technical School, Henderson. They were all transported back to their homes on 23rd April by the Guadalcanal Province. Aid agencies provided them with tools and food to help them clean up their homes, and to help them to start replanting their gardens and rebuilding their lives.
Spirituality, discipline and cleanliness were values that were much appreciated by the disaster victims at the Don Bosco Technical School, Henderson evacuation centre.
"We are happy to have been housed here and to have had a time for prayer in the morning and evening. Our people learnt to obey the orders of their leaders, and the hall and its surroundings are clean”, said Francis Garimane as he expressed his thanks on behalf of the entire group.
He thanked in a special way Fr. Dominic Kachira, Rector, for making the place available; Fr. Srimal Priyanga, Principal, for getting the different departments to prepare play items for the children, and Fr. Ambrose Pereira for the educational movies screened every night.
It was marvelous to note that the entire place was left clean and tidy before the disaster victims left the Institute. “The hall was swept and the furniture neatly in place, the toilets were clean, dustbins emptied and the kitchen area was in perfect order”, said Fr. Ambrose Pereira. He was full of praise for the leaders who worked hard to ensure that the place was clean and in order at all times.
"We are happy to have been able to reach out to our disaster victims and ensure that their stay here was an enjoyable one", said Fr. Kachira. "The school now returns to its normal daily programme", added Fr. Priyanga.
So, for example, on 29th April, Don Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson hosted an enjoyable baking session with visiting Instructor Isabel Hill, who taught the students how to prepare and bake a “Chocolate Banana Cake”.
Moreover, to assist the people as they rebuild their lives, the Salesians of Don Bosco, through Salesian Missions, Australia have funded household items. Drum ovens, tables and chairs will be supplied for the most needy families who were housed at Don Bosco, Henderson.
Published 29/04/2014
