3153 FIS-Pakistan Housing project
austraLasia #3153

 


Messengers of Hope and Peace
LAHORE: 1 November 2012 --  A Housing Project in which the Salesians, amongst others have been involved since the devastating floods in southern Pakistan in 2010 has, thanks to major contributions from donor partners, now been able to deliver what it set out to do - suitable housing in 3 villages.

Eight months ago, almost to the day, the Don Bosco Missions Office in Switzerland put together a 1st Division Team in Pakistan which included the Apostolic Nunciature, the Jesuits, a private Foundation, and Don Bosco Lahor.

As the SDB director for the Project puts it: "The Team was given 8 months to rebuild 3 villages with a total of 150 houses... a real challenge that was increased by the Production Contract signed by our (DB Lahore) Workshops: furniture (tables, beds and chairs) for every house plus all the steel and electrical work of the houses. We put 30 Graduates of Don Bosco into the field, instructors, supervisors... and sometimes working at 60 degrees through summer we have been able to deliver... on time!! We have received the gratitude of the local people but also of the Army and the civil authorities".

Fr Miguel (see pictured above in clerical attire with his rather larger Jesuit counterpart) shows obvious satisfaction at the completion of this project, knowing also that it has once again demonstrated the possibilities of working on a common project with poor Muslims and, as he says "providing Hope and Peace in Pakistan" in Don Bosco's name.