Thai Tsunami project complete: Salesian Family to the
fore
BANGSAK: 7th September 2006 -- A superb example of the
Salesian Family meeting urgent needs in the dramatic context of
post-Tsunami Thailand, Don Bosco Bangsak is now at a stage
where it is ready for occupation by the first group of 78 youngsters
left orphaned and homeless by the Asian Tsunami which devastated the
area on 26 December 2004.
On 15th November 2005, the Thai Salesian Province
requested, and gained permission from the Rector Major to buy land and
build an orphanage at Bangsak, in the South-western corner of Thailand.
The new building is located on approximately 4 hectares of land.
The Province had already made an option in the 2004 Provincial Chapter
to redirect some of its energies to specific works for poor young
people, and the subsequent Tsunami begged a direct response.
The first stage of the project is now complete and
consists of five single-storey homes catering for 16 persons each.
Subsequent stages will see this number doubled, a house for staff, one
for the Salesians, a gymnasium and a multi-purpose hall. The
project is being financed by VIS (the international volunteer
organisation conducted by the Salesians out of Rome), though the land
was purchased by the Province.
Currently, one Salesian is involved directly in the
animation of the new presence which is attached to the Salesian
community of Suratthani, but the direct care and management of the
children is being catered for by a Volunteer of Don Bosco (VDB) and a
Salesian Cooperator, along with four Buddhist volunteers.
All in all this project is a magnificent realisation
of Don Bosco's dream to combine all forces for good in the effort to
achieve happiness and salvation of young people in need.
___________________
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