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.
