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.
