Project update: Images from the construction site at the Dominican Orphanage in Hera
In the June 2013 we reported on the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the new orphanage at Hera being funded by the Order of Malta. The orphanage will be home to 22 boys from the ages of 8 to 26 years and are cared for by the Dominican Sisters who provide for the basic needs of the children: clothing, food, school materials, school fees, and medical costs when necessary.
The new orphanage was desperately needed, as the children currently live in a make shift zinc roofed dormitory and sleep two to a single size sponge mattress on the floor. The building also has incomplete bathrooms and toilets. The new orphanage will consist of a dormitory block with toilet and bathroom facilities, a dining room, kitchen, study, laundry and common areas, which will be built on the existing 2.5 hectare site.
Farming and crop growing are already underway at the site. This will not only provide the Orphanage with food security it will provide the children with practical skills.
Without the Orphanage it is likely that many of the children would be living on the street . Thankfully these children are able to finish high school, with some going on to university.
In addition to the orphanage providing a loving home for the children, it will also seek to develop the surrounding community through employment, training and economic development.
The success of this project has been due to the efforts of Confrere Collin Yap, a Member of the Australian Association who is the only Member of the Order based in Timor-Leste. Collin identified the project and raised the money to finance the building through Members of the Order in Singapore and their friends.
View the gallery below to see recent pictures from the construction site: