The children of the St.Benedict’s Day Nursery and Children’s Home in Georgetown are in dire need of new premises.
Sr. Nyra Anne Pajotte of the Carmelite Sisters - Administrator of this Institution has explained that the existing facilities of the Day Nursery, built in 1963, and the Infant Hospital, built in 1968, cannot now accommodate the increasing number of children who seek care and rehabilitation. She added that as a result of its limitation, many needed children have to be turned away.
The Day Nursery will offer daily care for 80 children, the majority of whom come from poor, single parent families.
In September, some of the children will go out to primary school. The residents at the Home range in age from 8 to 23 years. Many are afflicted with varying degrees of physical and mental disabilities. Many too have been abandoned and are now residents at the Home.
Sr. Nyra Anne is seeking the assistance of the Vincentian community on behalf of the children. She indicated that the Establishment host an annual Fair and Tea Party, however, the event only raises enough funds to supplement the contributions of overseas sponsors, to cover daily operational expenses.
In presenting her case, Sr. Nyra Anne pointed out that the majority of the institution's sponsors are based abroad, and have been giving unstinting support since the inception of the institution. She believes that this is an opportune moment for the local community to make a greater contribution to the facility, as she cannot rely solely on the existing sponsors to finance the project.
Already, Simon Bailey has volunteered his services as a Quantity Surveyor, and Trevor Thompson of T V A Consultants Ltd has agreed to provide the architectural drawings. The new home, to be constructed in Georgetown is expected to cost in excess of two million EC dollars. Many have already given through the special appeals from 2005-2008, but much more funds are needed to start the project and see it to completion.
Sr Nyra has expressed profound gratitude for the commitments received to date, and is urging both the corporate community and individuals to assist again in any way possible.
Monetary contributions are welcome. Please make cheques payable to St Benedict’s Day Nursery and Children’s Home. Those wishing to make alternative pledges can contact Sr. Nyra Anne at the St Benedict’s. |
