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St Benedict's is especially grateful to a former sponsor, Mr. John Henderson, who bequeathed St Benedict's a large sum of money, enabling the purchase of this land. The site is nearby to the current location, will begin by January - February 2009. There but its size is much more suitable to create the kind of environment envisioned for the children. Plans, (drawings for the Day Nursery and part of the Children’s Home)- a unit, are now approved by the St. Vincent Government Planning Division. It is anticipated that construction will begin by January-February 2009. There are enough funds to erect at least one unit. This unit would be able to accommodate the 10 children who are presently being cared for.
It is expected that 4-5 units would be erected for the accommodation of approximately 40 children. It is hoped that once construction begins that further donations will be received (we are depending on you). Development drawings for the administrative block are in progress. The drawings for the new convent are on hand. These drawings were done through the kindness of Mr. Moses an engineer/architect of the St. Vincent Government. The convent plan also has to be sent to the government for approval and also to receive an estimate.
Development of the new facility, as well as restructuring the current site, will take place in phases, as funds permit. |
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The journey will begin with a new home for the nine children currently in residence at St Benedict's. Although the staff are doing their best to keep them comfortable at the current location, they have for years gotten by without the proper aids for their care and comfort. The new facility will span over three acres and include some basic accommodations for mentally and physically challenged children, such as a built-in wheelchair ramp, that the current facility lacks.
The home is to be built in five family-style units, each to accommodate eight children, including two to three mentally challenged children, and thereby allowing St Benedict's to increase the number of children the facility and staff can serve. There will be space for physiotherapy, counseling, medical care, and early intervention, as well as a recreational facility with an enclosed pool, which is therapeutic for children with cerebral palsy. Plans also provide for a generator, water tanks, a walk-in deep freezer, livestock, a garden, heavy-duty appliances (cookers, washers and dryers), fire escapes, mosquito screens, and wrought iron, as well as a facility for staff incorporated into the children's units. A new convent will also be included, along with accommodation for volunteers, both for daily use and short-term stays.
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Development will take place after the completion of the Children's Home, unless we receive enough funds to build sooner. The Nursery will encompass a two-storey building which will cater to approximately 80 children between the ages of three months to three years, prior to their entering primary school. An enclosed outdoor recreational facility will be incorporated, as everyone knows how vital play is for the development of little ones. Emphasis for the Day Nursery will be to provide quality care by trained staff to small groups of children.
As ever, St Benedict's depends on your goodwill and generosity for the successful completion of this mammoth project! |
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