We’ll never forget our first visit to Pavilion Village Children’s Home. It was where we met Agnes and her husband John who were working tirelessly to provide food, shelter, clothing and education for 23 children, most of whom had either been abandoned or abused by their biological parents or lost them due to HIV. As we were shown around the home that day we were struck by how happy, polite and humble the children were despite needing so much. They were living without electricity, eating 1 meal a day, sleeping on thin, torn mattresses and all of them were out of school due to a lack of fees. We left the home that day totally inspired to do what we could to help these wonderful kids.
Since then Pavilion Village has become our first project and thanks to the generosity of our friends, the Aberdeen business community and in particular our principal sponsor Prosource.IT, we have managed to ensure that all school fee debts were cleared.
Electricity was installed for the first time. The dangerous road leading up to the home was re-laid. 100 chickens were bought which will feed the children and also provide valuable income for the home. New pillows and mattresses were purchased to replace the thin, worn out ones and the old, damaged cooking utensils have also been replaced with new ones to make Agnes’ role a little easier. A sit down toilet has been installed. In October 2015, our group of 51 volunteers built a 16-bed dorm, study room, living area and shower facility at the home which has enabled us to welcome new children into the home. All of the children are now in either full-time primary/secondary school or college/university. Some of the older children have now graduated from the home and are embarking on careers in various sectors. There is now room for new children to join the home thanks to the new 16-bed dorm.
Co-ordinating our support with Pavilion Village, Inc, a non-profit organisation in America who also support the home, all of the children’s food, clothing, education and shelter is supported each month and we will be working hard to ensure the new kids get the same opportunities.
Although we have come far there is still a lot to do and any help is greatly appreciated.
*update*
Please see details of our Charity Dinner and the positive effects that the money raised from that evening has had for the Pavilion Village family.
