whilst efforts have been focussed on the farming side of the operations, the house itself has been left to deteriorate and is now in a state of true disrepair. The deterioration of the premises was sped up after a terrible storm in January this year left its mark on the roofing, ripping off panels and wearing through already weakened structures. Most roofs leak whenever there is rain, and the children and their clothes, books, beds and other items inevitably experience the damp every time.
Since the extent of the problems became known, there have been concentrated local efforts to try and do what can be done to address some of the immediate needs, including fundraising initiatives and a lot of hands on work by the Friends of MacCorkindales. The MYC Bosco Builders have also visited the home on several occasions to fix light fittings, plumbing issues and make repairs to furniture.
In addition to that the Rotary Club of Manzini are now seeking funding to assist in larger renovations of the accommodation at MacCorkindales in the hope of having and accommodation option worthy of these young children and teenagers.
The main project objectives are:
· Significantly improve the condition of the orphanage
· Demonstrate to the children that we are concerned for their well being
· Create an environment that is conducive to studying, given all our children attend school
· Teach the children to take pride in their homes through maintaining cleanliness and order and acting responsibly when utilising the household shared resources
· Reduce the costs of maintaining the home, which is currently becoming unmanageable due to its current state
· Remove health hazards such as damp and mould from the homes
· Ensure the longevity of this project, in that the home remain habitable with minimal repairs for at least the next 10 years
· Make the home a place of true refuge for the children
The main problems centre on the leaking external roof. All external roofing and internal ceilings would need replacing along with a coat of paint throughout the entire internal and external home.
There would also need to be a trench dug along the back wall of the boys’ dorms and a small support wall built to stop the mud washing down the hill and stacking up against the back wall. This is currently causing a lot of dampness and mould on the inside bedrooms.
The orphanage has been inspected by professional builders and an architect to confirm the need for these repairs to be made. With the MYC Bosco Builders contributing their labour towards the project cost estimates for the is job are as follows:
Replacement of external roofing E28,000
Replacement of internal ceilings E19,000
Paint (internal and external) E5510
Digging of trench and building of support wall E3000
Total E55,100 ( Approx $US 8,000 or € 5,000 )
This work needs to begin as soon as possible to minimise further damage and discomfort resulting for future rains. It is the hope of all concerned that the money can be raised to make this achievable.
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