On Sunday June 18, 2017 a few youth from Sai Prema Foundation Fiji visited the Dilkusha Children’s Orphanage for a very special purpose. The team had been organising to donate some wall mounted fans to the children to upgrade the ventilation in the dormitories where they sleep.

 

During an earlier visit, which comprised of a needs assessment, the children had mentioned that they felt very hot in their dormitories especially in the summer months. The youth then inspected the dormitory and concurred that there were only two fans and there was a need for more. Also during a medical camp that was held a few months prior, it was evident that fungal infections and skin infections were very common amongst the children and excessive sweating as a result of heat and lack of ventilation was a contributing factor. Hence, the youth got together and decided to donate 20 fans to the orphanage (one oscillating fan for each cubical). It was also evident that there was a need to upgrade the electricals (distribution board, wiring, & additional power points) if these fans were to be installed and they would need to be mounted on the top of the wall for safety reasons.

 

The core youth group got quotations from various companies for suitable fans. Then the rest of the youth were informed and many decided to donate a fan each. One of the youth approached outside contractors and electricians to see who was able to provide support and electrical and mounting works. Through his efforts contractors were engaged who generously donated their time and performed all works free of charge (including providing free labour and electrical materials).

 

The end result of this was the installation of 20 fans in the children’s dormitory at Dilkusha Home. Such a basic item that we take for granted in our homes such as fans and air-conditioners are not so easy to come by for these institutions. The management, staff and children were extremely delighted and thanked the youth of Sai Prema Foundation profusely for their efforts. It was a sheer delight to see smiles on the face of these precious “Children of God.”

 

To quote some beautiful words by David Platt “Orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes.” This is exactly how the youth of Sai Prema Foundation feel with regards to the children of Dilkusha Home and pay gratitude to the Divine Master for giving the opportunity to serve his very precious children.