The St John Bosco Orphanage, which has been providing a home for orphaned boys since 1879, recently moved into a spanking new and more homely facility.

The old building, which is located in the same compound as the new one at Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, had become inadequate in terms of meeting the needs of the boys and so a decision was taken to embark on the new project, which was successful owing to contributions and donations by friends of the orphanage.

The new building was constructed on a playfield in the yard and so plans are in train to demolish the old one in order for the boys to have a play area once again.

St John Bosco Orphanage is run by the Roman Catholic Sisters of Mercy, which is represented by Mother Superior Julie Matthews as director. Grace Daniels is the administrator of the orphanage.

Matthews said the Sisters of Mercy have managed and operated the orphanage since 1902. She told Stabroek News that the whole idea to rebuild came about because the group was looking at better meeting the emotional and psychological needs of the boys. In addition, the old building had basically served its purpose. She said they wanted to make it more “homely” rather than like an institution. With the new building, house mothers are better able to tend to individual needs of the boys.

The new facility has three sitting rooms, study areas, ten bedrooms and two dorms as well as a computer lab and library facilities. In some cases two boys share one room while some occupy their own rooms. All facilities, including the dining room and laundry room are also in the same building.

With sufficient accommodation now the boys have been separated according to their ages but still come together at mealtime. The new building was dedicated earlier this month.

At present it is home to 46 boys between the ages of four and 16 years old.

Matthews explained that the building, which cost $90 million, was made possible through grants from funding agencies in the United States and donations from Guyanese here and abroad. Like other institutions of its kind, the St John Bosco Orphanage receives a government subvention but basically survives on donors’ help. The community of Plaisance has always been very accommodating to the boys. Matthews told Stabroek News that members of the community know the children and look out for them.

“We are part of the community and they look out for us and are kind to us,” she stated.