“I understand your pain and I am with those who have lost family members, relatives and friends”, said Australian Senator Brett Mason as he spoke to the disaster victims at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson on Friday.
Andrew Byrne, Australian High Commissioner, Sue Connell, Head of DFAT-Australian AID in the Solomon Islands and others accompanied the Senator on his visit.
Later, they distributed blankets and much needed survival kits with household items for each of the families.
In simple traditional style the group welcomed the VIP guests with a garland.
Nervous and afraid a few women sang ‘We come together’ and Francis Garimana spoke on behalf of the entire group.
He thanked the Australian Government for the help rendered during the recent floods and requested for support to rebuild their homes.
He expressed his gratitude to Don Bosco for the venue in which they are staying.
The Guadalcanal province personnel brought them from the Rove evacuation centre on 8th April.
“While several persons are donating food items, water and sanitization facilities need urgent attention”, he said.
About 240 persons have been residing at the Don Bosco Technical Institute, Gymnasium, since Tuesday 8th April.
The people are divided into five groups for easy distribution of food and other materials.
All of them are from the Foxwood area and are being cared for by the Guadalcanal Province.
Medical personnel examined the children and treated them for ailments. Late in the evening, Emma Sogavare and her group joined them to pray and share home cooked food.
The children enjoyed soft drinks donated by Szeba.
The film on the life of Don Bosco was then screened and the group retired for the night, thanking God for His protection and the care and concern of many people.
