WINTER 2003
Children’s Center opens in Jwaneng, Botswana The dream has become a reality for the SCN Congregation, the Botswanan government and Church, and especially for the children of Botswana. After two years of praying, working and waiting, on November 26, 2002, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth missioned in Botswana moved into what will be a new home to them and local children orphaned by the AIDS virus – the Mpule Kwelagobe Children’s Center. Five SCNs traveled to Botswana in September of 2000 to take up the call to ministry presented to them – the care of children whose
What’s Inside: SCL visits SCNs in Botswana ................... 2 SCNs continue tradition of involvement in farm workers ministry ............. 3 Visit from U.S. surgeon answers prayers at Nazareth Hospital ........... 4 On the Move ...................... 6 Alumni Journeys ................. 8 Journeying On .................. 10 Honorary and Memorial Gifts ............. 11
parents had died of the AIDS virus. While awaiting completion of renovations to the orphanage, the SCNs learned the language, culture and provided medical, educational, and pastoral ministry to a people devasted by the AIDS virus – often participating in seven to eight funerals per week. According to Sarita Manavalan, one of the SCNs missioned in Botswana, the story of the children’s center began with the journey of a diamond. The search for diamonds in Botswana began in 1955, and in 1972 diamonds were discovered near the village of Jwaneng. In 1978, the Botswanan government signed a contract with the De Beers diamond company to establish a mine at Jwaneng, which included a hostel built for the men working in the mine. Botswanan Mpule Kwelagobe, Miss Universe 1999, visited the facility during her reign. Since she was an AIDS activist, the facility, no longer used as a hostel, was given to her. She, in turn, presented the property to the government for use as an orphanage. Miss Kwelagobe has been named a Goodwill Ambassador for the
MPULE CHILDREN’S CENTER IS NOW OPEN: Pictured in front of the new Mpule Children’s Center in Jwaneng, Botswana are (from left to right) Nalini Mecharil, SCN, Major Enid Lynch, and SCNs Sarita Manavalan and Angela Hicks.
United Nations Population Fund and has testified before the U.S. Congress regarding the AIDS pandemic in Africa. As a facility built for men, not children, the buildings required extensive renovations in order to function as a children’s center. Primarily funded by Botswana’s government, the orphanage also received a generous donation from the U.S. Embassy to make required adjustments. Working collaboratively with the Botswanan government and the local Catholic Church, the Sisters faced financial difficulties, red tape, and bureaucracy in their efforts to see necessary renovations completed so their work in the children’s center could begin.
Sister Sarita wrote in 2001, “Just as the alluvial diamonds are picked up from the river valleys and oceans, SCNs were picked up from across the oceans for this mission. And we too are going through a long process of ‘sorting out.’ We hope, at the end, we too will find the valuable diamonds of our adopted country – the children in need.” The local Bishop blessed the new house on December 19 and 21. The newly-opened center is located approximately one hour away from Gaborone, Botswana’s capital. Within the orphanage, there are 14 units, each housing six to eight children and a Continued On Page 5…
“...For I do hope to see you on my journey, and be sent on by you once I have enjoyed your company for a little while...” Romans 15:24
18758 NEW Journeys
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02/24/2003, 1:42 PM