OVER 250 volunteers from Wesley College set off on a mission to build 10 houses in just five days in one Romanian community recently.
The students formed one of the largest ever teams of Habitat for Humanity Ireland volunteers who travelled to Beius, in the northwest of the country to build houses alongside the future homeowners.
The occasion marked 10 years that volunteers from Wesley College have been making the trip.
Over the decade, almost 500 volunteers have fundraised more than e700,000 and helped build 29 houses.
Karen Kennedy, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity Ireland, said they were tremendously grateful to the Wesley College community in Ballinteer for their long standing commitment and overwhelming generosity to Habitat’s work.
“This support has offered a hand up to families to lift themselves out of poverty,
? she said.
“A simple, decent, affordable home provides a solid foundation for families to create a brighter future for their children.
“The volunteers also see a thriving community taking shape as the Habitat homeowners from previous years settle into their homes.
?
The community that the students helped build will be named
‘Wesley Way’ as a permanent reminder of the strong connection between the community in Beius and the school in Ballinteer.
Christopher Woods, Principal of Wesley College, said:
“It is a real privilege for our students to work as part of a team, and help a family build their home. During previous years we have seen how all of our students have had perspectives challenged and eyes opened in a very real way.
“Teaming up with Habitat for Humanity provides our students with a breadth of experience, beyond the trip itself. Fundraising encourages an entrepreneurial spirit and fosters teamwork which is a valuable life experience.
?
In Romania, 35 percent of the housing is in an inadequate condition. Two-thirds of Romania’s poor live in rural areas, of which more than half have no access to piped water.
Since 1996, Habitat for Humanity in Romania has supported more than 3,300 families to access simple, decent, affordable housing.
Homes are sold to partner families at no profit and are financed with affordable, no-interest loans.
To volunteer, donate or learn more about Habitat for Humanity’s work in Ireland, Romania or around the world visit www.habitatireland.ie