February 6th, 2012
Yesterday was our final day at Missionvale. It was a week that flew by, full of laughter but also tears. It was a week that will be remembered forever.
The day began with the final work to the school building being completed. The volunteers worked tirelessly to finish their duties through the torrential downpours. Missionvale in the rain and Missionvale in the sun are polar worlds apart. The rain began on Wednesday and rained continuously for three days. Flooding and mud covered the centre but even more distressing was the conditions of the shacks.
A prayer service and presentation marked the end of our stay at Missionvale. Ethel presented the volunteers with a gift and individually thanked every person for coming.
It had been a wonderful and rewarding week in Missionvale.
Slán go Foill Missionvale.
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February 2nd, 2012
A monumental moment was celebrated in Missionvale today. Builders laid down their tools and everyone came together to witness the unveiling of the plaque which will stand in prize position on the front of the new school. It was a moment that will stay with us forever.
The smiling faces of the children from the school looked up at the building with the guarantee they will get the education they deserve and desire. These children now have the safety of knowing that they will be educated until it is time for them to go to secondary school. The children spoke of their dreams for the future declaring they wished to be doctors, lawyers and police officers, these dreams can now become a reality.
Sr. Ethel thanked all volunteers from week one and week two and of course the people of Ireland for making her dreams for the school a reality.
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February 2nd, 2012
Another day and another challenge for the Missionvale Ireland volunteers. Today volunteers faced the enormous challenge of completing work on the roof through a constant downpour of rain, making conditions extremely dangerous. The volunteers persisted and are now on schedule to be finished by Friday, a huge achievement by any standards. Missionvale Ireland appreciates all the sacrifices volunteers have made to come and help us with this project, weather it be the volunteers who worked on the building or worked in the kitchen keeping the builders fed. Everyone is greatly appreciated by us and, of course by, Ethel.
If you are interested in Volunteering or wish to support Missionvale Ireland please see our How to Help page.
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January 31st, 2012
Work continued on the roof today (Tuesday) with, thankfully, only a mild breeze of 5km/h.
A mass was held at the church to celebrate the anniversary of Gerard Daffy. Gerard was amongst the first group of Irish volunteers that came to Missionvale in 2008 to build the care centre. The mass brought together the Irish and the residents of Missionvale with songs from both areas and dancing from the locals.
Bernadette Moroney gave the caregivers of Missionvale a lesson in Manual Handling. The careworkers work with very little facilities or equipment and often must lift the elderly and sick. Bernadette’s lesson thought the careworkers to lift correctly without injuring themselves or causing long term injury.
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January 31st, 2012
The second group of Volunteers have arrived to a very warm welcome from the people of the Missionvale and of course our beloved Ethel.
Monday began with an early start and a trip to the tree where it all began in 1988. All of this would not be possible but for Ethel’s love and devotion to the people of Missionvale. The extension of the school will give the children an education that is vital to a brighter future.
The Volunteers started work on the roof of the building Monday, they battled gale force winds of upto 80km/h. Through the wind and the dust they worked tirelessly to ensure that the children and teachers would have their classrooms before our departure on Saturday.
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January 27th, 2012
At daybreak, the 1st Truss is lifted into position on classroom block1
There was a mixture of relief and celebration as the brickwork was completed on Block 1 of the extension to Missionvale Primary school early this Fri morning, and the 1st roof truss was put in place. The pressure is really on the volunteers from Group 1 now to complete the brickwork on Block 2 by Saturday evening, in time for the arrival of the Group 2 who will touch down in Missionvale on Sunday, ready to commence roofing the classroom extensions.
The volunteers are briefed by Sr. Muriel before a walk through the township, visiting the shacks and understanding the harsh reality of daily existence in Missionvale.
Sr Ethel takes time out with the volunteers at a Service in the REMEMBRANCE GARDEN to remember Friends of Missionvale from all over the globe, who have passed on from this life.
Volunteer John Punch lights a candle in the Remembrance Garden
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January 24th, 2012
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January 11th, 2012
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November 24th, 2011
The latest in a series of Novel fundraising ideas took place in Cois Na hAbhna recently, when a MONSTER CEILI was held. Organisers Liam Kirwan and Andy Price were delighted with the packed hall for the event which raised over €2000. All monies raised will be used to fund the construction of extra classrooms for Sr Ethel’s Primary School in Missionvale Care Centre this coming January.
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October 6th, 2011
The fashion world of the Mid West turned its eyes to Ennis last month, as part of Ennis Fashion Week, as Missionvale Ireland hosted its inaugural Fashion Evening. This style extravaganza, took place in the West County Hotel, kicking off with wine and refreshments.
The night was an outstanding success with ticket sales, raffle income and revenues from participating stands exceeding €7000. Sr Ethel and Missionvale Ireland are extremely thankful to EVERYONE who supported the event by attending or exhibiting, and also to the exceptional Organising Committee
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