The new orphanage will be fully furnished and able to house up to 100 children.

LIFE for Relief and Development recently broke ground on the construction of a new orphanage in the city of Mile 91 in Sierra Leone. The facility will replace the building where orphans under LIFE’s care are currently housed.

On hand for the April 20, 2008 groundbreaking ceremony were community elders, imams, members of the media, orphan caregivers, school administrators, teachers, and of course the soon to be residents of the new building, the orphans themselves.

The new orphanage will be fully furnished and able to house up to 100 children. Additionally, there will be a clinic on the premises to offer primary healthcare to the orphans.

The new orphanage is being built next to a primary school that is also operated by LIFE. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of this summer.

Funds have already been raised for the construction of the facility, which will be built on land already owned by LIFE. However other portions of the project remain unfunded, such as furniture and equipment for the resident orphans, as well as a playground area. Those wishing to contribute to this project may do so by clicking HERE.

*** UPDATED JULY 25, 2008 ***

The construction, which started in the spring, is well under way. The foundation and walls, which were made from cement blocks fabricated onsite, are now complete. The pillars and beams are currently being erected, which will be followed by the roof, thus completing the exterior.

The contractor hopes to finish the entire project within two months, or at the latest by the beginning of the school year in December.

LIFE has raised enough funds thus far for the construction of the orphanage itself, but funds are still needed to furnish the bedrooms, kitchen, and other areas of the interior. We want the orphans to live comfortable lives so that they can focus on their studies. With the help of our donors, we can achieve this goal in a few short weeks.

To donate to this project, please CLICK HERE.