Orphanage aided by Lions Club fundraising

AN orphanage in the former Soviet state of Kyrgyzstan is benefiting from the fundraising efforts of the Navan Lions Club. The Karakol Orphanage is run voluntarily by Chynara Dunbanbaeva, the wife of a local doctor, and as a result of the fundraising in Meath it was possible to acquire a new building for almost 30 children.

The connection with the Navan Lions Club came through Jean Coulter, daughter of local member Tommy, and her husband, Hugh, who were travelling near the town of Karakol at the time.

They came across the orphanage where living conditions were dreadful, food was scarce and there was no support from the government or local authority, and little fuel to protect against the appalling winter cold.

In the tiny house, one room served as a bedroom for eight or nine children and the other room served for living and dining. The house itself had no foundations and was at grave risk in the earthquake-prone region.

The Coulters provided immediate finance for winter fuel and medication and when they returned to Ireland they began fundraising to provide a new home for the orphanage.

Searches in Karakol had found a suitable house, with eight rooms, a garden and an orchard, which would be heaven for the children, but the price of €16,000 was very expensive there, if it seems ludicrously cheap in Ireland.

Initial fundraising through the Lions Club in Navan provided €1,000. This funded the purchase of a couple of cows, separator and refrigerator, providing much needed nutrition for the children.

Neighbours of the orphanage, who had no funds to provide support, but who wanted to help, agreed to house and feed the cows.

A golf classic in May, 2006 at Laytown/Bettystown Golf Club raised €12,000 and by April, 2007 donations had amounted to over €24,500. These funds led to the purchase of the new orphanage building last year, and after the purchase, refurbishment began.

Immediate work involved replacing all windows with double glazing, the installation of a new spiral staircase, a new front door, repainting, rewiring, new light fittings and improvements to the heating system, as well as the installation of a telephone.

Most of these works were completed in time for the official opening in October, attended by various local officials and supporters.

Coal, food and toys were purchased for the Christmas and New Year period. The orphanage now caters for about 20 children and it endeavours to return them to a family or relative wherever possible. Since January of this year it has succeeded in placing 27 children.

January, 2007 saw the beginning of the next phase of the refurbishment. Development work started on a new bathroom, involving the building of a septic tank, installation of pipe work, preparation, tiling and installing of a new bathroom suite and installing stairs to the basement.

The orphanage has now received a new washing machine, tumble drier and an extractor hood for the installation of the kitchen. Two fields were planted with potatoes and will provide for the children and realise some revenue to assist with day to day expenses.

Through 2007, further development includes the completion of the kitchen, a playground area, study area, byre for cow and calf, bunk beds and new fencing and entrance.

The Navan Lions Club and Hugh and Jean Coulter, as well as Chynara Dunbanbaeva and the Karakol Orphanage, are deeply grateful for the ongoing support they are receiving for various fundraisers.