The Orphanage of
Villingilli, Male
In my early days in the Maldives, Villingili was a tourist resort. Many years later it became part of Male. Connecting the two is a ferry service.
Wide clean streets, homes, restaurants and tall trees affording ample shade with a police station close by.
Wide clean streets, homes, restaurants and tall trees affording ample shade with a police station close by.
The orphanage on Villingilli is relatively new. My granddaughter Rebecca and I first visited some three years back. It was very new housing. 50 children all of a very young age, now the numbers are 64. Babies in cots and boys and girls up to 12 years old. I had arranged a shipment from the UK, with clothes, toys and books. Ironically this had arrived a few days before we were there! They were unpacking!
There were about 25 children down stairs, of course all desperately shy, but there was one small lad in a wheelchair. I tend to always when on the remote islands bring footballs as gifts along with books. This time I had to think who would be the first to kick this new ball.
A small lad in a wheelchair, was my goalie, he kicked hard a good way away! Face wreathed in smiles.
We were then aloud to film, and pictures of the two babies in their cots made a very lasting impression on both of us "please take both of us." You can see how they are holding out their arms for love.
There were about 25 children down stairs, of course all desperately shy, but there was one small lad in a wheelchair. I tend to always when on the remote islands bring footballs as gifts along with books. This time I had to think who would be the first to kick this new ball.
A small lad in a wheelchair, was my goalie, he kicked hard a good way away! Face wreathed in smiles.
We were then aloud to film, and pictures of the two babies in their cots made a very lasting impression on both of us "please take both of us." You can see how they are holding out their arms for love.
|
|
This year I was able to meet with a number of their helpers, taking in a few goodies. No filming allowed. But we were able to see the tiny ones asleep. Again both Rebecca and i were almost reduced to tears. Two of them had their thumbs in their mouths!
We will continue to send/bring over gifts. I send colourful posters for the bare walls. Their playground fun and colourful and I understand some of the Resorts close by, arrange fun things for them.My real sadness is that NO ADOPTION FOR THE MOMENT IS ALLOWED.
If I wasn't 84 years old I would take them all!
If I wasn't 84 years old I would take them all!
