OCEANIA/SOLOMON ISLANDS - Recreational activities, distribution of food for children and families affected by the flood

Honiara (Agenzia Fides) - The students of the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Henderson, together with their teachers, have scheduled a series of entertainments and the distribution of toys and other objects to keep children busy and give way to their parents to re-organize themselves after the serious damage suffered as a result of the recent flood that has completely destroyed their homes in Foxwood (see Fides 5 and 7/4/2014). The evacuees were greeted by a group of women in the church of Melenesia, with whom they share food, songs and moments of prayer. In an update sent to Fides Agency, Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb said that currently 240 have been welcomed. Food is well distributed, but with regards to water and health care, the authorities concerned have still much to do. "People need to feel engaged, to spend their time in a constructive way", points out Fr. Pereira. The Salesian priest has urged the authorities in Guadalcanal to visit the area of Foxwood to see what needs to be done and help people rebuild their lives. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 11/04/2014)