Second "Intel" Volunteer Group

Experience has been gained. The previous group of volunteers from "Intel" have well learned what needs to be done.

Yossi, the maintenance man, has learned what to prepare in advance of a visit from the dedicated volunteers who have come to our aid. The children who are joining the volunteers in their effort are waiting to begin painting the rooms in their dormitories. Very soon the work can begin.

A short explanation of the Children's Home, a short word of thanks to Olga, whose notice about the arrival of the group excited the administration and staff, coffee and a bit of morning refreshment – and work begins...

The members of the automation department at "Intel" divide up the dormitory rooms between them and each pair is joined by the young boys from the Home. Plastic is laid out to protect from spills, rollers and brushes are dipped in paint, and in no time one and all look like professional painters.

The first hour is used for learning and bursts of creativity. As time goes on everyone involved becomes more practiced at the craft. Soon the rooms begin to take shape, the stains on the walls disappear and the clean white walls start to reflect the light. All around is a feeling of freshness and renewal.

One room is almost complete. The team is ready to move on to the next room when one of the boys, painting in another color comes over to help, dips his orange brush in the white paint adding an unplanned color to the pristine white walls. "Luckily we are using fast-drying paint" explain the volunteers gently to the embarrassed boy and they join together to repaint the walls the correct hue.

At 10:30 everyone comes to the small common dining area for a snack break. Each dormitory is equipped with a similar small kitchen and dining room. Although all 86 of the children residing at the Home eat their lunch in the central communal dining room, their breakfast and dinner they prepare themselves (with the help of their counselors) in this more intimate setting.

The discussion winds down, the last sandwich is consumed and all go back for another hour of work. A little effort, and near noon all the rooms are tidy and gleaming, ready for their young occupants to return.

This time, as well, more was accomplished than expected. Members of the staff come to marvel at what was done. A group photo. warm goodbye handshakes and the volunteers are off.

All of us at the Children's Home hope this is only a temporary farewell and that our paths will cross again with our new friends from "Intel"

 More Pictures