The Times' appeal raises money for Dorothean nuns in Angola

A dilapidated school and a chapel which belong to the Dorothean nuns in Angola can finally start to be rebuilt with funds raised following an appeal in The Times.

Sr Annie Catania, a Dorothean nun who spent six weeks in Angola, was so struck by the disastrous state of the school and chapel that she made it her mission to raise enough money to restore them. The appeal in The Times raised Lm6,500.

The buildings had been taken over by warring soldiers and used as barracks, but they have now been returned to the nuns in a dilapidated and dangerous state.

Although labour is cheap, the material required to rebuild the school is expensive and around Lm14,000 is required for the entire project.

Sr Annie is just waiting to receive plans of the new school and church before sending the money to the nuns.

She is hopeful that more benefactors will come forward to help the Dorotheans in their cause.

"After the article appeared in The Times I was overwhelmed with the kind words and support of the public - one person who wishes to remain anonymous donated Lm5,000," Sr Annie said.

Through her appeal in the newspaper, Sr Annie also managed to collect an additional Lm720 which will go towards feeding 36 poverty-stricken children one good plate of meat or fish once a week.

Sr Annie had set up a scheme whereby readers were encouraged to 'adopt' one child for just Lm20 a year.

This money has already been sent to the nuns in Angola and the children, who would have never dreamt of sinking their teeth into a juicy piece of steak, can now look forward to this treat once a week.

Sr Annie was particularly touched by one woman's letter who opted to forgo her wedding anniversary dinner to donate the money to these children.

Meat is a rare treat in Benguela, Angola - their main staple is flour with oil and cabbage water with cabbage leaves. Going hungry for two days is also a common occurrence.

Angola was caught up in civil war for 27 years and it was only this year after the death of a veteran rebel leader and the resulting ceasefire reawakened hopes for lasting peace.

The people of Angola have been left with absolutely nothing and Sr Annie visited families whose 'home' is just a makeshift bed with a sack for a blanket, where all the activity takes place.

Children are taught catechism classes standing outside the church, because there are no chairs for them to sit on.

Those who wish to continue supporting the scheme to 'adopt' a child for a year may send Lm20 to Sr Annie Catania, Sponsor a Child, St Dorothy's Convent, Mdina Road, Zebbug.

Meanwhile, those who wish to help Sr Annie in her quest for the full rehabilitation of the school and the chapel may send a donation to the nun's convent in Zebbug or to Bank of Valletta account: 18208305010.