The Dominican Sisters in Pakistan have completed the building of an additional school block: 12 classrooms, one staff room and one playgroup classroom.

The school, which has been standing for 51 years, has educated hundreds of children. However, the Sisters lack funds for benches and furniture. The pigeon-hole cupboard in the staff room, which is made out of concrete, has 25 compartments, each needing a door.

Two long tables with 12 chairs each are also needed. Each bench should be designed to sit three students. The framework will be in steel or iron and the back support and seat will be made out of laminated wood for durability. Twelve classrooms need to be filled.

The children are sitting on the floor, under the trees for now. With this new block ready, the Sisters will be able to accommodate them honourably in a classroom and seated on a bench. One table and one chair for the teacher in each classroom are also needed.

Another project in mind is safe drinking water for the children during school time and for domestic use for people wanting to drink from water units. Each machine with a 40-litre water barrel costs €650. The Sisters need two.

These water units will be attached to water coolers in the hot months from March to June and from August to October. In the colder time, the coolers are switched off but the filtered water will be available just the same.

Those wishing to make a donation can do so at the parish office in Balzan or by sending a cheque to Sr Frances Farrugia, OP, Queen of Peace Formation House, 33-A, Masson Road, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan. For more information, call 2144 8333 or e-mail parrocca.balzan@maltadiocese.org.