Lisburn News

An inspiring visit to Romania for St Patrick's pupils

The group of pupils from St Patrick's who travelled to Romania in February.

Jessica O'Neill, Laura Mulholland and Neamh O'Meallaigh at St Patrick's orphanage.

Donal Doherty and Bronagh Doran at tarlungeni orphanage

A GROUP of eighteen pupils from St Patrick's Academy, Lisburn, along with two members of staff set out for a week-long trip to Brasov, Romania to bring relief to adults and children in the country on Saturday February 4.

The group teamed up with St Patrick's College, Dungannon and St Paul's, Bessbrook, and together they spent the week visiting orphanages, psychiatric institutions, schools, homeless shelters and elderly accommodation. Whilst there, they handed out food, medical supplies, clothes, toiletries and toys to those in need.

Items like microwaves, boilers and cleaning products were bought in Romania with money (almost £19,000) that was raised prior to the trip.

This is the school's eighth annual visit to the country, and it provided some comfort to see that conditions in some of the orphanages have improved over the years.

Every day the pupils visited a selection of orphanages or homes, gave out supplies and spent time entertaining the residents, either through games, singing or dancing.

Year 14 pupil Claire McCorry said: "It was great to see that we could bring a smile to the faces of so many, especially the children. It is so sad that some of these children are in orphanages just because their parents couldn't accept them. It's good to know we brightened their day."

Ms McGillian accompanying teacher, said of the pupils: "It was a long, exhausting week,
and despite the temperature falling to minus 23 degrees, pupils from St Patrick's displayed huge amounts of energy and enthusiasm while engaging with those less fortunate than themselves.

"They also showed great strength of character, kindness and compassion.

"The experience of the trip is something they will remember for the rest of their lives. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their continued support and generosity with this venture."

Ulster Star
24/02/2012