When the building was gutted by fire the idea of reconstruction was immediately initiated and within a short notice letters were sent to companies, banks, individuals and other agencies to help the immediate reconstruction. Many people responded to the call and day by day the Salesians received donations either in cash or in kind all geared towards the construction of the shelter. Don Bosco Mondo in Bonn also offered the balance needed to finish the project. An official ceremony was held for the reopening of the shelter. Speaker after speaker commended the good work of Don Bosco Fambul in the country.
The Director of Don Bosco Fambul Fr Jorge Crisafulli expressed his thanks and appreciation to all the donors for their contribution towards the reconstruction of the shelter and prayed that God bless them to continue to help the most vulnerable children in the society. Fr Crisafulli told the gathering that it was only a miracle that one of the girls trapped in the building survived that day.
In his statement the Director thanked Emma Fofanah as a “human angel” who had been very supportive in ensuring that the shelter is what it is now. Fr Crisafulli closed that the work of Don Bosco is a call to service and they are always happy to answer to the call and ensure that we give hope to the children and highlighted the different projects of Don Bosco Fambul.
Nicky Spencer Coker, on behalf of “Power Women 232”, expressed her thanks and appreciation to Don Bosco and that she was happy that she came to see how far the shelter had gone as she was part of the launching of the shelter some 5 years ago. Nicky Spencer Coker donated toiletries to the girls and promised to always support the shelter.
In attendance was the Right Honourable Mayor of Freetown Yvonne Aki Sawyer.
