The San Jose Malambo Orphanage

This is the largest orphanage that we have visited.  Currently they have 160 children residing there on a permanent basis and up to 220 at certain times of the week or month.  The children range in age from 2 weeks to 17 years old.  They also have 13 young children  who were unfortunately born with HIV in full time residence.  The  annual running costs of this orphanage are approx. $800,000, with an average of $10,200 per month being donated by the government.  When we met with Sister Lourdes, the head Nun of the orphange, it was a pleasure to hear her speak about all the children from her heart.  They need so many different things on a monthly basis it was difficult for her to put them in any order.
The children need clothing, food, medicines, educational equipment and general help from volunteers.  They are starting work on a separate room where they are planning to install one computer.  We are hoping that Ex-pats will donate old machines which would be suitable for the children to use.  We have already received one older machine but there is enough room for ten.