The OM Rainbow Home for Children project was begun in July 2001 by two close friends - Lyse Hunger, a Rwandan married to a German engineer working at the main brewery in Luanda, and Angela Gabbott, the English wife of an accountant working with a major oil company. It is their response to a desperate need, when the vastness of the problem can be overwhelming.
... to give a home to some Angolan children, where they can feel wanted and loved, where they can live in a safe environment in which to grow healthily, with access to education.
August 2003
Basic buildings complete. A crack had appeared in concrete floor ... to be repaired. Water tank in place. Outer wall not yet complete due to sudden death of engineer Agostinho ... a sad loss. Foundations are laid. We hope the actual brick laying can be done by locals.
Local lawyer very kindly offering free advice and assistance. Accounting assistance needed from expat community. Plans to involve NGO. Church fellowship under Pastor Joao Cesar very supportive.
February 2004
Lyse went to Luanda and met Wessel and Joanne who are with Operation Mobilisation. This South African couple is an answer to a prayer as the plan is for them actually to run the home. The local church has expressed the wish to be 'lower key' in their support.
September 2004
Our plan is to buy the land from the Church. Land ownership rights are a complex, legal nightmare in Angola so we are most fortunate to have the free services of a wonderful lawyer. Negotiations are under way. Joanne and Wessell are very active on our behalf and believe this to be the way forward.
Fund raising is going well.
This is all very exciting and positive.
Watch this space!