projects

The Rapid Peru project was another examples of succesful collaboration between the MOC Foundation and a leading international organisation such as Rapid UK (specialising in disaster relief operations). The MOC donated a fully equipped ambulance, sponsored two firemen to attend emergency training in the UK at a local fire services college and supported further specialised training in 2002.

United Kingdom

Bath Housing Association - a grant towards this charity supporting homeless people in the city of Bath, UK in 2003

Support towards the restoration of ecclesiastical art in the church of St Etheldreda, London in 2002.

Plater College, Oxford (reg charity 309719) - from September 2003 to 2005 the MOC funded two bursaries for needy students. Plater's mission was to offer students a second chance in life, providing education of university standards to people whose educational opportunities have been limited for a variety of reasons. Regrettably Plater College closed in July 2005. Plater's Trustees were unable to find the 2.5 million pounds required to provide disabled access in compliance with EU directives, deciding therefore to close this unique college.

Romanian Project - HUSI

Run by the Franciscan Missionary Sisters in the town of Husi, Romania the orphanage provides a secure and caring shelter for many abandoned children who would otherwise be housed in wholly inappropriate conditions in mental asylums or would be wondering the streets, turning into a life of criminality and drug addiction. Day care is also provided to around 60 children from very deprived backgrounds, allowing them to receive suitable education, food and basic medical care in a sheltered and loving environment. Over the course of four years the MOC Foundation granted £20000 towards the running of this institution. In 2005 the Trustees considered that the project was now self-sufficient, thus deciding to shift resources into other areas.

In September 2003 the MOC received a request for assistance from Christian Aid for one of the many projects this organisations funds around Africa. AMO-Congo is a non-governmental organisation set up in 1993 by Congolese doctors and has been a Christian Aid partner since 1995. AMO-Congo strives to alleviate the problems caused by HIV-AIDS and the charity has been to reach some 5000 orphans through this project. Among the many activities of AMO-Congo, the project is committed to offer vocational activities. The MOC has donated funds to supply equipment for a dressmaking school to enable provide for their needs and those of their families. In addition to this the MOC has offered to fund a Theatre Project to raise awareness of HIV by means of drama (a very effective media to communicate this message).

The Trustees supported Christian Aid in 2005 with a further grant to sponsor primary and secondary education for 50 children, as well as the purchase of 15 sewing machines and material. For further information on AMO please visit Christian Aid's website.

Anne Roberts Children's Fund

In 2002 the Trustees were approached by representatives of the Anne Roberts Children's Fund. This registered charity is actively working in Belarus with children who have been affected by the Chernobyl disaster. The Trustees agreed to support this charity and a new water pump in Anne's Hospice was installed. This is an extract from a report recently received from them:

"The house-mother and cook are thrilled - no more

trailing to the well ten times a day with buckets! As you can see, the

water is used for everything from food preparation, washing, drinking to

having a great deal of fun. It has also made possible some creative

gardening It is particularly apt that the pump should have commenced

work in this very hot and dry summer. As it draws water from the water

table below ground, the supplies are apparently limitless...The children in the photgraphs at Anne's House are siblings of terminally ill

or recently deceased children. They have their own psychological trauma

as a result of the experience of watching a sibling die.

The Trustees agreed in January 2005 to part sponsor a mini-ward in the Belarus Hospice. The image scroller below shows pictures of the official opening by the British Ambassador, the unveiling of the plaque, as well images of the house and children..