The new St Lawrence Multi-Purpose Building in Sophia, Guyana, was officially opened May 20. Fr Malcolm Rodrigues, SJ, did the prayer of dedication.

The new building, which will house computer labs, craft rooms, a kitchen and dining areas, is part of the Mercy Wings Vocational Centre.

Mercy Wings, founded in 2000, is the brainchild of Sister of Mercy Sr Julie Matthews. The centre runs programmes for young people who did not complete their formal education. Trainees usually spend a year and are empowered through skills training in general construction, child care management, catering, home management, computer science and craft, along with remedial Math and English. Human development aspects, to build the trainee’s self-image and inculcate moral and spiritual values, are also taught.

There are currently 60 trainees, with 11 full-time and eight part-time staff. The centre also has a day-care unit which cares for 20 babies.

St Lawrence Multi-Purpose Building

Plans for the St Lawrence building began in 2007 when the Sisters of Mercy in Baltimore, USA, made the first donation. The Mercy Wings Board then began a fund-raising campaign for a three-phased development project costing Guy $40M.

The first phase was the construction of the building, the second is to acquire the necessary equipment and furniture, and the third – considered the heart of the project - is to open the library and computer centre. This phase includes adult classes expected to begin in September. The facilities will be made available to the Sophia community.

Sr Judith Schelmz, the driving force behind the fund-raising effort, expressed the gratitude of Mercy Wings chairman Patrick DeGroot and other board directors to local and overseas donors.

The main donor was the Lawrence H Hyde Foundation, while a donation from The Francis Collins Trust helped Mercy Wings attain their $40 M goal. The Trust also funds projects in other parts of Guyana: the Rupununi, Georgetown and along the East Coast.

Guyana-born Canadian resident Carleton Collins was instrumental in ensuring the final donation. Collins’ son Gregory came from Canada for the launch, and said the Trust will offer awards to trainees who excel in the programmes.
(edited from Catholic Standard)