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Visitors to the Homes marvel at what is today the most unique testimony
to the love Dr.Graham had for the children of the Hills. The Homes
stretch through the Hill of Deolo and present to all who come a vision
of a man who over hundred years ago started work to love those who
needed love.
Over
the years this love has grown many folds and is expressed in the
wonderful response we have had from old boys and girls and well wishers
across the world. They have rallied to keep together the structure
of the Homes despite the ravages of a century in which little feet grew
up to be worthy citizens.
Many
of the buildings are etched in the minds of people across the world.
It must feel good to see old structures rejuvenated. The Jarvie
Hall, which is the pride of the school, is in fine form today, thanks to
the contributions we have received. The swimming pool sports a new
look and continues to bring joy to all students. We would like to
list some of the projects which we have completed only because of the
help we have received so generously.
Jarvie
Hall
This
was a major task which involved putting up a new
roof, new plastering, painting and electrical fittings. The stage
of the hall has been thoroughly repaired with new lightening
arrangements. The seats too needed repair and the most exciting part has
been the repair of the clock tower. Unfortunately, we cannot bring back
the chime as it is beyond repair. We may need to fix a new one but it is
difficult to find it. The children do love to hear the clock tower chime
but we will have to wait for that. Total expenditure Rs. 5,37,000/-.
Elliot
Cottage
Both the interior and exterior of this
cottage has been repaired and modern toilet fittings have replaced the
worn out ones. Most of the doors too have been changed. A
total expenditure of Rs.33,000/-
Calcutta
Cottage
Here to interior exterior and the roof
of the cottage was repaired and painted. New toilet facilities and
flooring was replaced. A total expenditure of Rs.102000
Deolo
Cottage
This has been renovated thoroughly as it
was unlivable prior to the repairs. It now is used as staff
quarters with reliable toilet and kitchen facilities and new electrical
fittings. A total expenditure of Rs. 95000/-.
Ahava
Chapel
This of place of prayer was totally
damaged but today with its roof repaired and all floorboards changed,
new windows put in, it is a place of peace again. Smart painted
inside and outside cost totally about Rs. 61,000/-.
Thoburn,
Bene Wood Burn Laidlaw and Assam Cottages
These cottages too have been repaired and painted with a total expense
of approx Rs. 60,000.
Kinder
Garden School
Extensive work has been done here with the whole wall of the school
scraped repaired and painted. Class Rooms too have been painted
and repaired as necessary. 30 double chairs and tables and 15
wooden writing tables have been added at a cost of only Rs. 102000/-.
Junior
School
Here to the verandah is replastered and polished and wooden railings
completely replaced. The walls were too repaired and painted and
care taken to repair broken windows. New door, replacement of
broken floor boards and 30 new double desks in iron frames have also
been supplied. Total expenditure Rs. 2,66,500/-.
Senior
School
Similar repair work was completed in senior school to with black boards
repainted verandah railings replaced and desks and benches repaired.
Total Expenditure Rs. 98500/-.
Steel
Memorial Center
Here too the exterior was painted, roof repaired and painted, broken
windows and doors replaced. Total cost about Rs. 43,000/-.
Better
hygiene and warm food
Twenty water purifiers have been installed at the cottages and Inrge one
in the central kitchen. This will keep our children from getting the
runs. The new food warmers should also give them greater joy in the
central kitchen. Twenty food warmers have been installed. Hot water
geysers are being installed at the cottages.
Swimming
Pool
The third phase repairing work has been done To make it look truly
professional. Seating arrangements for spectators have been reworked.
New changing rooms for boys and girls have been built and complete the
work at the showers has been replaced. Total expenditure Rs. 2,83,000l-. |