Project 2019 - 2020 - A New Dining Hall
Update April 2020: The Dining Hall Project has been Completed!
In 2019 and 2020, we converted the old kitchen building into a dining hall for children and staff.
The scope of the project included removing existing interior walls and cooking stations and re-plastering interior walls. The roof was removed, walls raised, and a new roof added to match the roof height of the new kitchen. The walls and roof were extended to join the next kitchen building. A new floor was poured to match the existing one and extend out front to provide a porch. In addition, longstanding water drainage problems in front of the old kitchen building were corrected and a pavement was installed for proper drainage. The roof was extended partway over the pavement for protection and outdoor dining.
The new kitchen includes a serving window which links with the new dining hall. The children are served from the window and return to seating in the new dining hall. The final step was to furnish the new dining hall with tables and chairs.
The scope of the project included removing existing interior walls and cooking stations and re-plastering interior walls. The roof was removed, walls raised, and a new roof added to match the roof height of the new kitchen. The walls and roof were extended to join the next kitchen building. A new floor was poured to match the existing one and extend out front to provide a porch. In addition, longstanding water drainage problems in front of the old kitchen building were corrected and a pavement was installed for proper drainage. The roof was extended partway over the pavement for protection and outdoor dining.
The new kitchen includes a serving window which links with the new dining hall. The children are served from the window and return to seating in the new dining hall. The final step was to furnish the new dining hall with tables and chairs.
The old kitchen building (at left in this photo) will be renovated into a new dining hall. It will be linked to the new kitchen (at right).
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The old Huruma Centre kitchen photographed before the new kitchen was built.
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With the completion of this project in the first quarter of 2020, Bishop Blaston Gaville came to Huruma Centre on April 24, 2020 to bless and dedicate the new dining hall. It was a joyful day as many gathered for the event, where a new (used) vehicle for use at the Huruma Centre was also dedicated! The acquiring of the car has brought great reassurance to the Centre staff. Now, if a child is hurt or becomes very sick, Centre staff can transport the child promptly and safely to receive health care. Here are photos from the dedication and blessing.
Bishop Blaston Gaville stepping onto the veranda of the new dining hall.
Bishop and colleagues dedicating the car for use at the Centre.
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The dining hall is opened for blessing and dedication.
Seal of the Huruma Centre on the car.
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The children and staff of the Huruma Centre formed a choir to celebrate the dedication and blessing of the new dining hall and car.
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2017 - 2018 Project Complete: New Kitchen Building
In 2017, planning began to replace the existing kitchen building at the Huruma Centre. The old kitchen had served well, but the cooking areas had deteriorated significantly, resulting in sanitation concerns. In addition, smoke from cooking fires in the building was causing health concerns for the kitchen staff. The Iringa Diocese provided support with architectural planning and cost estimates. From the end of 2017 through the first quarter of 2018, Friends of Huruma raised funds for construction. |
Many were generous, so that funds were in place by March and by month's end, Mchungaji Joyce negotiated an agreement to complete the work.
The new kitchen building was completed in late July 2018. In the last quarter of 2018, new equipment was purchased for the new building. In addition, Huruma Centre cooks received training in how to use the new building and its equipment. In January of 2019, the last step took place: A blessing, with gratitude to God and all, by Bishop Blaston Gavile of the Iringa Diocese.
The new kitchen building was completed in late July 2018. In the last quarter of 2018, new equipment was purchased for the new building. In addition, Huruma Centre cooks received training in how to use the new building and its equipment. In January of 2019, the last step took place: A blessing, with gratitude to God and all, by Bishop Blaston Gavile of the Iringa Diocese.
Centre Director Mchungaji Joyce Ngandango, BKB Iringa Coordinator Deacon April Trout, and BKB Director Pastor Peter Harrits are outside the new kitchen building in July 2018.
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Pastor Peter Harrits with Contractor Maluli inside the new kitchen building.
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The dedication plaque of the new kitchen building.
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A delighted visitor examines the new kitchen.
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Huruma Centre children and staff greet the Bishop on dedication day.
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Bishop Blaston Gavile blesses the new kitchen!
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