International team builds local dreams
Porirua couple Donna and Sam Te Kira found out they were going receive a brand-new home only 6 weeks ago. ?We were so excited, and when we heard about a ?GV? being involved we thought it was a Government Valuation, not a Global Village. ?It?s going to be great to have a place to call home,? says Mrs Te Kira. The construction of the house is being carried out beside the new McDonalds in Porirua, providing a public example of Habitat for Humanity?s charitable work. The couple is ecstatic with the opportunities the home will afford their six children. ?For years we have wanted to own a home, but we never thought the moment would come. ?It?s a huge dream come true,? she says. Mr Te Kira works as a youth mentor at Rangataua Mauriora in Porirua, and is full of praise for Habitat for Humanity. ?That all these people are helping build our whare is amazing, they are champions. ?We can?t wait for that space for the kids, so they don?t have to share rooms. ?There are stats that say children brought up in their own home are more successful ? we want to put that to the test,? says Mr Te Kira. As a proud father he found accepting help from others a ?difficult growth? experience. ?I?m used to doing everything myself, but this has been very humbling and special,? he says. The Global Village of volunteer builders come from the United States, Canada, and Switzerland. Team leader Lisa Nickerson is from Habitat for Humanity?s head office in Georgia State, and has organised housing projects in places like Guatemala and Africa. She says US and New Zealand are similar places in the fact working class people find it difficult to purchase their own home. ?There are working class people in our countries who no matter how hard and long they work just can?t afford to purchase a home,? says Ms Nickerson. In two weeks her team transformed the site from the foundation up to the trestle level. As a Global Village team they combine travelling journeys with volunteer work that will stand the test of time. ?This is about sharing our resources, and we want to show how much good volunteering can do in the world,? Ms Nickerson says. The home will be lifted to a Cannons Creek site around mid December in time for Christmas.
