History
Our History
| 1988 |  Sister Ethel Normoyle, a member of the Little Company of Mary, came to Missionvale eager to share the gospel values of compassion and love with the poor. She set up a school and basic clinic under a tree. A group of concerned business leaders visited the area, resulting in the building of three small rooms for the school and clinic.
Mother Theresa visited the Centre. |
| 1989 | Union of Jewish Women choses Sister Ethel as Woman of the Year. |
| 1990 | Sister Ethel was chosen as Port Elizabeth Citizen of the Year. |
| 1992 | The first phase of the Care Centre officially opened. This included a fully equipped clinic, nutrition unit, library and administration offices. |
| 1995 | Opening of the two Pre-primary classrooms.
Queen Elizabeth visited the Care Centre and in her Christmas message to the Commonwealth, she paid tribute to the wonderful work that Sister Ethel does at the Care Centre. |
| 1996 | Sister Ethel received the Tipperary Peace Award in Ireland. Previous recipient was Nelson Mandela. |
| 1997 |  Opening of the Community Hall used for skills training and later, a Centre for the Crafters Unit. |
| 2001 | Sister Ethel received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Port Elizabeth. |
| 2002 |  Opening of the Clothing Warehouse.
Opening of Our Lady of the Wayside Church. |
| 2004 | Sister Ethel awarded two Paul Harris Fellowships by Rotary.
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| 2005 |  Opening of four classroom Primary School Building by Mr. Gerard Corr, Irish ambassador. |
| 2006 |  Start of Home Based Care initiative and other projects directly focused on HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Sister Ethel was keynote speaker at Rotary International Convention in Copenhagen. Missionvale Australia launched, seewww.missionvale.com.au. |
| 2007 |  Launch of Carpentry Unit and start of building operations for The Resource Centre.
Sister Ethel awarded Clare person of the year in Ireland. |
| 2008 |  January: 164 Irish builders arrive in shifts to complete the building for the Resource Centre including a Hospice.
February: Sister Ethel honoured by President of South Africa at opening of Parliament for the integrated approach of the Missionvale Care Centre in the fight against HIV/Aids.
May: World Aids Candlight Day is celebrated as the staff and volunteers move into the new Resource Centre to continue work on health and children centred programs. September: Sister Ethel shares the message of Missionvale in California, USA. She was invited by the Rotary Foundation to be the keynote speaker at their annual Foundation Seminar, 'Making Dreams Real for the Children of the World'. November: Missionvale Ireland Limited is launched, see www.missionvaleireland.org. |
| 2009 |  January: 32 Irish volunteers arrive to complete building the Caretakers Cottage project.
Award: Sr. Ethel was honoured by President Motlanthe with the Order of the Grand Counsellor of the baobab: Silver, one of South Africa’s top awards, for her excellent service to society. |
Community Gardens become viable after improved water supply and training are accessed.
February: Missionvale Care Centre host an interfaith celebration and day of thanksgiving in recognition of their 20th Anniversary. On this same day, the new Resource Centre building is officially opened by the Bishop of Port Elizabeth, Bishop Mike Coleman, Bishop Willie Walsh from Ireland with the Irish Ambassador, Mr. Colin Wrafter, in attendance.