| 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 chose 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.
Community Gardens become viable after improved water supply
and training are accessed.
|
| 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, see www.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.
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.
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. |
