Royal Navy Media Archive
HMS Lancaster ships company assist at an orphanage in Lome, Togo
HMS Lancaster ships company assist at an orphanage in Lome, Togo. Picture: LA(Phot) Will Haigh
A unique opportunity to assist at an orphanage in Lome, Togo, presented a humbling and uplifting experience for fifteen of HMS LANCASTER’s Ship’s Company during LANCASTER’s visit to the region.
Armed with vats of white paint, brushes and rollers the group were tasked with brightening up the aging décor of the orphanage. The rather dilapidated facility cares for abandoned children ranging in age from babies to young adults, and the building was in much need of some TLC.
The baking heat, and sweat drenched brows did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of those involved; who were later accompanied and assisted by the children who got more paint on themselves than the walls. As the group sat for lunch, a chorus of song erupted from the children who beamed as they sang, holding their paint brushes aloft with delight.
Upon finishing the painting, chocolate bars, football shirts and fruit, donated by the Ship, were handed out to extremely excited kids before the group headed to the local football pitch for a kick about. The bare footed youngsters displayed some deft touches to win two nil and delighted in the support they were shown from those who sang with vigour on the sidelines. Before departing the group of fifteen were able to sample a local dish lovingly prepared by those who tend the orphanage. All those who had the pleasure in assisting were unanimous in the opinion that the experience was unique, fun and worthwhile.
NN150051
HMS Lancaster ships company assist at an orphanage in Lome, Togo
HMS Lancaster ships company assist at an orphanage in Lome, Togo. Picture: LA(Phot) Will Haigh
A unique opportunity to assist at an orphanage in Lome, Togo, presented a humbling and uplifting experience for fifteen of HMS LANCASTER’s Ship’s Company during LANCASTER’s visit to the region.
Armed with vats of white paint, brushes and rollers the group were tasked with brightening up the aging décor of the orphanage. The rather dilapidated facility cares for abandoned children ranging in age from babies to young adults, and the building was in much need of some TLC.
The baking heat, and sweat drenched brows did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of those involved; who were later accompanied and assisted by the children who got more paint on themselves than the walls. As the group sat for lunch, a chorus of song erupted from the children who beamed as they sang, holding their paint brushes aloft with delight.
Upon finishing the painting, chocolate bars, football shirts and fruit, donated by the Ship, were handed out to extremely excited kids before the group headed to the local football pitch for a kick about. The bare footed youngsters displayed some deft touches to win two nil and delighted in the support they were shown from those who sang with vigour on the sidelines. Before departing the group of fifteen were able to sample a local dish lovingly prepared by those who tend the orphanage. All those who had the pleasure in assisting were unanimous in the opinion that the experience was unique, fun and worthwhile.
NN150051