LATEST NEWS & UPDATES
We received a new girl today!
20/02/2021
St Philomena’s Home is alive and buzzing. Today, we received a beautiful girl so we currently have 8 children at St Philomena’s Home. It has been a busy and fun packed week at St Philomena’s Home. Our kids have been settling in well and adapting to the new Home. Our kids enjoyed shopping for their school necessities and clothes & having ice cream at the shopping centre. They have also started going to their new schools. Our two cute little munchkins started attending the in-house Day Care at St Philomena’s Home. Ranadi Tokoniono and the carers are teaching the little ones about the weather, seasons, day & date in the morning circle then they read & act a Bible story. They sing nursery rhymes & songs while learning how to wash their hands.
We had a special visit from Sai Prema Foundation Fiji who donated laundry powder to the Home. They also did general check ups for all the kids at the Home. Thank you for your kind donation & amazing service. We also had a special visit from Nate Kumar & little Araya. Araya shared her toys and gifted clothes to the kids. The kids had some much fun playing with Araya. Thanks Nate & Anaya for visiting us. With the growing number of children, we would like to purchase a microwave & a fridge. Please contact us if you would like to contribute or assist us. Vinaka & please keep us in your prayers.
We had a special visit from Sai Prema Foundation Fiji who donated laundry powder to the Home. They also did general check ups for all the kids at the Home. Thank you for your kind donation & amazing service. We also had a special visit from Nate Kumar & little Araya. Araya shared her toys and gifted clothes to the kids. The kids had some much fun playing with Araya. Thanks Nate & Anaya for visiting us. With the growing number of children, we would like to purchase a microwave & a fridge. Please contact us if you would like to contribute or assist us. Vinaka & please keep us in your prayers.
𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬! 𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟕 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲!
05/02/2021
We are delighted about this news. We are receiving 4 boys and 3 girls. Their ages are 3-13 years old. Thank God for this wonderful blessing and for allowing us to be a shelter and a safe haven for the children. As we prepare to receive these precious children, we are in need of new clothes, school uniforms, school shoes, shoes, toddlers clothes, stationary, food, school bags, school books, toiletries and other necessities.
Also our signage and light bulbs around the fence are destroyed by Tropical cyclone Ana so we need funds to fix the damage.
Please support us by donating via www.stphilomenahome.org/donate or
Account name: 𝙎𝙩 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙁𝙞𝙟𝙞
Commonwealth Bank Australia
Bsb 𝟢𝟨𝟥-𝟣𝟧𝟫
Account 𝟣𝟢𝟥𝟤𝟪𝟩𝟦𝟫
Description: 𝙎𝙩 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙖
Please contact us for receipts. Thank you for your love and continuous support. It is because of your support, we are able to provide the children with care, education, nutrition and a much brighter future.
Please share.
Also our signage and light bulbs around the fence are destroyed by Tropical cyclone Ana so we need funds to fix the damage.
Please support us by donating via www.stphilomenahome.org/donate or
Account name: 𝙎𝙩 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙁𝙞𝙟𝙞
Commonwealth Bank Australia
Bsb 𝟢𝟨𝟥-𝟣𝟧𝟫
Account 𝟣𝟢𝟥𝟤𝟪𝟩𝟦𝟫
Description: 𝙎𝙩 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙖
Please contact us for receipts. Thank you for your love and continuous support. It is because of your support, we are able to provide the children with care, education, nutrition and a much brighter future.
Please share.
Christmas at Saint Philomena Home
29/12/2020
On Christmas Eve the girls participated in Christmas Carols with the youth from Saint Mark's (Suva), Saint Mina & Saint George's Churches (Nadi) who were visiting at the time. They performed at the Golden Age Home in Samabula, Homes of Hope, Samabula Police Station and the Raiwaqa Police Station. Afterwards they had a late movie night together in a cozy corner of the living room filled with mattresses and pillows. They watched Christmas a movie, ate popcorn and drank juice and enjoyed each others company for this special night.
Christmas Day began with a fun dip in the pool and ended with a trip to the Damodar Cinema with the youth to watch 'Christmas Jar'
On Boxing Day the kids had fun at the public pool with the lovely youth from Suva and Nadi and then attended the combined youth meeting at St Mark's Church. They also had fun cooking with the carers at the home.
We'd like to offer our thanks to the amazing girls from St Mina's Home who presented many gifts to St Philomena's Home including an ironing board, iron, and toaster. These lovely gifts were purchased from the proceeds raised from selling their handmade jewellery at Vuda Beach Market a few weeks ago. God bless this beautiful gesture, and thank you all for your kind hearts!
Christmas Day began with a fun dip in the pool and ended with a trip to the Damodar Cinema with the youth to watch 'Christmas Jar'
On Boxing Day the kids had fun at the public pool with the lovely youth from Suva and Nadi and then attended the combined youth meeting at St Mark's Church. They also had fun cooking with the carers at the home.
We'd like to offer our thanks to the amazing girls from St Mina's Home who presented many gifts to St Philomena's Home including an ironing board, iron, and toaster. These lovely gifts were purchased from the proceeds raised from selling their handmade jewellery at Vuda Beach Market a few weeks ago. God bless this beautiful gesture, and thank you all for your kind hearts!
Children deserve to be Happy, Healthy & Safe
11/12/2020
This week Unicef hosted a Residential Forum at Pearl Resort where St. Mina Children's Home and St Philomena Children's Home were invited.
The 4-day conference aimed at developing/strengthening child safeguarding policies via workshops with Children’s Home managers.
Father John, Radini Mary and the amazing workers from both homes were in attendance
A big thank you to Unicef for hosting and funding this event!
The 4-day conference aimed at developing/strengthening child safeguarding policies via workshops with Children’s Home managers.
Father John, Radini Mary and the amazing workers from both homes were in attendance
A big thank you to Unicef for hosting and funding this event!
Swimming at St Philomena's Home
16/11/2020
Today, Philomena invited her Sunday school friends from St Mark’s Church to spend the day with her. We had an amazing time together. We swam at the pool and had some water activities. The kids and carers were teaching Philomena how to swim. We enjoyed having lunch at the pool followed with yummy ice-cream. We sang beautiful hymns, we played cards and fun games. We also watched the Diwali fireworks from the neighbourhood. We concluded the day by praying the 12th hour prayer from the agpeya together. We all had a wonderful day filled with heaps of fun, laughter, prayer and amazing fellowship.
Receiving our First Child
04/10/2020
Fantastic News! Today we received our first child! We received a beautiful 11 years old girl. We are so elated and excited! Thank God for this wonderful blessing. We are urgently in need of funds to buy clothing, uniform, shoes,school supplies, groceries and to cover education expenses.
You can support us by donating via the website or
Account name: 𝙎𝙩 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙁𝙞𝙟𝙞
Commonwealth Bank Australia
Bsb 𝟢𝟨𝟥-𝟣𝟧𝟫
Account 𝟣𝟢𝟥𝟤𝟪𝟩𝟦𝟫
Description: 𝙎𝙩 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙖
Please contact us for receipts. Thank you for your prayers, love, support and kindness.
You can support us by donating via the website or
Account name: 𝙎𝙩 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙁𝙞𝙟𝙞
Commonwealth Bank Australia
Bsb 𝟢𝟨𝟥-𝟣𝟧𝟫
Account 𝟣𝟢𝟥𝟤𝟪𝟩𝟦𝟫
Description: 𝙎𝙩 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙖
Please contact us for receipts. Thank you for your prayers, love, support and kindness.
Certification of St Philomena's Home
03/10/2020
Wohoo! Today Fr Raphael Bassily received the certificate to operate from Mr Rupeni Fatiaki, Director for Social Welfare. St Philomena’s Home is now officially certified by Hon. Mereseini Vuniwaqa, Minister for Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation. This is an important milestone for the Home as it can accept children and it works in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare to look after children in need of care & protection. Congratulations to St Philomena’s Home, the Coptic Orthodox Church in Fiji & the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne !
Self Defence Training and Montessori Workshop
28/10/2020
Yesterday, we had very successful and interesting training sessions at St Philomena’s Home. Deacon David Tokoniono & Lote Koroi, one of our youth from St Mark’s Church, taught us self-defence at the Home. Deacon David has a lot of experience in the field as previously he was a Sergeant Major Correction Officer. Lote is a pro at boxing as he learnt it during military service. They had a practical session and a theoretical session. It was very intense, very useful and essential. We learnt how to defend ourselves in a calm way in times of danger. We learnt the grab technique & other self-defence moves, how to be in control of the situation and the week points that we need to focus on during self-defence. We also learnt abit of boxing moves.
Also, Melanie who is one of the cares at the Home and a primary school Montessori teacher conducted a training session on the Montessori way of education & learning. She explained how it is different to other methods of education and showed us a video on how to implement this method of learning in the Home that will help develop the kids. Montessori is a method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. It is based on seven principles which are free choice, order, interest, learning from peers, movement, context and teacher guidance. The carers really enjoyed the training session as it was very informative, hands-on and it will definitely help us to educate our children better. We will continue with a follow up training session on the Montessori way of learning next week. Thanks Deacon David & Lote Koroi for your time and the amazing & crucial self defence session. Hopefully we can have a follow up self-defence workshop for the children. Thanks Melanie for the very productive and educational training session on Montessori. We are happy to have Melanie on our team!
Also, Melanie who is one of the cares at the Home and a primary school Montessori teacher conducted a training session on the Montessori way of education & learning. She explained how it is different to other methods of education and showed us a video on how to implement this method of learning in the Home that will help develop the kids. Montessori is a method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. It is based on seven principles which are free choice, order, interest, learning from peers, movement, context and teacher guidance. The carers really enjoyed the training session as it was very informative, hands-on and it will definitely help us to educate our children better. We will continue with a follow up training session on the Montessori way of learning next week. Thanks Deacon David & Lote Koroi for your time and the amazing & crucial self defence session. Hopefully we can have a follow up self-defence workshop for the children. Thanks Melanie for the very productive and educational training session on Montessori. We are happy to have Melanie on our team!
St Philomena's Home Training by the Department of Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation
17/10/2020
The Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation ran a 2 day intensive workshop for Mary Hanna, the Home manager, & her amazing team at St Philomena Children’s Home. The training was conducted by Ms. Laisa Namela who is the senior welfare officer of Residential Homes. She looks after training for residential homes and audits the children homes in Fiji.
On Day 1, the 9 Minimum standards of care for children in Residential Placement were discussed. The Minimum standards are: safety, security and protection from abuse, meeting the needs of the child, healthy living, education & training, ensuring child development, preparation for adulthood, maintenance of family contacts, encouraging children in decision making and skilled & trained staff. These standards ensure that every child and young person have the right to live in a safe, secure and abuse free environment. St Philomena’s Home ensures that the child lives in a environment that encourages the development of their intellectual, physical, spiritual and emotional needs. They have access to the best education and training opportunities available. The Home promotes equality of opportunity where every child & young person is able to develop their full potential; by improving self-esteem, gaining self-confidence and developing an awareness of self and others. It also promotes that every child has a voice in decisions that affect their lives.
Day 2 training focussed on Policies and Procedures set by the Department for Residential Homes. These procedures were examined in depth and are crucial for running the Home efficiently. Some of the policies examined were behaviour management, bullying policy, food safety policy, education policy, care & placement plans, privacy & confidentiality policy, medication policy, preparing young people to live independently and policy on relationships. We also had some fun activities, ice breaker games and interactive discussions so the staff mingled together and learnt more about each other. Thank you to Ministry of Women ,Children and Poverty Alleviation - Fiji for the wonderful service and crucial work that you do for the children of Fiji.
On Day 1, the 9 Minimum standards of care for children in Residential Placement were discussed. The Minimum standards are: safety, security and protection from abuse, meeting the needs of the child, healthy living, education & training, ensuring child development, preparation for adulthood, maintenance of family contacts, encouraging children in decision making and skilled & trained staff. These standards ensure that every child and young person have the right to live in a safe, secure and abuse free environment. St Philomena’s Home ensures that the child lives in a environment that encourages the development of their intellectual, physical, spiritual and emotional needs. They have access to the best education and training opportunities available. The Home promotes equality of opportunity where every child & young person is able to develop their full potential; by improving self-esteem, gaining self-confidence and developing an awareness of self and others. It also promotes that every child has a voice in decisions that affect their lives.
Day 2 training focussed on Policies and Procedures set by the Department for Residential Homes. These procedures were examined in depth and are crucial for running the Home efficiently. Some of the policies examined were behaviour management, bullying policy, food safety policy, education policy, care & placement plans, privacy & confidentiality policy, medication policy, preparing young people to live independently and policy on relationships. We also had some fun activities, ice breaker games and interactive discussions so the staff mingled together and learnt more about each other. Thank you to Ministry of Women ,Children and Poverty Alleviation - Fiji for the wonderful service and crucial work that you do for the children of Fiji.
St Philomena's Home Training by Fiji Police Force
9/10/2020
Today, we had a training session by the Fiji Police Force at the Home. It was essential and very informative. Inspector Linieta Naivonu, head of the training in Fiji, discussed vital topics with the staff such as child abuse, the different types of abuse, how to recognize them and to deal with them. She also discussed the child welfare act and violence against women & children. She brought great awareness on the topic so we can be more responsible and proactive in this field. Today, our administration officer took a comprehensive fire training by the Fiji National Fire Authority. Last week, the NFA also did a comprehensive fire inspection to ensure the Home complies with the safety standards.
On Tuesday, we put our signage up ! It will definitely assist us in being more recognisable in the neighbourhood, communicate better with the community and raise awareness. On Thursday, we had an audit at the Home by the Department of Social Welfare to ensure that we meet the standards and we did really well! Big Vinaka to the Fiji Police Force and Fiji NFA for their great support. Thanks to everyone who have donated and continue to donate as we were able to purchase some of our home appliance & supplies. Thank you all for your generosity.
On Tuesday, we put our signage up ! It will definitely assist us in being more recognisable in the neighbourhood, communicate better with the community and raise awareness. On Thursday, we had an audit at the Home by the Department of Social Welfare to ensure that we meet the standards and we did really well! Big Vinaka to the Fiji Police Force and Fiji NFA for their great support. Thanks to everyone who have donated and continue to donate as we were able to purchase some of our home appliance & supplies. Thank you all for your generosity.
St Philomena's Home Update & Call for Assistance
24/09/2020
Thank you so much for your support, generosity and love. We have been busy preparing the Home to receive the children. We added child safety gates around the kitchen and the stairs. We also had some plumbing work done at the Home. We got pest control done and installed fire extinguishers, fire alarms, emergency lighting and fire exit signs to comply with the standards set by the Department of Social Welfare.
On Wednesday, the teenagers and staff from St Mina Children’s Home, Nadi joined us to set up the Home. They really wanted to share in the blessing of starting the Home for their blessed brothers and sisters. The staff helped in cleaning the Home and setting it up for the children. St Mina’s kids helped in sweeping the floors, cleaning the kitchen and making the beds for the new children. We also had St Mark’s Church youth assisting us in assembling the beds and getting the place ready. We are still in need of funds to purchase the necessities to furnish the Home and to cover the expenses at the Home. You can support the heartfelt service of St Philomena’s Home by donating:
Account name: 𝙎𝙩 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙁𝙞𝙟𝙞
Commonwealth Bank Australia
Bsb 𝟢𝟨𝟥-𝟣𝟧𝟫
Account 𝟣𝟢𝟥𝟤𝟪𝟩𝟦𝟫
Swiftcode: CTBAAU2S
Description: 𝙎𝙩 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙖
Please Contact us for receipts or enquiries!
“𝘞𝘩𝘰𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘔𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘔𝘦; 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘔𝘦, 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘔𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘏𝘪𝘮 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘔𝘦.”- 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬 9:37
Vinaka Vakalevu for your kindness.
On Wednesday, the teenagers and staff from St Mina Children’s Home, Nadi joined us to set up the Home. They really wanted to share in the blessing of starting the Home for their blessed brothers and sisters. The staff helped in cleaning the Home and setting it up for the children. St Mina’s kids helped in sweeping the floors, cleaning the kitchen and making the beds for the new children. We also had St Mark’s Church youth assisting us in assembling the beds and getting the place ready. We are still in need of funds to purchase the necessities to furnish the Home and to cover the expenses at the Home. You can support the heartfelt service of St Philomena’s Home by donating:
Account name: 𝙎𝙩 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙁𝙞𝙟𝙞
Commonwealth Bank Australia
Bsb 𝟢𝟨𝟥-𝟣𝟧𝟫
Account 𝟣𝟢𝟥𝟤𝟪𝟩𝟦𝟫
Swiftcode: CTBAAU2S
Description: 𝙎𝙩 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙖
Please Contact us for receipts or enquiries!
“𝘞𝘩𝘰𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘔𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘔𝘦; 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘔𝘦, 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘔𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘏𝘪𝘮 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘔𝘦.”- 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬 9:37
Vinaka Vakalevu for your kindness.
A Preview into St Philomena Children's Home
18/09/2020
St. Philomena Children’s Home in Suva is preparing to receive 11 children soon. There is a great need in Fiji especially in the central division to accomodate children who are facing abuse, violence, neglect or are forced to beg on the streets. St Philomena’s Home will be a safe haven for them, providing them with proper education, spiritual growth, housing, nutrition, skills and opportunities for them to grow & prosper.
As we prepare, we are in need of donations to set up and furnish the Home. We also need funds so we can provide adequate clothing, bedding, food, education for all the children. Some of the needs are: fridge, deep freezer, couches, tables, television, carpets, baby cots, high chair, pram, wheelchair, crutches, desks, office desk, computers, printer, filing cabinet, home & kitchen appliances, washing machine, cooking utensils, stationary, school supplies, blankets, bedding, pillows & towels. There is also other expenses such as rent, running expenses and wages for carers. We kindly ask for your support and prayers to set up and prepare St Philomena Children’s Home.
Banking details:
Account name: 𝙎𝙩 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙁𝙞𝙟𝙞
Commonwealth Bank Australia
Bsb 𝟢𝟨𝟥-𝟣𝟧𝟫
Account 𝟣𝟢𝟥𝟤𝟪𝟩𝟦𝟫
Swiftcode: CTBAAU2S
Description: 𝙎𝙩 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙖
Please Contact us for receipts or enquiries!
“𝘋𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴; 𝘋𝘰 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘺.”-𝘗𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘮 82:3
Thank you so much for your abundant generosity, love and kindness. Please share with family & friends.
As we prepare, we are in need of donations to set up and furnish the Home. We also need funds so we can provide adequate clothing, bedding, food, education for all the children. Some of the needs are: fridge, deep freezer, couches, tables, television, carpets, baby cots, high chair, pram, wheelchair, crutches, desks, office desk, computers, printer, filing cabinet, home & kitchen appliances, washing machine, cooking utensils, stationary, school supplies, blankets, bedding, pillows & towels. There is also other expenses such as rent, running expenses and wages for carers. We kindly ask for your support and prayers to set up and prepare St Philomena Children’s Home.
Banking details:
Account name: 𝙎𝙩 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙁𝙞𝙟𝙞
Commonwealth Bank Australia
Bsb 𝟢𝟨𝟥-𝟣𝟧𝟫
Account 𝟣𝟢𝟥𝟤𝟪𝟩𝟦𝟫
Swiftcode: CTBAAU2S
Description: 𝙎𝙩 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙖
Please Contact us for receipts or enquiries!
“𝘋𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴; 𝘋𝘰 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘺.”-𝘗𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘮 82:3
Thank you so much for your abundant generosity, love and kindness. Please share with family & friends.