CELEBRATIONS AT the Instituto D Francisco Gomes, the boys home in Faro, better known as Casa dos Rapazes, were a little different this year, as they invited four other orphanages from across the region to join their Christmas party.
The Secretary of State for Social Security, Pedro Marques, took time out of his schedule to visit the orphanage where he praised the home for its contribution to the community over the past 62 years.
He said he hoped that more institutions would follow in its footsteps to safeguard children from living on the streets and give them a better chance of surviving in society when they reach adulthood.
Let’s party
Faro Câmara President, José Apolinário was also present at the party and enjoyed speaking to the children. He said he was proud that the area had an orphanage of this calibre and commended the staff for extending the invitation to the other institutions. António Barão, the director of the orphanage, thanked all the people who had supported them with donations and care over the years and said that without them, the orphanage would not be the home it is today.
The orphanage invited four other institutions to celebrate their Christmas party with them: Casa de Santa Isabela in Faro, Centro de Bem Estar Nossa Senhora de Fátima in Olhão, Centro social Nina de Santos in Lagos, and Casa Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Portimão.
One of the highlights for the children was Portuguese band, Iris, performing for them. Their music is happy and good humoured, which went down a treat with the youngsters, especially when some were invited on to the stage to sing and dance beside the band. The children were also privy to performances from hip-hop artist Twism and My2Logic, a recently formed band, who do cover versions of popular songs.
The children’s faces lit up when Christmas presents were distributed and they appeared to be thrilled with the entire day of festivities. All in all, the day was a great success.
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