Around 15 years ago, what today is known as Assisi Snehalaya was formed, all thanks to one Gozitan man who donated around 60,000 Maltese liri to the Franciscans.

In Hindi, Snehalaya means House of Love, and it reflects the aim of Assisi Snehalaya, which was built as a home for persons with HIV/AIDS in a land where people who are diagnosed with it need to leave their home or risk their own life.

Just last year, Mission4Changes, headed by Anselmo Bugeja, joined the Franciscan friars to help renovate the house that was built years ago. In January 2018, Anselmo, together with Ing. Carmelo Fenech surveyed the building of Snehalaya. It was discovered that rainwater was depositing on the roofs of Snehalaya during the monsoon season, damaging the buildings extensively and leaving them in dire need of repair.

Anselmo made it the organisation’s mission to extend the life of the project and safeguard what it is today; the home of 11 children born with HIV/AIDS and their 24 infected parents or relatives. Mission4Changes has been busy raising funds for Assisi Snehalaya to keep the maintenance of the building up to par, as well as making the house a home.

The project aims to put a smile on children’s faces, specifically those born with HIV, who are unfortunately not treated in India. The organisation, together with its volunteers, has ensured that the residents of Snehalaya have a better living environment during their last years.

You can help this mission by supporting Assisi Snehalaya here.