Thanks to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, residents of the Pu o te Hau women’s shelter now have a covered courtyard to allow them to bask in the shade, take shelter in the event of rain, or simply spend a friendly moment interacting with others.
At a recent event to mark the completion of the construction, Minarii Chantal Galenon, president of the Women’s Council of French Polynesia, declared: “After the concrete slab was laid in 2019, the Church wanted to complete the work with the installation of a roof.”
- Pu o te hau Cutting of the Tahitian ribbon.
- Pu o te hau - Church reps and Women Council alons with Deputy Mayor in purple.jpg
- : Pu o te Hau Chantal Galenon thankful for all the church initiatives for the benefit of women
- Pu o te Hau, Children and mothers prepare the ceremony with traditional dances and songs
- Pu-o-te-hau-welcome-by-Director-Rowena-Tuhoe-Blurred-people.jpg
- Pu o te hau Temarama Varney 1st counselor Arue Stake
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She continued: “The Women's Council, the staff of Pu o te Hau, as well as all the residents and the children would like to sincerely thank you for this great initiative.”
It was during a conversation between President Chantal Galenon and Arthur Perry, volunteer project manager for the welfare department of the Church, that the project was first discussed before being finalised and approved.
The project was completed in July and the keys were handed over on Tuesday 12 August. The pandemic delayed the completion of the project, initially scheduled at the beginning of the year.
The families and children of the centre prepared a festive inauguration and performed songs and dances for guests in attendance, including the 2nd Deputy Mayor of Pirae; members of the Women's Council; management and staff of Pu o te Hau, and Church representatives.
Chantal Galenon said: “Thanks to this ‘Hall of Happiness,’ ─ because, yes, that's how we are going to christen this courtyard ─ we will have our meetings, educational activities, meals and festivities in a more inviting environment and convivial atmosphere. This will definitely enhance the daily comfort of our mothers and children."
Varney Temarama, one of the local leaders who represented The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the event, said, “The Church places women in very high esteem. The most important value I teach my children, and especially my boys, is respect for women.”
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the Church for its important support for women and children in difficulty,” the Women’s Council president said.
“I am so grateful for the women of the Relief Society who sit on the women's council boards, in particular Mirésa Buchin who is very involved in training sessions at the Pu o te Hau. I really appreciate the Church, which is very active, and has always been very involved in the future of women."
Manea Tuahu, the Church’s welfare and self-reliance manager in French Polynesia, was delighted by the cheerful faces of those who will benefit from the courtyard.
“Latter-day Saint Charities is happy to provide its contribution so that Pu o te Hau continues to expand its space for education and expression,” he said. “This will help families renew their strength in a safe and balanced ‘haven of peace,’ which is the meaning of ‘Pu o te Hau.’”