Olavina Halli opens new residential block for 75 destitute women
MANGALURU: Olavina Halli Rehabilitation and Community Development Centre near Thalapady has inaugurated a new residential block for destitute women, marking a significant milestone in its Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The new facility, with a capacity to accommodate 75 women, provides spacious accommodation, attached bathrooms and dedicated facilities for doctors, nurses and physiotherapy services. It replaces three old, dilapidated tiled-roof houses in which the residents were previously accommodated.
The building was inaugurated by Sr Luisa Bonforte, Assistant General of the Sisters of Charity, in the presence of philanthropist Michael D’Souza and his family. The entire building was blessed by Mangaluru Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha. The basement and a memorial museum dedicated to the institution’s founder, Sr Amelia Cimolino, were inaugurated by her nieces Antonietta and Eilzabetha Cimolino, along with friends from Italy.
Founded in 1974 by Sr Amelia Cimolino in a village near Thalapady, about 18 km from Mangaluru, Olavina Halli initially focused on rehabilitating people recovering from leprosy and tuberculosis. Over the years, it expanded its mission to provide shelter and care to abandoned elderly people and young women with psychiatric and intellectual disabilities.
The institution is managed by the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Saints Bartolomea Capitanio and Vincenza Gerosa. Its five decades of service were recognised with the 2024 Dakshina Kannada District Rajyotsava Award.
The project was made possible through contributions from local donors and well-wishers, with a major share of the financial support coming from Michael D’Souza. Other contributors included the children of Alphonse and Gemma Coelho, Antonietta Cimolino and the Association of Polse Olavina Halli.
A memorial museum dedicated to Sr Amelia Cimolino has also been established in the new building to preserve the legacy of the founder and her contribution to the service of humanity.
Speaking on the occasion, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha appreciated the Sisters of Charity for their dedicated service to marginalised sections of society. Michael D’Souza lauded the Sisters for their selfless commitment, while Dr M. Vijaya Kumar, Pro-Chancellor of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), encouraged people to support the institution through initiatives such as sponsoring meals for its residents.
Former administrators and individuals who contributed to the institution’s development were also felicitated as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.