WHAT WE DO
Take a look at our short video for a brief summery...
"We have seen the difference that a little love and care can make in the lives of these beautiful people we have had the privilege to call our friends."
- Patrick O'Cock, Co-Founder.
- Patrick O'Cock, Co-Founder.
Love Is The Foundation Of All That We Do
Mission of Love was started in 1992 as a philanthropic organisation in Malta to help extend love in heart and deed to those in need. The founders are Patrick and Maria O'Cock and Pam Muscat (formerly Pam Camilleri). Dave and Judy Tomlinson got on board soon after. We have been working with the Ati tribe, the indigenous people of the Philippines since 1993 when we started a day care centre and found sponsors (mostly Maltese people) to see the Ati children through their education and help shape their futures. I (Patrick) first encountered the Atis in 1986 and helped them to the best of my ability. It was during that time that I grew a love for these shy, timid and ever so humble people. I really feel like I learned a lot from them and their generous hospitality with the little they had. Many were dying of TB and other diseases, often easily curable if they had some health care. I have seen their babies die from infections that started with a little scratch or a mosquito bite.
The Mission Of Love School
We sought to improve their lives through education for the children, some food and clothing, helping them have homes that they could not be evicted from and helping them to become self-sufficient. The Mission of Love school evolved into what is now a well established school called MOLISI (Mission of Love Integrated School Inc.), run by Marissa Familara. There are about 270 children, about 40 of whom are Ati and benefit from free tuition. Many of the Ati children have progressed from MOLISI to the local High School where they can further their education, and some to colleges in various places after they graduate, giving them much better opportunities in life.
The Ati Homes
In 2007, we were able to purchase a plot of land and complete 9 homes where the Ati can live free from the threat of eviction. Dave and Judy lived there while they oversaw the project and then gave away their home. The homes are approx. 5x5 metres, having a toilet, water and electricity. They have also served as a small business for the Ati as they are able to accommodate some lodgers for a small income.
