Here at VOH Africa, we are all about bringing hope to children in need. One of our favourite things to do is follow up with our graduates so we can share with you the amazing things they’ve been able to accomplish thanks to your support.
Name: Samson
Location: VOH Burundi
First came to VOH: 2010, age 17
Tell us a bit about your life and how you came to VOH…
It didn’t take long for my miracle to come.
I am the last born of a big family of eight. My father passed away when I was only two years old. My mother, who was very sick and without a job, couldn’t pay my school fees or meet all our needs at home. Many nights we went to sleep without eating.
I was desperate but I thank God that I attended church when I was very young. This helped me to be close to God and to trust Him, waiting for a miracle.
It didn’t take long for my miracle to come. One day I heard in my church there was a new program committed to helping orphans and children in need. I couldn’t believe it; I thought I was dreaming. I knew at that moment God answered my prayers.
The VOH Burundi Director was already aware of my situation and I got enrolled in the program. It was a real miracle. In addition to basic care, VOH also came alongside and allowed me to return to school.
What are you doing now and what are your plans for the future?
I used to say that I had heard about God, but now I say that I’ve seen God with my own eyes.
I am working as a technician mechanic for an international company that builds and repairs roads. I am very thankful to God who provided this job shortly after I graduated. I appreciate that I am not only working but also working in the area I studied in school. God is amazing!
I have been cared for by VOH and now I can care for my mother and my sisters. They now look at me to help them in many ways including paying their school fees and home utilities.
When I was at VOH, I was unable to help take care of my relatives yet, but now that I’ve graduated and found a career, I can. Right now, I am building a house for my Mother and I have installed a water tank at our home. I want to wash all the tears she shed and then take care of myself after I’ve taken care of her. The neighbours say to my mother, “You have a special son.” I want to bring hope in my family, in my sisters’ lives. I want to change their conditions of life. I want to establish them and to care for them. They suffered enough. After I’ve cared for them I will think of myself, getting married, and other things.
I used to say that I had heard about God, but now I say that I’ve seen God with my own eyes. That’s why I glorify God for all that He has done for me.
How would you say VOH helped you become the person you are today?
VOH changed the whole story of my life.
VOH has completely made me who I am today. As the name “Villages of Hope” says, VOH brought hope into my life. Because of VOH I attended school and found shelter when I couldn’t find a home.
As if that wasn’t enough, VOH helped me find a job after graduating. I cannot thank VOH enough; VOH has become my parent. VOH is my home. I grew up spiritually because of VOH and God met all my needs through them. VOH changed the whole story of my life.