Welcome to our weekly news roundup! Here we share stories from each of our Villages about our Programs, celebrations, children, and staff. If you’d like to receive these updates via email, please subscribe to our newsletter.
Malawi: Building Hope Academy!
At VOH Malawi our new school, Hope Academy, is now under construction!
It’s been only four weeks, but now you can walk into a classroom and see where the windows and doors will be. We are expecting two classrooms (grade 1 and grade 2) to be open in September this year.
We know Hope Academy will be one of the best schools in Kauma!
Latest Blog: Celebrating The Day of the African Child!
Burundi: Giving Hope for the Future!
At VOH Burundi we are delighted to see our children grow in their academic abilities.
Lion Peter used to live on the streets with little hope for a future. Now he has completed his studies in Computer Science.
Belyse has a similar story. She used to live a difficult life of poverty. Her mother could only provide limited care for her and her future was not looking bright. Now, she is so happy to also be graduating from a computer science program.
Both Lion Peter and Belyse are now busy preparing for their exams. Their success in this will allow them to attend University and get a Bachelor’s Degree!
These two amazing stories would not be possible without the support and efforts of our VOH Africa friends. Thanks to your contributions and support, many children have received renewed hope!
Chongwe: Listening to our Youth
Last week at VOH Chongwe our Youth were happy to have an interactive talk with our Director, Auntie Shaline Mwenya.
Auntie Shaline took time to listen to their concerns and fears and encourage them. She asked them to focus their energies on their studies because their hopes for tomorrow will require focus and hard work today.
The Youth were so grateful that such a platform was arranged at the Village and felt supported, valued, and cared for!
Kitwe: Writing Mock Exams
This week our VOH Kitwe students in grades 7, 9, and 12 are busy writing mock exams in all their subjects from the term. These exams are practice tests that help the students prepare and study for their final exams.
The mock exams allow the students to test their understanding of the concepts they learned over the last term and become familiar with the layout and structure of the exams they will write. The teachers supervise and observe during the mock writing, which allows them insight into the students’ readiness.
Thanks to their hard work and practice, we know our students will do well!
Mongu: Kids Fun Day!
This last weekend, VOH Mongu had a Kids Fun Day! During this day, children from our school, homes, and the surrounding community came to play and have fun together.
Hosted by our Child Protection Officer and school chaplain, Clarissa Linde, we had 389 children attend! We also had older children from the school volunteer as referees, group leaders, and entertainers for the kids.
Throughout the morning, the kids played soccer, duck-duck-goose, bean bag tosses, and other fun games.
We love having fun and building community with these amazing kiddos!
Mwanza: Autism Workshop
This week at VOH Mwanza the Mamas and Aunties had the privilege of attending a training workshop on how to raise children with autism.
The training was organized by the municipal council and facilitated by OMPACO (Organization for Medical and Psychological Assistance for Children Overseas).
Two of our housemothers and three special needs Aunties attended this training, as well as some teachers from local schools with special needs children.
The topics were: diagnosing and assessing autism; communication assessment; teaching strategies; behaviour strategies, and individual education plans.
We appreciate OMPACO and Ilemela City Council for inviting and including us in this very important training!
Zimbabwe: Welcome, Anna!
VOH Zimbabwe is honoured to bring hope to 9-year-old Anna who was abandoned by her mother while she was in the hospital. Anna was brought to us this week by Social Services after the hospital discharged her, and we embraced and welcomed her into the VOH family. Anna will join the grade 2 class. She is a bright young lady and we know she has a bright future ahead of her!