“VOH Africa provided me with shelter and education when I had nothing. They taught me how to work hard and they also taught me to believe in myself!”
-Fredrick
First, please introduce yourself!
My name is Fredrick and I came to VOH Kitwe in April 2002 when I was eleven years old.
Can you share a bit of your story?
When my parents got divorced, my brother and I were separated and I was taken by my mother to live with her, but not long after that, she died. After my mother’s death, I was heartbroken and I was taken by Aunty. I stayed with different relatives and in the process was mistreated at every place I lived.
My older brother Peter had already made his way to Kitwe in the hopes of finding a better life for himself. He found VOH Kitwe and was immediately taken in and given a home and the opportunity to go back to school.
From the day he arrived at VOH, he began to tell the Directors, his housemother, and his teacher about me and explained the bad situation that I was in.
Thanks to my brother, a spot was found for me at VOH Kitwe, too. I moved into the same home with him and started attending school.
I began to feel good about my life again the had new hope for my future!
What are you doing now?
Currently, I am studying Clinical Medicine at Kafue Institute of Health Science in Kafue, Zambia. When school is on a break, I return to VOH Kitwe where they give me the opportunity to apprentice as an intern in the clinic. This allows me to gain practical experience while I am still studying.
When I graduate, I would love to return to VOH and work in their clinic, where I will have the opportunity to help others like myself.
What are your plans for the future?
My plan is to continue studying medicine so in the future I will be able to help other children and my fellow youth.
How has VOH helped you get to where you are today?
VOH Africa has helped me in many ways: They provided me with shelter and education when I had nothing. They taught me how to be disciplined and work hard. They also taught me to believe in myself!
Most of all, VOH told me about God and His love for me and made it possible for me to know Christ as my personal saviour.