VOH Africa: VOH Kids Sing "The Blessing" for Day of Charity
Saturday, September 5th was the International Day of Charity and we wanted to take this chance to thank YOU for your love, prayers, and support, even during these difficult times.
We were inspired when we saw so many groups and churches create their own version of “The Blessing” so we thought we’d film our own as a way to say thank you and to bring us closer together, even though physically we are far apart.
From all of us at VOH Africa to all of you, be blessed! 🧡
Watch it here:
VOH Bulale (Tanzania) Update: Assessment Exams
At VOH Bulale the Primary classes recently wrote exams. These tests indicate where the children are at with their learning and how the time away from class has potentially affected their progress.
The results will allow our teachers to make adjustments to their teaching moving forward so they can ensure every child has the best chance to succeed and do well by the end of this school year.
The children now have a week off school to rest while teachers mark the exams and prepare upcoming lessons accordingly.
VOH Bwiza (Burundi) Update: Child Safeguarding
Last week at VOH Bwiza our lead team held a special meeting to review our updated Child Safeguarding Policy and contextualize it according to our local culture.
Our primary goal continues to be ensuring every one of our children knows they are loved, protected, and safe. We also continually teach and remind our children that God loves and values them.
VOH Chongwe (Zambia) Update: Discipleship and Scripture Art
Despite schools currently being closed (except for examination grades) here at VOH Chongwe, we are working hard to make sure our children know our love and care for them has not stopped.
Discipleship is one of the programs we have successfully undertaken during the lockdown. Scriptures are prepared and distributed to the children ensuring they continue to grow in their understanding of God through the Bible. We also carry out various activities such as reading scripture together, watching videos, group discussions, and discipleship sessions over Zoom with Uncle Serge.
Our art club is also creating pictures inspired by scripture!
We are thankful we can continue to minister to our children both physically and spiritually during these unusual times.
VOH Kitwe (Zambia) Update: Church at the Village
At VOH Kitwe the children living in our children’s homes have not been able to attend our usual local church due to COVID-19. However, this has not stopped the homes from continuing to meet together in small groups right at the Village.
Every Sunday Everlyn, our Director, leads devotions with the children and their house moms. This week they were learning how God kept Noah safe and that He keeps us safe too.
These lessons are taught from a version of the Bible that is easy for the children to read and understand.
When asked how the lessons were going, the children all said they are finding the lessons very interesting and helpful and they end each week looking forward to the next meeting!
VOH Luongo (Zambia) Update: Temperature Checks
At VOH Luongo we are excited to procure a modern thermometer to use as one of our Covid-19 health requirements. Children are being screened as they come for feeding, discipleship, and educational materials. Both the children and the staff are so happy each day to know their temperatures are in a healthy range.
At VOH Luongo we are doing everything we can to keep our children safe from the virus. The community is thankful for how well we are looking after the children and we pass that gratitude on to our donors who make it possible for us to access the safety equipment we need.
VOH Maramvya (Burundi) Update: Teaching Entrepreneurship
This past week at VOH Maramvya we held a workshop to teach entrepreneur skills to parents who moved from Bujumbura to Maramvya.
They were so happy and grateful for the information and learned a variety of ways they can earn money to care for their families. Some of the business ideas they left with included selling food, raising goats or chickens, and simple agriculture.
VOH Mwanza (Tanzania) Update: Reuniting with Family!
At VOH Mwanza we are continuing to work hard to help reunite children who are in our shelter program with their extended families in the community. Recently Senga was able to go for a visit to his extended family. His grandfather came to pick him up at the centre and he was very excited.
Senga has been living at VOH Mwanza since he was a toddler and he is now 20 years old! Senga struggles with some developmental delays as well as some other health issues, but he has learned to thrive nonetheless! Senga was so happy to meet his Grandfather and to know that he has a family!
Everyone else at the Village is also very excited for Senga, as he gets this opportunity after so many years to be reconnected with his own family.
The family is ready to welcome Senga back and VOH Mwanza will be walking with them through this process ensuring they have what they need to properly support Senga.
VOH Zimbabwe Update: Fire Safety
Every six months at VOH Zimbabwe we do fire drills with the children to ensure the safety procedures are fresh in their minds. During these sessions, members from the local fire department come on-site and do demonstrations using the equipment we have here at the Village.
Every home is fitted with fire equipment, which is regularly checked to ensure it is in good working condition.
If we were to have a fire at the Village, we know these regular sessions will ensure the children know how to respond and protect themselves.
Support our Work During COVID-19 by Giving Hope Packs!
Each package contains:
- 1 bottle of liquid hand soap
- 2kgs of nutritious porridge
- reusable face masks (with use and care instructions)
- children’s multi-vitamins
- a COVID-19 safety handout
Each HOPE Pack costs $20.