VOH Africa: New Back to School Hope Packs!
We are excited to announce the launch of our new Back to School Hope Packs!
Back to school looks different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the ways we are keeping our students safe is by ensuring each student has their own school supplies, whether they will be learning in the classroom or at home. Students will also need to take additional safety measures like using hand sanitizer. Our new Back to School Hope Packs will ensure each student has access to all the things they need for a safe and successful school year!
Each Back to School Hope Pack costs $30 and contains:
- Exercise Books
- Pencils
- Pens
- An Eraser
- A Ruler
- A Pencil Case
- Soap and/or Hand Sanitizer
Support our Work During COVID-19 by Giving Hope Packs!
VOH Bulale (Tanzania) Update: Distributing Clothing
Recently at VOH Bulale, we were able to give away some clothing to our community parents. We are grateful that over the last year we’ve received so many donated clothes that we have enough to share with the children and their families.
This is just one small way we can help support VOH families, as most do not have the means to buy their own clothes. Our Bulale parents and caregivers are very committed and often help with cleanliness and upkeep at the Village, so it was very nice to be able to give back a little extra to help them out!
VOH Bwiza (Burundi) Update: Preschool Enrollment
At VOH Bwiza, we are excited to open our doors to new children enrolled in our Preschool. Bwiza is an area where VOH is located, there are many children whose parents or caregivers are unable to afford education.
We received more than 60 applications and we are excited to welcome 20 new children into our program! We pray God brings hope into their lives and their families through the work of VOH.
VOH Chongwe (Zambia) Update: Return to In-Person Learning
At VOH Chongwe up until this week, following government guidelines, our school was only open to grades 7, 9, and 12. These are the grades who are required to write government exams; therefore, in-person teaching is necessary. Starting next week, the government has ordered all grades to return to in-person teaching.
We are ensuring that all COVID-19 measures are strictly followed, including handwashing, health screening, social distancing, and masks. We are also regularly disinfecting the classrooms and common areas. We are wishing our students and a safe and positive return to classes!
VOH Kitwe (Zambia) Update: Simon’s Box of Love
Recently at VOH Kitwe, when Simon came to pick up his schoolwork, we also gave him a Box of Love packed for him by his sponsor! He was so happy that his sponsor took the time to pack him a special box.
His sponsor has been to VOH Kitwe several times and visited Simon in his home in the community. The Box of Love made Simon so happy because times are quite hard here in Zambia and the presents and small gift of money will help support him and his grandma.
VOH Luongo (Zambia) Update: Toy Cars from Canada!
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important the children get a chance to play. At VOH Luongo, we are following all the guidelines of the local health authorities when the children come to visit to collect their schoolwork and nutrition packages. Playtime looks different but is still a fun and positive experience.
The children were given wooden toy cars that arrived in the Boxes of Love container. They loved playing with them safely with their friends! Thank you, everyone, who was involved in sending these special gifts!
VOH Mongu (Zambia) Update: Meeting for Hope Packs
This week at VOH Mongu we distributed another round of Hope Packs along with monthly homework for the students who are not back to in-person learning.
Since the closure of schools, these students haven’t been allowed back except to receive homework packs and food packs each month. We’ve loved being able to distribute Hope Packs for the kids because it provides us a time to connect with them and ensure they are doing well and keeping safe.
This time, we were able to take updated pictures of all of our students and write letters to all of their sponsors. The kids loved getting to see their friends again for the day and were so sad to go home after they were done. We can’t wait until school opens again!
You can support VOH students during COVID-19 by giving Hope Packs today! Visit: vohafrica.com/hopepacks
VOH Mwanza (Tanzania) Update: Christina Gets a New Home
Some of you may remember the story about Christina from VOH Mwanza, a few weeks back. She was left at our gate by her mother, who abandoned her. We have been working very hard to try to trace her mother and other extended family but so far it has proved very difficult.
However, a new children’s home in Dar es Salaam who specializes in children with disabilities has agreed to take Christina into their care. Here she will be able to get more specialized care and treatment. Our team will continue to follow up on any leads we get, as the ultimate goal is still to one day reunify Christina with her family.
We had a little farewell at the Village to say goodbye to Christina, who has been with us for about a month now. She is doing so much better than when she arrived; she’s more alert, happier, and has gained 2 kilos! Mama Helena who took care of her did an amazing job. All of the kids and housemothers will miss little Christina, but ultimately just want her to have the best care possible.
VOH Zimbabwe Update: Hair Styling at Home!
With the COVID-19 lockdown, the house mothers have been turned into hair stylists as the children can not go to get their hair done in town. It’s a joy for the moms to have this special time with each girl and the children love it when the moms are doing their hair! The children have also been learning to do each other’s hair through this process, which has taught them a skill that could be helpful in the future.