VOH Bwiza (Burundi) Update: Supporting our Children’s Committee
This past week at VOH Bwiza, we discussed the “Rights of the Child” as defined by UNICEF with our Children’s Committee. The Rights of the Child are human rights adapted for children because they consider their fragility, developmental needs, and the importance of every child developing physically and intellectually. The members of our Children’s Committee represent their peers during our Lead Team meetings, which is why it’s so important they learn and understand the rights they are protecting. We always encourage our children to express themselves, use their voices, and speak out if something is wrong. Our Children’s Committee helps facilitate this. At VOH, we value each child and work hard to ensure all their rights are protected.
VOH Chongwe (Zambia) Update: First Aid Review
Recently at VOH Chongwe, Red Cross Zambia carried out a First Aid assessment with our medical staff. The goal was to re-equip and refresh the housemothers, teachers, and all caregivers with First Aid skills and knowledge. We want to ensure our caregivers can apply First Aid to each other and the children if anyone gets injured or falls ill.
VOH Kitwe (Zambia) Update: George Pays a Visit
VOH Kitwe was happy to have graduate George stop by for a visit! George was in our first class back in 1999. He used to share a poem with visitors entitled “Poverty”. The poem goes: “Poverty, poverty; poverty you have no mercy. You wanted us to be illiterate, but because Jesus loves and cares for us, today we are in school!” George was always happy to let other students and visitors know that poverty was no longer going to trouble children who were under the care of VOH. George has dropped by twice now to donate bags of mealie meal–a staple food. It is encouraging to see former VOH students return to the Center to visit and give back. George’s donation will be distributed to the most vulnerable students in the school. Thank you, George!
VOH Luongo (Zambia) Update: Report Cards
It’s always a happy day when parents come to our school to collect the students’ report cards. The parents also get to discuss how their children are doing in school with the teachers. The parents were all pleased with the performance of their children this past term. Those who were not able to read and write when they started school have greatly improved. Seeing how pleased the parents are was a big encouragement to the teachers, who have pledged to continue working hard for our students. The teachers also encouraged the parents/guardians to continue helping and encouraging their children at home.
VOH Malawi Update: COVID-19 Vaccinations!
This is the last week of the first term of school at VOH Malawi. Schools close this Friday for a two-week break. Looking back, we are so thankful that God has helped us through this difficult period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our biggest celebration this term is that the majority of our staff will be receiving their COVID-19 vaccination! These are men and women who give care to the kids that are part of our VOH programs, and they see how important it is to protect themselves, the kids, and the society we serve in the community. We are always grateful to the staff for realizing how important they are in the ministry of VOH.
VOH Maramvya (Burundi) Update: Medical Checkups and Training
This week at VOH Maramvya, we were thankful to the Burundian Association for Family Welfare (ABUBEF) for providing helpful medical training to our children and their parents. Medical checkups were provided for those who wanted them, followed by care information specifically related to each child’s current state of health. We are very thankful that we can continue playing an essential role in the overall health and wellbeing of our children and their families!
VOH Mwanza (Tanzania) Update: Mothers Giving Back
VOH Mwanza has been known by members of the Nyegezi community as a beacon of hope and safety for children from all backgrounds. This week we are witnessing the appreciation from mothers of sponsored children at the VOH primary school. They came into the centre and volunteered their time to help clean. Thank you, mothers!
VOH Zimbabwe Update: Smangaliso’s Story
VOH puts high importance on seeing the development of the whole child. When we see young children grow from being timid and lacking confidence to becoming more and more outgoing and confident as they get older, it brings joy to our hearts. Smangaliso came to VOH Zimbabwe in 2010 as a shy young man from a difficult background. He has grown to become an excellent public speaker and a poet. Recently, he became the MC at church! What a joy to watch him lead the services. He is currently waiting for his Grade 11 results. After graduation, he wants to work towards becoming an aircraft engineer. We are so happy for Smangaliso and wish him all the best as he works toward his dream!