VOH Bwiza (Burundi) Update: Emelyne’s Story
When Emelyne was young, she was homeless and lived in the streets with other children in challenging conditions. Emelyne was brought to VOH Bwiza, and her life changed completely. She found a new home in one of our children’s homes, and we are very thankful to watch her grow into a happy and healthy young girl. Emelyne is a committed student and loves going to school. Thanks to the love and care that she is receiving, we know she once again has hope for her future!
VOH Chongwe (Zambia) Update: Upgraded Classrooms
One of our goals at VOH Chongwe is to ensure our children receive a quality education and are in a clean and happy environment. Recently, our preschool classroom received a facelift both inside and out. The classroom now has new chairs, carpeting, books, and educational paintings. The upgrade has brought so much joy and excitement to our students!
VOH Kitwe (Zambia) Update: Lawreen’s Story
Lawreen is in grade 6 and first joined our VOH Kitwe Center when she enrolled in preschool back in 2014. Lawreen is doing well in her school work. She is very social and active and enjoys eating our HEPS porridge before going into class because she says it gives her lots of energy! Lawreen is so happy and grateful to be a part of the VOH Kitwe School, and we are thankful to have her as part of our VOH family!
VOH Luongo (Zambia) Update: New Clothes!
There were lots of smiles on our kid’s faces this week at VOH Luongo! Thanks to generous donations we received via a container shipped from CLA church in Langley, BC, we distributed new shoes and clothes to all of our children! The toques and sweaters, in particular, will help keep them warm this cold season. Both the children and their parents were so happy and very thankful for these gifts.
VOH Malawi Update: School Uniforms!
Every year at VOH Malawi, we have a new intake of kids that join our program. Last year we had 43 kids join, and they have been doing great! Last week, the uniforms we ordered for the new students finally arrived, and we were so excited to distribute them along with new school shoes. The students are so proud to be wearing the same clothes that all of the other students are wearing!
VOH Maramvya (Burundi) Update: Meet Annick
Annick is in grade nine and moved from Bwiza to Maramvya with her family. She is very close to her family and lives with her mother, little sister, and niece. Because we do not have high school yet at our VOH Maramvya Center, Annick attends a local public school, and we pay her school fees. Little by little, Annick and her family are settling into their new home in the community of Maramvya, and Annick has found some new friends! Annick is currently writing her grade 9 National exams, which she must pass to continue to the second phase of secondary school. She is working very hard to succeed and has so far received good test results. Her goal is to finish her studies so she can help support her family. Annick is very grateful to everyone who has helped her get to where she is today and is incredibly thankful for her VOH sponsor.
If you would like to sponsor a child like Annick, visit vohafrica.com/child-sponsorship
VOH Mongu (Zambia) Update: Solar-Powered Water System
It’s been a great week here at VOH Mongu. We are so excited about our new solar-powered water system! This initiative has not only brought joy to us but will also have a significant impact on the lives of those who come to our Center each day. The new sustainable energy system will ensure we have constant access to clean water without depending on the local electrical company. It will also bring cost-saving benefits. We are so thankful for this new development!
VOH Mwanza (Tanzania) Update: Meet Samuel
Samuel is in grade three, and he attends our primary school at VOH Mwanza. When asked what he likes about school, he smiled broadly and proudly spoke about the environment and showed his classroom, playground, and friends. If you look at his exercise books, you will see neatness and detail in his work that reflects his attentiveness and enjoyment of studying here. When asked what attending school at VOH changed in his life, Samuel said it improved his confidence and fluency in English. We are happy to see children appreciating all of the opportunities available to them at our Center! All the best, Samuel!
VOH Zimbabwe Update: Child Safeguarding
Our Child Safeguarding Policy outlines measures to keep every VOH child safe and ensure that the children are not harmed or abused. Recently, each VOH Center worked on customizing the policy to take into account local laws, customs, and regulations. Having completed that process here at VOH Zimbabwe, we have started educating the staff about the revisions made to the policy. Once all of our staff have been updated, we will share the policy updates with our children and the community. We want to offer a special thanks to the Child Safeguarding team for their hard work.