VOH Bwiza (Burundi) Update: Meet Twins Gabriella and Jehovanisse
At VOH Bwiza, we are excited to introduce you to these precious twins: Gabriella and Jehovanisse. These girls live in a children’s home at our Center. They did their preschool at Bwiza Center, and now they are attending primary in a nearby public school, but we cover their school fees and all other costs related to their education. The girls are very committed to their studies, and are kind to others and love to learn. At times, it isn’t easy to distinguish them because they look so alike. Last week, they each received a gift from their sponsors, and they bought these beautiful dresses! They are very thankful for their amazing sponsors and were so excited to show off their new dresses!
If you would like to become a sponsor to a child like Gabriella or Jehovanisse, visit our Child Sponsorship page!
VOH Chongwe (Zambia) Update: Teachers’ Workshop
This week, VOH Chongwe organized a teachers’ workshop as part of our ongoing professional development. Head Teacher, Mr. Banda, facilitated the workshop. The main objective was to discuss classroom management, the qualities of a good teacher, and how we can continue offering and delivering quality education and care during the current school lockdown. The teachers enjoyed sharing different success stories of how their students continue to perform during the lockdown. The workshop was a big success, and the teachers appreciated the reminder that they are a highly valued part of the VOH family!
VOH Kitwe (Zambia) Update: Nkumbu’s Story
VOH Kitwe would like you to meet Nkumbu. Nkumbu came to our Center at a young age. He completed school in 2016, and in 2017 he was reintegrated back to his living family members. He subsequently had the opportunity to go to college and studied Environmental Health Technology. We are so pleased to report that Nkumbu just completed his 3-year program in June of this year! His life journey encourages the children and youth who are currently attending school at VOH Kitwe. They have seen from Nkumbu that hard work does benefit them now and in the future. They have also been encouraged to give back to the community after hearing that Nkumbu came to VOH Kitwe and offered to help in the office as a part-time volunteer. This week was his orientation, and our Administrator showed him how to use Quickbooks and enter expense receipts into a spreadsheet. We were happy to see how quickly he caught on to the things we were teaching him and how much he enjoyed doing the bookkeeping work. It is so uplifting to see the impact that VOH has on those who have gone through our program!
VOH Luongo (Zambia) Update: Distributing Maize!
By this time of year in Zambia, farmers have harvested their crops from the fields. Our staple food is Nshima, a thick porridge made from finely ground cornmeal, called Mealie Meal. Right after our harvest, we sent our children home with heads of maize to share with their families. We dried up the remaining maize, and now it’s ready to be ground into powder and used to prepare nshima. We used the empty HEPS sacks when we packed up the maize, and we were amazed by how much remained even after distributing so much to the children! We are so thankful we can send our kids home with food supplies for their families. This practical support is a huge blessing and a great example of VOH’s care towards everyone in our community.
VOH Mongu (Zambia) Update: Exploring Artistic Skills!
With schools still closed due to the pandemic, the kids living on-site in our children’s homes at VOH Mongu are enjoying every bit of their free time! This past week our kids were focusing on their artist skills, including painting and music. It’s exciting to see how they love to explore new activities and discover hidden talents. They always include each other, as well, and no one is left out. It’s so fun to be around these kids and witness how they love and support each other!
VOH Mwanza (Tanzania) Update: Congratulations, Mussa!
Mussa is an impressive young man who has been calling VOH Mwanza his home all his life. His recent academic performance at the end of his A-Levels is commendable. Achieving a high final grade, Mussa is ready to join university to pursue his passion of becoming a journalist. He is a charismatic, outgoing young man who has a passion for the arts, languages, and geography. Mussa speaks fluent English, Kiswahili, and beginner-level French! He also enjoys playing football and other athletic sports. This achievement for Mussa is so inspirational to his younger VOH family. Mussa’s story motivates them to work hard because they see that it pays off. As we celebrate this achievement with Mussa, we are also praying for him. We are praying that he may continue discovering his passions and be successful in the next stage of his life. Well done, Mussa!
VOH Zimbabwe Update: Shopping Day!
At VOH Zimbabwe, the children help around the Center with the gardening. This responsibility allows them to gain practical skills and shows them the importance of doing their part for their family. For all of the other groceries items that cannot be grown at the Center, the housemothers go shopping once a month, and the children join them. We have central purchasing in Zimbabwe, and distribution is done at one central store. By taking our children with them when it is time to purchase supplies for the next month, the kids are learning life skills that help them today and will also help them when they graduate and are responsible for their own home. Our kids love shopping day, and we love that they are a big help and are learning as they participate!