This week at VOH Africa, we held parent-teacher meetings, held our first Hope Camp, and celebrated 21 years of Hope Community Church!
VOH Africa: Take Part in Christmas Hope Packs!
VOH Africa: Christmas Hope Packs!
Hope Packs are targeted fundraisers in the form of care packages designed to meet specific needs within the VOH community. This month, we are launching a special Christmas Hope Packs campaign! We want to bless VOH kids with a special gift that says, “You are special and loved.” Each Christmas Hope Pack contains essential and fun items, including toys, clothing, and candy.
Give a Christmas Hope Pack today for only $25 and put a big smile on the face of a VOH child! https://vohafrica.com/hopepacks
VOH Bulale (Tanzania) Update: Parent-Teacher Meetings
VOH Bulale school organized a parent-teacher meeting during the children’s mid-term break. The focus of the meeting was to discuss the children’s academic progress and overall social well-being at school. We also discussed ways the school and the parents can cooperate as we strive to support the children’s progress at school. The number of parents who attended was very encouraging, and the responses were positive. The parents even shared their appreciation for the teachers and their dedication. We are pleased with the outcome because it shows that the children’s parents care about their children’s academic and general welfare!
VOH Bwiza (Burundi) Update: “Empower Me” Pads Project
At VOH Bwiza, a local organization, Burundi Love, blessed us by allowing us to participate in their Nshoboza Pads project. Nshoboza means “empower me,” and through this project, Burundi Love makes and distributes menstrual cloth pads. All of our older VOH girls were invited to attend and learn about the physical changes girls experience during puberty and how to care for themselves. Burundi Love also distributed menstrual cloth pads to the girls, who were very appreciative. Absenteeism and dropping out of school are major problems at most schools in Burundi because older girls are not equipped with menstrual products. We are thankful to Burundi Love for including us in this important project and empowering our young women!
VOH Chongwe (Zambia) Update: Writing to Sponsors
It’s letter-writing day again at VOH Chongwe! The children are always ready and excited to communicate with their sponsors and let them know how the school term is going. We are in the last term of the current school year, and everyone is looking forward to starting a new grade in January! The children are so grateful that their sponsors help make their education possible. The children pray regularly for their sponsors and are very thankful for their commitment, love, and support!
You can sponsor a VOH child today by visiting sponsorship.vohafrica.com
VOH Kitwe (Zambia) Update: Enjoying the Library
VOH Kitwe is privileged to have a school library at our centre! This week during library time, the Grade 3 children were put into groups and read a book together. They then wrote down interesting things they discovered. Another favourite library activity is playing word snakes and ladders. The school librarian also ensures that the children understand and follow library rules so everyone can have fun with books and activities. He also helps the children find the types of books they want to read. The school teaching staff is so happy to see that the children have a keen interest in using the library!
VOH Luongo (Zambia) Update: Meet Joyce
Our daily feeding program is an essential part of the work we do at VOH Luongo. This week, we would like you to meet Joyce, who has been a part of our VOH Luongo staff since we opened in 2017. Joyce started as a janitor, and now she is the person in charge of the feeding program. She prepares HEPS (High Energy Protein Supplement) porridge daily for the children; they love and appreciate her and her kind and caring way of interacting with them. Joyce enjoys serving at VOH Luongo, and she is dedicated to her work. Joyce, alongside other staff members, ensures that the kitchen is a risk-free area. She has met all of the requirements required by the Ministry of Health to be qualified as a food handler. Joyce always tells us how grateful she is to VOH Luongo for giving her an opportunity to serve, and we are happy with the work that she is doing!
VOH Malawi Update: First Hope Camp!
This week at VOH Malawi, we held our first-ever Hope Camp! Since the extension program started and our kids in the youth homes were reunited with their families, they have not had an opportunity to all be together once again; the camp made it possible! There was so much joy and so many hugs during camp. The theme was “Reunion with a Purpose — Hebrews 10:25.” We had lots of clubs for the kids, including dance, music, drama, art, and kickboxing! The camp attendees signed up for a club on arrival, and practices began the next day. On the final day of camp, everyone gathered to showcase what they had done at camp. It was amazing to see so much great talent! The VOH team worked hard together, and the results were a great event that will remain in the hearts of all who attended!
VOH Zimbabwe Update: 21-Year Anniversary of Hope Community Church
This past week marked 21 years of ministry at VOH Zimbabwe for Hope Community Church. We celebrated the anniversary with all the branch churches planted in the past 21 years. The church plants have been instrumental in expanding VOH’s community outreach program as we use their buildings and connections to reach out to the most vulnerable. It was a day filled with celebrations, songs, and a snack to cap it all off. We are thankful to God for the opportunity to reach vulnerable children through the ministry of VOH Zimbabwe and Hope Community Church!