This week at VOH Africa, we took part in Child Health Week and learned through playing games.
VOH Bwiza (Burundi): Preschool Students Celebrate Their First Year
We had a great time with our Preschool children at VOH Bwiza as we wrapped up the 2022-2023 school year.
We are so happy to see how well they have done during their first school year. They worked hard and played well with their new friends.
Thank you to our teachers for their dedication and hard work. They always find ways to make learning, which shows in their students’ success.
At the end of the school year, the children presented songs and dances to celebrate their special day.
Have a great break, kids; see you at the start of the next school year!
VOH Chongwe (Zambia): Child Health Week
This week VOH Chongwe took part in Zambia’s Child Health Week program. Health Week happens at least once each year and is facilitated by the Zambian Ministry of Health. It is a requirement that every health facility participates, including our VOH clinic.
The focus is on attending to the health needs of children under five. Children receive immunizations, Vitamin A supplementation, and deworming at these clinics.
Younger children are more vulnerable, and providing these check-ups and preventative measures will ensure they grow strong and healthy.
VOH Chongwe is pleased to share that our health centre is committed to providing Child Health Week services to VOH children and children from the surrounding community.
A big thank you to all our fantastic healthcare staff for providing the best possible care to our children!
VOH Kitwe (Zambia): New Clothes!
Children always get excited when they receive a special surprise. This week at VOH Kitwe, our preschool children were gifted with new pieces of clothing. It was their first time receiving clothes since joining our VOH family at the beginning of the year.
The children’s excitement was evident; laughter and smiles were all around!
The parents were thrilled with the number and variety of clothes their children received. They said that now, in addition to having something nice to wear to school, their children will also have something nice to wear on special occasions.
Children and parents alike were so grateful for this kind gesture!
VOH Luongo (Zambia): Game-Based Learning
Game-based learning is a great way to improve young students’ creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
This week, VOH Luongo children had fun learning while playing board games. They learned to play chess, snakes & ladders, and various word games.
This type of learning allows children to experiment through trial and error, find solutions to problems, work out the best strategies, and build their confidence.
Games are an excellent way for kids to develop social skills and improve their literacy and math.
What a fun way to learn!
VOH Malawi: Hearing Clinic
This week at VOH Malawi, we received visitors from ABC Hearing Clinic. ABC provides outreach programs to charity organizations that care for children. During their outreach visits, they provide hearing screening, and when they discover any significant concerns, they recommend steps that should be taken to help the children.
Most cases found at our centre were minor. A few kids had ear infections, which we immediately acted on based on their recommended treatment.
We are so thankful they came to visit and provide this vital service! We hope to develop a long-term partnership with them so they can visit us regularly for screening and diagnosing.
Thank you, ABC Hearing Clinic, for offering your time and expertise to our children!
VOH Maramvya (Burundi): Visit from Uncle Serge
Recently at VOH Maramvya, we were so happy to have the VOH Africa Executive Director, Sergio Bersaglio, visit us! Uncle Serge was warmly welcomed at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport by some of our VOH Burundi leadership team.
While with us, Uncle Serge met with our staff to offer encouragement and support. He called on our team to make the VOH centre a “heaven on earth” for our children. This description caught our attention since many of the children in our care have experienced various types of trauma before coming to VOH. Some have lost one or both parents; others come from troubled homes.
Uncle Serge told us that the starting point to changing a trauma-filled world is changing the child by caring for them and showing them they are loved. This approach to change will hopefully result in a better future for the children today and the next generation.
In addition, Uncle Serge reminded us of three essential things every staff member should be an expert in: children’s rights, child safeguarding, and child participation.
We were all very impressed and helped by Uncle Serge’s teaching!
VOH Mongu (Zambia): Donation from Wence Finance
This week, VOH Mongu received a heartfelt donation from Wence Finance, benefiting five school children. The contribution encompassed essential items that will significantly impact the children’s education and well-being.
Wence Finance generously provided school supplies, ensuring the sponsored children have the necessary tools to excel in their studies. Additionally, they extended their support by including sanitary supplies for the girls.
The impact of this donation goes beyond the tangible items received. It represents a partnership that recognizes the importance of education and empowers these young individuals to reach their full potential.
VOH Mongu extends sincere thanks and appreciation to Wence Finance for its commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of children. Their support has created an environment that fosters learning, promotes gender equality, and uplifts the spirits of these students.
Together, VOH Mongu and Wence Finance are creating a brighter future for the children of Zambia!
VOH Mwanza (Tanzania): Career Development
We are thrilled to share that 27 talented pupils and students, sponsored by VOH Mwanza, recently attended a three-day session on children’s career development.
This incredible opportunity helped them explore and choose their future careers. During the session, we witnessed the dreams and aspirations of these bright young minds. Some envisioned themselves as future doctors, engineers, bank managers, soldiers, business personnel, and even hotel managers!
It’s remarkable to observe that when a child sets their mind on a particular field of study, it positively impacts their current performance. The enthusiasm associated with pursuing their favourite subject as a full-time career fuels their motivation and commitment to learning. As a result, they maintain high levels of concentration and focus throughout their educational journey.
Here at VOH Mwanza, we are dedicated to nurturing these children and helping them reach their full potential!