This week at VOH Africa, we practiced spelling and reading, received visitors from Canada, and harvested cassava!
VOH Bwiza (Burundi): Writing Letters to our Sponsors
Recently, at VOH Bwiza, the children wrote letters to their sponsors. Writing letters is always exciting as the children can connect with their sponsors and update them on how they are doing.
The children share their school progress, successes, and challenges in their letters. They let their sponsors know how they celebrated Christmas and New Year’s and share other life updates.
Recently, the children were blessed with paper, pens, and coloured pencils. The younger ones enjoyed using these to draw pictures in their letters.
As French is our official language after Kirundi, most write in those two languages. Staff members then translate the messages.
Thank you so much, dear sponsors, for your love, support and care!
You can become a VOH sponsor and make a difference in the life of a child!
VOH Chongwe (Zambia): Cassava Harvest
This week at VOH Chongwe, we harvested cassava. Cassava is one of the primary root crops in Zambia. It is an energy-packed crop consumed in various forms, including as a fresh raw or cooked snack. It’s also an excellent source of energy.
Favour, Moses, Regina, and Mike were all smiles as they posed for photographs holding some of the cassava they had harvested. Seeing the children so happy brought joy to our hearts!
It is also gratifying to note that the children are learning fundamental lessons and acquiring life skills in food production. This experience will add to their ability to care for themselves and others in the future.
Fun fact: did you know cassava is used to make tapioca and boba (bubble tea) pearls?
VOH Kitwe (Zambia): Meet Boyd
Keeping our centre clean is one of our priorities at VOH Kitwe. We know that a clean environment is free from germs and diseases.
Meet our landscaper, Boyd, who ensures the property is clean and safe for children and adults. Boyd joined VOH Kitwe many years back. He works tirelessly and enjoys what he does. Serving at VOH has allowed him to earn a living while gaining good experience, which he is grateful for.
We are happy that Boyd enjoys and takes pride in what he does and are grateful to have him in our VOH family!
VOH Luongo (Zambia): Reading Lessons
Schools in Zambia are still closed due to the recent country-wide Cholera outbreak. During the extended closure, the children still have the opportunity to come to our centre for food and extra lessons.
This week, the teacher helped some children who came to practice reading. They made a few word cards to assist with their learning. The children had fun playing with the cards and learning new words. They also played various word games with the help of the teacher.
Seeing these children’s eagerness to improve their reading skills was truly impressive.
The children took their reading cards home so they could continue practicing. The teachers are confident that by the time schools officially open, the children will stay caught up and may even be ahead in their reading and writing skills.
We are grateful to VOH for providing the materials the teachers and children need for effective learning and teaching!
VOH Malawi: Meet Gladys
Meet Gladys, a resilient 13-year-old currently in grade 7 at VOH Malawi. Despite facing challenges, she resides with her mother, who sustains their livelihood through farming.
Gladys stands out as a diligent and hardworking student, affirmed by her exceptional performance in the previous term’s exams, earning her well-deserved recognition as one of our star performers.
Not only does Gladys excel academically, but she also garners praise for her impeccable handwriting, a testament to her commitment to presenting her schoolwork with precision and care.
Beyond her studies, Gladys cherishes the companionship of her close friends, Zione and Bridget. Together, they form a supportive trio, aiding each other in schoolwork to ensure they maintain commendable academic performance.
Gladys harbours a dream of becoming a nurse, a goal we wholeheartedly support and encourage.
At VOH, her humility consistently astonishes us, and we hope she becomes an exemplar not only to her friends but also to the younger girls in classes behind her.
In our prayers, we ask God to guide and help Gladys overcome any obstacles on her journey to achieving her aspirations of becoming a nurse.
VOH Maramvya (Burundi): Visit from Cross Church
Recently, at VOH Maramvya, we received special visitors from Cross Church in Canada.
We were so grateful that they travelled all this way to offer their time and encouragement to our children and staff.
Their visit brought joy and excitement to the children. The impact of their presence was evident in the children’s faces as they lit up with smiles and laughter. It was a reminder that they are loved, cared for and valued.
Thank you, Cross Church, for your love and ongoing support!
VOH Mongu (Zambia): Staying Busy During School Closures
Schools are facing closures amid a cholera outbreak in Zambia. While the circumstances are challenging, the children have embraced the extra time enthusiastically, engaging in various activities that entertain them and contribute positively to their surroundings.
The extended break has allowed the children to immerse themselves in a world of games, where laughter and camaraderie fill the air. Reading books has become a popular pastime, providing entertainment and fostering a love for learning.
The children have also been active contributors during the break, taking on gardening tasks and cultivating a sense of responsibility and a connection to nature. Through their efforts, they are not only staying occupied but also making a positive impact on the environment around them.
Amidst these activities, our discipleship centre has played a crucial role in ensuring the children stay engaged and connected. Extra programs have been implemented to stimulate their minds, fostering personal and educational growth.
Despite the delay in school start, the centre has remained a hub of creativity and learning, providing a structured environment for the children to thrive!