This week at VOH Africa, we held first aid demonstrations and celebrated a successful harvest despite drought conditions!
VOH Bulale: First Aid Demonstration
This week at VOH Bulale, our grade 2 students performed a dramatization of what they learned in first aid training.
The storyline follows a character who has been accidentally cut. Throughout the performance, the students demonstrated their understanding of the steps required to take in an emergency. They correctly identified the source of the bleeding, applied pressure using a sterile bandage, and elevated the wound.
In addition to the technical aspects of first aid, the drama highlights the importance of remaining calm and communicating effectively with both the one who is hurt and the emergency services.
Overall, the young students illustrated the correct procedures for dealing with a cut, and we are so proud of them!
VOH Bwiza: Three Days of Power
VOH Bwiza is a partner of Cross Church Burundi. Cross Church holds crusades regularly called Three Days of Power. This week, the Three Days of Power were dedicated to children.
The children host the event and bless those in attendance with singing, dancing, preaching, and even translating. The Children’s Ministry leaders, along with the discipleship team from our centre, help the children prepare for the event.
Participating in these types of events is essential for the children’s spiritual development as it teaches them how to serve God and others.
We are grateful to the church for allowing our children to participate in these events. We are so grateful to see these children happy and well cared for. We can’t thank our sponsors and donors enough; without you, our work wouldn’t be possible.
VOH Chongwe: Open-Door Policy
At VOH Chongwe, the children have access to the centre director, allowing them to share any concerns they may have at any time.
The director has made it clear to all the children and staff that children are free to see her, talk to her and share their concerns freely. This open-door policy is crucial for child safeguarding.
The children are assured that if they ever feel no one else at the centre is paying attention to them or are not acting quickly enough, they have access to the highest office of the centre and can reach that office without being hindered.
The children feel safe knowing they will always have someone who will listen to them and prioritize their well-being.
VOH Kitwe: Harvesting During a Drought
It’s harvest time once again at VOH Kitwe!
The climate has been unkind to us in recent months, affecting the water supply at our centre. Fortunately, despite these challenges, we’ve still managed to harvest heads of cabbage.
This recent harvest has been essential because only a few farmers have been able to grow vegetables on their farms or even in backyards due to the shortage of water.
The cabbages were harvested and sold to staff members and people in the nearby community. The children and mothers living in the children’s homes also enjoyed them, happy to have fresh vegetables grown at home.
We are so proud of our team and thankful for their commitment and teamwork!
VOH Luongo: Creativity through Crafting
Our VOH Luongo staff work hard to ensure that each child’s creativity is recognized, encouraged and developed. This week, the grade 5 class learned about crafts.
With the guidance of their teacher, they made items using materials they sourced themselves, including cardboard, grass and clay.
Each one chose what they wanted to make, showcasing just how creative the children can be. Some chose to make cars out of cardboard, some made bags out of pieces of cloth, and some made clay pots.
It’s beautiful to see the children working together with the teachers and expressing themselves creatively!
VOH Malawi: New Uniforms
At the start of every academic year, each child at VOH Malawi receives a fresh set of uniforms, along with new school shoes. This initiative is a tremendous blessing to the families we serve, many of whom would struggle to afford uniforms for their children.
This week, we had the joy of distributing new uniforms for the year!
Providing uniforms not only relieves a financial burden but also helps create a sense of unity among the children. Coming from various backgrounds, they would typically have to purchase uniforms at different times, leading to inconsistency. However, with all the children receiving their uniforms at the same time, they now arrive at the centre looking smart and feeling a sense of equality.
We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our staff, who worked tirelessly over the past weeks to ensure we had everything we needed. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our donors, whose faithful monthly contributions ensure that each VOH child is well cared for and supported!
VOH Maramvya: Teacher Training
This week, local teachers at VOH Maramvya have been participating in a training program aimed at enhancing their teaching skills and implementing new strategies to improve their students’ success.
Our teachers have been engaging in hands-on activities, group discussions, and workshops led by experienced educators.
The training program covers a range of topics, including effective classroom management techniques, innovative teaching methods, and ways to cater to each student’s individual learning needs.
A key focus of the training is to create a more interactive and engaging learning environment. The teachers are learning how to incorporate technology into their lessons, use different modes of assessment, and encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The goal of the training program is to equip teachers with the tools and knowledge they need to inspire and empower their students to reach their full potential.
Overall, our teachers are excited and motivated to implement these new strategies in their classrooms and positively impact their students’ learning!
VOH Mongu: Grade 12 Student Participation
Our grade 12 students at VOH Mongu have been actively contributing by helping with various tasks, including gardening and catching fish at the sustainability farm. Their involvement has brought a sense of teamwork and responsibility, demonstrating their commitment to supporting their community.
Whether picking up leaves, mowing the grass, or sorting through the fish, their efforts have made a noticeable difference in maintaining the cleanliness and order of the environment.
In addition to practical benefits, the students’ participation also fosters a sense of ownership. It teaches valuable life skills such as time management, cooperation, and the importance of contributing to a shared goal. By working together, they not only help maintain the physical spaces but also strengthen their relationships with one another and with the staff members who guide them.
This hands-on involvement also prepares them for future responsibilities, encouraging them to take initiative and be proactive in solving problems. Their contribution is an excellent example of how young people can positively impact their surroundings, making a lasting impression on their community and leaving behind a cleaner, more organized environment for everyone to enjoy!
VOH Mwanza: Learning the Lord’s Prayer
This week at VOH Mwanza, we introduced the Lord’s Prayer to the students. The primary purpose of this prayer session was twofold: first, it helped the children learn how to pray, and second, it showed them how to communicate with God. As Matthew 6:5 says, “prayer is an important part of our connection with God.”
The prayers they learn at school will also be helpful at home, where they can share with their families. The children are always happy when they hear the word of God, and we can see the joy in their faces.
We believe that prayer is powerful, especially in shaping how children understand God, themselves, and their place in the world.
VOH Zimbabwe: Baby Dedication
At VOH Zimbabwe, we recently held a heartwarming baby dedication ceremony, showcasing our commitment to nurturing children and strengthening family bonds.
During the event, parents affirmed their intentions to raise their children in a loving environment grounded in moral values and spiritual teachings. This ceremony provided a platform for families to publicly accept their responsibilities while reinforcing the vital support network VOH offers. We believe a strong foundation of faith and community is essential for every child’s development.
Attendees experienced numerous benefits, including enhanced parental engagement and a sense of belonging within the VOH community. For many, it served as a powerful reminder of the support available as they navigate the challenges of parenting. The blessings and prayers inspired hope and belief in each child’s potential.
We value this event as a cornerstone of our mission to empower families and cultivate a nurturing environment for children.