January has been an exciting month at our VOH centres, and we’re excited to share an update from each location.
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Child Feature: Meet Aime
Aime, a bright and promising young student at VOH Maramvya, continues to make exceptional progress in her preschool education. Since joining the program, Aime has shown remarkable growth in her social skills, confidence, and academic abilities.
In the early days of her enrollment, Aime was shy and reserved, often hesitant to engage with her peers and teachers. However, with the patient and nurturing environment provided by the dedicated staff and volunteers at VOH, Aime has blossomed into a confident and sociable student. She now actively participates in classroom activities, interacts with her classmates, and eagerly raises her hand to answer questions.
Aime’s journey at VOH Maramvya serves as a testament to the transformative power of quality education and individualized support. Through personalized attention and encouragement, Aime has been able to overcome her initial reservations and thrive in her preschool environment. Her progress not only reflects her own determination and resilience but also highlights the importance of inclusive and supportive educational settings for children of all backgrounds.
As Aime continues to navigate her preschool journey at VOH Maramvya, we remain committed to providing her with the necessary resources and guidance to reach her full potential.
You can make a difference in the life of a young student like Aime through child sponsorship. Learn more: https://sponsorship.vohafrica.com
VOH Bulale: Seedbed Preparation
Both students and teachers at VOH Bulale have been busy preparing seedbeds for cultivating various vegetables.
Students from grades 3 to 6 helped out, all of whom were excited to participate in this hands-on project. The children were divided into groups, each assigned different tasks, making the process both enjoyable and educational for everyone involved.
The goal was to help students connect their classroom learning with practical application.
Learning these valuable agricultural skills will enable them to assist their families with farming activities and gain a sense of self-reliance that will benefit their future endeavours.
VOH Bwiza: Celebrating Recent Graduates
Recently, at VOH Bwiza, we celebrated nine students who graduated high school!
We organized a small celebration, including a tasty meal, to congratulate them. During the event, various leaders from our centre shared advice with the graduates to prepare them for the exciting chapter ahead.
We are looking forward to what God has in store for them!
We thank all of our VOH sponsors for their commitment to this work; these stories wouldn’t be possible without your love and support.
VOH Chongwe: Watermelon Success
At VOH Chongwe, we are proud to share that we harvested watermelons from one of the greenhouses. The results were outstanding. The melons were huge–bigger than any others at the local market!
Joseph is one of our team members who assisted with the garden. The team kept busy watering, weeding, fertilizing and monitoring the crops to ensure the plants remained as healthy as possible. They are all very proud of the results.
The children, particularly those studying agriculture, found the entire process inspiring. They got to witness firsthand what is possible when knowledge is combined with hard work. They are hopeful that they will be able to produce similar results in the future.
VOH Kitwe: VOH Graduate Returns for a Visit
It’s always heartwarming to witness the impact VOH Kitwe had on our graduates.
This week, we had the privilege of welcoming back Aubrey, who once called VOH Kitwe home. Aubrey, along with his beautiful family, came to visit the centre. He shared how much he appreciated the support he received at VOH, which allowed him to grow up in a loving environment and graduate from high school.
In addition to the visit, Aubrey donated books to the school. This gift will undoubtedly be a valuable resource for both the students and teachers.
We are deeply encouraged by Aubrey’s generosity and his desire to give back to the community that once supported him. This kind of gesture is a true reflection of how VOH Kitwe has helped shape young lives. We are incredibly proud of Aubrey’s journey and the positive influence he is making in his community.
VOH Luongo: Grade 7 Graduation
At VOH Luongo, we recently celebrated a significant milestone for our Grade 7 students who recently completed their national exams, allowing them to move up to secondary school.
To mark the occasion, we proudly held the very first graduation ceremony in our school’s history. This event was also a first for the Luongo community, as it was the first-ever graduation ceremony held in the area.
The joy was visible as both students and their families came together to celebrate this significant achievement. Parents showed overwhelming support, attending in large numbers to cheer on their children.
We were honoured to have local board members, including the chairperson and director, grace the event with their presence.
The ceremony served not only as a celebration of academic achievement but also as an inspiration to younger students, sparking a renewed desire to put extra effort into their school work.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the teaching staff, whose hard work and dedication ensured that the event went smoothly. Their teamwork and commitment were key to making this ceremony a memorable success.
VOH Malawi: Sponsorship Chosen Day
This week at VOH Malawi, we had “Chosen Day,” a special event where children get the unique opportunity to choose their new sponsors. After completing our school intake process, this exciting step allows the kids to make a meaningful choice regarding who they want as their sponsor through VOH Africa’s child sponsorship program.
Prior to this choosing event, sponsors submitted their information and photos to us. On Chosen Day, each child gets to view all of the sponsors’ photos and selects a sponsor. It’s an exciting reverse approach to the standard approach of having sponsors choose their sponsor child.
It is a heartwarming experience to witness the joy and empowerment that comes from allowing the children to play a role in this important process. For the sponsors, it’s a deeply touching moment to know they were personally chosen by their sponsor child.
This marks the beginning of a long-lasting bond between the child and their sponsor, often lasting until the child completes secondary school. Over the years, we have proudly witnessed young children grow up and ultimately graduate, a testament to the impact of sponsorship.
We are immensely grateful to Oasis Church for their unwavering partnership and support, continually connecting us with families and individuals eager to make a difference through sponsorship.
May God bless all our sponsors for the incredible role they play in transforming the lives of our children!
To learn more about sponsorship, visit: sponsorship.vohafrica.com
VOH Maramvya: Increased Access to Water
This week, the children at VOH Maramvya are beaming with excitement as the number of taps at their school has increased.
The availability of clean water is not only a source of joy for children but also a crucial element for their health and well-being. Clean water is essential for hydration, proper sanitation, and overall good health, especially for young, growing bodies. It helps prevent waterborne diseases, improves hygiene practices, and enhances the quality of life for children.
Access to clean water also plays a significant role in education. With an ample water supply, children can better focus on their studies without the worry of dehydration or illnesses caused by contaminated water sources. Furthermore, clean water empowers the community by promoting economic development, as it reduces healthcare costs and enhances productivity.
The increase in taps at VOH Maramvya symbolizes hope, better health, and brighter futures for the children!
VOH Mongu: Specialized Wheelchairs
This week, at our VOH Mongu Champions Club, we provided 15 specially designed wheelchairs to children who needed them. These children, who face mobility challenges, can now experience newfound freedom and ease of movement thanks to these wheelchairs.
Each chair was thoughtfully crafted to suit the unique terrain of Mongu, where sandy conditions often make mobility difficult. The design ensures durability and smooth navigation, enabling the children to move independently and with confidence.
The joy on the children’s faces was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Parents and caregivers expressed immense gratitude, sharing how these wheelchairs will ease their burdens and empower their children to participate more fully in community life.
At Champions Club, our goal is to provide every child with not just care but also hope and a future filled with possibilities. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to creating an environment where every child, regardless of their abilities, can thrive.
VOH Mwanza: Reading Program
This week at VOH Mwanza, our school library came alive with the launch of the much anticipated Storybook Reading Program. The program offered our grade 4 students an excellent opportunity to explore books of their choice, engage in creative drawing and immerse themselves in the world of storytelling.
The event was a huge success. Students enjoyed every moment and are already looking forward to the next session.
The success of this program was evident in the engagement of the young learners, who promised never to miss a session.
We have seen such positive results and are looking forward to continuing this initiative!
VOH Zimbabwe: VOH Africa Directors Visit
We were excited to welcome Uncle Serge (Executive Director), Aunty Nancy (Director of Development), and Uncle Dwayne (the new Director of Programs) to VOH Zimbabwe!
The purpose of the visit was to introduce Uncle Dwayne and give him an opportunity to reconnect with Zimbabwe, a place he had last visited 20 years ago.
The children warmly greeted the visitors, showcasing their smiles. The visitors then took a comprehensive tour of our site and programs. Uncle Dwayne expressed his admiration for their progress and was deeply moved by how things had changed since he visited VOH Zimbabwe in its infancy.
We also held a meeting with our VOH Zimbabwe lead team. This session allowed the team to share their successes and challenges with the visitors. The trio offered thoughtful insights and words of encouragement, and the staff left feeling motivated and valued.
Uncle Dwayne also visited the health clinic, where the staff elaborated on their commitment to delivering essential healthcare services to the community. Uncle Serge had a chance to talk to the Discipleship team, and Aunty Nancy had a catch-up with our administration team. They commended everyone for their dedication and hard work, emphasizing the critical role they play in improving the well-being of the children and local community.
The visit was not only a significant moment for Uncle Dwayne to reconnect with Zimbabwe but also an inspiring experience for VOH children and staff. The encouragement shared will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for continued excellence throughout the year.