Recently, we gathered as an organization for our 2025 VOH Africa Leadership Meetings. All VOH Directors and two additional members from their centre’s respective leadership teams were in attendance.
One of the goals of the meetings was to understand the different life stages of an organization and to identify which stage we are currently in. Our aim as an organization is to expand our reach and increase our impact on the lives of thousands of vulnerable children. To do this, we must continually regenerate and revitalize our organization and VOH Centres.
During our discussions, we found that VOH Africa is at the mature stage of the life cycle and has regenerated over the years by being adaptable, eager to learn, and receptive to change in our methods and approach.
We also learned that each of our VOH centres is at its own stage; some are at the start-up stage, while many have reached the mature stage. Regardless of the stage, each organization needs to continually be aware of changing trends in the area of caring for vulnerable children. We also need to develop programs that are sustainable in the long term.
During our time together, we learned about Child’s Play International’s reading clubs and the School in a Box program, which we plan to begin implementing at our centres over the coming year.
The VOH Africa team–Sergio, Nancy, Dwayne and Jeanette–as well as representatives from VOH centres all made presentations throughout the week.
Topics included preparing an annual calendar, the VOH Africa Child Safeguarding Policy, VOH statistics and database. Additionally, Executive Director Sergio Bersaglio led an introductory workshop on trauma and the expressive arts.
During our final evening together, we honoured and prayed for four individuals who have dedicated over twenty-five years of service to VOH Africa. Everlyn Chitente and Shaline Mbelebele received a small token of our appreciation. Fridah Chitambo and Justin Mwelwa of VOH Kitwe were unable to attend, but a gift was given to Everlyn to pass on to them.
Collectively, we felt encouraged by our time together. We all left with many ideas for new initiatives to expand our reach and deepen our impact on the lives of the children we serve.
After the event, we asked those in attendance to share reflections on the meetings—what they learned and their biggest takeaways. We will be sharing those next week, so stay tuned!
