Last week, we shared a recap of our 2025 leadership meetings. Be sure to check out that post to learn more about the meetings, who attended, and view our photo gallery from the event.
This week, we are sharing reflections from VOH representatives who attended. We asked them what their favourite moment of the meetings was, what topics they found most helpful, and if they had any final takeaways they’d like to share.
You can read their reflections below.
What was your favourite moment overall?
One of the most impactful moments for me during the leadership meeting was the session on organizational lifecycle: It helped me understand where our centre stands in terms of growth and development. This session renewed our vision and helped me reflect on how to align our strategies with the current season.
Which topic(s) did you find most helpful?
The most helpful topic for me during the leadership meeting was the session on team building. It reminded me that no vision can be achieved without a strong, united, and well-aligned team. The emphasis on building trust, clarifying roles and ensuring every team member understands the overall strategy was both timely and practical.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We were deeply encouraged and re-focused on the mission of serving vulnerable children with excellence and sustainability. We left the meeting with many practical takeaways that we will be implementing in our centres. I understand that behind every changed life of vulnerable children is a strong, committed team and behind every team are faithful partners like you. Thanks to your ongoing support, we are growing stronger as a local team, building systems that last and ensuring that children under our care are growing with lasting hope.
What was your favourite moment overall?
My favourite moment was when Uncle Serge (VOH Africa Executive Director) said that you can't love children if you haven't learned to love yourself.
Which topic(s) did you find most helpful?
Our meetings were incredibly beneficial, particularly when we divided into groups to assemble the dismantled toy car. We learned that proper communication and listening (following instructions) are crucial when working on a project or any other task. The other point was how to handle trauma. Trauma affects many of the children and adults we encounter, so as a staff member at VOH, I found it beneficial to learn how to approach it. Lastly, I was happy to learn more about prayer, recognizing that prayer is a two-way conversation where I talk to God and God speaks to me.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
To our donors, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the significant work you have been doing to support the children of VOH Africa and our staff. I pray that God continues to bless you.
What was your favourite moment overall?
My favourite sessions were those focused on two new initiatives: Child Play International and School in a Box, which gave us the opportunity to explore other avenues for assisting children in getting the best out of their education.
Which topic(s) did you find most helpful?
Trauma and Expressive Arts--I realized that we need to be intentional when it comes to helping children who are overcoming any kind of trauma.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I enjoyed getting together with leaders from the other VOH centres. We were like people travelling together in a ship, all going in the same direction. There was a notable unity of purpose and freedom of expression among the attendees. To the donors, I extend my sincere gratitude for entrusting VOH Africa leadership with your resources, which are being used to care for and educate the children in our centres.
What was your favourite moment overall?
My favourite moments were the interactive activities. Those moments highlighted the fact that we weren't just a group of individuals, but a truly united team. The exercises emphasized the importance of effective and accurate communication—not just for completing the tasks, but for building trust, collaboration, and shared success. It was a powerful reminder of our shared purpose and the strength we gain from working together.
Which topic(s) did you find most helpful?
The most helpful topics for me were the presentations on organizational life stages and the session on developing an annual calendar. It was a powerful reminder that effective planning begins with a clear understanding of where we are as an organization and a forward-looking view of the year ahead. By identifying key milestones and aligning our priorities early, we position ourselves for better decision-making, stronger collaboration, and more focused execution. It's the foundation that supports everything else we aim to achieve.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I am deeply grateful for the continued support of our donors. Your commitment empowers us to grow not only as individuals but as a united leadership team focused on driving meaningful change. Moments like our recent leadership meetings—where collaboration, strategic planning, and a shared sense of purpose truly came to life—are only possible because you believe in our mission and in us. Thank you for being such an essential part of this journey.
What was your favourite moment overall?
One of my favourite moments was listening to the children teach us about the "Sacred Space." I could tell this concept has had a profound impact on their lives. I know that VOH has always provided safe spaces for children, but the concept of a "Sacred Space" felt like a space set apart as the safest of safe spaces, much like the "Holy of Holies" was set apart as the holiest of holy places.
Our visit to VOH Chongwe. The "Sacred Space" talk was an inspiration.
Which topic(s) did you find most helpful?
If I had to choose one topic, I'd pick the annual planning and calendar system presentation as the most helpful and inspiring. It was so practical and something we can apply to our own centre right away.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
This was the most practical and applicable leadership meeting we have had to date. The prework of studying our position as a centre in the lifecycle of an organization provided us with valuable insights. Some efficient tools were presented, such as storytelling and the school in a box. The impact of the sacred space on children and staff was absolutely profound. I also loved the idea of using art for healing trauma. What a beautiful force for good that can be. The colleagues I brought with me were also profoundly inspired. They noted how quickly friendships formed due to our shared purpose as VOH centres.
At VOH Africa, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the values that guide our mission. Through this next chapter, we are strengthening our approach to ensure children in our care receive the best possible support. We continue to explore practical ways of reaching and empowering each child, and we are confident that, with your partnership, we can achieve even greater impact. We firmly believe that God has excellent plans for every child we serve, and together, we are helping them step into that future with hope and confidence.
What was your favourite moment overall?
Visiting the "Sacred Space" at VOH Chongwe.
Which topic(s) did you find most helpful?
Learning about annual calendars.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
The VOH Leadership meeting was tremendously helpful, exposing me to various leadership strategies. I have been encouraged, motivated, and strengthened, discovering that when you go far, you see far. As a VOH staff member, I can bring hope to children by leading by example and offering them quality education. I look forward to more of these meetings in the future.
What was your favourite moment overall?
A highlight for me was the overall fun that we had. Although we were from different VOH centres and countries and hadn't met many of the other leaders before, there was a strong and immediate sense of friendship and positivity. We interacted well with one another and genuinely enjoyed the time. There was so much laughter in the meetings, at mealtimes, and even in the free time in the evenings.
Which topic(s) did you find most helpful?
The presentation by VOH Tanzania on the annual calendar was the most helpful to me, as it aligns with my plans to implement a similar calendar at VOH Mongu next year. It was timely, applicable and practical.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
There is a strong sense of unity across the VOH centres, which can only be attributed to the Holy Spirit. There is an evident love for God and His children. We are working together as a whole to bring hope to vulnerable children.
What was your favourite moment overall?
The conversations during meals with people you've only interacted with online, meeting them in person and getting to know them as a person and what they do.
I loved the bonding sessions after dinner. The games were great!
Which topic(s) did you find most helpful?
The organizational life cycle was very empowering. It's essential to understand which part of the cycle we, as a centre, are at. This helps us focus on what the organization needs to initiate in order to remain relevant, beyond our usual business operations.
I liked the discussion on the organization life cycle. It prompted me to reflect on our current state and consider what we can do to ensure continued regeneration.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
The only way we can positively impact future generations is by investing in the lives of our children. These children will, in a very short time, become adults who have a positive influence on their communities.
The leadership meetings were both refreshing and energizing.
What was your favourite moment overall?
Games night--it was a great time of bonding.
My favourite moment was sharing ideas, learning from others, and realizing how much we could achieve by working together.
Which topic(s) did you find most helpful?
The Child Safeguarding Policy was very eye-opening, emphasizing our need to consider the technology aspect of safeguarding, which is often overlooked or taken for granted. The extent of the damage technology is causing is overwhelming. While it undoubtedly aids us, it can also cause harm to future generations.
Storytelling. Storytelling is a powerful tool we can use with the children to help them navigate trauma, develop critical thinking, improve language skills, and learn resilience.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
There's a constant need to explore innovative ways of caring for children and ensuring their well-being. While the needs of children are ever-growing, we sometimes get stuck in the status quo, which may not always be applicable. New approaches are constantly emerging, and we must stay informed and embrace them to enhance our love for children and ensure their safety and future.
Many children lack access to quality education and healthcare due to poverty and a lack of resources. These children need your support. Your contributions make a big difference in their lives.
