Furahini Returns Home

It was a special anniversary this July 7^th as the Children’s Village turned 7 years old. The day was made even more special as one of the children from the center returned home. We congratulated the family on their own developments, and we are very pleased at the loving environment that Furahini will be growing into in her home village of Isipi/Lulanda.

Children's Village guardian Isaya Mwila hosts the 'graduation ceremony' for Furahini Mponzi

Furahini’s Father was overwhelmed when his wife passed away in 2010 leaving behind 4 children including Furahini a newborn. Furahini’s mother passed away at childbirth as the Hospital where Furahini was born forgot to deliver the placenta, and she did not survive the infection.

From Furahini's Family History form as filed by NGO Staff

Furahini (middle) flanked by
her best friends at the ceremony

At 4 days old Furahini moved in to Igoda Children’s Village with the agreement that after 3-4 years she would return home to her well-prepared family. Furahini’s Father has contributed whenever and whatever he can to the Children’s Village, and this has shown all guardians that he cares for his daughter and will be an engaged parent in her upbringing. Furahini will be enrolled into the nursery program at Isipi primary school that was started this year by efforts from the NGO, and this will help the organization keep up with Furahini as she adjusts to her new home.

Every child that is entered into Igoda Children’s Village arrives under very challenging circumstances. We have seen more and more often that as the community progresses positively, in part through Foxes’ NGO initiates such as the advent of HIV treatment, health education, vulnerable child care, and educational strengthening in the schools, more and more families are healthy and able to care for their children again. This proves to be one of the greatest achievements so far as an organization, and a sign that development is headed in the right direction!

Furahini's care provider greeting the
family members that will be taking-in Furahini

Another Dismas Makonye Update

One year ago this month Dismas Makonye ‘graduated’ from the Igoda Chidren’s Village. This can be a difficult process for our older children- moving back to the village and finding their way in a new community. The Children’s Village does its best to mimic life in the village, but it is a last resort for childcare, and the ideal situation is for an able family to care for children in the village.

Dismas escorts Baraka back to his home for dinner.
Dismas is helping the guardians of the
Children's Village during school holiday.

The transition back home is not always a success for older children, as there can be any number of difficulties adjusting to village life. The NGO follows up frequently through village leadership, Home Based Care Volunteers, and other advocates to ensure the child is in a loving environment. This is a good way to stay updated on the child's progress going forward.

Dismas is one of our grand success stories so far! He has returned and has worked hard to continue his schooling, and as of today he is in Form 3, and well on his way to complete his O-level schooling. He has stayed in contact with the Children’s Village and is still a big part of the family. He is a role model for the younger children to look up to- an example of how life can go on after living at the Children’s Village.

This school holiday he has spent his time working at the Children’s Village to earn his school fees, and pay for his school needs. He has been working on projects that help the Children’s Village, and that are comparable to those a student would work on in the community during holiday. These include working on livestock projects, and helping to care for younger children in the family. It has been very encouraging to see him grow into a respectful, caring, hard-working young man!

Dismas collects 'feed' for our Cow Project

Congratulations to Dismas, and to the Care-givers at Igoda Children’s Village for all the hard work that has gone into creating a loving environment for kids in which they can thrive, succeed, and achieve their goals!