VMS Women attend Siloam Hospital Workshop

Vhutshilo Mountain School News

Dear Sponsors,

As 2018 progresses, we gratefully acknowledge everyone who has supported our children, their extended families and the staff of the Vhutshilo Mountain School. Without your generous assistance we would never have been able to provide each of our  with an excellent early education, two daily nutritious meals,  a fruit snack as well as transportation to and from school and second hand clothing as needed. Occasionally the need for immediate medical attention is necessary and because of your financial support we are able to swiftly meet those needs without having to wait until specific funds can be raised.

VMS also continues to supplement our most needy families’ meager meals with surplus fresh vegetables from our garden.  Unfortunately the irrigation pipes recently burst and we now must find the money to replace them. Additionally, we are in desperate need of a new water tank which is crucial to our very survival. Hopefully you can begin to understand why we so appreciate your sponsorship and financial assistance. We know that your earmarked sponsorship donations will allow us to take care of our vulnerable children regardless of Vhutshilo Mountain School’s financial shortfalls and budgetary constraints.

The VMS ECD program continues to be divided into 3 classes: ‘Babies’ who are cared for by various staffers while our two trained teachers have one ‘Preschool’ and one ‘Grade R’ class each. It is thrilling to watch them grow and learn. Knowing that they are developing skills and experiencing educational/social opportunities otherwise unavailable to them must be just as rewarding to you as it is to us.

Our integral approach to learning includes all indigenous cultural practices (i.e. dancing, singing and drumming). Recently the VMS children participated in a choral competition challenging preschoolers from other Vhembe district crèches. Our VMS preschoolers took home the first place win in all categories including Best Choir, Best Dressed, Best Dramatizing Group, and Best Conductor. Thank you for allowing these youngsters to experience improved self-esteem, satisfaction, success and pure joy.

We are proud of them and their talented teachers but more importantly our preschoolers are proud of themselves!

Our reputation as a top notch school offering a quality preschool education continues to grow but so does our need. We accept HIV+ orphans, vulnerable as well as typical children living in the Limpopo region of South Africa. We are unable to accept all of the area’s vulnerable children for to do so would require additional staff, additional educational supplies, etc. and we would not want to jeopardize our existing operation. Although more middle class paying families are choosing to send their children to VMS, we continue to just break even and at times, depending on unforeseen emergencies, we fall short.

So please understand that your continued support is vital to our existence. How wonderful if you would share this information with your friends, family, neighbours and colleagues encouraging them to pick up one of our ‘always available’ VMS sponsorships! Know that your sacrifice continues to make an enormous difference in the lives of these vulnerable but worthy children.

Thank you for a wonderfully successful 2017!

Warm regards,

Khathu Nemafhohoni

(Outreach Coordinator and Administrator)

Getting Fit!

Thank You Teach Mashudu!

After just two months of school, age 4 preschoolers can write their names! VMS has the best teacher ever. Teacher Mashudu we thank you very much.....

Another Income Generating VMS Program: Clothing Kiosk

Vhutshilo Mountain School staff and the VMS Women's Group sent a huge thank you to Marcelle of Madi A Thavha Mountain Lodge for the donation of second hand clothing for Vhutshilo Mountain School's kiosk.  Another income generating program run by VMS women to support themselves and their families!

VMS Seedling Program a Success!

VMS's "Women's Seedling Program" successful, helping to support women and families!

Vhutshilo Mountain School sends a huge 'Thank You' for the support noting 'the seedlings are selling very well!' 

Happy International Women's Day!

Here's to strong women...