Hello!
Since so many of you continue to ask pertinent questions about the charitable organizations that Hope for Limpopo Inc. supports, we’ve decided to give you an in-depth look at the “who-what-where-when-why” of these worthwhile charities.
Today’s blog and accompanying pictures are all about the Vhutshilo Mountain School (VMS) which provides orphans and children between the ages of 1.5 and 7 years with the highest possible standard of personalized care, stimulation and education available. Of all the children in need of special care in South Africa today, those most at risk are the orphans of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Often raised in extreme poverty by a grandmother (mmegogo) or elder sibling, and frequently ostracized by their neighbors, these children face a future with little hope from the onset.
The traditional home of the VhaVenda people, in the far north of Limpopo Province, is one of the poorest regions of South Africa. Over 50% of the population is unemployed, homeless or illiterate. HIV/AIDS is rife; basic infrastructure, state health and social services in this widespread rural area are extremely limited. This is where we begin our story.
BACKGROUND & HISTORY: Sue Anne Cook (Suzi), the founder of VMS, has lived in Venda since 1984. An active advocate for the Venda community, Suzi readily responded to local concerns about the growing number of AIDS orphans in the area. In 2002 she converted her mobile home into two classrooms, identified the 10 neediest orphans in the area, and opened her doors as the Vhutshilo Mountain School. Not only did Suzi educate these children, she provided them with two nutritional meals daily, clothing, transportation to and from school and exceptional personal care including preliminary medical assistance and ARV medication.
At this point, Vaughn Churchill, Peace Corps volunteer and veteran teacher extraordinaire entered the picture, offering much needed educational assistance as well as nurturing care and knowledgeable support. As soon as Vaughn walked into that mobile home/classroom, the seed for Hope for Limpopo was unconsciously planted in his mind and in his heart. Returning to the United States, Vaughn, his wife Jo Ann, together with their friend Nancy Amanti established Hope for Limpopo as a non-profit organization primarily (at that time) to support the children of VMS.
EVOLVING: Frasier, a young volunteer from Scotland, moved by the plight of the VMS children, took the story home to his church congregation. Consequently, in 2005, the Church of Scotland built a 2 classroom school which is now the new Vhutshilo Mountain School. End of story? That’s what Nancy thought ….until she visited South Africa and VMS witnessing the continuing neediness firsthand. (Jo Ann, however, who had lived and worked in Limpopo Province, never doubted that HFL had much more work to do.) While the school is more than Suzi had hoped for, the need is still great. The classrooms are a wonderful improvement but the supplies are limited and the necessity to expand the grades is ever present. The number of students has grown from 10 to 55 and the grades range from pre-school to grade 2 but the need persists. We learned firsthand that it was not unusual for Suzi to send home food parcels or clothing for siblings who do not attend VMS. The Vhutshilo Mountain School continues to provide the students with two nutritious meals per school day, second hand clothes, health checkups by the local clinic and monitoring for signs of abuse or neglect.
OUTREACH PROGRAM: While educating the children is the primary goal of VMS, it is impossible to ignore the impact home life has on the VMS learners. VMS has recently included an Outreach Coordinator whose job it is to ensure that the children are as well cared for at home as they are at school. They assist the families of learners to access government grants and provide food parcels and practical assistance as families wait for their application to be approved.
Vhutshilo Mountain School has quickly become an integral part of the community. Suzi continues to reach out to the entire village population in an effort to better the lives of the VhaVenda people. She is an amazing leader and HFL is honored to be able to help her achieve her goals.
