A 'Positive Teen on the Run' Story... as told to HFL by a VMS volunteer

It was a pretty nice day so I decided to help out with the practice run our 'Positive Teens' were taking in preparation for their first 5K race.  I was in the lead car watching in the rear view mirror as our excited youngsters rounded the bend.  My mouth dropped as I watched one of the 2 lead youngsters striding away from the pack.  Tears sprang to my eyes as I realized who it was.  Phillie has been part of the support group since he was 7 years old and always so sickly.  He is not a scholar and is far too old for his class so he gets depressed and doesn't want to go to school.... but running!! 

Running is his passion and motivation. As I watched him round the bend with his head held high and a huge smile on his face I felt my cheeks grow damp.  Thank you VMS for allowing this once hopeless young man the opportunity to feel proud and confident. I think he's going to make it!

Please consider making a small contribution for Phillie’s chance to run the “big race” in October. He needs entry fees, transportation, running shoes and proper running attire.

Thank You.

 

 

Positive Teens on the Run

VMS Peace Corps Volunteer Teresa Beroncin, organized a running group comprised of 24 ‘extraordinary, determined and goal-focused adolescents’ who are excited about becoming positive role models.

These young teens, from impoverished and underprivileged homes, many orphaned, are concerned about the growing stigma attached to being HIV positive. “We want to change society’s perceptions of HIV… We are confident in our desire to be tomorrow’s leaders.”

Each runner keeps a training journal to track his or her practice and progress.  Their motto is: Empowering strides to end stigma and discrimination.  As a group, they have chosen to dedicate each 40,008 kilometers, which equals one circling of the globe, to memoralize one young person they know who has died directly or indirectly as a result of stigma and discrimination.

This first run around the world is dedicated to their dear friend, Ronewa, who died February 2015,  a few days after her 17^th birthday. (A Sad Good-Bye – March 19, 2015).

Please consider assisting these young worriers with contributions for entry fees, transportation, running shoes and attire.

Thank you!

Educational Toys Needed

“Education is the key to success” and it is the catalyst to leading all children out of poverty. We did not invent this slogan but HFL has adopted it as our belief and our motto. Vhutshilo Mountain School (VMS) now has a total of 71 preschool students, ages 18 months to 5 years, many of whom are AIDS/HIV+ survivors but just as many are impoverished preschoolers. 

Sue-Anne, the Director of VMS recently wrote, “Our staff trainer, Terry, from the Thusanang Training Center is disappointed that our staff is not following the suggested educational program. I’m feeling frustrated for it is terribly difficult to teach adequately without the much needed educational equipment and learning toys.”
 

HFL is committed to finding the necessary money for the puzzles, books, gross motor equipment, and even the tables and chairs necessary to create a positive learning environment.

If you are wiling to contribute to this educational ‘Cause’ or know of others who would be interested (including available grants) please email us at info@hopeforlimpopo.org.

The VMS children thank you!

VMS 'Box Baby' Success Story

Stand tall and proud Kenneth Vhutshilo Mudau! You are one of our unbelievable stories with a happy ending.

Sue-Anne Cook, Director and Founder of Vhutshilo Mountain School (VMS) reminds us of his start at VMS at the age of 2 months. He was fondly called “Box-Baby” because he spent his days in a cardboard box on the counter at VMS while his mother worked in the kitchen. 

“Vhutshilo” thrived at VMS where he received his initial schooling until he aged out of the school. A Scottish supporter continues to sponsor at a private school some distance from his home.

Results of his first year exams have gained him the position of number 1 in his class of 281 students. Staff members are asking for more information about the school that carries his name, where he received his introduction to the academic world.

Thank you HFL and VMS supporters! And thank you, Kenneth Vhutshilo Mudau! You have reinforced our belief that  “Education is the key to success.”

Success stories like Vhutshilo's encourage ongoing donor support, increase enrollment and motivate VMS students to work hard and succeed.

We are SO thankful for all the support we have received in the past, and we know through combined efforts, we will see the success of these children continue.

Interested in helping children like Vhutshilo? Consider a $50.00 monthly donation to sponsor a child.