The main purpose of the Village of Hope is to give orphans a place to call home and a family that loves them. Each child that lives on the grounds is sponsored through the ChildCare Plus Sponsorship Program (link).

Village Of Hope received approval from the Zimbabwe government to operate as an orphanage on June 25, 2007. There are currently three homes open with a total of 24 resident children. Another three homes are under construction and soon to be completed. The vision for the Village grounds is for 16 homes which would provide space for up to 132 children.

When a child comes to live at the Village of Hope, he or she moves into one of the houses with 7 other children and a house mother. It takes a little bit of time, but as the new ‘mother’ cares for her children, and the children live, play and go to school together, they become a real family. Our current 3 ‘families’ are pictured from Genesis Home, Kadesh Home and Dumisani Home.

WHAT DOES A “VILLAGE OF HOPE” HOME LOOK LIKE?

All of the homes in the Village of Hope are made of brick and cement. The bedrooms usually sleep four children in two bunk beds. The house mother has her own bedroom and there is a large living area with a table and chairs for eating and doing homework. There are also couches and chairs for sitting on. Each home has a kitchen where the mother cooks food and does dishes and laundry.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO LIVE AT THE VILLAGE OF HOPE?

Living in one of the homes at the Village of Hope means that children have time to be children and not have to worry about feeling unsafe, or finding food and a place to sleep at night!

The children get up in the morning and have a breakfast prepared for them by their mother. After dressing and making beds, school books are gathered and the children go to morning classes. Those who are too young for school may attend Hope Community Preschool, or be at home with mom.

After school ends at 1 p.m., the children rush home to have lunch. Lunch is most often ‘sadza’ (corn meal prepared so thick it can be picked up by hand) and vegetables. Older children may stay at school for sports and clubs to as late as 4 p.m.

Once home, it is time to do some chores such as collecting firewood, helping prepare the evening meal, looking after the younger children and doing homework. Older children may have chores like working in the garden, sweeping or helping with laundry. Supper is usually the main meal of the day – often rice and beans, or a small piece of meat, and vegetables.