It's a Wrap: A Gratitude-Filled Reflection of 2023
As the year ends, we are filled with profound gratitude for your support. Your giving has impacted the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in Zimbabwe. Here are a few of the things that we have accomplished this year with the help of our donors, our Kuda Vana staff, and our partners:
This loving family adopted two girls and will be fostering another girl. It’s such a marvellous seeing these three little girls be place in loving, safe, strenthened families.
We Persevered Forward
We met an unexpected “bump in the road” early this year. Thanks to your compassion, more than enough funds were donated to replace Kuda Vana's trusty vehicle. This giving ensured essential services like food deliveries, school transportation, and medical appointments could continue uninterrupted. This act of kindness restored mobility to Kuda Vana.
We Broke Down Barriers and Empowered Families
The Kuda Vana Adoption Advocacy Event sparked vital conversations, beginning to break down barriers that historically prevented families in Zimbabwe from adopting or fostering children. Also, your contributions helped build the Family House, where hopeful adoptive and foster families could come to receive essential trauma training. These comprehensive aspects of the support system we are building will empower families and strengthen bonds, ensuring a smooth transition for children entering their care.
We Continue to Invest in Youth
Giving Tuesday was a fantastic day of compassion, garnering over $100,000 in donations for our Youth Transition Program. A team of generous donors challenged us to raise $50,000 to unlock another $50,000 they would match dollar for dollar. We did it! It was all made possible through your contributions, prayers, and enduring support.
Kuda Vana will continue to provide young adults with the tools they need to reach their full potential as they leave the Children’s Home and enter self-sufficient adulthood. Through tuition, medical care, and housing, we are investing in their futures and build a brighter tomorrow for our community!
We Witnessed Lives Changed
We collectively made thriving possible through your generosity and the hard work of our staff in Zimbabwe:
· 40 vulnerable children are being cared for at the Children’s Home.
· 25 young adults are being supported by the Youth Transition Program.
· 4 young adults have graduated from university or trade school and are self-supporting now.
· 11 children have been adopted (total, not just in 2023).
· 8 children have been placed in foster care (total, not just in 2023).
· 14 children have been reintegrated with their families (total, not just in 2023).
These numbers represent Kuda Vana’s commitment to providing a safe and loving home environment while we work to find forever families for all children.
We Look Ahead with Optimism
As we look to 2024, we hope several more children will be placed in forever families and rejoice that the Youth Transition Program has been fully funded. We know all this is possible through all our collective efforts and your generosity.
Thank you for all your unwavering generosity and support. You are genuinely a beacon of hope!
With Much Gratitude,
The Kuda Vana Partnership Team
Merry Christmas, Kuda Vana Family, and have a blessed Happy New Year!
Written by Vongai Chokuda, Development and Communications Coordinator
