THANK YOU from Vijana Africa

As 2022 comes to an end, I want to take a moment to say thank you for all of your support and prayers, which enabled us to have a successful year. We dedicated our efforts in empowering young men and women of the Eastern DRC and Malawi Refugee Camps through?our programs such as Peer Educators to fight Gender Based Violence in refugee camps in Malawi where over 200 young girls and boys were equipped to be agents of change. Still in Malawi, 73 young refugees were trained in computer literacy and storytelling to change that narrative about refugees and the gifts that they?possess. We also are continuing?our Rabbit and Pig farming project to?distribute to single?mothers in?Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi to help them put food on their tables.?

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we have been working toward raising $200k to build the Kalele Village School which houses 500 village kids in Primary and Secondary School.?By building the school in Kalele Village, we want to ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality elementary, middle, and high school education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes. This will prevent early pregnancy and early marriage for young girls and will reduce child labor and children enrolment in armed groups as child soldiers. So far, we have raised $4,000 and are hoping that with your help we can raise more money in 2023 in order to build the school and?provide 500 Kalele children each year the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

While we reflect on a wonderful year behind us, I am focused on the great?work ahead of us. Beside from Building the Kalele Village School, we are also looking forward to launching the Vijana Citizen Academy,?a 12-week program that equips 25 Congolese high school juniors and seniors per cohort with skills in civic engagement and youth participation in peace, security, and sustainable development. Participants from this program will learn about the everyday activities of various actors from the government, civic society, Nongovernmental Organizations, and public-private sectors in a hands-on learning environment. This program will empower participants with theoretical and technical skills on why and how to get involved in the decision making and positive change process in their community.

A recurring gift of $25, $50, $100, or more can allow us to continue delivering on this ambitious call. $500?can?sponsor a child to attend school for an entire year. $1,200 can allow you to?Be a part of the school's history by purchasing a brick with your name on the front of the school. $5,000 can help?build a garden for the school children and their local families. For $20,000, you can sponsor the building of a full classroom , library or computer room. For more information or donation, please visit?Vijana Africa's Website

No gift is too big or too small and every dollar is needed to allow aspiring young boys and girls achieve their dreams.?

Thank you for your support and happy holidays!