This summer I will be visiting AKCLI-VOH for the the third time. I have lived in South Africa for one year, visited projects in three other countries on the continent and visited orphanages in the US and in Mexico. I have not seen a project so fully dedicated to the complete wellness of the children's lives, faith and long term goal of being able to have job skills when they turn 18.
All Kids Can Learn International, Villages of Hope has created businesses on the ground that help fund the organization. In 2012 they were able to produce more than 50% of the operating costs of the orphanage on the ground, this is an incredible blessing. Along with providing for the children's costs, it creates internship opportunities for the older children to learn critical business skills and creates jobs which helps the local economy and community development.
Many orphanages around the world provide food and shelter which is so important and needed, but once the children turn 18 many of them become homeless or turn to crime or addictions. AKCLI-VOH has a long term vision of helping these children beyond the age of 18 and creating real change in this generation of orphans. I highly encourage you to visit!
All Kids Can Learn International (AKCLI) exists to provide care, education, and training to enable orphans and vulnerable children to be productive Christian citizens in their own countries. As of December 2012 there were 42 children living in their children's village, 200 children at the Christian School of Hope, and 60 Zambian employees who through their work and earnings, provide food, care, and school fees for over 400 extended family relatives in their communities. AKCLI has a focus on food security and then economic sustainability. It's commercial farming operation and businesses reside on their Village of Hope 230 acre farm in Zambia. In 2012 local Zambian businesses that are run by the ministry, provided over 50% of all Zambian operating costs. This is in contrast to 2011 when it had attained 38% economic sufficiency.
Review from Guidestar