Goals

The goal of the Edgar H. and Meta A. Hoenecke Vulnerable Children’s Fund (VCF) is to insert vulnerable children into a Christian educational setting while they are young, before they adopt the cultural norms of promiscuity. All of us realize the power of the Gospel to change hearts and the importance of sharing that Gospel with people while they are still young. It is our prayer that children living lives of faith and being educated in Lutheran schools will grow into healthy, educated, God-fearing adults who will assume leadership roles in a country lacking leaders.

Varying definitions exist for the term vulnerable children. Many orphans are found in Zambia and within the LCCA due to the aids epidemic. Some children orphaned by AIDS are adequately cared for by relatives or friends. They have stable home environments and access to education. Even though they are orphans, many would not call these children vulnerable.

Many children, however, are vulnerable whether they are orphaned or not. These children, due to economic status, abandonment by parents, or death of family members have no access to food, housing, or education. They have no hope for a future on earth. These children are also vulnerable due to their spiritual condition as the Christian faith is not taught or learned in their homes.

The VCF works directly with the Lutheran Church of Central Africa in identifying Lutheran congregations able and willing to start schools and funding, and monitoring Lutheran congregations once the schools have been started.

Capital expenses are provided by Dr. and Mrs. Heinz and Alice Hoenecke. Tuition funding for the vulnerable children is gained through donations of caring individuals. Budget models have been developed that support the salaries and operating expenses of the school at $150 per student.

All monies donated to the VCF go directly to the LCCA and its schools. Directors of the Foundation donate all expenses associated with their positions, including trips to visit the schools.