You Asked - We Answered!
This month we thought we’d share some of the top asked questions about our organization (and - of course - the corresponding answers)! Re-reading these simple, direct answers really strike a chord with us because it reminds us of the basic truths of WHAT we do and WHY we do it. We pray this information has the same impact on you, too! And, if it does, we ask you to consider partnering with us with a financial gift. We couldn’t do any of this without YOU.
Q: What is the Vulnerable Children’s Foundation (VCF)?
A: The VCF is a 501(c) (3) organization established in 2005 to partner with the Lutheran Church of Central Africa (LCCA) for the purpose of building, establishing, and maintaining Christ centered K4 – gr. 7 schools owned and operated by the LCCA.
Q: What is the mission of the organization?
A: The VCF seeks to place vulnerable children of Zambia into a Christian educational setting while they are young to educate them for productive lives on earth and share with them the saving message of Jesus Christ for eternity. The schools provide daily opportunities to share the saving message of Jesus with children of the LCCA and also students not familiar with the Gospel.
Q: How does the VCF work with the LCCA?
A: The VCF serves in an advisory role with the management and oversight of the schools belonging to the LCCA’s Board of Education. Since inception the LCCA Board of Education manages the schools with the VCF providing the vast majority of operational costs. Currently two schools are in operation daily educating and feeding over 625 students with a combined faculty and staff of 20.
Q: To what level is the LCCA supported?
A: Annual operational costs are approximately $70,000 and averages out to a little more than $100 per student. This amount covers the operational costs of the schools and a necessary meal provided daily at noon. The volunteer VCF Board of Directors all assist in fundraising working with WELS grade schools and high schools, congregations, and private donors.
Q: Does the VCF support anything other than operational expenses?
A: In addition to funding daily operations, the VCF over the years has invested over $150,000 in capital and ancillary support. Those projects include:
An original three class room building on each site and subsequent three classroom additions
Water tower construction and associated deep well digging at each site
Cooking shelters at each site
Desks for the classrooms
Running water restroom facilities at each site
University tuition for teaching degrees and licensure for 4 members of the LCCA
Zambian national curriculum textbook purchases and replacements
Q: How does the VCF operate?
A: VCF is a voice for the LCCA schools in America as our Foundation raises funds annually for the schools. Prior to 2020’s travel restrictions, the VCF made regular visits to Zambia for consultation, planning, and mutual encouragement. Since 2005, 13 visits have been made by members of the VCF Board of Directors. All expenses associated with membership on the VCF Board including travel to Zambia and costs associated with VCF presentations in America are incurred by members of the Board. When a dollar is given to the VCF, it is a dollar given to the LCCA schools.
Q: Is there a need for these schools?
A: The country of Zambia has been ravaged by the AIDS virus. The median age of Zambia is 17.6 years compared to our country’s 38.1. The many orphaned children culturally move in with relatives, but often do not receive the benefits of true family members. These schools provide a foundational education for many orphans and others not able to afford school. The Christian training of the schools not only prepares students for eternity, but also provides the reason and motivation to avoid behaviors contributing to the AIDS epidemic in Zambia.
Q: How can I help?
A: As with all things, the prayers of God’s people are appreciated for continued blessing on the labors of those administering, teaching, and learning in the LCCA schools. Monetary gifts provide stability and sustainability for this educational ministry. The members of the LCCA and the students served by these schools simply do not have the financial means to operate. Our brothers and sisters in Zambia are eternally grateful for any and all support.
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“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
{Mt. 25:34-40}