Background

Vision Africa - Give a Child a Future (abbreviated to Vision Africa) was conceived by Rev. John and Vera Packard in September 2001.  Having completed a  two-year assignment as  Chief Administrator at Thomas Barnardo House orphanage in Nairobi, it was clear to them that the need was just overwhelming. So, they have committed themselves to staying in Kenya to do whatever they can to meet these needs.   Now Field Directors of Vision Africa, they work on an entirely unpaid, voluntary basis, with the poorest and neediest children in the most dreadful conditions in the slums of Kibera and other areas of want in Kenya.

Vision Africa in the UK is a non-profit making, non-denominational, Christian aid organization set up as a support group, management team and fund raising body.  We are a registered charity in the UK - Registered No. 1091198 - and a registered Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Kenya.  All UK staff are voluntary and, other than minor necessary expenses, all funds raised go directly to the work among the children in Kenya.  Our overheads have been consistently below 2% of total money raised, meaning you can give with confidence in knowing that your money goes exactly where it is needed.

Vision Africa in Kenya uses mainly unpaid staff for running and administering the charity.  At present John & Vera Packard support themselves from their own resources, as does Deborah Ross - administrator of the Seed of Hope projects. We do employ a number of Kenyan nationals in support of our key projects, which both helps the local economy and ensures a high quality of teaching and care.  

Our aim is to put Christian love into action in a practical and compassionate ministry among children who are vulnerable and in desperate need. Working with children up to the age of 18 years, the objectives of our work may be summarized as:

Provision

We aim to provide food, clothing, a safe environment, recreation facilities, quality water supplies to kitchens, toilets and washing facilities.   

Protection

We want to ensure secure housing, safety, power for lighting for the children and to prevent sexual, physical and emotional exploitation of the children.

Preparation

We will provide funds for fees and materials for primary, secondary and, where appropriate, tertiary education.  We will also provide vocational training for children over 15 who cannot access secondary education.  

Development of the whole person,  body, soul and spirit through Christian code and conduct.

In realizing these objectives Vision Africa works in four main areas: 

Education

Providing educational sponsorship of children in the community and in children's homes and provision of teaching supplies and materials.

Development of Children's Homes and Schools

Planning and oversight of property developments, including building of new children's homes, repair and refurbishment of existing children's homes, building of school classrooms, provision of power, lighting, kitchen and sanitary facilities etc.. We are also one of the few charities working with mentally and physically handicapped children in Kenya.

Development of Vocational Training Facilities

Providing a network of volunteers to teach such subjects as Hairdressing, Tailoring/Dressmaking, Carpentry, Plumbing, Gardening, Domestic Work etc.  Where appropriate, building training facilities.

Distribution of Food and Clothes

Including having available in store, supplies to enable a rapid response to emergency and serious situations.

Updated May 2007

Copyright © 2007 Vision Africa - Give a Child a Future