This past Saturday, July 5th, 2023, the WellSpring team invited parents to the second update of the 2023 year. This is a special day when the parents and family can come and visit with the children, and see how the children are doing physically, spiritually, and academically.
The team prepared a general update which was presented to the group – this included reviewing policies and procedures as the families are still learning about how WellSpring operates and the critical partnership between the ministry and the homes the children are coming from.
Critical items were discussed to the group as a whole.
1) WellSpring is creating a Farming Cooperative – the families are able to voluntarily be a part of this cooperative. The benefits of this cooperative will be farming education, access to seeds, and even government-aided fertilizers. The cooperative will also be using a portion of what is grown to help feed the WellSpring children as well as become a source of income and sustenance for the families. This news was well received by the families with much interest.
2) As a part of the Zambian Child Social Welfare National program, our team took time to explain that some of our policies and procedures are reflecting the National guidelines for the child’s protection. This includes the policies around family visits with the children.
3) Parents were given an opportunity to share ideas they would like to see implemented in the program and our team received good feedback. One idea we will implement is that in Zambia when a child places well in school – is doing well academically – the family will present that child a small gift. As a ministry we have been doing this, but the families suggested that we work together and the child be presented the gifts in front of the families as an additional layer of encouragement. Our team will begin implementing this for the 3rd term.
A hot lunch was prepared and served by our staff and the WellSpring girls. The families are able to see the girls are learning critical life skills along with all the other benefits of being a part of the WellSpring family.
The children had time to share stories, art, and drawings, singing songs, and sharing memory verses.
The parents then had a one-on-one meeting with the staff and provided individual details of progress, areas we are encouraging improvement and any critical topics for discussion.
The day was a big success and the parents wish to express their appreciation not just to the WellSpring staff, but to each of you as you are making this possible.
It is truly a blessing to see how God is impacting the lives of the families as well as the children.
