Mission
To maintain a children’s center in Zonkizizwe in Ekurhuleni Municipality, Gauteng that will provide physical and psychosocial support to children and youth made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS.  This center will be a clean, attractive and peaceful place that will provide a range of activities to help children and youth to reach their full potential.  This includes education assistance with health and nutrition, promoting academic excellence and life skills development, artistic expression, sport and physical activity, social responsibility, and communication and problem-solving skills.

Project/Partnership History

1.  Pen Pal Program started in early 2007 and continues to grow with VVOCF children writing to MSU students as well as local Michigan children from elementary schools.

2. Race Relations in South Africa is a study abroad program focusing on working with South African community partners to deepen their capacity to address pressing needs. The program goes typically every other year on the odd year.  Students assist VVOCF staff with facility development, after school programming, winter camp, home visits, and strengthening relationships.

3. Building Partnership for Orphaned and Vulnerable Children is a study abroad program designed for Kenya but in 2008 students went to South Africa due to the political unrest in Kenya. Focus of this program was capacity building at VVOCF.

4. Internships–In 2008 the internship program grew with the services of 5 interns rotating from May -December.

5. Fundraising–Students and families of MRULE and students and families of Study Abroad courses continue to contribute to the development of VVOCF. Funds are used primarily for meals in the after school program, school uniform fund, transportation to medical services for children in need, materials and supplies for the after school program and stipends for the staff.  In 2008, MRULE received an Outstanding Commitment award from the Clinton Global Initiative University.

6. Partnerships–MRULE and VVOCF continue to develop their partnership and strive to link to other like minded organizations in the process. MRULE/VVOCF has ties to:

• Scout Banana
• Nyaka AIDS Orphans School
• Global Youth for Education and Change (GYEC)
• Family of Strength Organization (FOSO)

As a collaboration between three departments: Residence Life, Office of Cultural & Academic Transitions and MRULE. Student representatives from each group meet monthly for study and dialogue on a select academic theme. They also consult on how best they can work to achieve their missions of serving students in the Residence halls.