About this speaker
In 1999, Sergio helped start the first VOH centre in Kitwe, Zambia. At that time there was only a preschool, with 43 children enrolled. Today, this small beginning has grown to over 7,000 students annually at 10 VOH centres, located in Burundi, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Each centre operates a school, often the very heart of the community. In 2004 Sergio started VOH Africa Society, a Canadian based non-profit that oversaw the work of the many centres that have been established.
As the Executive Director of VOH Africa, Sergio’s primary focus is to lead, guide, and mentor VOH Africa’s incredible seven directors and approximately 450 staff who work tirelessly to care for children coming from often very challenging situations. We work closely with their families, caregivers, various levels of government, community leaders, and others in their communities. In 2004 Sergio developed the first Child Protection Policy for VOH Africa.
Child Safeguarding has been embraced by all VOH centres, their leaders, and staff. Over the years, Sergio has personally trained staff and children in Child Safeguarding. Sergio says that during his times with the children, he has learned the importance of seeing safeguarding from their perspective.
