December 2008 Zimpeto Child Reintegration Program Update

By the end of October we finalized approximately 300 home visits for 2008
and had a preliminary list of 23 probable younger children and youth who
could return home to their families.  In the first week of November we
met personally with each of these kids/youth and talked to them about
moving back with their families. We answered any questions and concerns
they had. Some of course were reluctant to return, but after some
encouragement from the team, all left agreeing that this was the best
thing for their future. We also communicated back and forth with each  family, working through their son/daughters return to the home.

Each of the children returning to their families have unique and different home situations. Some are returning to live with a sister, mother and
father, grandmother/grandfather. Some have been reunited after years of
separation, or the families thinking their child has been lost. Three of
the older boys are having houses built on the property of family, so
they will be able to live in their own place and be responsible, but
also have the support of their family right next door. Some home
situations have changed for the better, and one of the Fathers of a little
girl who will be returning home has opened a hair salon, so they now have an
income to support her!! Many of the other families have also found employment and built new houses themselves in order to accommodate their child's return.

We have committed to provide the first year of schooling to each family and will re-assess each situation at that time. We have done house repairs and bought basic supplies for each child returning home and we continue to remain supportive of each one in their family home over the next years.

We recently had a farewell party for the children where we prayed for them, shared and encouraged them and enjoyed cake together!! There were 2 reintegrated youth who came to speak and share about how they are enjoying being with their families now, despite the difficulties in the first weeks at home.  They shared that they know that their family is their future and where they belong, and that they are working hard to finish school.

[Staff praying for some of the children about to be reintegrated into their family homes]

[The reintegration team (L to R) - Sonia, Juileta, Eliza 
Liz and Lucilia]