Our 2021-22 school year began on Aug. 25th with a continuation of in-person learning at VVA. We are grateful to be in one of the countries of the world that has had consistent and courageous leadership to safeguard people from the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this, VVA was one of the few schools in the world that was able to have in-person classes for most of the 20-21 school year. What a blessing! Rwanda continues to be a leader in Africa in vaccinations nearing 4 million first-doses administered representing almost one-third of the population.
We just reached the end of our first instructional quarter and were blessed to welcome VVA parents for teacher/parent conferences. We are grateful for the growing sense of parnership with our parents as we work together to support our students! In other exciting news, construction has begun on a new chapel designed by VVA alumni Asher Miller (’21). Asher is using innovative construction techniques that incorporate recycling and the use materials often discarded in other projects. The chapel is designed for small groups to use for devotionals, Bible classes, prayer, and meditation. If any parents or visitors would like to visit the construction site, please let us know and we will be glad to give you a tour!
Finally, I am excited to announce the theme for the year developed by our Student Service Council. The them is “I AM” and focuses both on who God is and who we are because of Him. This theme is shaping our devotionals, assemblies, and even some of our house challenges this year, and helping us all come to a deeper understanding of the nature of God and our identity in Jesus.
Blessings in Christ,
Dr. Matt
On Oct. 15, 2020, the day we had been waiting for since March 13th finally came! After inspections by Musanze District and Ministry of Education officials, VVA received permission to open our doors to students once again! This permission came after several 
months of preparations to be sure that VVA was compliant and exceeding COVID-19 prevention guidelines including installing handwashing stations throughout the campus, ensuring social distancing in classrooms, equipping a medical isolation room for suspected cases, and even 
combining two rooms into one so that our art room could have enough space to ensure social distancing.
the country! Since then most schools in Rwanda have also opened their doors. Our students have done an amazing job adjusting to new policies to ensure that everyone stays safe including regular handwashing, mandatory masks, and limits to the number of students who can be together for activities. We are also so thankful for our parents who endured through the difficult remote learning period and were willing to pay school fees and continue with us into this uncertain year. Our school year is off to a great start, and it is so good to have our students back on campus!
