VOICE OF OUR CHILD
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in teens, but there is hope! I'm a parent who after much thought and personal agony come up with the idea of taking troubled teens out of their current environment to Africa for humanitarianism work. This breaks the circle of depression, suicidal thoughts and unacceptable behavior .
Here's how by taking them on this life changing adventure trip to Kenya they learn empathy, environmental solutions and self reliance. Helping themselves by helping others.
Join us every Saturday from 10:30 am Eastern time for our fun, educative and interactive zoom summit with kids and parents from around the World.
Email us at voiceofourchild@gmail.com for the link to the zoom summit.
About
Let VOOC fill that 6-18 year gap.
It’s not every day that you get a noted international speaker, media personality and humanitarian as your mentor, let alone one who holds a PhD in Social Work, a BSc Computer Engineering, and is a three-time Mrs. Kenya World titleholder and Mrs. Pennslyvania 2018 but that’s exactly what Caroline Verkaik provides.
Caroline founded the mentorship program Voice of Our Child for 6 to younger adults with the commitment of reducing the rate of depression and suicide. Voice Of Our Child was birthed through Caroline’s own pain and shock after her eldest daughter battled depression and suicidal idealization and Caroline and her husband David missed out on all the signs. Their daughter had no idea there was a name to what she was feeling until she went to college. Upon founding Voice of Our Child, Caroline said, "I become a mother and a wife on a mission: no parent would miss out on the signs of depression like I did, and no child would suffer in silence".
Voice of Our Child serves kids in the US, and globally through weekly zoom summits from 10:30 am to 12:15 pm it's crowning achievement is the sponsored international travel to Kenya for a few lucky teens, where the teens perform humanitarian work. The teens find engaging in the humanitarian work informative, it not only takes them out of their comfort zone in a safe, supervised way, but as they help others, they develop self-confidence and a sense of self-pride that gives the teens a new lease on life. Added to that, the trips offer a rare opportunity for the teens to experience a different culture that opens their mind to experiences and develop a greater appreciation of the life they have, compared to those in a developing country like Kenya.
Not only do the American teens benefit; the children in Kenya benefit from the life skills program and syllabus offered by Voice of Our Child in person, through zoom podcasts, from the new global friendships and the deeply-needed gift of school supplies brought to them by the visiting teens from the US.
Born and raised in Kenya, Caroline moved to the United States in 1995 .She married her husband David in 2002, and together they have six teenage children. Caroline has been featured in many media outlets below is just a few of them.
In 2017 She received a citation from the US House of Senate as the most Influential person of the year.
2016 She was named among the top 50 women business leaders of the World during a WLIN held in Vietnam and attended by over 3000 business women from around the World.
Her awards and certificates are countless steaming all the way from grade 3 to now.
-Best behaved student in high school.
-School president in pre university.
-employee of the month.
-Worked for Warren buffet and was recognized as the most outstanding flight attendant of the year 2000.
-Third and fourth runner up at the Mrs.World pageants held in St Petersburg Russia and Sochi Russia.
Despite all her achievements her humility and service to others is undeniable. She claims that she was born to be a voice for others God helping her.
Our belief
1. Time
2. Plan
3. Encouragement
4. Discipline and Guidance.
TIME
We meet with the kids on our program once a week as a group but every child has access to the mentor 24/7.
During the Lock down due to Covid 19 we are offering a global virtual mentorship program every Saturday on Zoom from 10:30 am eastern time to 12:15 pm. We have a different adult or Child guest speaker every Saturday and from their stories kids learn life lessons or life kills.
PLAN
We have a program with home work ideas that we use to keep our kids engaged while we are away from them. Every week during the lock down we are asking every kid to share a picture of something from their country e.g. a food, a landscape, family, personal drawings and share with the group and then we share those on our social media. We also have a question for the day based on our guests topic of presentation.
ENCOURAGEMENT
It is very important for everyone to be praised for work and effort put in to improve themselves or work put in for others. We are careful not to praise for just talent but for choice of behavior.
DISCIPLINE AND GUIDANCE
Not every child or teenager will follow rules be it at home, school or in the community. We have to be able to guide the child back into the right direction without making them feel hopeless. We offer the kids a two week guided humanitarian trip to Kenya where they learn respect of culture, value of a dollar, the joy of giving and how to be grateful for everything they have.
WHY VOOC
Voice of Our Child (VOOC) is an international foundation focused on engaging the world, especially the youth, in maintenance of the biggest human resource that is, their minds. We have the ambition to open an office in each country in the world, but currently the foundation is operational in the USA. Voice of our child was created to educe the rate of depression and suicide by offering mentorship to children 6 to young adults.
At voice of our child we just don't educate or talk about the signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety and mental illness which is fantastic. We offer mentorship and educate our Children through life skills lessons about avoiding anxiety and depression and how to handle life's challenges that might bring about anxiety and then depression or suicide ideation.
FACTS
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in teens 14 to 17. Anxiety, depression and mental health as a whole has been something that we as a society shy from talking about. Until lately mental health is not a topic from the pulpit or teachers and yet it should be. Kids as young as 9 years old are committing suicide.
The founder Dr. Caroline Verkaik, alongside her team, work to use mentorship as a means of curtailing the rates of suicide and depression on a global scale. It is a journey prepared to help shape the psychology of tomorrow’s leaders with an all rounded curriculum. The balance is also found in the participation of parents in the journey with their children.
STIGMA AND TREATMENT
A lot of people are dying in silence for fear of the stigma that comes from suffering from mental illness.
People who suffer from depression are the most lonely people who can't avoid but keep to themselves due to their illness and lack of drive that comes with depression. A lot of individuals suffer from side effects of some of the medications they are on to treat their mental illness. A large number give up on life from the physical, emotional pain brought about by their illness.
A lot of young children shy from seeking help because they don't understand what's going on in their life. Our teens self medicate with drugs and alcohol for lack of knowledge on what to call or handle what they are experiencing. Each individual should have a voice that is valid and with a ready listener, we offer the platform for acceptance and teach the value of expression. Join us today, we offer our hotline for emergencies to each country where you can talk to the founder herself or a professional.
HOW WE DO IT
We go into schools or communities and offer our services to same age groups and same sex in groups of 10. Each group is assigned a mentor who works with these particular group through out the year. Our programs covers different areas of each child’s growth and is suited to meet the needs of kids at each level of their growth. The program gives each child a solid foundation as they grow and helps them in making smart decisions. This program guarantees to walk with every mentee and ensuring they stand out among their peers. At Voice of Our Child, we want to help train an undefeated mind. Prone to experience life stresses, but well equipped to have practical discernment and critical thinking to apply for different challenges. We use a meticulous curriculum designed to support children up to transitioning adults from the age of 6 to 18 years old.
During Covid we are doing virtual zoom summits every Saturday from 10:30 am to 12:15pm .The first hour the guest speaker get's to know their audience. Every child introduces themselves name. age, the country they are zooming from and then they answer the question of the day of the day the next one hour and fifteen minutes from 11:30 am to 12:15 pm the guest speaker of the day starts sharing and we go live on our Voice Of Our Child Facebook page to allow parents and relatives to watch.
OUR MENTORS.
The mentors are a dedicated team who have different backgrounds but with a passion for morality and guidance. They meet children in groups or home visits and embark on creatively instilling positivist and supplement the role of parenthood- it takes a village to raise a child.
The narrative has to change, the equilibrium that VOOC strives for is a lifetime approach that not only aims at easing depression on individuals, but also celebrating the achievements of life, our rites of passage, where cohorts support each other and have a shoulder to lean on for what lies ahead.
SOCIETY
Society is structured as a fundamental agency that ought to bring out the best in each and every of its inhabitants. This fundamentalism is fairly relative when comparing different countries, but how the mainstream structure is set in the contemporary world comes at a high price.
We have developed a demanding system that has created so much pressure; to earn a living, to feel accepted, be educated and stand out from everyone. These pressures create an orbit, and sometimes, when one is ill-equipped, you are pulled out of it.
Firstly, we accept that this is the world we live in, suicide is rampant and relatively normalized. Depression to those who have never experienced it personally or through their surroundings, is like a white noise in the background.
Surprisingly, depression is still being stigmatized by the same society that cultivates it. We are all the same and each one of us has an equal opportunity to thrive and succeed if we put the effort and discipline required to stand out.
The World Health Organization (WHO), highlights that in every 40 seconds of the day on a global basis, a life is lost to suicide.
The USA charts social media with condolence photos of such inspiring and adorable children lost to suicide from bullying, sexual assaults, depression, feelings of neglect and the philosophy of ending life just because of a mistake. These reasons are homogeneous, but manifest themselves differently among cultures, age groups and other variables.
TEENS SPONSORED MISSION TRIP.
The process targets the youth and children, as this is the largest population globally, and the one most affected by suicide and depression from day to day stresses from different avenues externally and internally. Children are made to feel significant in the society when organizations or individuals offer to sponsor some of these teens on a humanitarian trip to Africa for Community service. Humanitarian work is encouraged as it has proven to change the life of many troubled teens by making them realize that they have impacted the world in a remarkable way and by helping others they help themselves.
upcoming trips/Events
This Trip is a must go, it includes 6 days of safari you can sponsor a deserving teen to join the adults on this life changing trip where beautiful legacies are created and where troubled teens help themselves by helping others.
Mission trip in Kenya 14 days safari
14 days in Kenya. This is our best mission trip to Kenya. Due to Covid we are limiting a lot of hands-on mission work in large gatherings and doing more drop offs of school supplies extra. Sometimes we have to get off the highways of life and use the back roads. There we will see the people less fortunate, who would really appreciate your attention. The Oppressed, Sick, grieving, bullied, orphaned widowed, depressed ,hungry, lonely, the list is endless. This is among our best mission trip since it's when schools are out and we can bring the kids along. Some of the teens on this trip are sponsored by individuals or organizations. We ask the teens to write a story on why they feel they deserve to go on this trip. How they feel their life will be changed and we send those letters out to our sponsors who then pick the teens based on what story touched them the most. It's always a fun adventures life changing trip. Be the change you want to see in the World. June 25th to July 7th on our next Mission trip to Kenya. 1 Day Tea picking neat Mt. Kenya to know the value of a $1 which is a days worth of tea picked @ person @day. 1 Day workshop with the locals where we dialogue and exchange stories of how Mental health has affected our Society. 1 Day Visiting Schools where VOOC is offering mentorship to kids from Pre k to college age. Provide school supplies, clean water holding tanks, crafts and speak to them. - - 1 Day Visit the famous Massai market to see the different talents of the local tribes. Bead work, carvings, fabrics etc. - Visit the giraffe center in Karen by the Karen Blixen Museum. 3 Days Visit the Masai Mara to go on Safari to see the Big Five. - Visit a Masai Village and provide School Supplies as we learn about their Culture. How they make a fire by rubbing two sticks together. How the women build their houses using cow dung and mud. 1 day Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru 2 day Aberdare National Park. 3 days Mombasa by the Beach of the Indian Ocean. Our trips include both mission work and sightseeing. Www.voiceofourchild.org Www.watergap-Africasafaris.com #water #safari #schoolsupplies #Karenblixen #missionary #mentalhealth #teensuicide #masaivillage #girrafecenter #cleanwater #Bigfive #givingback #love #vooc #watergapafricasafaris #kenya #Vacation. All for only $5200 ( 15 years to Adults) 3 years to 14 years ( $4000) Airfare included. Masai Mara The Masai Mara together with Tanzania’s Serengeti form Africa’s most famous wildlife park, the Masai Mara National Reserve. The image of acacia trees dotting endless grass plains epitomises Africa for many, then add a Maasai warrior and some cattle to the picture and the conversation need go no further. The undeniable highlight of the Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration traversing the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. It is known as the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. Large prides of lions, elephants, giraffes, gazelles and eland can also be spotted in the reserve. Aside from horse riding safaris and traditional vehicle safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Mara plains has become almost essential. Overnight: Mara Sarova Luxury Tented Camp Mara sarova Luxury Tented Camp is situated in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Accommodation consists of 20 tents that are linked by a paved walkway that winds through the unaltered local habitat. Each tent is equipped with large comfortable beds, mosquito nets, writing desks and suite bathrooms. All tents have a veranda with sun chairs that offer spectacular views of the Masai Mara hills and plains. The camp also features an on-site restaurant, bar, lounge, and gift shop. Guests can enjoy a variety of adventure activities such as game drives, balloon safaris and walking safaris with the Maasais. Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch Sarova Luxury Tented Camp, Masai Mara Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch Lake Nakuru Lodge, Nakuru Nakuru Nakuru is a city on the shores of western Kenya’s Lake Nakuru, within a reserve that sprawls across almost 200 square kilometres. It is the capital of Nakuru County, located in the Great Rift Valley. Ten kilometres from town lies the massive Menengai Crater. A hiking trail leads up to the rim of this ancient caldera, offering bird’s eye views over the lake and surrounds then plunges 400 metres down to the floor below, where you will find ancient forests. Lake Nakuru National Park, surrounding Nakuru, is home to exceptional birdlife, as well as over 50 varieties of mammals. These include lion, leopard, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, rhino, antelope and various primates. Overnight: Lake Nakuru Lodge Situated inside Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Nakuru Lodge is an eco-lodge that provides peerless views of wildlife and Lake Nakuru. Each guest rooms features a Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and a seating area. The lodge also includes an in-house restaurant and an outdoor pool. Guests can visit must-see sights such as Egerton Castle and Menengai Crater less than 50km away from the property. Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch The Ark Lodge, Aberdare National Park Aberdare National Park Located northeast of Nairobi, Kenya, the Aberdare National Park was created to protect the Aberdare Mountain Range, the peaks of which soar to 3930 metres. The landscape is characterised by steep forested slopes, expansive moors, and deep ravines scattered with cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear streams and rushing rivers. The park is inhabited by a variety of African wildlife such as: elephant, lion, spotted hyena, rhino, black leopard and the very elusive bongo antelope that lives in the high altitude bamboo forests. The park offers the perfect environment for picnics, camping in the moorlands, trout fishing in the rivers, and excellent bird watching with over 250 species of birds including hawks, eagles, sunbirds and plovers. Overnight: The Ark Lodge The Ark has four viewing areas from which to observe the ever-present animal activity at the waterhole and saltlick. There is also a ground level hide - the perfect spot for the discerning photographer. From this vantage point, photos of animals can be taken at eye-level. As described in the book, Haven Under the Hill, Monty Brown says, "In this intimate recess one can almost, but not quite, pat the animals, hear their sounds and smell the aroma of the night. This is a magical corner, where there is close contact with the essence that tells of unexplored Africa, and where, very often, the visitor may enjoy in solitary state the beauty of it all." So as not to miss any animal sightings, the resident guide will buzz your room when special animals come to the waterhole. Simply throw on your provided robe and slippers, grab your camera and view nightlife at the waterhole! The sister property to The Ark the Aberdare Country Club, is a short distance away and is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Activities include a game walk on our 1300 acres, golf, tennis, horseback riding, relaxing at our health club or swimming pool, or simply enjoying the gorgeous gardens. Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities Day 12: End of Itinerary Urgent Contact Numbers 9734442980 Company Name Watergap- Africa Safaris Email Address watergapafricasafaris@gmail.com Contact Person Caroline or David Verkaik Watergap- Africa Safaris 862-228-3420 watergapafricasafaris@gmail.com Caroline/David Verkaik Service Provider Ref. Number Telephone Address Sarova Mara Luxury Tented Camp Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya School Lane Westlands Lake Nakuru Lodge Lake Nakuru National Park NAIROBI KENYA Travel Information Resting in the magnificent Great Rift Valley and presided over by the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya is characterised by hauntingly beautiful natural landscapes of forested hills, patchwork farms, wooded savanna and vast forests brimming with an extraordinary abundance of wildlife. The nation’s diverse range of traditional African cultures is influenced by over 70 unique ethnic groups from the Maasai, Samburu, Kikuyu, and Turkana tribes to the Arabs and Indians that settled on the coast. Add to this: an exquisite tropical coastline fringed with breath taking golden sand beaches; gorgeous coral gardens providing excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities; and a slew of lively beach resorts, and it is easy to see why so many visitors flock here from around the world to experience a truly unique African adventure in one of the world’s most pristine safari destinations. Banking and Currency Currency The currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES; symbol KSh) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of KSh1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of KSh20, 10 and 5. Residents may import up to KES 500,000 and must declare if currencies exceeding US $10,000. Non-residents may import local and foreign currencies without restrictions but amounts exceeding US $10,000 must be declared. Banking Banking hours: Monday -Friday 09h00-15h00, and Saturdays 09h00-12h00. Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas open and close half an hour earlier. Banks in airports tend to open earlier and close later; typical hours are 07h00-19h00. ATMs are common especially in major tourist destinations. Mastercard and Visa Credit Cards are widely accepted; American Express and Diners Club less so. Major hotels accept payment by credit card, as do major safari companies, travel agencies and restaurants. Very few banks or foreign exchange bureaus accept travellers cheques; when they do, they charge high commissions. Travel, Transport and Getting Around Nairobi has two airports for domestic and regional flights: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport. Kenya has over 150 domestic airports and airstrips and there are daily flights to the most popular destinations. In addition to the scheduled airlines, several private charter companies operate out of Wilson Airport. Kenya Airways, Air Kenya, Fly 540, Mombasa Air Safari, and Safarilink serve the most popular safari destinations, plus many others such as Lake Victoria. All other types of transport are good and efficient. Quality on trains can differ depending on which ‘class’ you buy. Drive on the left side of the road. Road conditions vary, and are improving. Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice Meat in Kenya is generally outstandingly good, and ‘nyam achoma’ (barbecued meat) is ubiquitous at any major feasts or popular dining spots. Beef and chicken are readily available, but goat is the most-widely eaten among locals and certainly a must try for carnivorous visitors. Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine is also popular, as are fresh-water fish inland, and sea fish along the coast. Drinking the tap water is not recommended as the supply is not reliable, but bottled water is available in most places. When buying bottled water, check the seal of the bottle is intact. Alternatively, bring your own reusable water bottle with a filter or use water purification tablets. Avoid ice and washed salads and fruit except in top hotels and restaurants. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should be avoided at all times. Tipping is optional. Most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge in the bill. If they don't, a small tip is customary for good service. Climate and Weather Kenya has three types of climate: temperate subtropical climate in the west and southwest highlands (where Nairobi is located), hot and humid along the coast, and hot and dry in the north and east. Clothing and Dress Recommendations For Nairobi and the coast: lightweight cotton and linens are advised. Warmer clothing is needed in June and July, while rainwear is advisable between March and June, and October and December. For safari: loose-fitting and light neutral tones are recommended. If you are visiting a luxury lodge, pack a nice set of clothes for dinner is recommended. Electricity and Plug Standards Electrical sockets in Kenya are of the ‘Type G (BS-1363)’. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types. Electrical sockets in Kenya usually supply electricity at 220-240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 220-240 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary. voiceofourchild.org Watergap-africasafaris.com
- Date: 6/25/2021 12:00 PM - 7/8/2021 03:30 PM
- Location: Nairobi Kenya (Map)
Donate
Please sponsor a teen or two for a 2 week humanitarian mission trip to Kenya.
In our quest to reduce the rate of suicide and depression in the youth we have been reaching out to organizations and individuals to help make it possible to some of these teens to get the help they need. We send you letters these teens have written telling you why they feel they would benefit or how they would benefit a another teen in Africa by going on this trip. You decide which Child to help pay for this rare and unique life changing trip. You can also just make a donation that will go to a random teenage who truly will benefit from your generous donation. Your donation can also help buy school supplies for the kids we mentor in Kenya. We appreciate any help you give to these kids who maybe without your help have no hope of reaching their true potential and becoming the leaders of tomorrow. May you be blessed for your kindness.
blogs
Blogs on Understanding depression and mental illness
Every Saturday Zoom summits
Every Saturday at 10:30 am New York time we have a guest speaker on our zoom summit where we connect with kids globally to learn through life skills how to cope with life's obstacles in the hope of reducing the rate of depression and anxiety in our youth. The summit is free and open to everyone from 5 years old - young adults.
Types of Depression and Anxiety
Types of Depression and Anxiety :(GAD) Generalised Anxiety Disorder :Social Anxiety :Specific Phobias :Panic Disorder Other Conditions where Anxiety is present :(OCD) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder :(PTSD) Post-Traumatic Stress disorder :Major Depression :Persistent Depressive Disorder :Bipolar Disorder :(SAD) Seasonal Affective Disorder :Psychotic Depression :Peripartum (Postpartum) Depression :(PMDD) Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder :Situational Depression :Atypical Depression
Issues such as peer pressure, academic expectations and changing bodies can bring a lot of ups and downs for teens. But for some teens, the lows are more than just temporary feelings. The causes of anxiety may be a medical condition such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, or thyroid disorders that need treatment. There's a clear link between caffeine and anxiety and alcohol and anxiety. Also, certain medications may be what causes anxiety
Read More
How you can tell if someone is suffering from depression
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual. Changes in appetite. Withdrawal from social interaction. Loss of interest in things that used to be pleasurable. Lack of energy, difficulty concentrating or remembering things. Feeling worthless and helpless. Most new moms experience “baby blues,” but they usually pass a week or two after delivery. If symptoms persist or worsen, it could be postpartum depression. Younger children who are depressed may avoid school, complain of feeling ill, or become clingy with parents. Adolescents may become sulky and defiant
Signs of Anxiety
:Self Doubt :Compulsive Behaviors :Perfectionism :FlashBacks :Panic Attack :Self Consciousness :Stage Fright :Chronic disorder
Never give up
Take a step back and inhale.You’re never given anything in this world that you can’t handle .Be strong,be flexible remember who you are and who loves you.You should not feel left out because of something you should always trust in yourself and never Give up on who you want to be.
Gallery
Gallery
Testimonials
Testimonials
I have been suffering from depression since I can remember. Before I heard Caroline speak at my college. I felt helpless and just totally lost. I felt no one would miss me if I died. I felt like a big burden to my parents. I heard Ms Verkaik speak about growing up in Kenya and how she takes people like me on her mission trips, I felt like there was a light for me at the end of the tunnel. I hope one day I can go and share my struggle with depression but mostly just to do mission work for kids less fortunate than me. At last I feel like I have something to look forward to.
![Marcus]()
MarcusStudent
Thank you caroline for giving me a hope of using my God given gifts to serve others. I have never had anyone give me so much hope for tomorrow. Because of you I will not give up. My depression is not bigger than me.
![Holly]()
HollyStudent
Contact us
‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40
- Kinnelon Road, Kinnelon, NJ, USA
- 9734442980 - CEO/Founder- Caroline/ David Verkaik
- Voiceofourchild@gmail.com
- 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
