Initial VFA Staff Outside of Training Center

Maria L. Prean
Founder and Director

Vision For Africa International was founded
with the goal to give needy children a hope
for their future and to raise them up in body,
soul and spirit to be all that Christ Jesus called
them to be.

The Ugandans are very willing to learn. The land is very rich, and the people only need the necessary instructions how to economize on those good gifts and how to be good guardians of their land.

A Closer Look - VFA History:

How did a Vision for Africa come about?

by Maria Prean, Executive Director

When I came to Uganda for the first time in the year 1996, I could not imagine what the Lord had already prepared in this land!

Meanwhile, I experience the dynamic action of God again and again and stronger and stronger in Uganda. I’m refired by the fire that’s burning in the hearts of the people here with every visit. I have to admit that I feel very, very comfortable on this continent.

In January 2001, I was flying to Uganda once again to stay for three weeks in different places in Africa to tell the Gospel to the natives and to serve the people during the “AfriCamp” in Kampala. I also received a lot for myself during this time.

Due to prophetic words which I had already received earlier concerning a new ministry prepared for me by God, I went to this mission with great tension and expectation. During a conference in the South of Uganda two African women came to me with prophetic impressions. The first one saw me standing in front of a huge black gate that was slowly opening itself. Behind it there was a lot of gold and a lot of light. The second woman saw a huge funnel over my head and many, many blessings were flowing into it and through me as if through canals to the right places. Two days later the Lord clearly said that I should trust Him to provide for thousands of poor Ugandan children so that they can come into their calling spiritually, mentally and professionally.

Passing on the Blessings

In the Western world we are blessed so greatly I believe that together with the blessing comes the responsibility to share and to bless others who are not doing so well!

If you have not seen it with your own eyes, you can hardly imagine the terrible, inhumane circumstances and conditions in which some children grow up in Africa.
There is a huge amount of single parent mothers who cannot afford to send their children to school. Also, there are millions of orphans whose parents already have died of different diseases.

Wherever it is possible, we don’t want to tear the children out of their natural surroundings. But we will give as much support as necessary so that the child receives a proper education - appropriate to the local conditions. This will enable the children to provide for themselves as adults. An example would be to train a girl as a tailor and help her start a business by giving her a sewing machine.

It is very important to me that the funds are used exactly for what they are intended. Therefore, we have found very good and experienced people to work with us.

Founding of the NGO “Vision for Africa”

In the year 2001, the ministry of “Vision for Africa” was founded, first in Germany and shortly afterwards in Austria and Switzerland. In August 2001, two co-workers from Germany, Ursula and Andrea took on the coordination at the inception – in cooperation with fellows from Uganda.
Our office was initially in a small flat in Kampala, where Ursula and Andrea also lived. At the end of 2002, we purchased a house, in which we have suitable office rooms to be able to handle the extensive administration.

Since the ministry has grown very much and is still growing, Birgit Mair became a member of our Team in Africa in January 2003. She had been responsible for the administration in Imst/Austria previously.

Margrit Schulze has taken the responsibility for the administration in Europe.

“Vision for Africa” is Spreading Out

Vision for Africa – USA was incorporated late in 2003. It is being established to provide financial support to by the sponsorship of orphans. In addition, funds may be provided to VFA, International for water projects and development of the 165 acre Land of Hope project.

Already many orphans are supported by sponsorships in Kenya. Ursula Weigl has taken the responsibility for this effort.