Ever wondered what being a child sponsor is like?
We believe Child Sponsorship is a wonderful way to transform lives, for generations to come. But that’s just us.
Recently, we heard from some of our fantastic UK child sponsors and from sponsored children, past and present. Here’s what they said…
“I’ve visited some of the places where children are benefitting from sponsorship, and I’m in awe of the work that World Vision are doing. I’ve seen the results and it’s truly extraordinary and heartening to be a part of that… it’s so worth it. Not only for the difference it makes in communities and in children’s lives, but you personally have that relationship with that child.
It is worth way much more than money.”
“I knew I was a sponsored child. Somebody must have paid my school fees for me to be the person I am, and therefore this new journey began, and new thinking began and completely turned around my mind, my thinking, and I began to see I am a person to help others.”
"Many times I have felt I am making a big difference to Sinory's life and her community.”
“Many times I have felt I am making a big difference to Sinory's life and her community. When I see the major changes that have been made to their village and way of life, I am very happy...”
Scott, sponsor for over 15 years
“Being a mum, you feel like you want to help someone else’s child. It’s really heartwarming. It’s so nice to read about his family, school life and seeing the improvement in his writing is lovely.”
Watch Harriet's story
“Child Sponsorship relieved a great burden from many parents. I got free school uniforms, books, mosquito nets and boxes, throughout primary level. Some of my friends received gifts, clothes and pictures of their sponsors ... I wish I could say thank you to him or her for playing a pivotal part in my life.”
“I wondered why a person that never knew me, would spend time and money to support a kid like me. I received love from my sponsor and that love was a good example. I wish to meet my sponsor one day, and I want to tell her that my dream became true. I didn't disappoint you. Thank you for every encouraging word you wrote to me and every toy you sent me.”
“I sponsored two children through World Vision back in 1997, Elijah and Maureen, in Kenya. There is so much poverty in the world, it feels very overwhelming and we certainly can’t help everybody, but you can make a difference by helping a few. Through World Vision you can empower, not just the children you sponsor, but their whole community.
“Elijah now has two children and works with motorcycles, and Maureen is working towards her nursing diploma. Without the help from World Vision, their lives would've turned out very differently”
image © Michaela Strachan
“I hope my child will feel that somebody cares about him, even though I am far away.”
“It feels very meaningful to be a sponsor, to be a positive in a child's life. I hope my child will feel that somebody cares about him, even though I am far away.”
Jane, sponsor for 1 year
“I cannot tell you how rewarding an experience it is. When I first decided to sponsor a child, I was looking for something meaningful to do. But, from my experience, these little souls end up helping you as much as you’re helping them. It’s not a one-way street.” Sima, the Curious Pixie . Watch her video about her Child Sponsorship experience
“I’ve been sponsored for four years. It makes me feel good to get a letter. They ask me what I want to do in life and give me ideas about the future.”
“It [Child Sponsorship] became a stepping stone to who I am today”
Read Janvie's full story.
“I would say to someone who is thinking about sponsoring a child - go ahead and do it, it is the most life-changing thing ever!”
"Diaw would write letters, to Emily [Amanda’s daughter] particularly, and tell her about what was going on in her daily life... so I think that has opened her eyes in a way that has formed her to the young woman that she is now."
“I’m very thankful for my sponsor, he has a heart of giving. I wish to have that heart as well,”
“What you get back cannot be measured by what you donate.“
“For years I procrastinated about what charity to support and if it would make a difference. Sponsoring a child allows you to make a difference and what you get back cannot be measured by what you donate.”
David, sponsor for 1 year
Child Sponsorship really does transform lives – for children, their families and communities, and for sponsors.
Children who are sponsored see their life choices grow – they’re able to dream of a brighter future, then build it.
And now, World Vision’s Chosen Child Sponsorship gives children the choice from day one. For the first time, each child is empowered to choose their sponsor.
You can become Chosen today and experience it for yourself.
