I have two girls I sponsor through World Vision. Bekelu is 12 yrs old and is from Ethiopia, and I’ve sponsored her for about 4 yrs now. She has a few brothers and sisters and goes to school and is doing well. Luisa is 10 yrs old and is from Mozambique and I’ve sponsored her for about a year and a half. She too has a few siblings.
I get a yearly update or ‘report card’ on each child as well as what is happening in their village, from World Vision people. Here is this years update:
Bekelu:
National language – good
Local language – very good
English – good
Mathematics – very good
Science – good
Civics – very good
Social studies – good
Physical science – very good
Bekelu has been promoted from Grade 5 to Grade 6. Her favorite subject in school is Science. Her favorite sport is hand ball and her favorite animal is a sheep. Bekelu’s favorite color is green and her favorite hobby is music. She wants to be a doctor when she grows up.
Bekelu’s community has benefited by sponsorship as well:
-construction of irrigation channel that helps farmers use water without wastage
-distribution of improved fruit seedlings and vegetable seeds to irrigation users which helps them produce income generating crops, as well as diversify their family diet
-construction of cattle crushes for effective animal treatment
-training has been significant in the community on HIV/Aids – improve awareness
-establishment of girls club in school to prevent themselves and others from harmful traditional practice by teaching others through drama shows, playing advocacy roles and conducting meetings with concerned government offices on the issue
-support the celebration of African Child Day to advocate child rights through it
-construction of additional school blocks which increased enrollment of of children
-provision of rewards to outstanding students to encourage students especially girls, as a result students have been much encouraged
-provision of school uniforms and school materials to registered children to strengthen school enrollment
-furniture has been supported which benefited 1800 students
-construction of potable water scheme which comprises 2km line extension, three water points, reservoir and generator house construction – this enabled the community clean drinking water in a short distance
Luisa:
Luisa’s marks overall are ‘average’ and she has been promoted from Grade 4 to Grade 5. Her favorite subject is Portuguese and her favorite sport is Hopscotch. Luisa enjoys washing dishes and her favorite food is Rice and Salads. Her favorite color is Red and her favorite fruit is Bananas. Her and her family participated in distribution of Bed Nets in their community through World Vision sponsored donations.
The community benefited this year:
-3 ox stalls were built to benefit more than 136 subsistence farming families. The ox stalls help with animal sanitation management.
-2 water pumps were purchased and are benefiting 103 subsistence farmers. Also, 13,000 meters of irrigation channels and draining ridges in the fields of 6 famers associations were opened. The channels and draining ridges will improve acquisition of water for the agricultural needs
-HIV/Aids training was provided for community and church leaders, as a way of helping those already infected and affected. People are more likely to listen to a religious leader talking about HIV and Aids while preaching in church. The goal is to mobilize churches to care for orphans and the chronically ill in this community
-2 boreholes were drilled that will benefit about 1500 people each. This has made a huge difference for children and families by reducing distance walked to fetch water and will reduce waterborne diseases
Both communities have had many good benefits from sponsorship of their children by people from around the world… if you only do one thing – think about sponsoring a child. The impact is far reaching! And its rewarding to get updates and hand written letters and drawings from your ‘child’.
