Let Children Shine through Sponsorship
Living in a wealthy city, we may not experience the challenges faced by impoverished children. “Walking in My Shoes” is the theme of 2014 Sponsor Gathering. Attendees walked into the world of poor children and learned about their needs through a children choir performance, a real-life story of two African siblings, sharing of Ms. Sylvia Chang on her 10-year sponsorship journey with her sponsored daughter, and the testimony of Vongsa, a sponsored child from Cambodia.
Sponsorship that Extends Love and Transforms Life
The sponsorship programme has significantly improved Vongsa's life. She came to the Sponsor Gathering and share with us her experience. It was a touching moment when Vongsa met and hugged her sponsor Ms. Wong. Although Vongsa is only 12 years old, she is already a teacher of 20 students. Every day after school, she would volunteer two hours to teach other children in her village about various knowledge, discipline, sports and other things she learned from school. However, she said that back in the tough old days, they didn't have much hope in life, not to mention the motivation to share knowledge. Her family worked hard in the field yet the farm produce was barely enough to feed the family.
“Su'e Si-dey!” (Hello!) The experienced young teacher, Vongsa, confidently teaches about a thousand audience to speak Khmer.
There are still many children and communities who need our support and prayers. “Come stand alongside us, become a sponsor, and step-by-step we could help children to grow healthily and happily!” said Kevin Chiu, CEO of World Vision Hong Kong.
All audience dancing to African music to cheer for each other.
Our frontline staff shared more on the situation of Vongsa's community. The area did not have enough food nor clean water; parents did not value education and children had to work to support the family. But since World Vision started its Area Development Programme, the community has gained access to clean water; villagers have taken caution about hygiene and have been trained with advanced livelihood skills, and children, including Vongsa, have been going to school. Also, World Vision built a small classroom and provided learning materials for Vongsa and her students, through which villagers could also witness the impact of education. Vongsa wishes every student to study hard and have a brighter future!
Walking in Children's Shoes Celebrating the Fruits of Sponsorship
Having visited her sponsored child in Sri Lanka, Gloria saw life-changing improvement of the children and the challenging work of frontline staff. “It's a little that I offered, but it becomes great help to people afar. I hope to share this meaningful experience with others,” said Gloria.
This year, we are glad to announce the completion of 3 Area Development Programmes (ADPs) in Africa. On the day of the event, we danced to African music to celebrate the fruits of sponsorship support.
There are still many children and communities who need our support and prayers. “Come stand alongside us, become a sponsor, and step-by-step we could help children to grow healthily and happily!” said Kevin Chiu, CEO of World Vision Hong Kong.
