I feel blessed to have been sponsoring children through World Vision Ireland for 17 years now. A few days before Christmas 2023 I received a letter from World Vision Ireland inviting me to potentially travel to Uganda to see the projects World Vision have funded and meet my sponsored child. I stopped at that very sentence, and immediately emailed back through the tears, to say “Yes” I am interested.
This charity has always been close to my heart, and it was a beautiful time to understand more and see what was happening on the ground. Fast forward nearly a year to October 2024, and a group of 28 from Ireland finally embarked on the journey to Uganda. We were excited and eager to see Word Vision's work on the ground, hear what else needs to be done and meet our sponsored children.
That’s what the mission was! What transpired has been the experience of a lifetime. I was expecting to meet communities in desperate states, but instead, my heart was warmed to see communities taking a hand up and running with it, to thrive and build meaningful lives for their families and communities into the future.
We went to meet our sponsored children in groups along with World Vision Ireland and World Vision Ugandan staff. The first child we visited was a young boy sponsored by another lady in the group. Watching the joy on her face when meeting her sponsored child was a moment I will never forget. The energy exchange was weighted in love for sure.
And then it was time to travel to meet my sponsored child, Doreen. As we travelled down the dusty road to her house wavering back and forth, I had so many emotions inside, a mix of joy and nerves to see this little girl. I just wanted to know she was okay. Well, I needn’t have worried. She was more than okay!
We were beautifully welcomed by neighbours and volunteers all singing and dancing. I saw a white ribbon tied across the garden and then I spotted Doreen. She came under the ribbon and knelt to greet me. My heart melted at that moment as Doreen took my hand and cut the ribbon. Her smile was beautiful. She was happy, well-nourished and looked healthy.
Doreen’s parents spoke of their gratitude to World Vision Ireland, and what it has meant to them and their community. We exchanged many smiles and gifts, and got lots of photos and videos to capture the moments. Doreen was particularly taken by a snow globe with Ireland written on it and a Leprechaun inside. She smiled as she shook the snow globe and watched the green glitter settle to the bottom. I also gave Doreen’s mum a tea towel with the recipe for Irish Stew written on it. This created a laugh amongst the locals when the staff translated, as we learned that they grow "Irish potatoes". All in all, meeting Doreen was a magical experience, and I thanked her parents for allowing us to meet at their home and for being accepting of World Visions help.
While on the trip, we also got to see several other World Vision projects in the community that our sponsorship money has helped to fund. Visiting these World Vision and Irish Aid projects was enlightening. We observed the positive impact of the WASH programme at local schools, which provides toilet facilities for boys and girls, reducing disease and allowing children to remain in school. We heard from a very enthusiastic boy who said, “There was only one toilet and while you were trying to go there was constant knocking at the door, now we can relieve ourselves in peace and go back to class to learn”.
The importance of education in the community was evident. At schools we saw slogans like “Education before marriage” encouraging children to get an education first.
We also visited a World Vision and Irish Aid funded Health Centre, where a new Maternity Unit has seen increased birth rates from four in 2007 to 150 in 2023, which has significantly improved maternal and infant care in the community. Before, babies were being born at home and at risk of mortality for both baby and mother. Thankfully with intervention, these are now few and far between. However, the facility still carries out all these deliveries with only two midwives and no ultrasound machine.
I also met a new mother at the centre, who was struggling to decide on a name for her beautiful new baby girl. After our chat, she told me that she had decided on a name- Christina! It was such a touching moment.
For me, the most profound of all the projects was the community clusters, where over 20 houses collaborate on farming and agriculture. We heard from a Nutritionist about the importance of eating well, she shared a table of foods that are grown and described how the community are grateful to “go to the garden for nutrition”. She also highlighted the community's gratitude for access to fresh produce through microcredit funding, allowing them to meet their food needs and sell surplus in local markets. The sense of community and empowerment was evident, showcasing a "hand up, not a handout" approach. The success of these initiatives relies on dedicated World Vision staff, volunteers, and community commitment.
Personally, the experience has really made me grateful to be part of World Vison. It was a real humbling experience and such a beautiful exchange of energy. I felt this was an experience of a lifetime and has made me all the more passionate and determined to continue to spread the word on child sponsorship.
To anyone considering becoming a child sponsor, I would say; Just do it! You’ll be able to share the experience with family and friends and if you have children your children will get to learn the beauty of giving at an early age.
The progress reports, letters and cards you receive and send every year is always a gorgeous time to reflect and your own life, what you are grateful for and how you are changing lives.