Minute Read
When sponsors and children meet
7 photos that say it all
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to meet your sponsored child face-to-face? We might not be able to travel, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream (or plan) about the next travel adventure.
And why not plan a trip with extra meaning? Pre-COVID, thousands of sponsors crossed dirt tracks, navigated bustling streets or took bus rides they may prefer to forget, in order to meet someone very special – their sponsored child. They saw what sponsorship meant to a child up close and personal.
If you’re missing travel or if you’ve always wanted to meet your sponsored kids face-to-face, these seven pictures are for you.
1. New Moves
When a group of sponsors from Hong Kong travelled to Cambodia to meet the children they had been writing to for years, it was no time for a quiet catch up – it was time for a celebration! The kids from Baribour II had them on their feet in no time, learning new dance moves and taking fun photos.
2. Big dreamers
Addyson Moffitt is no ordinary kid – she was just seven years old when she ran a half marathon and raised more than $20,000 to help kids in Kenya have access to clean water. When three years later she got the chance to meet Maurine, whose story first inspired her epic run and fundraising campaign, the pair clicked straight away.
“Don’t let anybody take down your big dreams,” is Addyson’s advice. “People might tell you that you’re too young, you’re too small, but don’t listen to them. Just always go for your dreams and don’t let anyone stop you.”
3. Universal language
Kihun Kim was 13 years old when he travelled with his mother and sister from their home in South Korea to Oldonyro, Kenya, where they got to meet Ekai and Nachodo, the two children they support. While Kim doesn’t speak Swahili, fun and bubble blowing is a language that all kids can talk in! The visit was a day to remember for these children on both sides of the equator.
4. Selfies
When Dutch ambassador Liza de Jonge got the chance to visit her sponsored child Linate in Kyabigambire, Uganda, it was an experience for the whole community! Linate chose Liza as her sponsor through World Vision’s new Chosen experience, and their meeting cemented their friendship for life.
5. Sharing a meal
There’s nothing like a meal to break the ice! When a group of sponsors from Malaysia visited Sing and the children they support in their community in Cambodia, local cooking was high on the menu of activities for the day. Everyone loves to eat – and thanks to child sponsorship, good, healthy food is something this community has plenty of.
6. Gifts to remember
For Bryan Moffitt, visiting their family’s two sponsored children in Bartabwa, Kenya, was a gift in more ways than one! Bryan and his family got the chance to experience the daily life and culture of the community and see the impact that sponsoring has made there – and the traditional Maasai blanket he was given is a special reminder of the amazing day.
7. Precious Memories
For Hyeon-gyeong Han from South Korea, travelling to Mongolia to meet her sponsored child Del created memories she will treasure for life. In a letter to Del after the visit, she shared how much the meeting meant to her:
“On the day I finally met you, I was worried that I wouldn't recognize you, but as soon as I saw you walking with a shy smile, I recognized you! I ran towards you with a smile.
“Seeing you grow up bright and healthy made me feel proud and happy. Thank you for growing up well. I'm so proud of you. I've always supported you and will continue to do so. Thank you so much for giving me these precious memories.”