Three successful entrepreneurs from Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, Paddy Finn, John Desmond, and Denise Tormey, have returned from a transformative journey to Tanzania with World Vision Ireland, where they met their sponsored children and witnessed the life-changing impact of Irish support in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Their visit not only highlighted the power of child sponsorship but also showcased the compassion and leadership of Ballinasloe’s close-knit business community on a global stage. It’s a remarkable testament to the town’s spirit that three of Ireland’s most successful entrepreneurs hail from the same area and share the same commitment to using their success to uplift others. 

What makes their story even more extraordinary is that none of the three knew each other until meeting through the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme. Despite coming from the same town, their paths only crossed thanks to their shared recognition as some of Ireland’s most innovative and impactful business leaders. Now, united by a common drive to give back, they are working together to create change far beyond their hometown.

Their journey began in Endabash and Lake Eyasi, two long-standing Area Programmes where World Vision has been working for over 15 years. There, sponsors witnessed the powerful, long-term impact of sustained support; clean water flowing from taps, well-maintained schools, and children thriving in safe, nurturing environments. “The children were so proud of their running water and working toilets,” Fionnuala recalled. “They even had a handwashing song!”

From there, the journey continued to Oljoro, a newly launched Area Programme supported by World Vision Ireland. The contrast was stark. “We saw women and children collecting unclean water from a nearly dried-up riverbed after walking up to 15km,” John said. “The school had over 1,000 children, barely any toilet facilities, and again children were collecting and drinking water from an unclean river with livestock in the water upstream.”

The group also visited a medical centre in Oljoro, where one doctor and two nurses serve thousands. “The doctor explained that the vast majority of illnesses they treat, up to 80%, are linked to unsafe water,” Denise shared. “It was a powerful reminder of how something as basic as clean water can completely change a community’s health and future.”

Despite the challenges facing the community in Oljoro, meeting their sponsored children was a standout moment of the trip for John, Fionnula, Denise and Grace, as it was the year before for Paddy. 

“We arrived in a remote, arid area with a few neat mud huts,” Fionnuala shared. “Faraja’s mum and her neighbours came to welcome us. She’s a tall, graceful Maasai woman, a widow raising her children on a small plot of land. Her gratitude was overwhelming, her eyes welled up when she spoke.”  

Faraja, just seven years old, was shy but clearly delighted by the gifts they brought. “The soccer jersey with his name on the back got a brilliant reaction,” John said. “But it was the soccer ball that really hit the spot. Their joy was unforgettable.” Fionnuala added, “We left feeling delighted and privileged that we were able to make a positive difference in the lives of such a gorgeous family.”

Denise also reflected on the emotion of meeting her sponsored child, who she chose because she shares a name with her daughter.  “Meeting Grace Elibariki and her family was incredibly special. She gave us handmade bracelets and the children started playing football with the gifts we brought. It was pure joy. You see how similar our lives are; parents doing their best for their children. That really struck me.”

“Watching my own Grace grow up with opportunity, and start university recently, has been a privilege. Meeting little Grace Elibariki in Tanzania made me think about what’s possible for her too. I want the same chances for her: to learn, to thrive, to dream big. That connection was incredibly emotional.”  

Paddy, who helped coordinate the trip with World Vision Ireland, reflected on a moment that changed everything: “Meeting Junior last year in Uganda was profoundly moving. I’ve been sponsoring him since 2011, exchanging letters, reading annual updates, watching him grow through photos and videos. But meeting him and his family in person was life changing. I saw, with my own eyes, how my support was shaping his life. In that moment, I knew I had to do more for children like him.”

Inspired by the experience, Paddy’s wife Deborah decided to sponsor a child of her own, three-year-old Neema from Tanzania. This year, as Paddy returned to Tanzania with the group of new sponsors he encouraged to join the journey, he also had the chance to meet Neema for the first time.

In anticipation of the meeting, Paddy’s own children, who are close in age to Neema, had been practicing Swahili and recorded a joyful video greeting: “Jambo Neema!” (“Hello Neema!”). Though shy at first, Neema broke into a smile when she saw the video, a simple moment that beautifully captured the power of connection across continents.

The final leg of the journey took the group on a six-hour drive to Tanga, a port city in northeast Tanzania. There, they visited the ARDHI-Tanga project, a three-year initiative led by World Vision Ireland and World Vision Tanzania, with support from the European Union. The project addresses urgent challenges such as deforestation, land degradation, and poverty, while promoting sustainable livelihoods and building resilience for more than 150,000 people.

“We saw a host of small but powerful enterprises, from charcoal making and beekeeping to coconut oil production and handmade cosmetics,” shared Fionnula. “It was insightful to see how World Vision works to make sure change is sustainable- moving from providing basic needs like access to clean water to promoting local enterprise so that people can lead their own development,” added John.  

Denise recalled meeting an elderly woman who ran the local credit fund with pride and precision. “The fund operates like a credit union, with a 100% loan repayment rate. The members had even come together to support one of their own when an injury kept him from working. Her quiet confidence and dedication were inspiring. It was a beautiful reminder of how the right support can nurture leadership, trust, and resilience within a community.”

Reflecting on the journey, all three sponsors agreed: child sponsorship is more than a donation, it’s a relationship. “If you saw a child in need in your own community, you’d help,” said John. “This is no different. And your support can truly transform a life.”

“Seeing the impact on the ground has made it real. It’s not just about donations, it’s about relationships, dignity, and hope,” Denise added.  

From Ballinasloe to Tanzania, the journey of Paddy, John, Fionnula, Denise and Grace is a testament to the power of empathy, leadership, and global citizenship. Their stories show that child sponsorship is more than charity, it’s a relationship that uplifts entire communities.