This summer, Ronan and Louise O’Brien from Portobello, Dublin, embarked on a deeply moving journey to Tanzania with World Vision Ireland to meet their sponsored child, Happy, and witness first-hand the impact of their support.

Their first stops were in Endabash and Lake Eyasi, where they visited long-standing Area Programmes. World Vision has been working in these communities for over 15 years, and the results were truly inspiring. 

In these vibrant communities, the power of sponsorship was unmistakable. The O’Briens saw children thriving in bright, well-equipped classrooms, clean water flowing freely from taps, and safe, dignified sanitation facilities that promote health and well-being. “It was a powerful reminder of what long-term partnership can achieve,” said Louise. “Thanks to continued support, hope is not just a word, it’s a reality.”

From the established programmes, the journey continued to Oljoro, a newly launched Area Programme supported by World Vision Ireland. The contrast was striking. Without access to basic infrastructure, the community faces daily hardships, especially around access to clean water. 

The visit offered a powerful glimpse into the early stages of transformation. “It was brilliant to see how well the family is doing,” said Ronan. “They were so happy and grateful for the simple gifts we brought, like a football, which the children immediately started playing with. Seeing the joy in their eyes was a big deal for us.” 

Louise reflected on the similarities between their lives and Happy’s family: “It’s a very similar life to ours; two parents, kids, a busy life. That really struck us.” 

The final leg of Ronan and Louise’s journey took them 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 farming to coconut oil production and handmade cosmetics,” Louise recalled. “But the moment that stayed with me most wasn’t the hum of machinery or the scent of fresh cosmetics. It was meeting the elderly woman who ran the community fund.” 

Their journey has deepened the couple’s commitment to World Vision’s mission. “We are very supportive of World Vision Ireland and the Child Sponsorship programme,” said Ronan, “but seeing the impact on the ground has made it real. It’s not just about donations, it’s about relationships, dignity, and hope.”