Devika the public official, Sri Lanka

Along with her younger siblings, Devika was sponsored through World Vision at 12 years old. Her father is a farmer and part-time mason, so money was tight. Sponsorship was a huge support and helped her parents ensure their children got a good education. Devika went on to study economics at university, a fact that is of immense pride to her parents. Her sister too is hoping to start a degree soon, while her brother wants to be an engineer.

"What I learned then, helps me so much today"

An active participant in the World Vision-established children's club, Devika explains that the organisation’s capacity-building programmes formed her leadership skills. "Being in the children's club really helped develop my personality. What I learned then helps me so much today,” she says, beaming.

Devika is the Grama Niladhari in her village; a public official representing the central government. "In my role as Grama Niladhari, I have to take the lead and serve the people."

"I truly feel that it's because of World Vision that I’ve come this far in life,"

"I truly feel that it's because of World Vision that I’ve come this far in life," she says. "All my educational needs were met. My family and I faced many hardships, but World Vision helped us so much. It's their faith and my parents' faith in me that paved the way for any success I may have achieved."

Devika has a very special message for her sponsor: "I want to thank my sponsor for everything she's done for me. I'd love to meet her and thank her personally for sponsoring me for so long. I want to get to know this wonderful person, who was so kind to a girl like me half a world away."

How You Can Help

• Sponsor a child: Sponsorship makes a long-term investment in the life of a child, his/her family and community, providing greater access to life-giving basics like nutritious food, clean water, medical care, and education -- the foundation for a future of independence and hope.
• Share our VISION: Be a part of our ongoing campaigns to raise awareness for children caught up in conflict and/or poverty by sharing this message with the world. Use Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google+ and Pinterest to spread the word. Raise your voice and let others know how important it is to invest in the lives of children.

(Source : https://www.worldvision.com.au/global-issues/work-we-do/poverty/former-sponsored-children)