Becoming a Child Sponsor Through World Vision Canada

I think one of the most frequently asked questions today is, “how can I make a difference in the world?” Luckily there are so many ways to make lasting change such as donating to various charity organizations, activism, volunteering, building meaningful interpersonal relationships and learning about the ways you can offer support within your local and global community. People are driven to manifest positive change based on their personal experiences and interests; those who follow this sense of agency will help to create a healthy, safe and friendly environment.

My desire to make change began in my first year of university when I learned about what it means to be a global citizen. Who knew this way of thinking and being would greatly impact my life? To me, global citizenship is acknowledging, accepting and respecting the similarities and differences between various social groups. It’s the freedom to empower and advocate with those who are marginalized and oppressed. It’s about learning, being empathetic and working towards growth as a team. It makes me believe that a world built of hope, peace, love and connection is possible. I believe change happens through action and in order to embody this vision, I began researching ways I could make a difference. That’s when I came across the opportunity to become a World Vision child sponsor and with time, World Vision Canada Ambassador.

• 

Here are some of the reasons why I was immediately drawn to World Vision and the opportunity of child sponsorship:

• World Vision is a charity organization that delivers humanitarian aid in the event of a natural disaster and to countries experiencing conflict.
• World Vision has created effective programs and policies that help to protect at risk youth within areas such as potable water and sanitation; good nutrition and healthcare services; gender equality in education; and teaching communities about developing sustainable livelihoods and preventing abuse and violence.
• World Vision partners with a community for an average of 10 to 15 years or until the community is safe, healthy and moving towards lasting growth.
• Sponsoring a child allows you to support and connect with an individual living in a community across the world.
• Parents/guardians consent to children being apart of the sponsorship program.
• Sponsors can communicate and build a friendship with a child through written letters, packages, emails and gift donations.
• It’s an opportunity to learn about the ways World Vision creates long-term change through the implementation of programs that address the needs in each community
• Monthly payments and donations impact the child’s entire community rather than one specific family.
• Sponsors can request to meet their sponsored child and see how they have helped make an impact in their life.

• 

The next step was rather overwhelming because at the time, there was approximately 1600 online profiles to choose from. I knew I wanted to sponsor a child living in Democratic Republic of Congo because I had spent years researching information about the country. Although the monthly donations benefit an entire community, I found it difficult to pick one specific child to sponsor. So I decided to pick based on who’s birth date was closest to mine and before you know it, a 12-year-old boy named Jacques became a part of my life.

• 

• 

• 

• 

We communicate through email and written letters. I enjoy receiving updates about his community’s progress and when he draws and colours me pictures. His community has benefited in ways such as the implementation of wells for clean-drinking water; learning about child protection, human rights, saving money, and carrying a healthy pregnancy; creating opportunities within schools for tutoring and extra curricular activities; helping teachers learn new and effective methods in the classroom; enrolling children in nutrition programs; and vaccinating children to prevent the spread of diseases. Overall, I am very excited to continue being a part of Jacques journey and to watch his community strive towards success. I am grateful for this opportunity and I believe that those who truly want to make a brighter world will always find the path to do so.

Images by Stephen G. Woo Photography – World Vision Canada Ambassador trip to Uganda 2019