Life Changing Sponsorship

Last week (Tues - Fri), we spent our time visiting different children and widows who have been sponsored by Smile. It was touching to be welcomed into so many homes and get an insight into the everyday life of these humble people. We interviewed the sponsored individuals and some family members to evaluate the impact Smile has had. Many of these families only spoke Luganda so it was often difficult knowing how to be of use. We practiced the little Luganda we have learnt and listened to their stories. It is amazing to hear how radically lives have been changed through the sponsorship programme.

This week, I am helping to write up these interviews whilst Emily is travelling with Chris (her brother, my cousin). As follows is my write up of one story which held particular significance to me:

Smile Charity Uganda is a Non-Governmental Organisation created to support individuals and families in need. This is carried out through its feeding, education, empowering and development programmes.

Victoria is a 20 year old girl who lives with her sister and widowed mother. Her step father used to pay her school fees, but when he died in 2001, her mother struggled to find the money to fund her education. Therefore, Victoria was often sent home from school because she had not paid her fees in full. Four years later, her mother’s friend connected her family to Smile through a pastor, enabling Victoria to be sponsored.

Since Smile stepped in, life became easier for Victoria as she no longer faced the embarrassment of having to leave school for not paying her fees but rather she could freely enjoy the education that every child should have the right to. Furthermore, she is a considerate and extremely bright girl who desires to study at university to be a cardiologist. Currently, she is facing the challenge of funding her university studies. It struck me that this beautiful young woman, the same age as me, with hopes and dreams for her future, just like me, does not have the same educational opportunities that I do. Though the unfairness of this weighed heavily on my heart, I join Victoria in giving thanks to God for providing through Smile for her education so far and partner with her in prayer that God will provide a way for her to study at university. She has such a gentle spirit and an eagerness to learn so that she can help those in need using her skills to become a heart surgeon.

Victoria also told us “I wish to start up an orphanage and sponsor kids like Smile has been doing to kids like me!” This highlights the wonderful way in which Smile’s sponsorship programmes can have a big impact in the life of this generation.