I’ve really enjoyed reading the series on adoptions, but with four biological and two stepchildren of my own, adoption is not an option. However, I wanted to share another way that anyone can make a significant change in the life of child- child sponsorship. We’ve all seen the commercials on TV and, if you’re like me, you’ve been cynical about where the money actually goes.
While in Uganda, I got an opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of the impact of child sponsorship. The nonprofit I work with there is headed by a young man who, because of a German sponsor, was able to go to college and now runs empowerment projects in his own village as well as 4 other rural, impoverished villages. I’ve been to his house and I see how meagerly he lives. I’ve met the children that receive sponsorship through his program and I see how they benefit. Needless to say, I was sold. I now have 3 “extra” children. I am fortunate in that I get to visit them every year. With that said, as sponsorship grows in this area, I look forward to being able to deliver gifts, letters, and pictures on my yearly trips.
4 year old twins, Amina and Aisha
Paul, who wants to be lawyer, and I
Here are just a few, locally based ways to help:
- If you are interested in sponsoring a child in Uganda, you can get more information by contacting partnershipuganda@charter.net.
- There will a benefit concert on Sunday, April 18th at 7pm in I.G. Greer Auditorium on the campus of Appalachian State University. Admission is by donation and one raffle ticket will be given for each admission dollar donated. This concert will feature local talents such as Alexis Worthington, Ear Candy, Bruce Robertson, Renee Taylor, and the Andrew Jacobs Trio. Proceeds will benefit the Uganda Service Learning Program, a yearly trip to Uganda to engage in community building projects and educational activities.
- If you’re interested in learning more about opportunities to serve in Uganda or would like to make a join in other efforts such as purchasing livestock for animal husbandry projects (only $20 for a pig!) or hosting bead jewelry parties, see youth4uganda.com or contact tiffanychristian@youth4uganda.com
I know that each child sponsorship program is different, but I urge you to investigate the options. It may sound trite, but it is true: $1 a day does make a tremendous difference in the lives of many children.
This sounds like a really great program. So many kids out there are in need.