World Vision’s Sponsorship Programme A Beacon of Hope for Children and their Families
A true home is more than walls and a roof. It’s a sanctuary of safety, warmth, and belonging.
For Meseret, a single mother, and her three teenage children, their crumbling house stood as a stark contrast to this ideal. What was once a cherished refuge had become a skeletal shell that offered little comfort from the relentless sun, biting winds, and pouring rain.
The once vibrant echoes of laughter had faded, replaced by despair within walls that no longer stood firm, with missing doors and windows, symbolising their shattered sense of security.
At 58 years old, Meseret faced each day with unwavering determination following her husband's death years ago. She was determined to keep her children in school despite her meager income. Her tireless efforts were barely enough to put food on the table, leaving nothing for repairs to their dilapidated house. She recounts the harsh realities they endured: “Rain poured in through the missing windows and gaping holes in the walls. Our clothes were always damp, and the biting cold seeped into our bones. It was a constant reminder of our plight.”
Meseret lived in constant fear of illnesses, which weighed heavily on her shoulders.
“I stayed awake at night worrying about them catching a cold or the rising medical expenses I couldn’t afford. It was unbearable,” she confesses.
For her daughter, Tseada, the weight of their circumstances was a silent burden plus a source of shame.
“I longed for a home like my friends', a place filled with warmth and pride,” she says. Instead, their home was a source of insecurity that gnawed at her spirit. The lack of a safe environment hindered every aspect of her life, especially her studies.
“We had no proper place to study—no electricity, no table, no chair. I felt helpless and hopeless. My academic performance suffered,” she recalls with tears in her eyes.
A transformation Begins
Hope arrived through World Vision Ethiopia's Amaro Area Program through funding secured by World Vision USA. The intervention brought new life to the household when they were supported to renovate their home.
The old walls were rebuilt, doors and windows were replaced, and the structure was restored to a home, a place of safety and dignity.
Meseret is overwhelmed with gratitude. "Words cannot express my heartfelt thanks," she shares, her eyes glistening with tears of happiness. "My joy is boundless, and I truly believe that God has sent World Vision to bless us after our countless tearful nights. My prayers have been answered, and I am forever grateful to World Vision. Now, there is peace in our lives, no more fear, no more worry."
Her daughter, Tseada, beams with confidence and pride. "Our home is just like my friends' homes now, I’m no longer ashamed. I can study without distractions, and my school performance has improved. I believe I can achieve my dreams”.
A Beacon of Hope and a Community Transformed
The renovated house stands as a testament to the transformative power of sponsorship. It symbolises a family's renewed hope for a brighter future, made possible through the kindness and generosity of others.
Meseret reflects on the impact of World Vision. “If not for World Vision, there would have been no hope for me and my family. May God bless them,” she says. Tseada adds, “What World Vision has done for us feels like the love of a caring father. Their compassion has changed our lives.”
The Amaro Area Program Sponsorship Child Protection Programme extends beyond Meseret’s family, supporting 10,713 boys and 11,019 girls through programs that empower and protect children. From job training to child rights awareness, access to clean water and education projects, the program fosters an environment where children can thrive.
By Hilina Hailu, Communications Coordinator, World Vision Ethiopia