San and more than 450 children in northern Sierra Leone exercise their power of choice

In an innovative move, Chosen allows children to choose their sponsors, moving away from traditional models where sponsors choose children.

Over 250 children in Delmayadu used their power of choice to embark on a transformative and empowering event, and on Wednesday over 245 of their compatriots in Mongo also made life-changing decisions to choose their sponsors. Delmayadu and Mongo are villages in the Falaba District of the Northern Province of Sierra Leone. Chosen event empowered children, who eagerly sought sponsors sharing their dreams and vision for a brighter future, reflecting their hope and determination amidst their vulnerability in one of Sierra Leone’s most rugged terrain.

As events unfolded, Delmayadu and the village of Mongo became the epicentre of a celebration of the resilience, determination and unbreakable spirit of Sierra Leone's children and their families.   With parents and caregivers beaming with contentment, each child stepped forward with courage and conviction to choose their potential sponsors and take a leap towards a future of security.

Despite the humble dwellings, rugged terrain and lush greenery, a poignant story of resilience, friendship and the indomitable spirit of a disabled child named San unfolds.  

San's journey is not just one of survival, but of defying the odds with a smile that radiates hope. Born with physical disabilities, San faced challenges that would have deterred even the strongest of souls. Yet she embraced life with a tenacity that inspired all who knew her. Now she has a choice ... a choice to take charge of her future ... to pursue her God-given gifts ... to become a change agent in her family and community.

In the village of Mongo, where resources are scarce and opportunities limited, San dared to dream beyond her circumstances. Her passion for education burned brightly, illuminating her path to a better future.

Despite her disabilities, she navigated the rugged terrain of her village with unwavering determination, fuelled by an insatiable thirst for knowledge. 

With a heart full of hope and an undaunted spirit, San approached World Vision's chosen event, a beacon of opportunity amidst the challenges she faced. The event promised to provide a platform for children like her to shine, showcase their talents and make connections that could pave the way for a brighter future.

San's story is not just one of triumph over adversity; it is a testament to the enduring power of hope, the transformative impact of compassion, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship that unite us all. After selecting her potential sponsors, San was moved to explain her choice: "I love their smiles, they look like people in my family. 

Ultimately, the Chosen Event was more than just a sponsorship drive; it was a testament to the transformative power of empowerment, for World Vision, it is “the joy of changing vulnerable children’s life stories”. It reminded us that when we trust in the wisdom and potential of children, we unlock a world of possibilities – a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive, to succeed, and to shape their destiny.

By Patrick Martyn - Comms Officer World Vision International Sierra Leone