My Name is Doris! - A World Vision Zimbabwe Story of Change
The World Vision Child Sponsorship Program seeks to improve the quality of life of children in vulnerable situations. Sponsored children are empowered to break free from the cycle of poverty by gaining the right education, knowledge and skills which exposes them to greater opportunities in the real world. Doris Mwanaku from Nyamahumba village in Nyanga is one such girl who benefited from World Vision Zimbabwe Child Sponsorship Program.
At the age of two, Doris' parents separated, and she spent her childhood living with her grandmother. Life was a struggle for her young mother, her brother and herself and she speaks of sometimes going to bed hungry and to school without any school supplies.
It was during this time in her life in 2010 that she was selected together with some of her friends at her local school into the World Vision Child Sponsorship Program in 2010. Doris worked hard and was determined to make the best of this opportunity given to her. Finally, and in following in the footsteps of her mother, a teacher and the only other graduate in their family, Doris went on to get an honors degree in Science with a focus on Plant Breeding and Biotechnology.
Doris is appreciative of her sponsor she fondly remembers only as “Devonna Anderson from USA” and the World Vision family for transforming her life through Child Sponsorship Program. She considers herself fortunate to have been selected to benefit from the program among many children who faced many struggles just like she did. She sadly laments for many girls she left behind who became victims of early marriages and many who eventually dropped out of school.
Devonna Anderson wherever you are, I want you to know that you changed my life!
World Vision Child Sponsorship Program gives a child access to what they need to thrive in a society. This program creates a lasting impact not just on an individual but also on the community. Doris aspires to further her studies and she dreams of helping other young children in vulnerable situations as her small way of giving back.