Aritcle by Christie Birch
Child sponsorship is one of those subjects that raise various opinions around the "water cooler". The most common comment I hear is "there are people in need in our own country". While this may be true it's worth noting the same people that use this retort to justify their decision not to sponsor usually don't contribute to any charity, not even the local ones!
My family and I have sponsored 2 children overseas through World Vision for nearly 10 years. Sponsorship has not only made us feel like we are helping to make the world a better place but it has taught our children to appreciate how lucky they are to live in Australia and have the opportunities most kids take for granted.
The other popular objection is "I would but I can't afford it". When we first sponsored our kids we were living on one income and had just bought our first home. I know lot's of people who use this argument who are much better off than we are or are ever likely to be. Child sponsorship is about $43 per month which isn't a lot when you think about how much we spend a month on coffee, morning tea or lunch at work.
Your money not only helps your child with their education and medical needs but some of it is also contributed to community projects such as agricultural education, wells and water pumps and medical facilities.
Our own children have grown up alongside our sponsored children and our family always looks forward to the annual updates and new photos of our sponsored kids. They have become an extension of our family and one day I hope that we will have the opportunity to visit them and to see first hand how we have helped them and the communities they live in.
If you have ever considered sponsoring a child now is the time. World Vision are currently looking for 10,000 sponsors. You can pick your own child or you can let them pick one for you. There is a wealth of information on the World Vision website including stories from the children, sponsors and about the difference sponsorship has made in communities all over the world.
Visit World Vision and help to make the world a better place for one child. Don't forget to share this with your friends too!
