Top Favorite Blog Posts

• The Three Rs The Three Rs

  • From: CI_Staff
  • Description:

    By Scott Cotter
    
    A quick note from Kenya…
    
    About two hours outside of Nairobi there is a school that sits atop a small rise in the hard African pan. The only way to get there is a dirt road that beats vehicle and rider into a gauzy daze.
    
    The school draws Masai children from up to five miles away. It is said Kenyans make such good runners because they have to cross long distances to reach schools and often run the entire way. They leave early in the morning all by themselves and cross the distance as fast as possible to not draw the attention of animals that call this sun-baked land home.
    
    We have a book distribution program in Kenya that reaches dozens of schools all over the country, many of them like the one described above. Those books, in some unlikely places, are teaching children the three Rs and much more.
    
    When we met the children and their families of this school, the hospitality was amazing. They thanked us by singing us some traditional songs and reciting poetry. Have a look. (To see the video, click on this post.)

     

  • Video blog post
  • 7 months ago
  • Favorite count: 5
  • Views: 1410

• Philippines Education Philippines Education

  • From: johnprendiville
  • Description:

    I accumulated clippings from several websites regarding the crowded educational system in the Philippines. I was asked to post it on Lift One. I'd be interested in views on the public system and alternatives. I'd really like CI's take on it, especially private schools in the Manila area.

    The educational structure in the Philippines includes Elementary School, grades 1-6 (age 6-11), and High School, grades 7-10 (age 12-15.)  The school year in the Philippines starts in June of one year
    and ends in March of the next, with a two-month summer break for April and May, one week of semestral break (the last week of October), and a week or two of Christmas break. 

     

    76% enroll in Elementary school, 59% in High School. On the elementary and high school levels, public schools predominate, but at college and graduate school levels, there are more private than public institutions. This is also true for specialty and vocational schools. 80% of High Schools students go to public schools.  Due to costs, private school attendance has dropped from 62% to 21% since 1965.

     

    Public elementary and high schools are tuition free but there are expenses for materials, projects, uniforms and transportation which have to be borne by the parents. Because public schools are cheap, they lack basic equipment and instructional materials. While basic education is free, many poor families are unable to finance the transportation, books, supplies, canteen, uniforms of their children,
    $10-$40 per year, depending on location.  For that reason, schools were recently directed to not require uniforms of students, and provide food for qualifying students.

     

    Classes are very large. The Public schools have Asia’s highest student to teacher ratio. The elementary school ratio is 1 to 51, high school is 1 to 102. The education system is marked by inadequate teacher training programs and declining per capita expenditure per child by
    the government. Manila area schools are better equipped than are rural area schools.

     

    At Commonwealth Elementary School in the Philippines, in Quezon City, some 11,900 students in 2006 alone. Teachers struggle to even house the students, cramming them into every available space, including corridors, bathrooms and garages. Rooms are filled to bursting, with some classes having more than 70 students. In some cases, three kids share a single desk. Five pupils share a single textbook. Most of the children come from the nearby slum where thousands of informal
    settlers crowd into small shanties made of scrap wood and iron sheets.

     

    To further accommodate more students, the school operates on two shifts: grades two, four and six are in the morning classes from 6am to noon and grades one, three and five are in the afternoon classes from 12.30pm to 6pm. This forces seven-year-olds to wake up before dawn to catch their early morning class. The children's busy parents give them too little support in their schooling. Some don't get enough allowance. Some can't get help with homework. Some children aren't even bathed. The teaching staff has fallen to 230 from last year's 252.

     

    The Philippines provides virtually free education for the first six years, but the standards in government-run schools are usually much lower than those in expensive private schools. Only the poorest send their kids to state-run schools.

     

    Private elementary and high schools are often much better equipped but also are much more expensive as is the case in most countries. Most private elementary and high schools cost between 2,000 ($43) and 5,000 ($108) pesos per year for tuition and fees. The most exclusive can
    cost as much as 60,000 pesos ($1300) per year. School hours often fill the whole day, ranging from 7:00 to 17:00. And still there is homework. On weekends, military training may be required. From high school on, many institutions offer night classes from roughly 17:30 until about 21:30, but usually only in Manila or larger provincial cities. In night classes, high school, college, and university courses
    can be completed by extending years of schooling. Summer school sessions are available for remedial high school students and for special courses, e.g. computer studies, from April through May.

     

    Secondary education in the Philippines is largely based on the American schooling system. DepEd specifies a compulsory curriculum for all high schooling, public and private. As of 2006, only private
    schools have entrance examinations for Secondary school.
  • Blog post
  • 7 months ago
  • Favorite count: 3
  • Views: 1295

• A "Tour" of Valparaiso A "Tour" of Valparaiso

  • From: CI_Staff
  • Description:

    By Leo Montecinos

    Walking the streets and alleyways of the city of Valparaiso has always a good sightseeing outing; however, ever since the morning of Saturday, February 27th, the outing has changed from touristic to horrifying.

    This time on our walk we saw cracked streets and destroyed homes, downed communication lines, water shortage, injured people, death and families who lost everything. This is the result of one of the most intense earthquakes ever registered in the history of Chile.

    In the city of Valparaiso, the damages are palpable; homes that have lost their facades, mounds of rubble, broken glass, and above all else, the worried faces of our people. That is what we saw on our tour of the city. “Don’t leave us. Please help us,” a passer-by implored with anguish upon recognizing we were from Children International.

    As we continued on, a phone call informed us that a volunteer had lost her home. We quickly made our way to her house... We found ourselves at a desolate scene.

    Nevertheless, comfort and hope aren’t totally absent. “The most important thing is that my family is okay,” María Jara told us with a mix of sadness and satisfaction. María is an outstanding volunteer for Children International. “The policemen came to visit my home, and they told me that I had to leave, that I couldn’t keep living here anymore.”

    María, along with her family, went to live temporarily with her mother, while they wait to regroup and overcome this tremendous hardship. Her daughter, Javiera Sandoval, doesn’t want to go home. “She’s very scared. She doesn’t want to go back to that place,” says María. At just four years old, Javiera will never forget what she went through in the early morning hours of Saturday, February 27th.

    Today, Chile is sad. Valparaiso is sad. Her people are sad and frightened. Aftershocks are common place, yet the the outpour of kindness from every corner of the world is comforting. It is comforting to know that so many people care about this little country, which despite it’s difficulties, will find a way to keep moving forward... and without a doubt, we will!

    Leopoldo is our Communications Coordinator in Valparaíso, Chile.

     

  • Blog post
  • 6 months ago
  • Favorite count: 2
  • Views: 2065

• Meet the New LiftOne Meet the New LiftOne

  • From: Children_Intl_Admin
  • Description:

    What is LiftOne?

    Where it All Started

    The LiftOne Project began with a simple idea: what if our dedicated sponsors committed themselves to recruiting one more person to sponsor an impoverished child?
        The impact of thousands of new children being enrolled in the sponsorship program would be huge. Entire communities on the brink could be pulled back from the edge. As new community centers were built, the effects would ripple even further outwards.
        Thus, the original purpose of LiftOne was giving sponsors a tool that would help them recruit one more sponsor to the program. Users were able to build their own webpage on which they wrote about their experiences with sponsorship and posted pictures of their children. Then they sent the link to their friends and family to help inspire them to get involved.
        It was a success. The efforts of those who used the LiftOne Project pulled many families around the world out of the depths of extreme poverty and gave them new hope. In fact, it worked so well we wanted to do more.
    
    The New LiftOne Tool
        
            The LiftOne Project was great, but we wanted to make it better. We sent out an email asking current lifters what they want to see in a new LiftOne. The response was overwhelming. We took these suggestions and got to work. You’re looking at the results right now.
        Not only have all the features and functions of LiftOne changed, the very idea of "the project" has evolved. While we still hope people use this tool to help recruit new sponsors, this new tool is really a gift to Lifters. It is no longer our "Project" to you...this is merely "LiftOne", where you define what this becomes.
        It’s no secret: some of the most passionate, intelligent and active people in the world are sponsors. What would happen if we gave them a place to meet, share their stories and ideas, learn from each other and share their experiences? Nobody knows. But we’re about to find out.
        We hope you use LiftOne to meet likeminded people. That you learn new things, find new passions, and share your experiences with others. You will get out of LiftOne exactly what you put into it. May you enjoy the ride!
    
    -LiftOne Team

  • Blog post
  • 11 months ago
  • Favorite count: 2
  • Views: 1490

• The "look" of poverty The "look" of poverty

  • From: Cbrown46
  • Description:

    Today I showed my mom pictures of my sponsored child Isaura. One thing she said that stuck me was that she didnt "look" poor because she was clean and had nice clothes. So my question is, what does poverty look like? Should I not believe that Isaura is needy just because her family puts hygiene at the top of their list of priorities? Should there be flies all around her and should she only own one pair  of mis-matched,muddy shoes?

    So tell me. What how does poverty "look"?

    

  • Blog post
  • 7 months ago
  • Favorite count: 2
  • Views: 1132

• YOU CAN Make A Difference! YOU CAN Make A Difference!

  • From: johnohm
  • Description:

    Every three seconds a child dies from a preventable disease. (Oxfam)

    Thank you for visiting my Lift One Project page. With this webpage I hope to accomplish big things, life-changing things.
    
    I want to introduce you to an organization and a solution that addresses a cause that is very important to me: child poverty.
    
    Children International has been around since 1936, and now assists over 300,000 children in 11 countries. They connect very poor children to caring sponsors. I am proud to be a sponsor myself and I’m asking you to learn more about sponsorship and hopefully become a
    sponsor to a child in need.

    My sponsored child receives free health care and medicine when they get sick, has access to a dentist and receives benefits like the clothing, shoes and supplies necessary to go to school. Because of sponsorship, children have a place to turn to and real hope for the future. The amazing Children International staff and volunteers in my sponsored child’s community are committed to turning disadvantaged children into healthy, educated, self-reliant adults.

    Six million children under the age of 5 die as a result of hunger and malnutrition every year. (UNICEF)

    Every day 30,000 people die from extreme poverty. (World Health Organization)
    
    The United Nations estimates that over three billion people live on less than two dollars a day! Poverty is humiliating and robs individuals of power and options. Without significant help, there’s simply no way to break the cycle of poverty -- sponsorship gives children resources lifting the obstacles that stand in the way.
    
    One to one sponsorship through Children International breaks it down to that critical individual level, a level where you can see results and bear witness to amazing change.
    
    Be sure to watch the video on the right-hand side of the screen and read “The Benefits of Sponsorship” to learn more about this terrific organization.

    NOW is the Time. YOU CAN Make A Difference!

    I trust Children International to use my money wisely. In fact, eight out of every ten dollars raised goes programs and services that directly help children. $22 per month (approximately 73 cents a day) can make a huge difference in a poor child’s life.
    
    It's easy to find the money to sponsor a child..... Do you really need that cup of coffee you buy each day? What about that candy bar you know you don't need. How about eating out one less day a week. You can do good things for yourself (be healthier) and make a huge difference in the life of someone less fortunate.
    
    You'll feel good in more ways than one!
    
    Click the "Benefits of Sponsorship" link on the right to learn more about the difference you can make in a childs life.
    
    Giving a poor child the tools necessary to lift themselves out of poverty is a great gift and you have the power to make it happen. Push the “Lift One” button and begin searching for your sponsored child. It is truly an amazing and satisfying journey.
    
    
    A Child Is Waiting...
    
    You can recieve and write letters to each other if you wish. Please support this movement and become a sponsor today!
    
    THANK YOU for your support!
    
    - John

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
  • Favorite count: 2
  • Views: 1122

• Become a Child Sponsor and Mak Become a Child Sponsor and Make a Difference

  • From: Shana B
  • Description:

    

     

    Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.

  • Blog post
  • 7 months ago
  • Favorite count: 2
  • Views: 1028

• Me as a child!! Me as a child!!

  • From: camellia
  • Description:

    To make a long story short, at the age of 11 years old ,the state took me from my mom and that was it, I feel that me helping these children makes me feel like i need to give something back cause i was sort of in the same situation and I didnt have anything! I felt hopeless and like I wasnt loved! well thats the way I felt,but I want to give the love to someone who really needs it! right from the bottom of my heart!!!!!!!!  I would love to adopt as many children as i could gets my hands on!!!!

  • Blog post
  • 7 months ago
  • Favorite count: 2
  • Views: 857

• My CI Children My CI Children

  • From: Shana B
  • Description:

    

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
  • Favorite count: 1
  • Views: 2763

• Clinic to receive a shot in th Clinic to receive a shot in the arm

  • From: CI_CommLUS
  • Description:

    When I first heard that the Youths were planning to build water borne toilets at one of the most crowded clinics in Lusaka, I was taken aback because I just could not imagine how the youths came up with such a crazy idea until, out of curiosity, I took a tour of Kanyama Clinic.What I saw made me realize that the youths indeed have the passion to improve the livelihood of the people in their communities. Kanyama Clinic, the only public clinic in the area caters for Kanyama and Chibolya including several other shanty compounds were CI does not operate from. The clinic offers services to over 200,000 people. 

    

    When I arrived, I immediately asked to see what types of restrooms were available for the patients and those who were nursing patients. I was shown two small pit latrines, one for the men and the other for the women including children. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I just could not understand why a clinic that caters for so many people had no proper ablution facilities. The clinic itself is a health hazard; it is easy for the patients and those who are nursing them to contract diseases from the pit latrines.

    

    Within the grounds of the clinic was an isolated area with a lot of small tents. I could see many beds with people on intravenous fluids. It then dawned on me that that was actually the cholera center and that those were patients with cholera. I felt so scared for my life.Establishing a cholera center within the grounds of the clinic would not help the situation because the clinic was so congested that it was difficult to walk through the corridors. Congestion is a catalyst for cholera especially when hundreds of sick people share one bathroom. With so many cholera patients at the clinic, I realized that the initiative by the CI Youths to use their Youth Fund to construct six water borne toilets will prevent the spread of diseases and save a lot of lives in the communities. I couldn’t help putting my thumbs up to the two sponsored youths who accompanied me to the clinic.

    

     

     

     

     

    
    

     

  • Blog post
  • 6 months ago
  • Favorite count: 1
  • Views: 1953

• My CI experience so far! My CI experience so far!

  • From: LisaU123
  • Description:

    A couple months ago I finally decided to do what I always wanted to and sponsor a child.  After much research I decided to sponsor a child through Children International.  There were two reasons I chose CI:

    1) The fact that they aren't an organization based on a religion.  While I am chrisian I wanted to go with an prganization that focused more on covering the childs most basic needs.

    2) I liked the fact that we could send gifts to our children.  And that we know they actually receive them!

    I started sponsoring a 9 year old little girl in Ecuador named Lizbeth.  Since then I have already added 2 more!  I added Jostin a 4 year old boy from Ecuador who is disabled.  Lizbeth also has a disability and I have a niece who is disabled so in the future I want to get her involved especially in letter writing to Lizbeth since they are close in age.

    The newest addition is the little guy in my profile picture.  He is Brayan from Columbia.  My mother passed away not even 2 weeks ago and I wanted to honor her by sponsoring a child who shares her birthday.  And Brayan does :-)

    I have not received letters or anythng yet.  I have sent out packages to my first two kids and will get something ready soon for little Brayan.  I have been very impressed with the CI staff though and how they really help you with any questions or concerns.  Even though I haven't gotten any letters from the kids yet I already love them like my family.  I have received letters from the community directors and also a medical report on Lizbeth.

    I have a blog over at: http://mysponsoredangel.blogspot.com/

     

  • Blog post
  • 9 months ago
  • Favorite count: 1
  • Views: 1757

• More than just a happy acciden More than just a happy accident

  • From: CI_CommTAB
  • Description:

    For sponsor Maurice Galli, letters are good but seeing his sponsored child face to face would be even better. That’s why he didn’t wait long before deciding to pay her a visit. Just a little over a year after sponsoring her, he was off to the Philippines!

    Maurice wanted it to be a surprise but when he learned that it has to go through a certain process and that it would be impossible to keep it a secret, he decided to mention it in one of his letters. Although there were no exact dates, his sponsored child Ruffa Mae was so excited and looked forward to it every day.

    Little did they know that it would be the same day as Ruffa Mae’s elementary graduation! Call it coincidence but having her sponsor attend her graduation made an already special day even more special.

     

    If that wasn’t enough, the school principal thought that it would be a great honor to have a sponsor speak at the ceremonies since a significant number of her students are sponsored children. Maurice was more than happy to accept. As he calls it, it was indeed a “happy accident” that everyone would remember for a long time.

    

    In his brief but touching speech, Maurice emphasized the value of education and challenged the students to make something out of themselves and do good in school. While keeping her identity anonymous, he also promised to do anything that he can to help with his sponsored child’s studies.

    After the ceremonies, a simple celebration over stir-fried noodles and bread followed at the child’s house. Maurice was met with a warm welcome from the entire family and with a few words, they were able to express their love and gratitude for him.

    

    With this visit, he saw how significant a sponsor’s contributions are to a child and his or her family after seeing their humble situation. But more than that, it made the whole sponsorship experience more real for him. “Before she was just a picture but it’s different now, when I write letters it’s as if she’s sitting right beside me.” Now, every letter would be more personal, from a grandpa to his “Filipino grandchild,” as he calls her.

    

    P.S.

    The day after his visit, Maurice entrusted Children International with a fund that would cover Ruffa Mae’s education until college…and an additional fund to improve the child’s home.

    More than just a happy accident, a happy ending is definitely in sight!

  • Blog post
  • 5 months ago
  • Favorite count: 1
  • Views: 1616

• Jessica's Fundraiser! Jessica's Fundraiser!

  • From: LisaU123
  • Description:

    I am fundraising to get a house for Jessica.  You can read more about her on my fundraising page.  Jessica has had an extremely hard life.  She is disabled and they live where her grandmother must carry her up many cement, windy, uneven stairs.  She is going to be 12 years old and her grandmother won't be able to carry her forever.  So I am starting now to try to fundraise money to get Jessica a house that will be accessable for her.  I want her to have what my niece Kiara has, the ability to get into and out of her house on her own in her wheelchair without having to depend on her grandmother.  Here is the link to the fundraiser page:

    www.firstgiving.com/miracleforjessica

    Thank you for those who have already donated.  Anything helps and adds up. 

    

  • Blog post
  • 6 months ago
  • Favorite count: 1
  • Views: 1444

• Good Night, Mommy and Daddy Good Night, Mommy and Daddy

  • From: CI_Staff
  • Description:

    By Leopoldo Montecinos

    When on the night of February 26 my wife (who had just returned from the hospital after being released), my three little boys and I were saying good night, we never imagined we’d be so rudely awakened. Just a few hours later we had to get up. Quickly, struggling to keep our balance, we ran to our children’s room…

    Thank God, they didn’t even wake up! Yes, it’s true…they didn’t wake up! Only the youngest, two-year-old Vicente, sat up at the end of the longest three minutes we’d ever lived through, tenderly said “Daddy…” and went back to sleep…

    Despite the experience and the intensity of the earthquake, we never imagined the true magnitude of what had occurred – and what was about to happen…without water or electricity, an old battery-powered radio (the kind no one uses any more) was our companion for the rest of the night. All we could pick up was radio stations from Argentina, who were giving the first reports of what had happened in our country. Everything was confusion.

    With no phone lines and no cell phones, we were cut off from communications. The batteries on the old radio began to run down…we didn’t get power again until Sunday night (and there are places that still don’t have lights or water.)

    It’s only in the past couple of days that we’ve come to know the real magnitude of this earthquake and the tsunamis that followed it; it’s an enormous tragedy. Chile is prone to earthquakes, but we never get used to them and cease to be surprised. The aftershocks (last night we had a 6.1) keep reminding us, at every moment, of what happened.

    Chile is trying to get back up like so many other times. Chile is seeking calm; Chile is hoping to once again say “Good night.”

    Leopoldo Montecinos is the Communications Coordinator for Children International’s agency in Valparaíso, Chile. Watch the blog for firsthand accounts of what Leo has experienced as he and other staff members have visited families of sponsored children in the days following last Saturday’s tragic earthquake.

  • Blog post
  • 6 months ago
  • Favorite count: 1
  • Views: 1311

• Playing with Poverty Playing with Poverty

  • From: CI_Staff
  • Description:

    By Scott Cotter

     

    It’s the one place they seem just like other kids. And it seems so, well, simple.

    Put up a swing set, a slide, a teeter totter and a jungle gym and you have instant happy. Laughter fills the air and kids get to be something they should be…kids.

     

    

     

    In Chibolya, it’s easy to see how much use the equipment gets. Weld on top of weld holds the parts together so the children can keep playing. And they do. Day after day, they’re forgetting the circumstances outside the walls while shouts of joy fill the air. Heck, even rain won’t run them off. In Kanyama, drops fell like rocks, pounding the community and everything in it. But many of the kids ignored the weather and kept right on having a good time.  

    Our community centers here are a refuge. I suppose they are everywhere. Especially when kids have no place to play.

     

    

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 7 months ago
  • Favorite count: 1
  • Views: 1254

• Notes from a Board Member Notes from a Board Member

  • From: CI_JimCookBlog
  • Description:

    A few days ago, I promised to share with you a letter from one of our board members. Dr. Charles Maahs traveled to Colombia with me on our recent trip and had the following observations which might be of interest, as they give a nice glimpse into some of what we saw on a more “granular” level.

    “After taking some time to reflect on our Board trip to Colombia, one of the best ever (although every trip has been 'best ever'), I thought I might share a few of my reflections with you.

    In Barranquilla, the opportunity to meet with both the Youth Corps and the Health Corps was very inspiring. As I mentioned to you, we were able to see the results of some solid years of sponsorship, and sponsored youth who had "grown up" in the program. Their ability to share in such an articulate way in the company of visitors from the north was impressive. And, of course, the 'Joan Horan Band' was one of the highlights of our time at the Nicole Lyn Anderson Service Center. (All of the Service Centers are a great addition to our work).

    The home visits we made in both Barranquilla and Cartagena are always a sobering time where one comes face to face with the reality of the profound poverty that continues to exist in segments of their communities, and a good reminder of why the mission and vision of CI's sponsoring of children is so consequential and needed. Visiting and moving about in the communities where CI has Service Centers was a confirmation and affirmation of how much the CI staff is respected and trusted both in Barranquilla and Cartagena. As I believe you mentioned, Hermelinda and Nidia [agency directors in Barranquilla and Cartagena] have different leadership styles, but both are extremely effective with good supporting staffs.

    In Cartagena, again having a chance to meet with sponsored youth was a highlight. Arranging the youth in small groups gave fellow board member Larry Lee and me the opportunity to ask specific questions and the youth reciprocated by asking some of their own. From the noise level of the room it was obvious that all of the small groups with various board members were having simply a good time and exchange of ideas.

    Being with the Sports League and watching the fun the youth were having was a great testament to the importance of that particular program. It was also fun for the board to exchange greetings and multiple picture taking with the youth. Omar, the Game On! sports program coordinator, is doing a great job.

    Visiting the houses where nutritional meals were being served for those at risk of malnutrition as well as those who were already malnourished was valuable to observe as an essential offering for the sponsored children. I thought the Service Center at Santa Rosa with its space and openness was a good setting. And as usual, conversations with the volunteer mothers, doctors and dentists was an inspiring and educational time for us.

    Thanks again for the opportunity to make and be a part of a 'best ever' trip."

  • Blog post
  • 7 months ago
  • Favorite count: 1
  • Views: 1251

• Fundraising Fundraising

  • From: LisaU123
  • Description:

    I am currently trying to raise some funds for my special needs kids.  Here is a link to my blog:

    http://angelsofsponsors.blogspot.com/

    Also for those not part of the google group, I urge you guys to join.  They are a great group!  We also do group fundraisers for each others kids there.

  • Blog post
  • 8 months ago
  • Favorite count: 1
  • Views: 1190

• Call to my heart Call to my heart

  • From: halys2
  • Description:

    I received a family photograph for Jessabel in the Philippines, in order to prepare a small project.

    I was delighted and full of joy to see the children along with their parents. I had not received a family photo since the youngest was a baby.

    I have been preparing what to say and getting photos ready, being prepared to ask and answer questions...time goes right along.

    Today I had some quiet time and I was thinking of these new images that I have been recently been blessed with.

    I see the photo in my mind and there are many thingsI think of.What really called my heart was the image of their Mother.

    
    

    
    Poverty grips people and maintains such a tight hold. Is there a way out? I am thankful for Children Int. for the things they do to try and break the cycle. This special family is always in my prayers.

    Their old house really needed help but the new one is not even half the size. It breaks my heart. It makes me what to cry. To reach out to their Mother and tell her I care and that she is an amazing Woman. I know that the children receive love and hugs, but what about their Parents, who will catch them when they fall?  I know they are proud, they never ask for help. They send letter filled with love and joy and prayers for me. The children have bright smiley, shiney faces.

    I go along day after day, but right now, my heart is really called to help in every way I can.

    To see the Mothers eyes.....I wonder what she was thinking, what her hopes and dreams were, what are they now? I will be the voice to reach out and I will start the prayers from where I am. It is not me, but it is all of us. This Mother could be anyone, she could be me or you. She could be my daughter. I pray that her life becomes a little easier and I know in my heart that through the help her children receive, it may make the load a little lighter.

  • Blog post
  • 7 months ago
  • Favorite count: 1
  • Views: 1092

• Sponsoring for Ourselves Sponsoring for Ourselves

  • From: arzudurukan
  • Description:

    Sponsoring might be seen as a deed for "the other", but at the same time, it can't be more for "ourselves". Sponsoring a child, knowing you help making a difference in a young life creates a feeling that can't be bought with any amount of money. The well managed organization Children International is enabling us help them make a huge difference with little contribution. I'm very grateful for this opportunity.

  • Blog post
  • 7 months ago
  • Favorite count: 1
  • Views: 1078

• Advocating all over the place! Advocating all over the place!

  • From: Cbrown46
  • Description:

                Usually Im really reserved about my beliefs and opinions because I get tired of hearing what others have to say about it. Recently Ive decided that the lives and welfare of these children are too important to keep quiet about. So today I got my mom to sign up and sponsor a child. Not only did she sponsor one,but she now sponsors 2 children!! Im working on my Aunts and friends! Even if they cant commit to long-term sponorship, they can giva a one time donation. Every little bit helps, Right?

  • Blog post
  • 7 months ago
  • Favorite count: 1
  • Views: 1075