compassion

So, this is where we do our plug for Compassion. We started sponsoring our first five children about five years ago while living in Australia, and since moving to London we have taken on two more. When we decided we wanted to sponsor a child we weren't in a position to, really, as we were on one income and didn't have a surplus of money each month. At the time it was $50 per month (from memory) which isn't a lot of money, but as we were stretched already it was a bit much for us. So Woz and I looked at our budget and our lifestyle and worked out that if we didn't buy our lunch at work and college each day we could save enough to sponsor a child, well actually more than just one child but five. Woz and I would pack up our lunches, snacks and drinks each evening, with our catch phrase 'we're doin' it for the kids'.

Anyway, the point is that when we decided to sponsor a child our sacrifice was small, and once we were used to paying the amount each month it barely crossed our mind but for the regular letters we would receive from our sponsored children. We would think of them but to us it wasn't life changing. Until we met them in person. It is incredible but the small amount of money that they receive each month makes such a difference to their lives and we've seen how with Compassion's help they are able to break the cycle of poverty. With the money we send, the children receive entrance into a program each Saturday where they are given a uniform, receive extra studies, learn about hygiene, are taught specialist skills such as embroidery which will later enable them to generate an income for themselves and they're given a staple meal which for some is the only one that week.

Compassion employ a nurse and social workers as well as their administration staff, and there are small 'projects' scattered throughout the country which serve all the families within a 5km radius. When a child is sponsored it opens up to the family a vital connection to Compassion who become a one stop shop for them, helping them out with their every need. Compassion also have programs where they work with the parents to empower them to break the cycle of poverty for themselves, teaching them skills such as beekeeping, trout fishing, farming, tie dying and many more which allows them to start up a business and generate a small income for their family. The staff at the office know each child by name and often know the names of their siblings as well as their parents.

We were absolutely blown away by the work that was done by Compassion and more so by the care that they give each child and each family they work with. I know there are loads of organisations who work with children but we honestly believe that the money we send each month could not be spent in a better way. We could buy a couple of extra coffees each week or we could change a child's life. Not really something we had to think long and hard about.