*names marked with an asterisk have been changed to protect privacy
When Kiya* (age 9) was sponsored in October 2022, her parents Yusuf* and Emerta* had lost all hope. An electrical accident at his construction job had severely injured Yusuf. Even after spending 10 months in the hospital, he still could not walk, let alone work. They certainly could not afford physical therapy. Emerta worked long hours as a daily laborer cleaning homes or washing clothes by hand. Their children struggled at school and often went hungry. Stuck at home and helpless, Yusuf became depressed and jealous. He and his wife fought all the time.
When she joined a self-help group, Emerta says, “I felt like the worst, weakest, and poorest person in the world, but seeing others’ struggles showed me that I am not alone, and I have many things to be thankful for. At least, I have the energy to help provide for my family and take care of my husband.” Her group prayed for her and offered advice. They helped her see her husband’s perspective and encouraged her to tell him that she loved him and to share about her day with him. As she followed their advice, his behavior changed, and they stopped fighting.
To supplement her small and unreliable income, Emerta started selling cooking charcoal—until it became too expensive to buy. In August, a sponsor made a small grant available to her to buy supplies for her business. “We were so happy”, she says. “It could not have come at a better time to meet our need. It is wonderful when you have someone who sees and supports the efforts you make.” Since then, her income has increased. She hopes to take a loan from her self- help group to grow her business by selling potatoes.
The food and medical assistance have made a difference in the family too. Emerta says, “My children’s learning has improved. They are more interested in studying because they have food at the house when they come home. It’s harder to study on an empty stomach.” Though Yusuf and Emerta have no religious affiliation, they like that their kids attend Sunday school. “When they come home, they share what they’ve learned with us and pray at home. It’s very good for them to experience spiritual things.”
The family still faces many challenges, but they have come very far in one year. “Now, we have hope”, says Emerta. Her self-help group plans to meet once a month at their house, so that Yusuf will have company. He has continued exercises at home and recently started moving around with a walker. The team is hoping to find a way for him to continue physical therapy.
Child Sponsorship changes the lives of both children and their families! If you or someone you know would like to change a child’s life for $40/month, please contact us at sponsorship@hopeinview.org or go to www.hopeinview.org/sponsorship