Stories From Two Former Sponsored Children
*Names marked with an asterisk (*) have been changed to protect privacy
Maleda’s Story: A Journey of Perseverance
When Maleda* joined the sponsorship program, she was in a difficult situation. Her mother had serious health and financial problems, and the family struggled to meet even their basic needs. Things became worse when Maleda lost her father at a young age.
One of the first sponsored children, Maleda and her mother received food, clothing, and school supplies, as well as counseling, home visits, and consistent encouragement.
The program also supported Maleda as she attended university. Maleda received pocket money and transportation support, and her mother continued to receive food and other essentials. Maleda could focus on her studies knowing that her mother was also being taken care of.
Maleda completed her four-year university program and started working at a well-known bank. Today, she is married and the mother of two daughters – one born earlier this year! She and her husband own a home and are able to provide for their two children. Maleda remains deeply grateful to the sponsors and staff that supported her during her most difficult years. She believes the help she received was a life-changing opportunity that helped her overcome poverty, continue her education, and build a stable future for her family.
Dawit’s Story: From Struggle to Success
“Before 6th grade, I wasn’t good at school, because I didn’t know the meaning of learning,” says Dawit*, one of the first sponsored children. That year, when Program Director Rahel reviewed his semester results, she saw that Dawit had placed 43rd out of 50 students.
“I knew his potential,” Rahel says, “and that he could do better.” After talking with Rahel, Dawit promised that he would improve. “I started a new chapter when I started a relationship with [the sponsorship staff],” Dawit shares. “They gave me the mental and emotional boost I craved. They recognized the talents that I sometimes had trouble seeing on my own. With their help, I began to remove the things that hindered me.” The next semester, Dawit placed 4th in his class.
Dawit went on to study architecture at a university. He graduated and started working in his field. As his experience and income increased, Dawit was able to buy and furnish a new house for his family. They moved out of their small rented house into a safe and dignified environment. This change brought joy, stability, and hope to the entire family.
From a struggling student to a successful architect, Dawit’s story shows us that consistent encouragement and support can create lasting change.
Thank you, sponsors, for investing in the lives of children like Maleda and Dawit!
Would you like to sponsor a child for $40/month? Visit hopeinview.org/sponsorship to get started.