By Child Sponsor Low Guan You
When I first heard that World Vision Singapore was organising a visit to Sunderban ADP in Bangladesh, I rejoiced at the opportunity to visit my sponsored child of about two and a half years. I’ve always found it a joy to receive letters, photographs and ADP progress reports, but it was indeed an eye-opener to meet my sponsored child and witness the various projects that World Vision Bangladesh has in place at Sunderban ADP first-hand!
Plenty of work has been done in the areas of education, health and economic development to bring about transformation and sustainability of the ADP. Children and youths are educated through early childhood development programmes and children forums, as well as primary and secondary school initiatives that ensure accessibility, quality and an all-round education for the students. There are also textbooks, stationery and other supplies provided to help increase their learning capacity.
To develop the health and economic areas, mothers and children are educated on the need for sanitation and hygiene, and introduced to income-generating activities such as sewing and block printing on fabric. Such comprehensive schemes and projects help to provide independence and sustainability for the locals. I was heartened to know that self-help groups have been started for HIV-infected people and previous sex workers. World Vision Bangladesh is also actively reaching out to the vast numbers of street children without fixed homes by taking care of their well-being, harnessing their potentials and involving them in education to open opportunities for them.
The highlight of this trip was being able to meet my sponsored child. Having interacted so much with her through letters, I wanted to forge a deeper friendship with her and see for myself if she was doing well in life. Prior to meeting her, I had no idea what to expect and felt a little apprehensive. But my anxiousness was allayed because of her friendliness – we were conversing happily in no time! Meeting the rest of her family members and having the opportunity to dine with her was also a joyous affair. I was glad that I met her, and this trip will definitely lead to more meaningful letter exchanges in future.
Throughout the trip, I was blown away by the warm hospitality shown to me. The World Vision Bangladesh staff helped to provide a tremendous experience by playing host and ensuring an unforgettable experience. This visit has changed my perspective on life and helped me to realise the amount of social injustice as well as the uneven distributions of wealth and resources in the world. Bangladesh is barely halfway around the globe, but life is a lot harder there than in Singapore. Although the money, time and effort I’ve given doesn’t seem much, God has taken my little and made it is a rich blessing to my sponsored child. I am thankful for this experience and am more than equipped to give and share the blessings that I have.
World Vision Child Sponsors Trips happen each month at different parts of the world. Stay tuned to our monthly e-newsletters for invitations and updates! Or see our Calendar of Events to sign up today!
