This is my second trip with World Vision. We were warmly welcomed by the villagers in Barisal, and throughout the journey, I felt their sincerity, kindness and hospitality.
World Vision’s Wazipur Area Development Programme (ADP) has goals for each five-year period to build a better future for the community. One of its projects is to construct a water tank over the course of a year, providing families with access to clean water for drinking, bathing and cooking.
Beyond providing clean water, the programme also focuses on protecting children’s rights, supporting proper education, teaching villagers practical skills, and equipping mothers with nutritional knowledge to care for their babies and children. These initiatives may seem small to us, but they can make a tremendous difference in the lives of families and help build a brighter future for the next generation.
I was deeply impressed by the dedication of the World Vision staff. Their strong faith, patience and commitment to serving the community were truly inspiring. What touched me even more was learning that some staff members were once sponsored children themselves. Today, they have come full circle, giving back to their communities by serving other children and families under World Vision’s care. Their stories remind me that when we invest in a child’s future, the impact can reach far beyond that one child.
Meeting the Youth and Children
We met some wonderful young people who were full of hope and dreams. Some aspired to become doctors, nurses, lawyers and other professionals so that they could help others and build a better future for their families. Their determination and optimism inspired me.
We also witnessed the joy of children and their parents when they received little gifts from our sponsors. It was a beautiful reminder that even a small gesture can bring happiness and make someone feel remembered and cared for.
We spent time playing the Snakes and Ladders game with primary school children. It was such a simple activity, yet their happiness was priceless. They welcomed us with such sincerity. The children appeared innocent and cheerful, yet there was also a maturity in them that touched my heart.
We also visited a kindergarten, observed the nutrition programme and visited several homes. These experiences gave us a better understanding of how the Wazipur ADP educates families, shares practical knowledge and develops skills to improve their everyday lives.
The Most Emotional Moment — Meeting My Sponsored Child
Finally, the moment I had been waiting for arrived: meeting my sponsored child, Priynti, and her family.
Honestly, I was completely lost for words when I first saw her. It was my first time meeting her in person, and I felt a mixture of excitement, nervousness and emotion. I had no idea how I would react or what I would say.
But the most touching moment came when her mother shared how grateful she was that I had chosen to sponsor her daughter. She explained that my small contribution helped with Priynti’s education and the family’s daily needs.
Her father works as a delivery worker, and on rainy days, he may have no income. Hearing this made me realise how much even a small contribution can mean to a family facing daily uncertainties.
Her mother asked me to continue supporting Priynti and shared that she kept me in her prayers, wishing me good health and a good job and my family . She reminded me not to forget them and said that they regarded me as part of their family.
I was overwhelmed with gratitude. I never expected that my small contribution would create such a meaningful connection. Although we live in different countries and lead very different lives, we are connected through something powerful: care, hope and love.
Her mother also shared the happy news that she was expecting her second child, which made me delighted for the family.
We spent time playing games and putting together jigsaw puzzles. Seeing Priynti ‘s genuine smile and innocent happiness was something I will always treasure. It also made me reflect on how fortunate many of our children in Singapore are, with access to education, clean water and so many opportunities that other children can only dream of.
Then came a question that caught me completely off guard.
They asked whether I could come back to visit them again.
I was stunned. I had never really thought about returning, and I did not know how to answer at that moment. I had not prepared myself for such a question, nor had I realised how much this visit would mean to them.
A Goodbye I Will Never Forget
When it was finally time to say goodbye, the moment became incredibly emotional. Priynti and her mother were sad to see us leave. I noticed the tears in Priynti’s eyes, and my translator helped me understand just how much our visit meant to them.
Priynti is a strong and intelligent girl. Somehow, I felt that we shared similar characteristics, which made our connection feel even more special.
As I looked at her, I realised that this was no longer just a sponsorship programme to me. It had become a personal connection with a child and her family, a bond that I would carry in my heart even after returning home.
That day, I made up my mind. If World Vision organises another trip to Wazipur and the opportunity arises, I will return to visit Priynti and her family.
My Message to You
For those who would like to learn more about World Vision and the work it does to support children and communities, you can visit the World Vision Child Sponsorship website or reach out to me. I would be more than happy to share my experiences.
We may not be able to change the whole world, but we can make a difference in someone’s world.
Our small contributions can bring hope, happiness, education, safety and access to clean water to children and families who need them most.
Sometimes, we think that what we give is only a little. But to someone in need, that little contribution may mean so much more than we realise.
Let us each do our part. Together, we can give children hope, help families build a better future, and remind them that they are not forgotten.
This journey has taught me that sponsorship is not simply about giving. It is about building connections, sharing love, bringing hope and making a difference in another person’s life.
