How One Sponsor’s Journey Gave A Child The Freedom To Dream

The story of Jia En, a fitness coach in Singapore, and Srey La, a Grade 5 student in rural Cambodia, begins with two childhoods—one already lived, one still being shaped—connected by a shared longing for opportunity, dignity, and hope while growing up.

Growing up, Jia En didn’t have it easy. She remembers working her way through university, juggling responsibilities and sacrificing many of the experiences her peers enjoyed. While others enjoyed the freedom of student life, she was focused on surviving each day.

Those years shaped her deeply. They made her value childhood in a way many never have to think about.

“Those experiences made me value childhood deeply. I feel strongly about helping children have a more level playing field, so they can live a life they dream of.”

So when a friend introduced her to World Vision’s Child Sponsorship programme, it wasn’t just an opportunity—it felt like a calling. She knew exactly what it meant to struggle, to long for a fair chance, and for someone who believed in you.

And with that, she said “yes” to sponsoring 10 children. That decision connected her to a young girl in Cambodia named Srey La.

A Young Girl In Cambodia Walking Toward Her Dreams

In rural Cambodia, Srey La was growing up with dreams just as bold. Srey La dreams of becoming a teacher and help children in her village learn. But her path was filled with challenges.

Before sponsorship, she walked two kilometres each way to school, often under the scorching sun. Her family faced food shortages, unclean water, no toilet at home, and a lack of school supplies. Yet her determination never wavered.

Every morning, she woke up before sunrise to help her parents, then made the long journey to school. Despite hunger and fatigue, she refused to give up on her dream — to teach, to nurture, and to open new possibilities for others.

When Jia En first learned about children like Srey La through World Vision’s Child Sponsorship programme, their stories moved her deeply. Their connection then took root through letters.

A Letter That Spoke Volumes

Jia En received a letter from Srey La. It was simple, yet it carried the weight of a reality no child should have to bear.

As the Khmer New Year approached, Srey La wrote:

“All factory workers, construction workers, and civil servants will have days off. My parents earn less near the Khmer New Year.”

For Jia En, those words said more than any photograph could. They revealed the quiet struggles behind Srey La’s courage and reminded her why she chose to become a sponsor — to stand with a child so her story could be one of hope, not hardship.

“For a child to connect a celebratory occasion like New Year to less income for the family—it is heartbreaking. I don’t want her to feel ‘less than’ growing up.”

Through Child Sponsorship, Srey La’s life—and her family’s—began to change in tangible, lasting ways. She now rides a bicycle safely to school, no longer having to make the long, tiring walk each day. She has the study materials she needs and access to clean drinking water that keeps her healthy. She attends reading camps that have helped her grow in confidence and in her love for learning.

At home, her family now has a latrine, improving hygiene and restoring dignity. With World Vision’s support, they have also learned to raise chickens for additional income, which has eased their financial burdens. With each new opportunity, Srey La’s world grew a little wider — filled with safety, learning, and hope for the future.

“I am very happy that World Vision has helped me and my family,” she says with a smile. “Thank you, sponsor. I wish you good health.”

For Jia En, sponsorship is a natural extension of what she teaches every day as a fitness coach—that people flourish with the right support. Just as athletes grow with nutrition, training, and encouragement, children thrive with education, care, and love.

Her encouragement to her sponsored children: “Keep learning, keep dreaming because your story is still being written.”

Together, their lives remind us that hope is not restricted by distance. It begins with a story, a letter, a shared dream—and one person’s decision to say, “Yes, I want to help.”

Child Sponsorship creates change that lasts. Join our amazing community of sponsors today!