Sponsor a Child | How child sponsorship is empowering parents

Sponsored child Angel is confident that she will finish her education, thanks to the flourishing banana plantation of her father.

“I am happy that father is able to earn more because it means that we will have foods on our table and I can go to college,” she shares.

Angel, 17, is from the B’laan ethnic group in Sarangani Province. Their village is in the outskirts, about two hours away from the town proper. Most of the community people are farmers, including her father, Ronald.

“I used to have a small banana farm but it was mostly for family consumption. Those were our trying years as a family – income wasn’t enough and debts kept growing,” shares Ronald.

The insufficient family income has forced many families to rely on lending schemes with high interest rate.

Sustainable agriculture through natural farming system

As part of its economic development initiatives, World Vision has introduced the natural farming system, a farming practice that does not use chemical fertilizers to grow crops, in the village of Ronald.

“After the training, I was given 200 banana sapling and was provided with technical support in growing the plants,” says Ronald.

Today, his family is reaping the fruits of his labor. He is able to harvest a minimum of 500 kilos each month, giving him an income of at least P5000-P6000. The money he earns, according to him, is a sizeable amount to augment his income from rice farming.

Aside from organic farming, World Vision also introduced the Community Managed Savings and Credit Association (CoMSCA), a project model that aims to provide simple savings and loan facilities to communities where access to financial services is difficult.

“With this system, I can borrow money and be at peace knowing that the loan interest will go back to our savings group,” adds Ronald. Their group, to date, was able to start a sari-sari store using their savings. Aside from investing in business, most of the members use their savings to provide for their children’s needs in school.

For Angel, the economic development in her family and even in her community is giving her more hope for her tribe.

“My father’s growing income also means that I don’t have to work young to help provide for the family. I use my time instead to promote our B’laan culture to our school and in our province.

As World Vision’s child leader, I continue to participate in activities that encourage my fellow children to dream bigger. One day, there will be more B’laan children who will go to school and finish their education, thanks to our sponsors who are also empowering our parents,” Angel smiles.World Vision/March 12, 2018

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.