What motivated these millennials to become child sponsors?
Driven by passion and purpose, millennials are the generation that wants to be an active part of change. For all the flak they get about feeling entitled, these young professionals understand the importance of giving back. Take these five World Vision child sponsors who consistently support vulnerable children, month after month. One even started when she was 22! What do they have to say about being child sponsors? Read on.
On Motivation
Patrick, 36
Motion graphics designer, Child sponsor for 6 years
My top motivation in being a child sponsor is the possibility of giving the sponsored children and their families better lives.
Not everyone is as privileged as we are. The fact that we have the capacity to give means we can do something about the inequality, that we can change the lives of the disadvantaged. I may be sponsoring two kids, but my effect on them can multiply and spread to their communities and countless other children. If we can have a positive effect on even just one child, he/she could also be a positive force in the lives of other people.
Eunice, 35
I’m a sucker for making lists. I remember that when I was young, I had this list of things I wanted to do when I grow up. One was to “help someone and change his/her life.”
I had my fair share of trials in life. When I was in college, my education insurance provider had to suddenly stop operating. This was the time when my dad just retired from work. Luckily, our relatives stepped in and helped us with my school expenses.
Sponsoring a child is my way of giving back. I’m showing up for this child, the same way my relatives showed up for me when I needed help. This is also me, fulfilling my promise to “help someone and change his/her life.”
Addie, 29
Marketing professional, Child sponsor for 7 years
In high school, we had a program where the entire class would sponsor one child. That was my first encounter with sponsorship. I thought then, “Wow, kaya pala naming magtulong-tulong para makapagbigay sa isang bata (we can come together to help and give to one child).” I told myself, paglaki ko at afford ko na, gusto ko din maging sponsor ng isang bata (when I grow up and I can afford it, I also want to become a sponsor to one child). When I got my second job, i revisited that dream. And now I’m a proud child sponsor.
As a child sponsor, I am providing a real, tangible, and sustainable solution to the problems of poverty, hunger, and lack of education. It motivates me, knowing I’m a part of something that’s making a huge difference.
On Giving
Charmaigne, 26
Mathematics and Statistics teacher, New child sponsor
This is one of the happiest decisions that I have ever made in my life. I feel fulfilled because I know that the little amount that I donate can have a significant impact in a child’s life.
Child sponsorship goes beyond the amount that we give. We can connect with our sponsored child, we can motivate him/her, share words of encouragement, and make a significant impact in a child’s life
Shangrila, 35
As a foster child myself, I understand the struggles of vulnerable children. A lot of families are living their lives one day at a time, so whether it’s a one-off donation or a child sponsorship, I believe that it’s gonna go a long way.
Child sponsorship can change a person’s life. This gives them a reason to continue dreaming and believe that they can accomplish things–one goal at a time.
Eunice
Business owner and marketing consultant, Child sponsor for 4 years
I believe in the saying that “give them fish and you feed him for a day, teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”
Child sponsorship is a long-term development intervention where we can nurture kids and the communities they are in. Helping someone holistically and consistently will make real and sustainable changes in their lives.
On being a Child Sponsor
Patrick
With child sponsorship, I am continually reminded—each time I send money, when I get emails, or whenever I get to interact with my sponsored children—of why I chose to do this.
It constantly makes me think of the kids. I know their names. I know their birthdays and how old they are. I know where they are. And I worry about them when I hear of calamities in their areas.
I think that type of relationship could enrich the concern that sponsors have towards the children—that instead of just helping them out because they can, maybe they’ll start having more meaningful connections, and hopefully a deeper understanding of the marginalized.
Shangrila
Recruitment process outsourcing professional, Child sponsor for 4 years
It’s a different kind of happiness to know that you have helped someone and that this is something that they would carry with them until they grow old.
I want to see my sponsored child succeed and I want her to realize that whatever situation she may be in life, miracles do happen. That help comes in all forms and things can always change for the better.
Addie
I want my sponsored child to know that I’m rooting for her, so I will continue my sponsorship until she graduates. I hope that this will inspire her to give back to her community in her own way.
I’ve also convinced a few of my friends to become child sponsors. I’m proud to share the impact of a small monthly donation. One of them who started with one child, committed to sponsoring another child every time he receives a promotion. I’m so happy to share that he has continued his commitment, and is now a sponsor to 3 children. It’s his small way of giving back the blessings he’s received.
Eunice
This has definitely been a meaningful experience for me. Initially, I was unsure if I can do it for the long haul but now I know that this has been one of my best decisions in life. I am glad to be able to do this for a child through the years.
I have seen my sponsored child grow through the letters sent to me. I think this humanizes the experience and makes it “real” and “tangible” that hey, someone is relying on me. My responsibility to this child, to Jhon Lester, has really motivated me to keep going.
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Truly, these young professionals are paying it forward through giving. As child sponsor Shangrila put it, “If you have the ability to be the difference in someone’s life, wouldn’t you?”
