I started sponsoring simply hoping to make a small difference in someone’s life 🧡
I’ve been a sponsor for some time now… and somehow it quietly became part of my life.
When I first started, I chose to sponsor girls. It just felt like a place where I could show up and make a small difference.
I didn’t expect that certain moments along the way would also leave such a lasting impact on me.
One of those moments came through Chosen® — a programme by World Vision where children choose their own sponsors.
And honestly, it really shifted my perspective.
There’s something powerful about a child being given that chance — to make a choice for themselves, to have a voice, and to feel like their decision matters. It gives them confidence and reminds them that they are seen and valued.
I still remember attending a Chosen event in person last year. The boy who chose me didn’t know I was there, and I didn’t know it was him until he walked out holding my photo. The surprise, the smile… It’s hard to explain, but it stayed with me.
I remember wanting to go and say hello right away, but the moment was meant to happen later — so I just watched quietly from a distance.
I later found out he chose me because I looked strong and sporty, and because he likes sports too. (The photo I submitted was from one of my running events.)
The next Chosen® will be in Bohol, Philippines, with the choosing party happening on 4–5 June 2026. This will be my fifth time signing up for Chosen®, and that feeling of not knowing who will choose me is still something I look forward to.
More than anything, I look forward to being part of their journey — supporting them as they grow, and walking alongside them in whatever small ways I can.
It has quietly become one of the most meaningful parts of my sponsorship journey.
I’m always happy to share more about my experience if anyone wants to know what it’s really like.
I am always excited when I see the email in my mailbox: “Your sponsored child, xxx, has a letter for you!” Through my journey with World Vision, these letters are something I treasure very much.
When I opened Irm's letter, I was looking forward to hearing his updates again. But this time, the letter was written by his grandfather.
At first, I was worried. Then I read on, and it was good news. Irm has moved to the city to live with his mother and siblings.
Irm was the boy who chose me last September in Dornod — the funny one who actually made me “fall in love” at first meeting. I still remember his smile and his cheeky jokes. It was a touching letter from Grandpa. I felt happy that he now has a chance in a bigger city, but also a little sad that our journey ended so quickly.
Four hours later, another email came through from World Vision.
It was about Helen, the girl I sponsored for three years in Cambodia. She has moved on to pursue further education outside her area programme. I met Helen last February — the quiet girl who came with her grandmother. Soft-spoken, shy, but with bright eyes.
Photo recreated to celebrate the spirit of children I sponsor, while keeping their privacy safe.
When I visited both of them last year, I could see they had bright futures. I truly wish that they will have better opportunities, better choices, and kinder roads ahead.
In sponsorship, once a child leaves the area programme, the journey naturally concludes. Another girl has now been assigned to me, and I look forward to building a new journey together.
Departures are not always sad. Sometimes departures are signs of positive change. It means they are moving forward, growing, stepping into something new.
Today, I hold both gratitude and goodbye in the same heart.
I am grateful that love can travel across distances and cultures. Over the years, through my journey with World Vision, I’ve met children with different stories, different smiles—each one a reminder of how much hope there is in the world.
The faces may change, the names may change, but the purpose stays the same. I will keep showing up, trusting that even small acts of care can help brighten someone’s tomorrow.
Every small act of support can make a world of difference. If this story resonates with you, consider joining me in sponsoring a child—you never know whose smile you might help change.
Every day, children in vulnerable communities wake up and begin a journey, not to school, not to play, but to collect water.
Nearly 6 kilometres.
That’s the average distance they walk just to fetch water that’s often dirty, contaminated, and dangerous.
And that’s the same distance I’m running — but for a very different reason.
This year, I’m participating in the World Vision Singapore Global 6K for Water, and I’ve set a personal goal:
🏃♀️ Run/Walk 600KM
💙 Raise SGD 1,200.00
Why? Because I believe every child deserves the chance to be healthy, to learn, and to simply be a child.
But this daily walk for water robs them of that chance. It steals their health as they fall ill from waterborne diseases. It disrupts their education because they’re too tired or miss school altogether. And it takes away their childhood, time that should be spent laughing, playing, and dreaming.
💧 Clean Water Changes Everything
It’s so easy to take clean water for granted — the simple act of turning on a tap, filling a glass, or taking a shower. However, for many children and families around the world, access to clean water remains out of reach.
The good news? We can help change that.
Just $60 can provide one child with sustainable access to clean water through World Vision's life-changing water projects. These include the installation of boreholes, water tanks, and piped water systems, bringing clean water closer to homes and schools.
This year, World Vision Singapore aims to reach 10,000 children across Asia and Africa — and I want to do my part to help achieve this goal.🌍 Want to Learn More?
You can read more about the Global 6K for Water movement and how it’s changing lives by visiting:
Little pieces of love, ready to travel across the miles. #Handmade bookmarks and birthday cards for my sponsored children. 💛
This year, I’m sending my sponsored children handmade bookmarks along with birthday cards. They may be small, but each one is made with a lot of love and thought.
With birthdays spread out throughout the year, I make time to prepare these little gifts because they’re my way of showing how much I care. Even though the gifts are simple, I hope they bring a smile and let them know they are thought of, remembered, and celebrated.
Making these bookmarks has become a special part of my routine. It’s not something rushed or done out of obligation. It’s something I genuinely look forward to. Sitting down with some quiet time, choosing the colours, thinking about each child as I craft their bookmark, these small moments fill me with a sense of connection, even across the distance.
Each time I put a card and bookmark together, I’m reminded of how precious they are and how grateful I am to be part of their lives, even in this small way. Being able to support and encourage them, even from afar, is something I never take for granted.
It may not be anything grand or expensive, but it’s meaningful, not just to them, I hope, but also to me. These little gifts are my way of sending love, encouragement, and a small reminder that someone out there is cheering them on.
If you’ve ever thought about creating something handmade for someone you care about, I really encourage you to give it a try. Sometimes the simplest gestures can mean more than we realise.
Thanks for reading. If you have any simple gift ideas you love to share with others, I’d love to hear them too.
I had the pleasure of meeting Su, my sponsored child from Myanmar, last Saturday, and I still can’t believe I’ve only been sponsoring her for three months. I didn’t expect to meet her so soon (even if it was virtually), but I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to see her and hear her voice.
As with any first meeting, Su was quite shy at the beginning. But as we spoke, she gradually warmed up, and by the end, we were chatting comfortably. I was thrilled to learn that she loves mathematics and dreams of becoming a doctor one day. It fills me with hope knowing that she has such big aspirations for her future.
Learning that Su’s mother is a World Vision community volunteer made the meeting even more special. She couldn’t join us because of her work in another community, but it brought me so much comfort to know that Su not only benefits from sponsorship but also has a strong role model in her mother, whose dedication to the community is truly inspiring.
As for me, I’m not great at structured conversations, so I just talked about whatever came to mind—hobbies, food, sports—anything to keep our 30 minutes fun and engaging. Maybe Adrian (from World Vision Singapore), who was also part of the session, wondered why I was jumping between topics! But it didn’t matter because making a connection was what truly counted. At one point, I found myself at a loss for words because I was so excited to meet Su (there was a brief moment of silence).
Thankfully, the internet was stable, and we had a smooth conversation with no interruptions. A big thank you to the translator (whom I, unfortunately, forgot to ask for her name—silly me!) and to the World Vision teams in Singapore and Myanmar for making this possible.
Meeting Su was such a heartwarming experience, and I’m excited to watch her grow. ❤️
Image created with Microsoft Designer: Wish I had a real photo, but this one captures the feeling!❤️
I’m so happy to share that my story about child sponsorship was recently featured on the World Vision Singapore website.
When I first started my child sponsorship journey, I wanted to do more than just provide financial support. I wanted to create a real connection. As someone who enjoys handicrafts, I decided to send something handmade, something special, and something made with love. So, I made friendship bands—one for each of my sponsored children and sent them along with my first letter to symbolise the beginning of our friendship and the bond we share.
Months passed, and then came the annual update with their latest photos. As I looked through them, I was overwhelmed with emotion. One of my sponsored children was wearing the band. They all were.
It’s hard to describe how that felt. It was just a simple band, but it meant so much to them. They wore it. They kept it. They treasured it. And at that moment, I realised that even the smallest gestures can carry so much meaning.
Our letters are limited, often delayed by time and translation, but I still try to make our bond special. For their birthdays, I design and print personalised cards… not handwritten, but still made with love, just for them. It’s not about showing the world what I do. It’s about showing them that they matter. That they are thought of. That somewhere, far away, someone cares about them.
Sponsorship, to me, is not just about giving—it’s about friendship. It’s about forming a real friendship. It’s about reminding these children that they are important, loved, and never forgotten. It’s about making them feel that someone, somewhere, cares about them.
Because sometimes, even a small act of kindness can have a bigger impact than we realise. ❤️
Water is essential to life, yet its availability and quality are not the same for everyone.
The river that runs through the community I recently visited.
When I worked in a water company, I saw water through numbers—costs, processes, and efficiency. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the complexity behind clean water, from treatment to distribution. It’s not as simple as turning on a tap. Ensuring safe water requires expertise, infrastructure, and constant monitoring—something many of us rarely think about.
The water piping system provides clean water to the community. Part of the essential infrastructure I witnessed during my trip.
But through child sponsorship, I saw another side of water. In many communities, clean water isn’t easily accessible. Children and families walk long distances just to fetch water—sometimes from unsafe sources. The impact goes beyond thirst; it affects health, education, and opportunities for a better future.
World Water Day is a reminder that clean water is a basic human right, yet millions still struggle to access it. While many organisations are working to change this, there is still more to be done.
Small efforts—whether through awareness, support, or action—can make a difference. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the clean water we have and do our part to help ensure safe water for all.
Waking up early isn’t always my thing, but on this trip, it felt different. Maybe it was the excitement, or maybe it was knowing that today, we were finally heading into the villages. Either way, I was up and ready to go.
Our journey started with an hour-long van ride to the jetty, followed by a boat ride across the river. From there, we switched to a tractor—yes, a tractor! If you’ve never taken a tractor ride before, imagine a bumpy but fun experience, especially when you’re surrounded by endless greenery and fresh air (got to strike that off when we we are actually sucking the dirt while driving too fast). It was definitely a mode of transport I wouldn’t forget.
When the WV staff told us we'd be taking a big wooden boat, I’m sure it has a name in Khmer—but to me, it’s a sampan with an engine.
The tractor gave us a good workout, a nice tan, and a free dust bath for the day! Sambour’s heat and dust are no joke!
Our first stop was a primary school. During the trip briefing, we were told that classes here are shared between two grades—Grade 1 with Grade 4, and Grade 2 with Grade 3. At first, I couldn’t wrap my head around it. How could one teacher manage two different levels at the same time? But as soon as we stepped into the classroom, I saw it with my own eyes. The students sat quietly while the teacher taught one grade, patiently waiting for their turn. It was impressive.
A simple school with only two classrooms. Each is shared by two grades.
One classroom, two grades, and a teacher guiding them all. Such respect for their dedication and passion.
One of the trippers, Fynn, who is also a teacher, volunteered to teach at the school during our visit and prepared creative activities for the students. Seeing their excitement and how much they enjoyed learning, even with limited resources, was heartwarming. It reminded me why education is so important and why sponsorship goes beyond just providing school supplies.
After the school visit, we split into smaller groups to visit the Most Vulnerable Families (MVF). I was assigned to visit a family of ten—grandparents, parents, and seven children. The youngest was just nine days old, while the eldest, a 14-year-old boy, had left home to become a monk because they couldn’t afford his education. It was heartbreaking.
The living conditions of the MVF home, where a family of 10— including a 10-day-old newborn.
Despite their struggles, the family was doing their best. They had a small piece of land for farming and lived near the river, which provided access to water and fishing. Their home was a tiny hut, with everyone sleeping in the same space. But thanks to the support from World Vision, they were learning better farming techniques and had access to a latrine—a small but significant improvement in their daily lives. During our visit, we even joined them in planting vegetables, a simple but meaningful experience.
Hands in the soil.
The day ended with a visit to a secondary school and a community library. Some trippers had brought English books to donate, and we also participated in tree planting with the students as part of the Child Sponsorship Learning Program (CSLP). I’ve always loved gardening, but this was special—I planted a tree alongside two young girls, knowing it would grow with them.
English books were generously donated by fellow trippers.
I’ve always loved gardening, but this moment was truly special.
Tree planting with the students.
As we made our way back to the hotel, travelling the same boat-tractor route, I couldn’t stop thinking about the resilience of the community. For them, these daily journeys weren’t just part of a trip—they were a way of life. And I was only just beginning to understand it.
Stay tuned! Every moment here is unforgettable. I can't wait to tell you more!
The day of the trip finally arrived! I flew directly from Bangkok, arriving in Phnom Penh a day earlier. That extra day gave me time to enjoy some local meals, explore a little, and, of course, do some last-minute shopping for my sponsored children. No matter how much I plan, there's always something more I feel like getting! 😆 Thankfully, SC was there to accompany me, so I didn't have to explore alone.
With all the extra shopping, I'm thankful to SC because some of it went into her luggage, some into my small suitcase, and we managed to shift things around. Problem solved!
In the morning, we met up with the rest of the trippers at the airport as they arrived from Singapore. Seeing familiar faces from past trips and meeting new ones was such a great feeling. There's something special about being surrounded by people who share the same passion for making a difference.
Cheers to the great company, meaningful moments, and the journey ahead!
After everyone settled in, got SIM cards, and exchanged money, we hit the road in a comfortable van, heading from Phnom Penh to Sambour. If there's one thing I've learned from trips like these, it's that getting to the AP isn't a quick journey. It took about six hours, with stopovers for toilet breaks, lunch, and, of course, the very last minute of buying gifts. The road conditions were so much better than last time—no more back-breaking, bumpy rides! That alone felt like a win. Although the drive was long, I didn't mind at all. It gave me time to reflect on my last visit and everything I was looking forward to. Would the girls recognise me? How much had they grown?
After checking in at the hotel, we gathered for a trip briefing led by Piseth. I have so much respect for him—his dedication to the community is truly inspiring. His team has done an incredible job over the years, and hearing about their ongoing work made me even more excited for the days ahead. He walked us through what to expect, such as the living conditions, challenges, and, most importantly, the achievements made possible through sponsorship and community support.
Gaining insights into the journey ahead. His passion and dedication are contagious.
We wrapped up the day with dinner, resting up for what was to come. We will be heading deep into the villages tomorrow—and I couldn't wait.
This place wasn't just a name on a map anymore. It was a community I cared deeply about, a place that now felt like a second home.
Stay tuned because the real adventure is just about to begin. 🫰🏻
When I received the email notification in November 2024 about the trip to Sambour, I didn't hesitate—I clicked and registered right away. Maybe I was the first to sign up, who knows? 😆
Sambour is one of the Area Programmes I've been most excited to revisit after two years. A little background to my story: I had just one sponsored child in this AP two years ago. After my last visit, I returned with 10. So, Sambour holds a very special place in my heart because most of my sponsored children are there. I couldn't wait to reconnect with them!
But it's not just about seeing them again; I was also eager to witness the incredible progress the community has made over the past two years. I feel so fortunate to be part of something so meaningful, especially knowing we have a committed AP Manager and his dedicated team working tirelessly on the ground.
From my previous visit, I knew that shopping locally could be tricky due to the limited time and travel distance to the AP. So, I started planning early— figuring out what gifts they might need. (Trust me, I won't go into the details, but it just shows how excited I was! 😂). Once I had everything sorted, I had a new challenge on my hands. How on earth was I going to pack and bring all these gifts for 10 children? The struggle was real, and even then, I still felt like I could have brought more. There's always that urge to add a little more…
But here's the twist: I realised I would have a whole day in Phnom Penh after finalising my flights. Since I wasn't flying in with the other trippers (they were coming from Singapore), I decided to fly in a day earlier to avoid any travel hiccups. This gave me the perfect opportunity for some local shopping, and I was able to pick up some essential items: the Khmer-English Dictionary (a must-have for all my sponsored children), toothbrush and toothpaste sets, and bar soap. As for the rest of the gifts were already packed from Bangkok, so I felt well-prepared.
Touching down a day earlier in Phnom Penh. I am ready for some peaceful local shopping before the adventure begins!
All the gifts were well packed in the box, and I only bought a small suitcase!
With everything in place, I'm ready for the exciting days ahead—reconnecting with my sponsored children and seeing all the wonderful things that have been happening in the community.
Stay tuned for more updates! This is just the start of my journey to Sambour, and I can't wait to share more with you along the way.
Exactly one year ago, I had the privilege of taking part in my first Chosenexperience, and it’s been a journey I’ll never forget. Today, I’m incredibly honoured to be chosen by M, my fourth sponsored child through World Vision’s Chosen programme. This connection means so much to me, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside her on this journey.
Why did I choose to be Chosen?
Chosen is such a beautiful and empowering programme. It gives children the incredible power to make a choice—the choice of who will stand by them and support them. Instead of waiting to be chosen, they are in control of their futures, allowing them to decide who will walk with them. This small but powerful act gives them dignity and confidence in a world where they often feel powerless.
What makes this moment even more special is the story behind it. After visiting Mongolia and seeing life in Selenge firsthand, I became aware of the difficulties faced by children in different parts of the country. I heard about M’s Area Programme and the challenges she faces, and I felt an undeniable pull to act. When M selected me, it felt like fate—like it was meant to be.
To top it all off, M and I share the same initial and birthday month, which adds an even more meaningful layer to our connection. Sometimes, it’s the small details that remind us how everything is so perfectly aligned.
M, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be part of your journey. It’s an honour to walk alongside you and support you in whatever way I can. I’m looking forward to seeing how our paths develop together.
To all who are reading this, have you ever imagined what it would feel like to be chosen by a child? It’s an incredibly meaningful experience that can truly change lives. If you haven’t had that chance yet, maybe it’s time to see if a child chooses you.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Chosen programme or how you can get involved, I encourage you to check out World Vision’s website. It’s a wonderful way to create a lasting impact on a child’s life.
It's been a week since I returned from Mongolia, but the memories remain fresh in my mind. This was my third trip with World Vision Singapore, yet each experience feels new in its own way. Visiting the communities, meeting the people, and witnessing the impact of sponsorship firsthand reinforced why I continue to be part of this journey.
Mongolia is a land of vast open spaces, rolling steppes, and a deep-rooted nomadic culture. The weather was just great—probably because I've gotten used to the cold seasons—but there were moments when the sun warmed our faces, and in the next, strong winds sent chills down our spines. But what truly stood out was the resilience and hospitality of the people we met.
The trip to Selenge was unforgettable, made even more meaningful by the warmth, friendliness, and incredible talents of the people I met along the way. I travelled with 21 other trippers, and we began our adventure with a nearly 13-hour flight to Ulaanbaatar. After a day of exploring the city, shopping, and enjoying dinner together, we hit the road the next day, embarking on a six-hour journey to a remote town. The scenery was breathtaking—endless stretches of green and distant mountains that looked like something out of a painting. It was so peaceful and beautiful that it was hard to find words to capture its true essence.
Captured this along the way on our bus journey. I'm not sure exactly where I am, but the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
I have to be honest; no camera can truly capture the view the way your eyes do.
We met with the local governor and attended a graduation ceremony for a community development program, which equips people with skills, resources, and training to become self-sufficient. Seeing their achievements was truly inspiring. Later, we visited a local school, where students showcased their talents with a lively judo performance—an impressive display of energy and skill.
These young faces in traditional Mongolian attire made our arrival unforgettable.
Met these amazing young judo athletes during my trip. Their dedication and passion for the sport is truly inspiring.
Day 3 was particularly eventful. We toured a school dormitory and learned about an innovative water sanitation and hygiene programme. During the visit, we were introduced to a traditional Mongolian game called shagai, which is played with ankle bones (sheep or goat ankle bone). It's more than just a game; it's a cultural tradition passed down through generations.
The talent and spirit of these students are truly something special.
Visited the new WASH programme facility today. I’m so glad the children now have a better place to use. The old facility had them walking out from the dormitory, which was a real challenge during the cold winter months. It’s heartwarming to see the positive change.
The ankle bone game, or shagai, a traditional Mongolian game.
In the afternoon, we visited herder families supported by World Vision, gaining insights into their way of life. I even had the chance to try horse riding and scooping cow dung (yes, really!). Being inside a traditional ger was an eye-opener, making me wonder how they endure the harsh winters.
Getting a firsthand look at the daily life of a herder’s family
The view and the traditional ger feel like a scene from a painting.
Unfortunately, the day took an unexpected turn when I sprained my ankle in a fall. The pain was intense, and I feared it might be broken. The nearest hospital was two hours away, and even then, there was no doctor—only nurses. After an X-ray, we had to search for a pharmacy to get the necessary medication. The situation was overwhelming, but I was incredibly grateful to Claire and the World Vision Mongolia team, who stayed by my side, ensuring I was comfortable and supported. Their kindness made all the difference during such a challenging moment.
On Day 4, despite my injury, I didn't want to miss out on any part of the trip. We visited the local World Vision office for a briefing and then went to a library to meet savings group members. The success stories shared were uplifting—these groups empower individuals to take control of their finances and build supportive communities. Some even use their savings to assist members in times of need, reinforcing resilience and solidarity.
Later, we attended another graduation ceremony for beneficiaries who had completed a livelihood training programme. One of the stories that stood out was of Bumaa, who participated in a life skills training course in sewing and now runs her own business. Her words, "Give a man a fish, and he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he'll eat for a lifetime," resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the lasting power of education and empowerment.
Bumaa's amazing story
We also had the chance to visit some of the most vulnerable families, witnessing the immense challenges many face. Many are grappling with generational poverty, alcohol addiction, and limited access to resources. We visited one family whose middle son was in the hospital for appendicitis, and the eldest son shared their story with us. The condition of their ger, which had been damaged by the mother's outbursts, was heartbreaking. There was little support available to address deeper issues like rehabilitation services, which could truly make a difference in such situations.
One of the MVF houses — not in the best condition
Before we left, we took a detour to the Russian border for a cheeky little adventure just before calling it a day.
The border
Day 5 started with a visit to a familiar place—the hospital where I had been treated for my ankle. It looked completely different from my last visit! This time, we were there to hear students share how they had benefited from the Health Education Programme, which empowers the younger generation with crucial knowledge.
Then, we also visited a school to learn about their Child Development Club, which includes sports, arts, and life skills training. What stood out to me was their inclusion of children with special needs. I had the opportunity to sit with an older student who taught me how to make handicrafts, a way of developing motor skills. It was a heartwarming experience, and I truly enjoyed my time with him.
In the afternoon, we split into two groups for volunteer activities with local CSO members. I joined the painting team, while others took on the challenging task of building a ger for a vulnerable family. Once we finished, we went to check on the progress of the ger and witnessed its handover ceremony. One of our fellow trippers even sponsored the boy who would be living in the new ger—a touching moment that highlighted the lasting impact of this trip.
Day 6 was the highlight of the trip, which was meeting my sponsored child. I had been looking forward to this moment for so long, and it exceeded all my expectations. She spotted me first during an icebreaker game and came straight to my side. My heart was filled with joy. We spent hours playing games, singing, and dancing, and with Uuree as my translator, I learned more about her life and family. Her determination and competitive spirit reminded me so much of myself. Saying goodbye was tough, but I will always treasure the gift and letter she gave me—a truly touching moment.
After our emotional farewell, we visited Saikhanii Khutul National Park near the Russian border. Despite my sore ankle and fear of heights, I couldn't resist taking in the breathtaking views. The hike was tough but absolutely worth it.
That evening, we gathered for a farewell at the hotel, saying our goodbyes—not just to fellow trippers setting off on their own journeys but also to the incredible World Vision staff who made this experience possible.
Looking back, I feel so incredibly grateful. Meeting my sponsored child and seeing the impact of World Vision’s work firsthand was deeply moving. It’s one thing to hear about these efforts but another to stand in the very places where change is happening. The resilience, warmth, and strength of the people I met left a lasting mark on me.
Before leaving, I made a decision that felt right in my heart. A new Area Programme was being established in Dornod, Mongolia, and World Vision Singapore organised a Chosen programme. After witnessing the challenges families face, I knew I wanted to be part of the journey ahead. Since it was also the last day for registration, I signed up before I left. Because even the smallest steps can make a difference, and this trip was a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to create meaningful change.
If you’re interested in making a lasting impact and changing the life of a child, consider sponsoring today. Visit the World Vision website to learn more and join this meaningful journey.
My recent trip to Sindhuli East, Nepal, organised by World Vision (WV) Singapore, proved to be an eye-opening experience. I would like to thank both WV SG and WV Nepal for their incredible dedication to this community. My main motivation for embarking on this trip was to gain a deeper understanding of the initiatives that have been established in this community and, of course, to visit my sponsored child.
Sindhuli East, in Nepal's Central Development Region, is 150km east of Kathmandu. It covers 235 sq km of challenging, hilly terrain cut by river valleys, making the land largely unsuitable for farming. The area faces frequent natural disasters such as landslides, storms, floods, earthquakes, and fires, posing a continuous risk to its people.
Off-road adventure with 4WD SUVs conquering the rugged mountain terrain
The objective of this Area Programme was to empower children, families, and communities to collaborate in enhancing the quality of life for the most vulnerable group, which is the children.
The 6-day trip proved to be an incredible experience despite the many hours of travel required to reach the Area Programme. The journey was undeniably worth it. The first two days were dedicated to travelling. We embarked on an exhilarating "road trip" from Kathmandu to Sindhuli East, involving roughly 10 hours of travel via bus and jeep. The bumpy ride through the rough and undeveloped roads added an adventurous touch to the trip.
Our first visit was to a lower secondary school, where the sight of the Principal, teachers, and eager students excitedly awaiting our arrival was genuinely heartwarming. We were welcomed warmly, each of us adorned with a traditional flower garland. The school tour revealed significant efforts to enhance educational opportunities for the children, including the establishment of a library. It was inspiring to learn that some children endure hours of travel over challenging roads and weather conditions to reach their school. Their resilience is truly commendable. The school is in need of support to renovate a wooden classroom, which suffers from leaks during the monsoon season and excessive cold during winter, affecting the student's learning experience. Another issue I observed was the lack of sufficient lighting in the classrooms. I hope these issues can be addressed for the benefit of the children.
A warm welcome from the Principal, Teachers and students of Shri Ni Ma Vi Langurdandan Lower Secondary School.
The wooden classrooms waiting for a transformation
Enthusiastic students dedicated to their studies in humble wooden classrooms.
Where knowledge begins – A cosy library
A cheerful group photograph with students, the Principal, and teachers at Shri Ni Ma Vi Langurdandan School.
The school also hosts an outreach clinic supported by World Vision under the nutrition programme. The clinic operates twice a month to monitor children's growth. It serves as a focal point for training the mother group, actively participating in Positive Deviance/Hearth sessions. These sessions aim to educate mothers on the importance of a diversified diet, preparing nutritious meals from locally available resources, monitoring children's growth for their well-being, and providing Antenatal Care and Postnatal Care.
Mother groups participating in the Positive Deviance/Hearth program
We visited one of the community's most vulnerable households, where livelihood support and business recovery assistance were extended to local families. In this initiative, families were beneficiaries of livestock support, including goats and pigs, along with comprehensive training in proper care and housing for these animals. While some families chose to keep these animals for breeding and income generation, others opted to sell them to fund their children's education.
The Livelihood Support to MV households.
Besides we also had the opportunity to visit the irrigation support site, where we met the dedicated members of the producer group and were introduced to the Savings for Transformation group, all led by dedicated women. These women met regularly to discuss cultivation practices and marketing strategies. Their commitment and progress were truly empowering. The Savings for Transformation group's ability to increase savings from 5 rupees to 50 rupees demonstrated the significance of savings and reinvestment. I was thoroughly impressed by these women's resilience and determination.
The strength and resilience of empowered women in our Producer and Saving for Transformation groups.
Our next stop was a secondary school that had been declared a Child-Friendly Local Governance (CFLG) ward. Earning this title involved meeting stringent criteria related to child protection issues, such as addressing child marriage, child labour, dropouts, and child development. The visit was an unforgettable three-hour experience, filled with warm welcomes. We had the chance to learn about the school's initiatives and captivating performances. Witnessing the national anthem being sung left me inspired. This school has achieved significant milestones and truly deserves the CFLG recognition.
Proud students of Shree Janapremi Ma Vi Syangti Secondary School
The highlight of our visit was witnessing the dedication to creating a comfortable space for girls during menstrual discomfort, complete with beds and necessary amenities. This initiative aimed to encourage girls to continue attending school, even when faced with physical discomfort, and educate them and their parents on managing these challenges, which was an eye-opening experience.
The comfort and support resting room
However, this school also expressed the need for support to create a safer play compound. As it is located on high ground, the current activities area poses safety concerns for sports activities, and installing a proper playground and barbed wire would allow students to play and practice safely.
The current activity area which facing safety concerns for sports activities.
On the fifth day of the trip, I finally had the privilege of meeting my sponsored child. Despite the considerable distance, I am immensely grateful she made the journey to see me. Through our translator, I discovered she takes two hours daily to walk to school. Despite her shyness and unfamiliarity in conversing with strangers, I cherished the opportunity to get to know her better. I had brought some gifts for her, and we enjoyed playing games and making cards for each other, thanks to the thoughtful initiative of WV SG. What really impressed me was when I discovered her ability to read and pronounce every word I had written in English on the card I made for her. While there might have been a few words she didn't fully understand, I believe this is just the beginning of our journey toward better communication. I am so proud of her!
As the saying goes, "Time flies when you are having fun. " After our lunch date, I bid farewell to my sponsored child.
A heartwarming moment with my sponsored child
As the trip concluded on the sixth day, we left with a sense of fulfilment, knowing that our visit had made a difference. Our stopover at Bhaktapur Durbar, a beautifully restored historic site, added a touch of magic to the journey.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
This trip gave me invaluable insights into the remarkable initiatives by World Vision in Sindhuli East and introduced me to new friends among the trippers who shared this unforgettable experience. It was a life-enriching experience filled with inspirational encounters and a renewed sense of hope for the community's future. Although the key challenges have not been fully overcome, the initiatives in place are making a positive difference. This effectively conveys our journey's impact, the local people's resilience, and the hope for a better future. I would like to thank WV SG, WV Nepal, and all those who support such significant work in this area programme.
Trippers Assemble! Where Friendships Thrive, and Purpose Unites Us.
I would also like to thank Christine and Shan Ying for capturing the moments and Elynn for initiating and coordinating the thoughtful goodies.
Interested in learning how child sponsorship can make a difference? Visit World Vision Singapore 🧡:
