What It’s Like Being Chosen as a Child Sponsor

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.

May xx

Virtual Meeting: A Moment of Hope and Inspiration

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!❤️

May x

Child Sponsorship is not just about giving - it's about Friendship

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. ❤️

Read more about the impact of child sponsorship on Child Sponsorship Stories.

Sambour: A Journey Close to My Heart — Part 3

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! 

May x

My Journey of Child Sponsorship and Hope

 It all began with a simple memory, one that had long been tucked away in the corners of my mind. Back in 2019, a running friend approached me with a request to support her in a fundraising campaign to raise funds for children to have access to clean water through World Vision Malaysia. Without much thought, I donated, never fully realising the impact it might have or where this small act of generosity would eventually lead me.

Fast forward to today, and that seemingly insignificant gesture has evolved into a profound journey of child sponsorship, one that has touched my heart in ways I could have never imagined. It's a journey that has reshaped my perspective on giving, community, and the immense power of human connection.

As I reflect on how it all began, I can't help but feel grateful for that initial nudge towards generosity. Little did I know that this single act of kindness would become a defining chapter in my life, leading me to connect with remarkable young children from another part of the world, each with their own stories, dreams, and aspirations.

My journey into child sponsorship didn't begin with a grand plan or a deep understanding of the impact I could make. Instead, it was a moment of reflection that prompted me to explore child sponsorship through World Vision.

I did some research on the organisation's mission and values, learning about its commitment to improving the lives of children, families, and communities. The idea of forming a lasting connection with a child, walking beside them on their journey, and contributing to their well-being became increasingly appealing. It was a chance to not only offer financial support but also to build a meaningful relationship, share experiences, and witness firsthand the transformative power of compassion and support.

With this newfound sense of purpose and the desire to make a difference, I took the step to sponsor several children. Two were from Cambodia through World Vision Malaysia, one from Nepal, and one from Cambodia through World Vision Singapore.

My decision to sponsor children from Cambodia and Nepal was not arbitrary. It was deeply influenced by my experiences visiting Siem Reap in Cambodia and Nepal. In both places, I witnessed firsthand the challenges these children faced, especially in terms of education and poverty.

In Siem Reap, Cambodia, I saw the determination of young minds eager to learn, but I also saw the lack of resources and opportunities that held them back. Education was the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and it became clear to me that this was an area where my support could make a significant impact.

Similarly, I witnessed the resilience of children and families living in impoverished conditions in Nepal. Poverty, often a barrier to education, limited their potential. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to focus not just on providing financial assistance but also on empowering these children with access to quality education, a stepping stone towards a brighter future.

Photo by: May

As I reflect on this incredible journey that started with a simple act of kindness, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunities it has afforded me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these children.

Everyone Deserves a Chance 😊

May x