Everything must end
September 21st 2008 08:40
Don't worry - it's nothing sad. In fact, it's quite a happy story. I got a call from World Vision and was informed that the community project in which my sponsored child of 6 years lives, has been completed, meaning that the community is not self-sustaining, and improving on a local level they are able to develop themselves without outside help, so my sponsorship is no longer required.
I have, back in 2004, visited Thi-Lan, my sponsored child in Vietnam (story on Travel String) and have seen first hand the works that was been done. Every year, I receive a report on the project as well as a status report of my sponsored child, and it feels like I've seen her grow up. I am happy that the project has been a success and know that those I have met back then will have had sufficient skills and facilities to continue not a wealthy life, but at least a life with substance and means of sustainability, and the children I saw at the school with Thi-Lan has the opportunities for their future provided for them.
While asked if I would like to sponsor another child, I hesitated. I wasn't sure if I can take on another sponsorship so quickly. It's not that I don't want to help but as much as child sponsorship is probably a good thing I feel that these so called projects are so much more commercialised now I feel like they have become material items rather than a gift of heart. I think I rather volunteer my time actually working on a project than to donate money to one.
Do not get me wrong, I salute those who have the money to donate and don't have the time, as money is important for resources, but for myself, I think the 6 years of simply giving $40 to a community isn't enough, and that me being there teaching my knowledge to the locals so they can use it for their benefit could have done more.
But then again, I am not there and not doing anything, so I guess $40 a month is better contribution than nothing eh?
I have, back in 2004, visited Thi-Lan, my sponsored child in Vietnam (story on Travel String) and have seen first hand the works that was been done. Every year, I receive a report on the project as well as a status report of my sponsored child, and it feels like I've seen her grow up. I am happy that the project has been a success and know that those I have met back then will have had sufficient skills and facilities to continue not a wealthy life, but at least a life with substance and means of sustainability, and the children I saw at the school with Thi-Lan has the opportunities for their future provided for them.
While asked if I would like to sponsor another child, I hesitated. I wasn't sure if I can take on another sponsorship so quickly. It's not that I don't want to help but as much as child sponsorship is probably a good thing I feel that these so called projects are so much more commercialised now I feel like they have become material items rather than a gift of heart. I think I rather volunteer my time actually working on a project than to donate money to one.
Do not get me wrong, I salute those who have the money to donate and don't have the time, as money is important for resources, but for myself, I think the 6 years of simply giving $40 to a community isn't enough, and that me being there teaching my knowledge to the locals so they can use it for their benefit could have done more.
But then again, I am not there and not doing anything, so I guess $40 a month is better contribution than nothing eh?
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Comment by katyzzz
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Child sponsorship is a great thing and I have done it too.
We can all only give what we feel we can manage.
Comment by AmyHuang
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