Someone Believes in My Future

A Boy Named Lemashon

Lemashon is a Grade 6 learner at Kimelok Christian School. Like many children in rural Kenya, there have been times when he worried about having the things he needed to attend school. A uniform, books, school supplies, school fees, and even food can become obstacles between a child and the classroom.

But sponsorship changed something for Lemashon. “Before, sometimes I get worried when I did not have the things I needed for school,” he says. “Now I feel encouraged because I know someone is helping me.”

What Changes in the Classroom

That encouragement follows a sponsored child into the classroom. School materials are available. Meals and porridge help children learn without an empty stomach. Teachers see children attending more consistently, participating more confidently, and concentrating on their lessons instead of worrying about what they do not have.

But perhaps the greatest change cannot be placed inside a school bag. Principal Moses Juma sees it in the children themselves: when a child realizes that someone cares about their education and their future, confidence begins to grow.

A Dream That Reaches Forward

Lemashon already understands what he would like to do with the opportunity he has been given. He wants to work hard in school and someday become someone who helps others. Another sponsored learner expressed the same dream: to finish school, grow up, and help children just as a sponsor is helping today.

That may be one of the most beautiful things about child sponsorship. A sponsor begins by helping one child, but no one knows where that act of generosity will end.

The child receiving help today may someday become the teacher, pastor, business owner, parent, or community leader who reaches back and says those words to another child.