Sarah’s blog 13/04/21
#changing lives …… it’s probably the best way to sum up what we do. Whether we are raising money for the feeding programme, or clean water, providing blankets, a bar of soap, clothes, fundraising for buildings, providing books…. each of these things, however big or small, is #changinglives.
One of the most important decisions you could ever make would be to sponsor a child with us. As well as the child’s physical needs being met you, as a sponsor, give the gift of hope. The sponsored child knows that you care enough to help them. To be their helping hand out of extreme poverty and malnutrition. Hope and help for a brighter future. When you sponsor a child you become part of their team. Together we are #changinglives
Below is some of the information we give to people enquiring about sponsoring a child.
We now have 52 of the most vulnerable children sponsored. However, there are many more waiting. All of the children the Foundation supports are living in extreme poverty. They are fed a nutritious and filling meal once a week but some children might go several days without food. They miss school as they have to work for a pittance to try to help their families. Most of the time the children live with either one parent or, more commonly, grandparents.
Sponsoring a child means they will have hope. They know someone cares about them. They have a brighter future. Sponsored children will continue to have access to the feeding programme and will get a monthly food parcel and soap for their family. This isn’t enough for the whole month but will help supplement their diet. We want to give people the helping hand they need but not become totally reliant on food parcels. They would love to be self-sufficient and that is our aim too.
A sponsored child will also have new clothes and a blanket, soap and stationery supplies for school. Once they get to secondary school, their fees will be paid, uniform bought and any other supplies they need. 50 children age under 6 attend our nursery (paid for by a monthly donation). The nursery runs three sessions a week and these children are given porridge at each session. There has also been new uniform donated for all the nursery children.
If you would like to get involved, or have more questions, then please do get in touch with us. Sponsorship is £25 per month per child (85p per day) and you can sponsor as an individual, family or two friends can split the cost of sponsoring a child. You may like to send some gifts to your sponsored child. Please note that this is not a requirement, but something you may like to do. You can send something each time we are sending boxes to go on the container or, you might just want to send gifts once a year. It’s totally up to you. Preloved things are fine but only if they are in very good condition and are appropriate for your sponsored child. Some suggestions are; shirts, skirts/shorts/trousers, underwear, jumper, waterproof jacket, woolly hat or baseball cap, wind up torch, candles, soap, books, pads of paper, colouring books, stationery, sewing or knitting supplies, umbrella, toothbrush/toothpaste, small tool kit, bag etc. You can send a sealed bag of sweets with a long sell by date but no chocolate. If you aren’t sure of something then please ask as we are happy to help you. (please note that culturally girls wear skirts or dresses NOT trousers or leggings).
Thank you so much for helping to change your sponsored child’s life. They can now complete their education and have hope for a better future. They also know they are important and that you care about them. We look forward to seeing your child grow and be the best they can be thanks to your support. Sarah Black Development Manager Friends of The William Stewart Centre, Malawi.
This is Timothy, my sponsored child. His grades at school have improved now he has food in his tummy and can concentrate better. It is a privilege to be part of his life and see the change in him. Thanks for reading. Sarah x
