This post was lined up to go, and then this week I received the sad news that Gédeon had passed away from an illness this past Wednesday. While sad, I still want to share even young people can make a huge difference in a family’s life. When I was in Rwanda in 2007, I met a little boy who was deaf and mute, and because his family lived in a Kigali slum, they could not afford to send him to the only school for children with disabilities, as it is a boarding school and rather expensive. I arrived back in Canada determined to help him if I could. I figured out how much money I could send for his schooling, and contacted the missionaries, only to find out that he had been sponsored by another visitor! Yay! Jen and Serge did know of another deaf and mute boy whose parents were a part of their Ubuzima (means life, wholeness, health in Kinyarwandan) support group for HIV/AIDS positive people. They asked if I would be willing to sponsor him, and I agreed wholeheartedly – getting a child an education and medical care if I could was exactly what I had hoped to do. This is how I ‘met’ Gédeon. As of now, I have been sponsoring him to go to school and receive medical care for 5 years. His mother even sent me an email and photos of him and their family with a letter that I sent shortly after beginning to sponsor Gédeon. Please know that you can change the life of a whole family for very little money – in this instance, less than 400 USD a year were enough to make sure the family had enough food, enrol Gédeon in a boarding school and ensure he received medication when needed. If you would like to sponsor a child or family, I recommend looking into organizations such as Compassion International or World Vision, or talking to someone you trust who works in international development and may know of a situation that your aid could alleviate.
4 Comments
Timeless
4/3/2013 08:14:31 am
Child sponsorship is truly something we can all do that actually makes a difference!
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Sumbal
12/3/2013 10:22:19 am
I am really touched by this story. It is an sad but amazing story of human perseverance. This will make you feel better http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2012/07/24/first_person_believed_to_be_cured_of_aids_gives_hope_to_researchers.html
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AuthorWelcome! My name is Katiana and I am a development professional pursuing my dream to live out Isaiah 1:17 to the best of my abilities. I am passionate about teaching and working with vulnerable families and children to improve their lives sustainably.
CaveatThis blog is composed of my personal opinions, which do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of institutions or organizations that I may be or have been affiliated with.
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