Ngan’s story: The journey of kindness

Ngan grew up in the mountainous District of Quang Hoa, Cao Bang Province. Education wasn’t a priority for girls like Ngan. In the community where she lives, young women are expected to get married early, work as farmers or earn a living by working in factories far from home. This had been going on for generations, from her grandmother to her mother, but Ngan wanted to create change.

Sponsorship changes the game

The support and letters from her French sponsor, Jerome changed Ngan’s outlook on life. “After being enrolled into ChildFund’s [sponsorship] program, I did change a lot. From a timid little girl, I have grown up into a confident young woman. My sponsor’s letters opened a whole new world to me. Through photos and simple sharing from my sponsor, a girl previously confined to a remote village like me was enabled to learn about the vast and beautiful world. I have nurtured my dream to explore other cultures and go to those picturesque places one day. It was also an enormous source of motivation for me to continue my study at a university instead of working in a factory after high school like some of my peers,” said Ngan.

The nine-year connection with her sponsor Jerome was vital to Ngan’s motivation and sense of belonging. “Like many other kids, I was so delighted to receive small gifts. Every time I received annual gifts from ChildFund like school supplies, crayons and water bottles. I felt so appreciative and grateful to my sponsor and program implementers for their utmost care for children like me.”

Sponsorship enabled Ngan to continue her studies and to bring about sustainable and meaningful change in the life of other children and families in Ngan’s community. “Being from a poor and disadvantaged community where people’s knowledge was limited, my hometown has totally transformed thanks to various project activities of ChildFund, specifically with training on communication, child protection, breeding animals and supporting the building of latrines.”

Ngan has a dream

Ten years have passed since Ngan had a sponsor. She is now a second-year student in Social Work Studies at a renowned university. The generosity and kindness from a stranger has shaped who she is today. Ngan embraces the dream to continue the journey of kindness that her sponsor embarked on. “I really hope that after graduation, I can use my knowledge, experience and passion to support my community. That’s one of the reasons I chose Social Work as my career.”

Child Sponsorship makes lasting changes in the life of children and is a powerful connection tool, giving children hope, aspirations and belief in kindness and good things in life.