Geoffrey says keeping in contact with his sponsor children through writing letters provided a window into how his monthly donations had changed their lives.
“Being a long-term sponsor and being able to build that relationship with the children has allowed me to follow Simon and Aber’s personal journeys as well as the progress of their communities,” he says. “This is very special.”
“I remember a letter from Simon over 20 years ago where he told me how it took some in his community half a day to walk to get access to water for their family.
“I’ve seen a big change in the attitudes and quality of living for people in the villages and communities because of ChildFund’s projects, such as access to running water, coming to fruition.”
After more than a decade of sponsoring Aber, who is now 15, Geoffrey visited the teen and her family in their village in 2016.
Meeting Aber in person and being among her community, the visit really brought home how lucky he had it in Australia.
“We take almost everything for granted here,” says Geoffrey.
“In Uganda, just going to school - which, while they are not at the level we have here in Australia – is still a huge step in taking them towards self-sufficiency.
“They also face challenges regarding access to transport and access to information.
“Not everyone has access to internet and if there is access it can be unbelievably slow.
“These people have great needs far beyond anything we’ve ever had to worry about.”
