Day 1036 - Plan International

Sponsoring a child

www.plan.org.au

When I was a little girl I seem to recall a lot of news about Ethiopia and the starving children.  I don't recall the details, just that we were encouraged to do something to help. The need to help Ethiopia stuck in my mind right through my teen years and well into adulthood.  But I never did anything about it.



Then around five years ago I was having a conversation with my brother-in-law.  We were talking about supporting people in third world countries and I told him how I'd always wanted to sponsor a child in Ethiopia.  Low and behold only two days later a man knocked on my front door from Plan International.  Whether it was the power of synchronicity, the law of attraction, or just good old fashioned coincidence, the child at the top of the pile was from Ethiopia. I signed up on the spot.

A Deep Fried Family Photo Fest

We've been sponsoring Addis ever since and her photo sits proudly in among our family shots.  Every year we get reports on how our money has helped Addis' community.  We also get regular pictures of Addis holding the letters, photos and stickers that we send her.*  It's a very rewarding experience and helps our kids get an understanding of life in other countries.  It also gives them gratitude for their own lives and an appreciation for the simple things.

What I love about Plan is that the child we sponsor is now getting an education. As a girl Addis may not have been able to go to school before Plan reached out.  She is now thirteen years of age and quite possibly a candidate for pack rape and child marriage. Her right to education has now been cemented in her own mind and that of her family.  She has the opportunity to learn valuable life skills to improve her situation and prospects for the future.  The heart of Plan's work is investing in programs to help the most marginalised children achieve their potential.

According to the letter that accompanied my tax receipt, by investing $48 a month the Langdown family have helped deliver positive change to children and communities in over 50 countries. Our support helps kids, like Addis, "access education, clean water and sanitation, healthcare and vocational training programs that empower children to build a brighter future".

How can you say no to that?

For information about Plan or to sponsor a child go to www.plan.org.au



* We used to send her gifts but Plan now discourage this practice as it can cause tension and jealousies in the local communities. We understand this but it's still a shame. Particularly when I tried to send her a copy of one of my books for her school library and it was returned to us.  Our letter to Addis referred to the book so she is now awaiting its arrival. It might be time to touch base with Plan to see what I can do ...