The team that went to Son Tra with me 

I have always believed in the importance of youth empowerment in any society. As such, education is an issue particularly close to my heart. We visited one of the many libraries that World Vision supports, and I got to see how these children were given the opportunity to learn and read in a conducive environment. And I know that through World Vision’s interventions, more libraries will be built, furnished and equipped so even more children can be empowered. We also visited the vocational skills centre where youths receive vocational skills training. Aside from a strong educational foundation, specific skillsets are important in preparing youth for the future. I feel very grateful to World Vision and their sponsors for providing vocational training so the youths can gain employment when they are older. 

Story-telling with children in a library supported by World Vision

Baking cupcakes with culinary students at the vocational skills centre

We had the chance to visit several families in the Son Tra district and saw how World Vision has been helping them to transform their lives. During the home visitation, we had the opportunity to help the families through activities such as building a table and painting walls. 

Helping a vulnerable family build a table

Meeting my sponsored child for the first time after 1.5 years

The highlight of the trip was definitely meeting Le Yen Vy. I was excited yet nervous on the way to the venue where all the children were gathered. The moment when I saw her from amidst the crowd was indescribable; she had dressed up for the occasion and looked so sweet as she waited.

My name was finally called and I got to meet Vy face-to-face. I was filled with so much emotion as I held her hand. Vy isn’t just a child assigned to me, but she is also someone who is making an impact on my life. I see her as my own child and I am very proud of her, for every step of progression she makes in life. Seeing her receive education, improving herself and growing up over the years encourages me to do more for her. Beginning the sponsorship journey with Vy has led me to sponsoring children in other communities as I have witnessed the impact it has on the child’s life. Vy has made my life more meaningful because I know I am making a difference in someone’s life.

When I first got connected Vy, she was a very quiet and shy girl. I got to know her more through the letters we exchanged with each other. Over the 1.5 years, she shared with me about her life, her goals and what she hopes to achieve when she grows up. She may be young but she is an ambitious girl who wants to be a cabin crew in future. The Vy I see now is a confident, outspoken lady.

I am truly blessed to have this opportunity to contribute to this community and I am looking forward to see the changes over the next few years.
 

Vy and I during my trip to Son Tra in Aug, 2019

Vy, in 2017

This sponsorship journey and the first-hand experience whilst on the trip has renewed my appreciation for my life in Singapore, the unforgettable relationship I have with my sponsored child Vy, and the work World Vision is doing to transform communities. If you would like to create an impact in someone's life but are unsure of how to start, join me on this sponsorship journey!

Thank you, World Vision, for this valuable opportunity.