Marilee Pierce Dunker, daughter of World Vision’s founder Bob Pierce, reflects on how staff members who were once sponsored children themselves find World Vision as their way of giving back and passing on the blessing they once received.
News & Stories
Child Sponsorship
From the Field
New York Times’ Nicholas Kristof, babies, and changing lives
New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof joined young journalist Erin Luhmann on a recent visit to the Loumia community in Chad as part of Kristof’s annual Win-A-Trip visit to Africa, which Luhmann won. World Vision has had a program in Loumia since 1999, collaborating with the community of more than 36,000 residents through education, health programs, water projects, and child sponsorship.
From the Field
Former sponsored child in Bangladesh aims higher
Growing up in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Razia Akter’s greatest wish was to escape the harsh reality of her family’s poverty. She dreamed of becoming a NASA astronaut and traveling to the moon. But it was child sponsorship and education that launched her out of desperate circumstances. And she landed not on the moon but in a bank — still light years from where she started.
From the Field
Selvin at their service: Honduran boy helps improve community health
Traditionally the hard work of a community has been left to adults. But in western Honduras, one boy isn’t waiting to grow up to serve his community. At age 12, Selvin Garcia, a World Vision sponsored child, has seen more than his share of hardships, yet he is taking a leading role in bringing health and progress to his community.
From the Field
Archery allows sponsored child to take aim in right direction
In 2007, Preaw, a former World Vision sponsored child, represented Thailand in the 24th Southeast Asian Games, where she won a bronze medal in recurve archery at a shooting distance of 70 meters. Next came the World Archery and Para Archery Championships in 2011 — and she’s not done yet.
From the Field
Former sponsored child now a teacher in Thailand
When Sangla was a sponsored child in Thailand, she dreamed of becoming a teacher. Now, her dream has come true and she’s teaching third grade English.
Special Features
Spiritual safety net
MAY 1, 2012 — Compelled by God’s profound love for children, World Vision encourages spiritual nurture for children in sponsorship programs, with the desire that boys and girls experience God’s love and life in all its fullness.
From the Field
‘Something really cool:’ Inside the World Vision Experience
The World Vision Experience is a free, award-winning exhibit traveling to churches across the United States. Take a look behind the scenes in our mobile semi-truck to learn how we bring the sites and sounds of rural Africa to American audiences.
Change Makers
Reunited women recall escape from Vietnam
A courtesy call from World Vision triggered vivid memories of an escape from war-torn Vietnam and a joyful reunion for two women who had not seen each other in 40 years.
From the Field
Former sponsored child challenges Kenya’s ruling authority
Challenging the ruling authority can be dangerous — just ask Kenya’s Ben Koissaba. In 2004, this former sponsored child led the Maasai’s first peaceful protest in Nairobi. Five years later, as his views continued to clash with the Kenyan government of the time, Ben sought political asylum in the U.S.