Sponsorship is about care and encouragement!
Their friendship started a year ago through letters. And, even though they live far away from each other and speak different languages, they know they were meant to be friends. This is not the story of a common friendship; this is a special kind of friendship.
Roland, 6 lives in Lezha, a city in northern Albania. He is part of a big family, comprised of his parents and four sisters. He is the youngest child and the only boy.
In addition to the other support provided by the organization, when Roland was registered in World Vision’s sponsorship programme about two years ago he also had the chance to make a new friend. One who would appreciate their friendship more than any friend had before.
Over time, he and his friend and sponsor, Duncan, got to know each other through letters that talked about their daily lives. In his letters, Roland told Duncan about the things he likes most: riding his bike, playing football and playing hide-and-seek. He also told Duncan about his dog named Lesio - how he cares for and feeds him every day and about going to school.
Then, after one year of correspondence, Duncan came to visit Roland in Albania. The day they met was beautiful and sunny. Everyone was excited. Their encounter took place at World Vision’s office in Roland’s city of Lezha. Their first moments together were surprising, especially for Roland. Although he is only 7 years old and doesn’t yet fully understand the significance of having a sponsor, he has felt the support and presence of Duncan in his life.
Roland and his family remember all the letters and photos from Duncan sent. But, they will never forget the oven they were able to buy because of his financial support. For a young child living in poverty in Albania, it is uncommon to see someone that is not from your family take care of a stranger and be interested in their life and their family.
Because of the high level of poverty in Albania, many children lack basic things, such as food, a decent shelter and education. But, even more significant than the physical things children lack is the fact that many children who live in poverty lack hope for the future.
Children living in poverty in Albania need motivation and encouragement. This is what Roland needs most from his sponsor. And, this is what Duncan is doing and will continue doing through his letters.
“I know he needs to be heard and encouraged,” says Duncan. “I see this with the children in my church at home, often what they need is just someone to listen to them. I hope that I can do the same with Roland through my letters.”
The day they met, Roland, his family and Duncan crammed into a van and went for a drive down the bumpy roads of the village so Duncan could see their reality a bit better. They shared lunch and got to know each other more through conversation. Roland’s father shared how hard it is to find work and told Duncan about the time he tried to immigrate to Greece for employment. He also shared his desire to improve his family’s living conditions because the home they live in is very old.
But the day wasn’t just about them, Roland and his parents also wanted to learn more about Duncan’ his family and his life in the United Kingdom. Duncan happily shared with them about his family, which consists of his parents and two brothers and how he enjoys working for World Vision.
Before leaving Albania, Duncan bought Roldand some books in Albanian, filled with his favourite characters, such as Spiderman and different encyclopaedias where he can learn more about many things, like animals.
Seeing Roland and Duncan is a good reminder of what sponsorship is really about. It’s not about money, it’s about care and encouragement. It is about having a good friend in another part of the world who thinks about and prays for you.
Sponsorship is lifeblood of World Vision’s work in Albania. It’s what enables the organization to commit to helping communities long-term. Roland is one of the 33,000 needy children in Albania who are part of this programme and who as a result of it have the chance to have access to quality health, education and protection services.
The End