A Choice That Changed Everything, Sydney’s Journey Through Sponsorship

By Isheunesu Gwasha (Program Communications Officer)

Deep within the Matibe Operational Area, Beitbridge District, Sydney, a determined 16-year-old, shaped out his days alongside his parents, two sisters, and two brothers. Their village is modest, where most families struggle to make ends meet through piece jobs. For as long as Sydney can remember, hardship has been a constant companion, until a single moment four years ago set his life on a new course.

Sydney took part in a Chosen Event, a day when children select their own sponsors. Brimming with hope and anticipation, he made his choice, unaware that this simple act would become a turning point in his life. "On that day, I felt empowered because I could choose," Sydney recalls, his face lighting up with pride.

Since then, Sydney has received letters and Gift Notifications (GNs) from his sponsor. These gifts opened new possibilities. The first GN marked a turning point. Previously sleeping on the kitchen floor, Sydney used the gift to buy cement and build himself a small bedroom. “It felt like a dream,”  he says. “Having my own room meant I finally had a place to rest and study in peace.”

In the years that followed, Sydney continued to use the GNs wisely. He bought blankets and a proper bed, ensuring he slept comfortably. He purchased groceries so he could take food to school, something he never had before. “In the past, I would go to school on an empty stomach and only eat when I returned home. Now, I am able to carry food to school, which helps me concentrate better,”  he shares.

Sydney also invested in a wardrobe, decent clothes, and even started a small goat project. Today, he proudly owns four goats, which he hopes will multiply and provide extra income for his family in the future. However, perhaps one of the most remarkable things about Sydney is his generosity. With some of the funds, he pays for school stationery not just for himself, but also for his classmates who are not sponsored.

For most children in Sydney’s village, education often ends at Grade 7. Secondary school is far away and requires transport fees, which many parents cannot afford. Sydney’s mother, like many in the village, relies on piece jobs and would never have been able to pay for both school fees and transport. Yet, Sydney’s story is different. With support from his sponsor, he now attends secondary school wearing a decent uniform and can afford the transport costs. His dream is to continue his studies and become a teacher one day. “I want to come back and help children in my village who are less privileged, just like my sponsor has helped me,” he says with determination.

Currently, Sydney is working on his most ambitious project yet, a two-bedroom house for his family. Guided by his parents, he has been using GNs to purchase building materials, while his family members provide the labour. The structure is already taking shape, a visible symbol of hope and progress.

“May God bless my sponsor and add more where he is taking from,” Sydney says, his voice filled with gratitude.

His mother, overwhelmed with emotion, shares how much Sydney’s journey means to their family, “All my other children dropped out of school because we could not afford the costs. Sydney is my last hope to save our family from poverty,” she says.

Sydney’s father also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to World Vision and the sponsorship programme, “Without this programme, my son would never have had these opportunities. I could not have built him a house or afforded him a decent life. World Vision has brought light not only to my family but to the entire community,” he says.

For Sydney’s mother, the transformation is about more than just material gains. She believes in using the support wisely to build a sustainable future. “Instead of spending the money on things that do not last, we chose to invest in Sydney’s wellbeing and future. That way, he will be able to stand on his own and even support others,” she explains.

Sydney’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of child sponsorship. What began as a single choice at a Chosen Event has blossomed into a journey of empowerment, resilience, and hope — not just for one boy, but for an entire family and community.