Chosen by a Child, Connected for Life
By Ronald Magweta (Communications Officer)
There was excitement, laughter and unforgettable moments recently as 155 children from Enqameni Area Development Programme in Gwanda took part in World Vision's Chosen event, a unique child sponsorship experience that places children at the centre of one of the most important decisions in their lives—the opportunity to choose their own sponsors.
Unlike traditional sponsorship models where sponsors choose children, Chosen turns the process around, giving children the dignity, confidence and joy of selecting the person who will walk alongside them on their journey towards a brighter future.
The event brought together sponsors and pastors from churches across the United States, creating meaningful connections that crossed continents and cultures. As children eagerly walked around the World Vision booth, carefully choosing the sponsor they felt connected to, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation, smiles and heartfelt emotion.
For many sponsors, the experience was unlike anything they had encountered before.
Burning Bush International Church of God in Christ Bishop Don Shelby and his wife Bonita Shelby described the moment as life-changing.
"I'm thankful for the opportunity to be chosen, to share in their lives and hear their hopes and dreams. It has been amazing," said Bonita Shelby.
For Bishop Shelby, being chosen by a child carried a deeper meaning than he had imagined.
"These children have brought so much happiness to my life. When the children were choosing us, we stood there as sponsors, but you know what? The 'S' in sponsorship doesn't really stand for sponsorship—it stands for special, because that's how I feel."
Reflecting on the experience, he added:
"It wasn't that they chose us; God chose us. God used a little child to do something so special for us, and I will never forget this moment."
Among those chosen were Bishop William Watson and his wife Stacy from Alexander Chapel Church of God in Christ, who said the experience changed the way they viewed sponsorship.
"This was an amazing process of being chosen. We were actually the first couple to be chosen today, and it was such a heartwarming feeling to know that we are impacting the life of a child," they said.
They added that giving children opportunities to succeed is one of the most meaningful investments anyone can make.
"We are happy to do this, and we want to make an impact. There is no better way to make an impact than to give."
Beyond creating memorable moments, Chosen reflects World Vision's commitment to recognising every child's dignity, voice and potential. By allowing children to make the first move in the sponsorship journey, the programme empowers them to participate in decisions that affect their lives while building confidence and a sense of belonging.
Child sponsorship continues to be one of World Vision's most transformative programmes, connecting children with caring sponsors while supporting long-term community development. Through sponsorship, children and their communities benefit from improved access to education, healthcare, child protection, clean water, livelihoods and other interventions that help children thrive.
For the 155 children who participated in the Enqameni Chosen event, the day was about far more than selecting a sponsor. It was the beginning of new relationships built on hope, encouragement and shared purpose.
As children left the event with smiles on their faces, they carried with them the knowledge that someone, thousands of kilometres away, would be walking alongside them as they pursue their dreams.