Newcastle West woman meets her sponsored child in Uganda and witnesses the impact of her support

Christina O’Sullivan travelled to Uganda with World Vision Ireland to meet her sponsored child. Christina O’Sullivan met a new mother who was struggling to decide on a name for her new baby girl. Meeting Christina was the inspiration she needed, and she told Christina that she would name the baby after her.

Christina O’Sullivan of Newcastle West travelled to Uganda with World Vision Ireland to meet her sponsored child

In an inspiring journey, Christina O’Sullivan, a local Newcastle West resident, recently travelled to Uganda with World Vision Ireland to meet her sponsored child and see the impact of her support firsthand. Christina described the meeting as a “magical experience”.

“My heart melted at that moment as Doreen took my hand and cut the ribbon,” said Christina, “Her smile was beautiful. She was happy, well-nourished and looked healthy”.

Despite the language barrier, Doreen’s parents spoke to Christina of their gratitude to World Vision, and what it has meant to them and their community.

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“We exchanged many smiles and gifts and got lots of photos and videos to capture the moments. Doreen was particularly taken by a snow globe with Ireland written on it and a Leprechaun inside”, shared Christina, “I also gave Doreen’s mum a tea towel with the recipe for Irish Stew written on it. This created a laugh amongst the locals when the staff translated, as we learned that they grow what is known as “Irish potatoes” in Uganda!”

The trip included a tour of local schools and community projects, so sponsors could see the direct impact that their donations are making.

Christina shared that visiting these World Vision and Irish Aid projects was “enlightening”. She noted, “We observed the positive impact of the WASH programme at local schools, which provides toilet facilities for boys and girls, reducing disease and allowing children to remain in school”. She recalled a very enthusiastic boy who shared, “There was only one toilet and while you were trying to go there was constant knocking at the door, now we can relieve ourselves in peace and go back to class to learn”. Christina added, “The importance of education in the community was evident. At schools we saw slogans like “Education before marriage” encouraging children to get an education first.”

Sponsors had the opportunity to tour a Health Centre funded by World Vision and Irish Aid, which recently opened a new Maternity Unit. This facility has witnessed a remarkable rise in birth rates, growing from four in 2007 to 150 in 2023, greatly enhancing maternal and infant care within the community.

“Previously, many babies were born at home, putting both mothers and infants at risk of mortality. Fortunately, thanks to this intervention, such cases have become rare,” said Christina. In a very touching moment, Christina met a new mother who was struggling to decide on a name for her new baby girl. Meeting Christina was the inspiration she needed, and she told Christina that she would name the baby after her.

For Christina, a nutritionist herself, the most “profound” aspect of the trip was the visit to the community cluster, where a community of 130 people collaborate on farming, agriculture and income generation. Sponsors had the opportunity to hear directly from a community nutritionist, who expressed the community’s gratitude for having access to fresh produce through microcredit funding. This support has enabled them to meet their food requirements and sell excess in local markets. Christina noted “the sense of community and empowerment, showcasing a “hand up, not a handout” approach”.

Christina’s journey has inspired her to advocate for Child Sponsorship through World Vision. She expressed, “Personally, the experience has really made me grateful to be part of World Vison. It was a real humbling experience and such a beautiful exchange of energy. I felt this was an experience of a lifetime and has made me all the more passionate and determined to continue to spread the word on child sponsorship”.

To anyone contemplating becoming a child sponsor, Christina advises; “Just do it! You’ll be able to share the experience with family and friends and if you have children your children will get to learn the beauty of giving at an early age. The progress reports, letters and cards you receive and send every year is always a gorgeous time to reflect and your own life, what you are grateful for and how you are changing lives.”