Sponsorship radically changes a Rwandan girl's life. Now, having experienced the love of her sponsor, she has a heart to help others in need.

June 2008

By Kari Costanza and Janet Root, World Vision U.S.

Solange Uwizeyimana's journey from deprivation to a full life began five years ago — the day she was sponsored through World Vision.

"Before sponsorship, we had a very bad life," says her mother, Virginie, 59. "We didn't have enough food; we had no manure for our crops to produce; we didn't have enough clothes."

'I remember hunger'

Memories of the family's difficult past will probably never be far away. "Hunger," says Solange. "I remember hunger. It was very bad. I used to feel powerless, without any strength."

Acute food crises often predominate in Rwanda, where Solange and her family live, and where about 60 percent of the population lives on less than $1 per day.

In this small, mostly rural central African nation, 90 percent of families are subsistence farmers who till small, overused land plots with few tools or equipment that's outdated. Throw erratic rainfall into this dire equation, and it's clear why most households are unable to grow enough food to meet their needs.

Increased food and faith

World Vision began working in Solange's community, Nyaruguru, in 2000. One of the primary goals in our sponsorship projects is to come alongside families and communities to establish stable food sources — meeting dire, short-term needs, while focusing on long-term solutions. In Rwanda, we train farmers in agricultural skills to help them grow more nutritious food for their families.

Solange says she noticed things changed right away when World Vision began caring for the community. "They started providing food, beans, rice, maize flour, and also cooking oil. At each stage, World Vision continued to assist us..."

World Vision also provided the family with a cow. "Before Solange goes to school, she gets to drink milk," her mom adds.

Staff members also have had an impact upon the family. "…They are Christians," says Virginie. "They produce fruits among us; my faith has increased by knowing them. Before, I was living in loneliness, but when I met them, my faith increased. We took time to pray and have fellowship."

A sponsor's love

Solange's sponsor has a particularly special place in her heart. "The day I got my sponsor, I was very happy, and I laughed a lot. I was so happy!" says the 11-year-old girl.

She brings out a manila folder full of letters, her eyes lighting up as she scans through them.

One reads: "Happy Birthday, Solange." Another begins: "Dear Beloved Friend, Solange, I love you very much."

Solange's sponsor also has been a huge support to the whole family. Extra gifts beyond monthly sponsorship contributions have purchased much-needed supplies, including sacks of food, farm tools, clothing, eating utensils, toys, school supplies, and more.

"Because of the food provided, Solange has never been hungry [since she was sponsored]," her mom says. "…Solange is the only one sponsored in the family, but everyone benefits."

Summing up her sponsorship experience, the grateful girl simply says: "I will help others because I have been helped."