Growing up in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Razia Akter’s greatest wish was to escape the harsh reality of her family’s poverty. She dreamed of becoming a NASA astronaut and traveling to the moon. But it was child sponsorship and education that launched her out of desperate circumstances. And she landed not on the moon but in a bank — still light years from where she started.
News & Stories
World Vision Magazine
From the Field
Selvin at their service: Honduran boy helps improve community health
Traditionally the hard work of a community has been left to adults. But in western Honduras, one boy isn’t waiting to grow up to serve his community. At age 12, Selvin Garcia, a World Vision sponsored child, has seen more than his share of hardships, yet he is taking a leading role in bringing health and progress to his community.
From the Field
Archery allows sponsored child to take aim in right direction
In 2007, Preaw, a former World Vision sponsored child, represented Thailand in the 24th Southeast Asian Games, where she won a bronze medal in recurve archery at a shooting distance of 70 meters. Next came the World Archery and Para Archery Championships in 2011 — and she’s not done yet.
From the Field
WASH what? Refugees struggle to meet basic needs
Clean water to drink. Water for cooking. Privacy for shower and toilet. Take them for granted? Most refugees struggle to meet these basic needs.
Change Makers
Chelsea Clinton praises World Vision water program in Myanmar
Chelsea Clinton, board member of the Clinton Foundation, visited a remote village in Myanmar to see World Vision and Procter & Gamble’s partnership to provide clean water to children.
From the Field
Former sponsored child now a teacher in Thailand
When Sangla was a sponsored child in Thailand, she dreamed of becoming a teacher. Now, her dream has come true and she’s teaching third grade English.
From the Field
Photos: If mom had a day off …
To pay tribute to every mom and their contributions to the lives of children worldwide, join us in viewing portraits of moms’ lives if they had a day off.
Change Makers
Pursuing the common good: Q&A with Jim Wallis
Sojourners founder Jim Wallis offers his thoughts on the pursuit of the common good and how personal decisions can lead to improved quality of life for everyone.
Special Features
Spiritual safety net
MAY 1, 2012 — Compelled by God’s profound love for children, World Vision encourages spiritual nurture for children in sponsorship programs, with the desire that boys and girls experience God’s love and life in all its fullness.
From the Field
A new life after being freed from trafficking
Chanty had everything going against her — her mother was killed by a land mine. Her father was ill, and he died when she was 13. Then things got worse — she was trafficked.