Thank you for sponsoring a child in India. Your ongoing support has changed a life forever.

We like to keep you updated about what your sponsored child and other kids in the program have been up to over the past year… all because of your compassionate giving. And even though the world is a little different now than it was a few weeks ago because of the coronavirus, we were able to get this report of how your child has been doing since Christmas and knew you would want to hear it.

A Christmas packed with fun

Your sponsored child enjoyed a wonderful Christmas season! Just before the holidays, the children’s home hosted a big party. The kids weren’t the only ones to enjoy the festivities, though. Many of their families were invited to attend as well. Since families in the Banchara community come from one of India’s poorest and lowest social castes, this was an especially rare event for them. They were so grateful for the opportunity.

The staff kept things festive by decorating the outside of the children’s home with hundreds of colorful Christmas lights. The boys and girls loved seeing the sparkling display. Everyone at the party enjoyed a delicious meal together, and several of the children performed songs and dances for the rest of the audience. During the party, the staff also gave out awards to the students who did exceptionally well in their studies over the past year.

Other special events throughout the year

The teenage girls in the sponsorship program recently attended a youth retreat where they sang songs and learned how to be a blessing to those around them. They were reminded how important it is to set a good example for the younger generation. Not only was it a time of fun and fellowship, but the girls also took away some valuable lessons on becoming leaders in their communities.

Another day at the children’s home was set aside to honor all of the teachers. The kids gathered in the great room, and everyone enjoyed a time of singing and worship. Throughout the ceremony, the children shared how they appreciate their teachers for their leadership abilities and talents. It was great to see the kids thanking their teachers for all their hard work!

Changes because of the coronavirus

In addition to making days like Christmas and birthdays extra special, your continued support also helps meet your sponsored child’s everyday needs. You make sure your child has access to essentials like nutritious food, medical care, and educational opportunities — things that are especially important during difficult times like the coronavirus outbreak the world is now facing.

All of the children are safe have not been directly affected by the virus. However, because of “social distancing” regulations, the boys and girls have had to temporarily leave the children’s home and move back in with their families. Our partners are still regularly checking in on them at home, though, and dropping off food. They are also keeping a close watch on the families of teenage girls to make sure these girls aren’t pressured into entering the sex industry as is tradition in the Banchara community. They feel confident that the girls and their families now understand that the sex industry is not the answer and the girls can resist the pressure from their peers.

This situation is only temporary until the coronavirus pandemic is over. Then, the kids will be tested for COVID-19 and allowed to return to the children’s home once everyone is cleared. Please continue to keep your sponsored child in your prayers during this difficult time.

Thank you

Your gift of sponsorship has been life changing!

Every month, your gift boosts the health and happiness of your sponsored child. For that, we cannot thank you enough! You can give an additional gift today to provide extra help for your sponsored child and other kids in the program by visiting worldhelp.net/additional-gift.

Thank you for investing in the life of a child.