World Vision child sponsorship visit

It's funny how 'little' things take root. When Kara was born, we made a thanksgiving response to God for the gift of her life, by sponsoring a World Vision child. 25 years on, and Kara now sponsors two World Vision children, both of whom 'happen' to live in Cambodia. Tuesday was earmarked as the day in which we visit little Yoth (pronounced 'Yut') Srey Lak and their families

Yuth and his mum (foreground); Srey Lak and her parents, with Kara

World Vision do an outstanding job in organising sponsor's visits. There is some NZ based homework first - allow three months as you need a police check and WVNZ communicate with the local national office. There is also a small cost ($50 in Kara's case) for transportation (ours and the sponsor families) and lunch for everyone.

We were taken by World Vision staff from Phnom Penh out to Samrong Tong, around a one hour drive west. At the WV centre there, we were given an introduction to the NZ-sponsored projects they are involved in, working with the poorest people in income generation, sanitation, nutrition, water storage and education. Then it was off to visit a local school; 6 classrooms built with WV funding.

The gift of education for some 300 village children; grades 1-6. Many villages have no schools, with the government claiming that their country is 'too poor' to bring education to children.

Following the delightful school visit, it was back to the WV local centre where we gained our first glimpse of little Yuth, near exploding with excitement, and shy young Srey Lak clinging to her mum and dad. It really is a moving experience, when two worlds meet because there are people who care about people.

For the children's parents, there is obviously such gratitude. Yuth is an only child. Srey Lak has three brothers - one of whom died of meningitis just two months ago. Mum was still hurting greatly, and she cried when Kara expressed her condolences.

Kara brings Christmas - pencil case, coloured pencils and felt tips, books, postcards and a great hit - blow-up beach balls. The beach balls became volley and soccer balls - good fun had by all!

Srey Lak gets busy - Cambodian art for Kara!

After a good connecting time, WV staff took us all to Kompong Speu town for lunch. There were 13 of us around the table - an incredibly exciting event for the little ones!

Lunch time - Sil (World Vision staff member in Samrong Tong - foreground)

After lunch, it was 'goodbye' to Yuth, Srey Lak and their families - and further visits to WV projects. We met a family WV are working with in income generation - 700 catfish being raised in a pond one metre deep; maybe 2x7 metres dimensions. Another family we met now have a 4000 litre concrete tank for water supply and were given their seed for the first crop water grass. We also saw a well installed by WV. Their work is very focussed and strategic, and we were impressed with the calibre of their staff and the work that they are doing in these poor village areas.