Priyaa with her sponsored child Damiru.

How did you feel meeting him for the first time? “I was very nervous, because he’s someone that I have been in constant contact with. It’s like you’re finally meeting your kid who’s far away in person! We were a bit emotional in the beginning, but after that we were okay.”

 

Your first impression? “He’s taller than me. I’m grateful he’s grown so well the last few years!”

 

What did you two talk about? “I wanted to know how he did in his last exam, because that was the last conversation I had with him over letter! Apparently he did very well, and he’s sitting for his O-Levels soon. He’s decided that he wants to do engineering.”

 

What did you learn about Damiru that surprised you most? “I didn’t expect him to be so quiet, because he writes a lot! He was apparently very nervous. As emotional as it was for me to finally see him, I think he felt the same. But he did warm up, and he even made a painting for me.”

What was the most memorable part of this meeting? “It’s so nice to know that, through child sponsorship, Damiru’s education is sorted and he now has a plan. He was telling me earlier that if it wasn’t for World Vision, he wouldn’t even know what he would be in the future. Seeing this in person made me feel like sponsoring more children. It really is a nice feeling.”

What are your hopes for Damiru? “I’m very sure that he’s going to be successful. Five years back, in his letters, he told me he liked math. I didn’t want to ask him [about his plan] then and put pressure on him, but it’s so nice to know that he has one now. We also know that child sponsorship helps his community and his school. So it benefits his two brothers through the other programmes they’re involved in as well. I’m very hopeful for them.”

We also know that child sponsorship helps his community and his school. So it benefits his two brothers through the other programmes they’re involved in as well.

Priyaa’s support has helped Damiru’s whole family thrive!

Parting thoughts? “Damiru asked me when I started getting involved with World Vision and child sponsorship. I said ‘Since I was young’. He told me that he wants to do the same thing. Can you imagine me getting to meet him again because he became a volunteer with World Vision? Or he could also have a child he wants to sponsor in the future. I’m happy for that!”