We all know that 50p doesn’t go very far in today’s world. However, it goes a very long way in the disadvantaged areas of the world. In 1995, having seen television advertisements for an organization named World Vision, I decided to write and find out more. It was amazing to discover how far a little money would go, in educating and aiding the people of the Third World. Needless to say I applied immediately to become a child sponsor.
After what seemed an eternity, we received information about our child. His name is Joseph Emidi and he was three years old in August. We also received a photograph of Joseph, and fell in love with him straight away. We immediately wrote to Joseph, and soon after received a reply, written by his older sister, giving us more details about Joseph’s family, his diet, etc.
The sponsorship money goes towards a project in Joseph’s area, and not only benefits Joseph and his family, but also the other villagers.
Only last week, I received a letter from an aid worker who had just returned from Tanzania, where Joseph lives, telling me of all the recent improvements, which have been carried out as a result of Irish sponsorship. Here is a brief rundown:
“The project comprises 13 villages in an area of approximately 100 square miles with a population of over 20,000 people”.
Water: Two hand pumps have been installed which enables over 2,000 people to have clean running water.
Education: 8 schools have been renovated or built. If the people in an area can provide houses for teachers, the Tanzanian Government will provide teachers free of charge. For the first time, 10 children in Tanzania have qualified for Secondary education.
Agriculture: 8 ox-carts have been purchased. Almost 700 oxen have been trained to pull the ploughs. A local farmer says “Come see my plough and healthy oxen. Before, it took me 7 days to plough my land by hand. Now it takes me only 5 hours.”
Health: In the village of Magambua, a 40-year old dispensary has been renovated. This caters for 4,000 people annually with one nurse and 2 auxiliary nurses. Plans are undereway to build a badly needed maternity clinic. On the 4th June 1997, the community along with World Vision Ireland facilitated a training workshop for local health workers from the 13 villages. 24 participants attended this course on Primary Health Care and Preventative Health care.
Footnote: Because of the support you have given to this project in Tanzania, the Irish Government has approved funding for another school and dispensary in the Kwamtoro Area Development Plan.
What can you do?
Firstly, stop and think—just how far does 50p a day go in your house? Next, think of all the money you will spend this Christmas season! Now, think how far 50p a day would go on a project like Joseph’s. Still interested? For further information why not write to the following address (remember you can always cancel if your circumstances change). World Vision Ireland, 10 Main Street, Donnybrook, Dublin 4.
Thank you for taking time to read this article, and I hope some of you might consider sponsoring a child. It really is very rewarding.
Patricia Carton, Gortatleva
