Growing Up with Sponsored Children

Leonardo AP Lalenoh did not expect that the volunteer field program in Biak, Papua, which he attended in February 2018 held by Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI), could bring him to know two children from NTT and Biak through the WVI children's sponsorship program. A man who also works as a doctor feels that the child sponsorship program is one of the most effective ways to share the good things while helping others.

The child sponsorship program brings Leonard to know more about the needs of his sponsored children. For him, being a child sponsor is also a way to express gratitude for God's goodness and love in his life.

Through his profession, Leonard has served in Uganda, Africa, and worked with local NGOs to assist in the process of establishing a nursing school, compiling modules, helping recruitment of employees and students, as well as being involved in cervical cancer screening training.

Since high school, Leonardo dreamed of being able to work as a volunteer in developing countries. He felt God answered his prayers through his activities in Uganda, and when he was met with WVI.

"The child sponsorship program (conducted by WVI) is also very unique because we can also process together with the children we help," Leonardo said when asked about his motivation to join the sponsorship.

He also still has a longing to go back into the field directly and meet with his sponsor's children. Fortunately, he had the opportunity to meet with Yeandre, one of Leonard's sponsors, in May 2018.

"To the sponsors, thank you for the kindness and generosity of sharing with Indonesian children. May God repays all of our kindness by getting the chance to witness the success of the sponsor's children reaching their goals and seeing a big smile carved on their faces," he concluded.

Written by: Inneke Sumilat, Sponsor Engagement Executive Wahana Visi Indonesia