Child sponsorship gives children hope for the future. Misha, a sponsored child in Ethiopia, knows that well. As a sponsored child with Food for the Hungry (FH), he received educational opportunities that helped him make big strides toward a brighter future.

Child Sponsorship and Education

Child sponsors support families to better care for children. One of the powerful ways this is possible is through improving educational access and resources. Training for teachers, improved school learning environments, and resources like textbooks help students reach their full potential at school. Children who have a quality education are better equipped to flourish and reach their God-given potential. 

Misha’s Story

Before Misha was sponsored by FH, he struggled in school. As one of the youngest of eight children, his education was often overlooked. Three of his siblings who were in school had just one notebook to share between them. Local FH staff visited with Misha’s parents and spoke with Misha’s teachers to find out what the family needed most. Misha’s teachers shared that he was very interested in his education, he just didn’t have the resources he needed to thrive in school.

Misha and other classmates received educational resources, like notebooks and school books. In addition, FH staff worked within Misha’s community meeting with parents and sharing about the importance of children’s education for their future. Now, with the right resources and his parent’s support, Misha is excelling in his studies and has some of the best grades in his class. He shared proudly, “I am confident that I can … make my future bright. I feel that I will complete my education with good results and support my family and community.”

The Ongoing Impact of Child Sponsorship

Child sponsorship transformed Misha and his family’s future. He isn’t only making good grades at school – he and his siblings are learning the skills they need to end the cycle of poverty. The burden of providing educational resources for nine children is lifted from their parents, who can in turn meet their family’s other needs. Misha and children like him are budding leaders who care about their community’s success.

Other Ways to Foster Good Education

Local FH Ethiopia staff continue to invest in children’s education, training teachers, and providing updated classroom furniture. FH staff and these teachers have added kid-friendly chairs, tables, and floor mats to promote better learning. They’ve also added outdoor playgrounds where children can play and develop friendships in a safe space. Since introducing these improvements, some of these schools have decreased dropout rates by over 50%. Children attending these schools are now supported on a holistic level even more as they learn comfortably and have space to play.

The Impact of Child Sponsors

Through the support of child sponsors, children have the opportunity to grow, learn, and reach their God-given potential. Misha is one of thousands of children whose lives have been impacted through child sponsorship. He is dedicated in school and has the resources and support he needs to keep doing well. Through sponsorship, you help children like Misha reach a brighter future.