The Eden Family has been sponsoring Gogen, now 21, from the
Sariakandi community in Bangladesh since 1994.
This is Harrison and Sam's response to what they saw.
Harrison Eden, 16, One Tree Hill, Auckland
What did you know about poverty and the way children in
poor countries live, before your family started sponsoring
Gogen?
Not very much, just that many children had less fortunate
lives.
What have you learned about poverty and how children in
poor countries cope with their situation, since your visit to
Gogen?
How hard they have to work, not only at school, but also to help
support the family.
What did you and Gogen talk about during your
visit?
His studies, and cricket.
How do you think you are helping to make life better for
Gogen and his family through World Vision New
Zealand?
Helping him to study, and supporting his family
How has your life been touched by your support of Gogen
and his community?
I have experienced what it is like there and appreciate what I
have more.
Is there anything else you would like to share about
your visit to Tanzania?
It was an amazing trip, the best experience.
Travelling to India and Bangladesh -
By Sam Eden, 14, One Tree Hill Auckland
Dead rat in the back street.
Hot, hot weather.
Black faces looking out of bus windows with no glass.
Giant black crows everywhere.
Chips for 10 cents. Hot tea.
Dirty roads, bumpy roads.
Cars driving everywhere.
Ordering your meal the day before so that you could buy just the
right amount of food.
Narrow path.
The rear end of a cow.
Meeting Gogen.
No one spoke English.
A tin shed.
A hard bed. A funny drink. An old banana.
A few books.
A game of cricket.
Sweating.
Kids running. Looking.
Men on bikes, working hard in World Vision's cash-for-work
programme.
Water, river, tiny frogs.
Hot, hot weather.
Meeting Gogen (front row, brown T-shirt) and his family from the
Sariakandi community in Bangladesh. In the second row is Harrison
Eden (yellow T-shirt), his brother Sam (red soccer shirt) and their
mother, Judy (left in turquoise dress), with family friends from
New Zealand.
