Visit to sponsored children eye-opening for Kiwi teenager
Here are the impressions of Jono Ross (now 14) of Glenfield,
following his family's visits to meet their sponsored child.
By Jono Ross, 14, Glenfield, Auckland
My family started sponsoring Gilbert from the Bugabo community
in Tanzania in 1997 when I was little and Gilbert was about 4 years
old. So, at the time, I didn't know about poverty and the way
people lived in poor countries. But as I learned about Gilbert and
his family, I thought sponsorship was a great idea. It has given
Gilbert and his family hope and resources.
When I first saw Gilbert's village and family, I was sad because
Gilbert's sister had recently died of malaria and they were sad.
And we had been complaining about taking malaria tablets!
I am amazed at how people live in poverty. This has made me
realise how lucky I am to be in New Zealand with food, water and a
roof over my head. In Gilbert's village, there was no electricity
and they cooked over a fire. They also had to walk a long way to
get to school. I think that a lot of people in New Zealand take
school and other resources for granted.
The money we gave to Gilbert's family helped them build a new
block house. They used to live in a mud hut. I also think the kids
in Tanzania have a good attitude to life, because they want to
learn, they want to live, and they want to have a bright
future.
Gilbert and I had some things in common. We talked about soccer
and we both like the same team. We took Gilbert a rugby and a
soccer ball which we all kicked it around, just like at home.
Gilbert does way more chores than me. He cuts sugar cane, collects
wood and water and looks after his younger siblings.
Our trip to Tanzania helped me understand Gilbert's life a bit
more and also helped me appreciate the food and resources I have.
Meanwhile, our sponsorship of Gilbert has come to an end, as he is
now 18 years old and World Vision has completed its work in
Gilbert's community in September last year. We have now started
sponsoring 9-year-old Felister from the Bukene community, also in
Tanzania, and we're hoping to pay her a visit her someday, as
well.
Chris (left) and Jono (right), the two Ross brothers from
Glenfield, Auckland, who visited the Ross family's sponsored child,
Gilbert (centre), from the Bugabo community in Tanzania in
2009.
