You’ve made sacrifices this week and caught a glimpse of the challenges the world’s most vulnerable people face everyday living in hunger, thirst, sickness, as a stranger and imprisoned. Jesus calls us to do more than just care about people around the world who face these challenges. He calls us to view them as our own family - as if we were caring for Him.
Each morning, 5-year-old Cheru would walk for nearly two hours to collect dirty water from a dry riverbed; often competing with thirsty goats and camels for what little water was there.
It's a very long way, and Cheru was too small to carry a bucket. Taking a small kettle, she filled it up using the lid, hoping that she would collect enough for the entire day, so she didn't have to walk back again. 
Cheru missed out on school to collect the dirty water, and would often get stomach pains and headaches.
Cheru's mother, Monica, would pray every day that there will be clean water closer to home, so Cheru could go to school and spend her days being a kid instead of carrying dirty water.
Now, thanks to people like you, six year old, Cheru is thriving. You can carry on living Matthew 25 everyday with your family by sponsoring a child like Cheru. 
Thanks to the love and support of people just like you, Cheru's whole community now have access to clean, safe water.
Now more than ever, vulnerable children need someone like you. You can help a whole community build resilience and respond to challenges like COVID-19. When you sponsor a child, 4 more children benefit too. You will empower families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.
“Water has changed everything here for the better,” shares Pastor Solomon. “We praise God for it. Just like in the Bible where God gave his people water from the rock, this water system is a blessing from God.”
The whole community are rejoicing in God's bounty, with a new pipeline bringing clean, fresh, water down from a mountain spring. “God has blessed this place with everything that’s needed for people and animals to live a good life,” shares Charles, a World Vision water engineer.
Sponsoring a child is an opportunity for you to look into the faces of children experiencing poverty and see Jesus – to respond to the most vulnerable when you are given the chance.
Cheru’s father, Samson, already sees a better future for his children. “We’ve had water for a month, and it’s brought us great peace,” he says. “We have time and energy for other things.”
With access to clean water, Cheru is healthy, clean, and rested. She can now go to school every day.
Cheru's classes are now overflowing. Her teacher, John, has noticed that many more students like Cheru can come to school more regularly now. The new pipeline is bringing clean water to three primary schools in the community. John says that they’re building new classrooms to accommodate the influx in attendance.
When class begins, Cheru is quick to raise her hand to answer questions and shouts, “one, two, three …” when the class counts in English.
“I love school,” she says. Writing and drawing are her favourite subjects.
FAQs
If I sponsor a child where does my money go?
Your money does not go directly to your sponsor child, or their family, but enables World Vision to work with their entire community to have an even bigger impact and make long-term sustainable change for everyone. As a member of this community, your Sponsor Child receives the benefits of this incredible change and their own lives are transformed.
How do I pay for my sponsorship?
In most cases, you will pay your sponsorship in monthly instalments. When you sign-up to sponsor a child through the website, you will need to use your credit or debit card to complete the process. This card will then be charged each month of your sponsorship. You can arrange other payments options with us by contacting us on 0800 800 776.
Can I visit my Sponsored Child?
Yes, visiting your Sponsored Child offers a unique opportunity to see first-hand the difference your sponsorship has made. If you are planning to visit your Sponsored Child, please contact World Vision New Zealand at least three months before you plan to leave so we can make arrangements with World Vision in the country you will be visiting.
How long will I sponsor my child?
In most cases, it will be throughout their childhood and into their teens. Most children will be in the sponsorship programme until their community has begun to reach most of its goals, and become self-sustainable. As a project comes to a close we will let you know of the achievements in the community so you can celebrate with us.
As part of an international partnership working in nearly 100 countries, World Vision New Zealand pursues the highest standards of stewardship and accountability.
In 2021, 84.6% of World Vision New Zealand's total operating expenses were used for international program support that benefited children, families and communities in need. Learn more about our impact.