Aarati* lives with her family in a rural community in Nepal. She is one of our wonderful Child Partners who are part of our Child Sponsorship program, and this is her story of change she shared with us:

Sponsored child, Aarati Aarati beaming with her Sponsor’s letter!
Aarati beaming with her Sponsor’s letter

“I am nine years old. I live with my parents and two older brothers. My father often goes abroad for work. We don’t own any land, so my mother works in planting paddy during the monsoon and harvesting season. I study in Grade 3.

We live in a small hut made of mud and straw. My parents have no reliable source of income. Although my family does not have enough income to afford or pay for uniform, shoes and books, my mother wants to educate me. 

I was not very interested in going to school as school gives work every day. I was also not interested in writing or learning.

I still remember when I was asked by the project staff to write a letter to my Sponsors in Australia and draw a picture. She helped me write about me and my family. I was so excited to share information about my likes and dislikes with someone I do not know.

I like going to school now. I want to study so that I can read and reply to my Sponsors by myself. I like drawing pictures and sending them to my Sponsor. They like my drawings too.

I like going to school now. I want to study so that I can read and reply to my Sponsors by myself.

I want to become a teacher, so I can also help other children in their studies.”

What a difference a letter can make! Letters build relationships and foster connections that brings joy to both parties. We’re thankful to all our Child Sponsors for inspiring countless children just like Aarati to learn!

*Aarati’s name has been changed for child safety reasons.