Safiatou, a Formerly Sponsored Child
Save the Children in Mali
April 15, 2016
My name is Safiatou. I was born on February 19th, 1997 and I live in the village of Kassanso with my parents. I have two brothers and two sisters. I am attending 9th grade in preparatory school, and have been enrolled in the Sponsorship program since I was in 4th grade. I was sponsored that same year and I remained with this sponsor until I reached the age limit for sponsorship, when I turned 18.
During my sponsorship I received many letters from my sponsor filled with kind words. He encouraged me in my studies. He always told me about the importance of education in life. I followed his advice, which helped me and continues to help me in my education.
My sponsor would send me puzzles, too. I needed careful reflection and concentration to complete them. It was an interesting activity, which I had never done before! My friends were not able to restore the puzzle, but I did not have much difficulty.
Thanks to the Sponsorship program, my community has benefited from three new classrooms, latrines with handwashing kits and a school headmaster’s office. We also have a portable water pump, with easy access to clean water that we didn’t have before. Utensils and staple foods such as corn, rice and beans are now provided at our school canteen.
With the encouragement of my sponsor on the importance of education I will continue studying hard. I want to have a successful life and become one of the leaders of my country. I will also encourage my siblings and friends to study well at school in order to succeed.
I send all my gratitude to Save the Children for my sponsorship and the changes made for my community. Special thanks to my sponsor, for his support and advice that I will continue to follow and share with the other children of my community.
For Safiatou, the relationship she built with her sponsor over the years has changed her outlook on life, given her a sense of purpose and encouraged her to dream big. For her and the other children in Kassanso, the benefits of Sponsorship go beyond improving the health and quality of education for students, but also gives them a sense of pride and self-worth. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Safiatou!
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