Have you ever wondered what child sponsorship is? Child sponsorship is incredibly important part of how we rescue and care for kids at Stand by Me. It’s so much more than a monthly donation providing for a child’s food, clothes, medical care and education; it means a child feels loved, cared for and part of a family. 

This summer, Man Deih Lai Lun has joined our summer school. She comes from Tuikhingzang village, one of the villages that was totally washed away by the 2015 flood and was left completely under mud. Man Deih Lai Lun told us what it means to her to come to summer school...

Our kids in Dembi Dollo are energetic and have an eagerness to learn but their families do not have adequate income to afford everyday items such as new clothes and school uniforms. That’s why we provide our children around the world with new uniforms and our kids in Dembi Dollo recently received theirs.

When Thang Sian Khai joined our Sophia Home in Tamu, Burma, just 6 years old, he had never been to school due to living in a very remote, rural village. He recently was given a place to study to become a teacher, we're so proud!

Laura started to notice a large mass on her foot which caused her pain and was beginning to deform her foot. We stepped in to help and Laura underwent an operation to remove the mass. 

12 year old Obed is a playful boy who brings a lot of joy to our Mercy family in Burma. While playing football at school, he slipped over and suffered a terrible break in his right leg. He needed an urgent operation and months of recovery. Thankfully, Obed followed the doctor’s orders and his leg recovered well.

Our care centre ran a safeguarding training day where 80 parents attended. The training had a focus on how to report a case of abuse to the authorities as often the stigma from sexual abuse means that parents are too scared to report it. Parents are now equipped to challenge child abuse and take action and our staff are as committed as ever to see long-term transformation in the community.

The generosity of our supporters helped spread joy throughout our projects around the world. Shouts of delight and beaming smiles were seen from Burma to Ethiopia to Colombia as every child snuggled their feet into comfortable, supportive shoes.