Grace is one of our kids. She was handed to us in a bundle of rags by a policewoman. But her name wasn't Grace then, in fact, she didn't have a name at all. 

Hannah, age 13, came into our care seven years ago. Her life was turned upside down when Cyclone Nargis hit Burma, tragically killing her mother and paralysing her father.

The children at the Rehoboth children’s home in Guatemala enjoyed an excursion to a beautiful forest. The whole family set off on the trip to see the stunning views and have fun together playing games in the park. 

Natinael, age 11, lives in Dembi Dollo in Ethiopia, his story breaks our hearts but thankfully ends in hope. Natinael’s mother was HIV positive and when he was just a young baby, she sadly passed away due to complications from AIDS.

Cheeky chappy Jean Carlos, age nine, lives in Monte Plata in the Dominican Republic. He’s had an unsettled life which began when his father was sent to prison with a 15 year sentence for murder.

It’s incredibly important to each child’s sense of value and stability that they’re surrounded by people who love them and care about them. Child sponsorship supports this further by giving our kids a relationship with someone who loves them and helps them feel part of a wider family.

Last year our grade 8 students took their regional exams. It is always a proud moment when we see children who we have given a helping hand, rise out of terrible circumstances and reach a significant point in their education.

Beth spent a month in Burma visiting Stand by Me projects, teaching in our school and meeting our smart and generous children. Here she shares her most memorable experiences.