An exceptional feature to sponsorship is that it is designed to make an immediate impact and provide long-term support. This allows children and their families breathing room to look toward their futures and imagine life beyond poverty.
Our ministry center in Mahajanga — on the northern coast of Madagascar — exemplifies our commitment to investing in people for the long run. Keep reading for a beautiful testimony of this love in action.
“One of the first families we met in Mahajanga was the inspiration for a simple, yet profound program we have been running ever since. Poverty gripped this family so strongly that when we met them one of the daughters was eating dirt just to quiet the hunger growling in her stomach. And their oldest son was willing and able to work, but because they couldn’t afford to send him to school he never learned to read or write. Without those basic skills, the only work he could get was arduous manual labor that paid just a few pennies each day.
Lack of access to education was keeping this family in the devastating cycle of poverty. We knew at that moment if we did not help them and other poor families send their children to school, a whole new generation would be subject to a life without opportunities.
Compelled by this need, in our first year we reached out in love to five children and provided backpacks, books, and school supplies, and paid their school fees. Now, almost ten years later and with the consistent support of sponsors, we were able to help 200 children confidently attend school. We know this is making a difference in their lives today and we celebrate the bright futures they have ahead of them!”
If you would like to learn more about partnering with Iris Mahajanga and sponsoring children in this community you may do so by clicking the link below.
