Child Sponsorship Gave Xenia Hope for a Future

Living in a slum near Manila in the Philippines, Xenia lost hope about finishing her education. Her father was out of work. Xenia’s mother experienced post-partum depression after giving birth to a daughter. There was no money for school. Instead, Xenia, at age 11, started taking over her mother’s responsibilities in the home.

In 2008, Xenia was accepted in Food for the Hungry’s child sponsorship program. She attended school again and participated in church activities. But her life at home remained difficult.

As a critical aspect of child sponsorship, FH works with families, churches and community leaders to create a healthy and nurturing environment for sponsored children. FH staff make home visits to provide support, training and encouragement to families. FH staff helped Xenia’s mother overcome depression through counseling and nutrition education.  They prayed with the family and shared biblical truths.

Now, Xenia is graduating from elementary school to pursue her dreams of becoming a computer programmer. At present, Xenia is the only Christian in her family, but prays that her parents will come to know the Lord.

“I am happy that FH came to our community to help our family,” says Xenia. “I thought I could no longer attend school, because my father has no job and couldn’t support my schooling. But in spite of our difficulty, I attended school and finished my studies, thanks to FH. Also, through FH workers and church, my mother has overcome her depression.”

There are other children, like Xenia, who need your financial and spiritual support. Sponsor a child today—you’ll be making a new friend and bringing hope into a child’s life.