Every summer, we send out Country Updates to sponsors like you and reflect on the exciting progress we are seeing in the thousands of communities we work in around the globe. Food for the Hungry (FH) operates in nearly 20 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In each of these countries, we come alongside leaders and families to create a tailored approach to tackle poverty in their community together!
If you are familiar with FH, you know our approach to ending poverty is holistic. But what does that mean? It means even though we have food in our name, our work goes beyond the table. We at FH, believe that poverty is more than a lack of physical resources. Poverty can be felt on spiritual, physical, material, and emotional levels. The complexity of poverty requires a thorough solution and that is what we strive for at FH. Our approach is biblical, our work is relational, and we pursue beauty, goodness, and truth in all we do. Together, with our passionate supporters, the communities we walk with, and God’s favor, we are seeing growth, and more and more people stepping into their God-given potential.
Encouraging Updates from Asia
In Asia, FH has programming in 6 countries and we also work in specific areas within the Middle East. There are many encouraging stories to share of the development that is taking place in this region. In Bangladesh, relationships are being restored, especially with parents and children. Girls and boys are learning their value as equals and children are engaging in healthy friendships. FH Cambodia trained 562 caregivers, and the caregivers then trained preschool and primary school teachers to lead children’s clubs. The children’s clubs are beneficial for little ones to enhance their skills in many areas, from art to academics.
Moreover, Children’s Parliament is an initiative in India giving a voice to kids and teaching them the importance of proper hygiene practices, a healthy worldview, and more! Homegrown veggies are being turned into nutritious snacks by children in Indonesia. They are learning about nutrition and hygiene practices through the hands-on approach of cooking. In the Philippines, sponsorship activities teach kids about the Word of God. They are memorizing verses and applying biblical values to their daily life! After school activities are teaching children in Vietnam about physical education and providing gifted classes for students to develop their talents for a brighter future. And the list goes on and on!
The Positive Impact of Pre-schools
FH Bangladesh recently started FH Pre-schools or early childhood care and development centers! These centers are especially impactful because they are serving some of the most disadvantaged children in Bangladesh. FH Pre-schools focus on early learning for child development to help little ones gain the foundation they need to be successful in school. Teachers are locally hired, trained students and women within the community. Children learn school preparedness skills through age-appropriate educational activities as well as playgroups. Young girls and boys are experiencing growth in their self-esteem and social skills along with academic principals.
Another initiative benefitting children in Bangladesh are children’s clubs. Kids are equipped with a strong foundation of values and principals, health awareness, and relational skills. Girls and boys are understanding their value and worth. Through that understanding, they are establishing healthy friendships that overcome barriers between genders and ethnic groups.
Dreaming About the Future in Vietnam
In our newest child sponsorship community in Vietnam, children also now have access to after-school programs. These programs allow kids to develop their academic skills, learn more about physical education, and discover their talents through gifted-classes. The excitement around these activities give children a positive outlook about their future!
One at a Time…
If you turn on the news it is easy to see all the startling statistics and tragic events going on around the globe. Those stories and numbers are heartbreaking and can make it seem impossible to make a difference, but it is not impossible as you can see from these updates coming out of Asia! When we work together as a global community, we can make an impact one person, one family, and one community at a time. Thank you for being a part of the work that Food for the Hungry is doing, we couldn’t do it without you!
