How did you hear about our Child Sponsorship program?

I have supported Austcare, now ActionAid Australia, for many years now. When I heard that ActionAid was running a child sponsorship program I was keen to learn first hand how it worked. I had some concerns about the concept of child sponsorship from what I know of some other sponsorship programs where most of the sponsor’s support was directed to purchase of uniforms, books and items earmarked only for one individual child.  I had always been more committed to the idea of supporting and assisting communities rather than focussing on single individual cases, no matter how needy.

I found there was quite a bit of information to support my decision to sponsor a child and I knew of the economic situation in rural Cambodia and the impact this help would have on the village families and their access to education. So I was pleased to be able to assist in this very tangible and direct way. Once I had signed up I enjoyed receiving the information about the child sponsorship program and looked forward to receiving the updates from the program director, and my personal correspondence from Prostoch made it all very real.

What made you decide to visit Prostoch in Cambodia?

From the beginning I wanted to know more about how the child sponsorship program worked and I wanted to see for myself how ActionAid assisted the whole community that the children came from. Of course once I received my first letter and photo in the mail I just felt a strong urge to visit Prostoch’s village and appreciate what his life was like. I was really fortunate to be able to take my oldest daughter with me…so it was also about making this connection more meaningful for my family.

How was it meeting Prostoch for the first time?

It was quite an occasion: it felt like the whole village turned out to greet us and certainly all the kids were there.  They were all so beautifully dressed and waiting excitedly for us when our van pulled up near their little school clearing.

I was quite apprehensive about the first meeting.  It is hard for me to explain.  As much as I was excited about bringing Prostoch’s photo to life for me, I was also concerned about what it would be like for him.  What were his expectations? What would his family be feeling about this stranger coming into their midst asking lots of questions and not being able to speak their language?  So as much as I was excited and looking forward to our meeting I was also nervous and really hoping that the visit would be a positive experience for them and not too disruptive or disturbing.

When Louise and I stepped out of the car and Prostoch’s face emerged from the sea of excited kids’ faces that rushed towards us, I was quite overcome. I wanted to give him a big hug and tell him how incredibly happy I was to be there. I wanted to tell him how I had pictured this moment and rehearsed it in my head. But nothing had prepared me for the emotions that overwhelmed me when I saw him standing there in front of me: he was so absolutely beautiful, so shy and respectful and self-contained. I just wanted to sweep him up and make all his problems and difficulties disappear.  But of course life is just not that straight forward and uncomplicated. I guess he seemed quite overwhelmed too: with so many people around, watching.

How do you see child sponsorship helping Prostoch?

After visiting and having the opportunity not only to see his village but also to talk with the field workers from KDDF, the local partner organisation who work with the kids and their families, I can see how ActionAid’s work supported through the child sponsorship program will make a big difference in improving people’s lives: education for the kids, and assisting the community to work on the issues important to them, access to clean water, access to improved agricultural methods, the organisation of village committees to help their voices be heard.  The education and rights based work programs for women will provide opportunities for women like Prostoch’s mother to learn new skills.

What does child sponsorship mean to you?

For me child sponsorship is a way to make a very direct and personal connection that supports Actionaid’s work in Cambodia.  It means that Australian people can demonstrate very positively how they care enough to want to make a difference in a practical way. I would love to see other sponsors supporting thousands of kids, not just in Kampong Speu province, but right across Cambodia: there is such an enormous need there and so many kids who need our help right now: I wish I could do more. I was so touched when we came home and my daughter Louise asked if she could contribute regularly toward supporting Prostoch.  She really feels it is important for her to be a part of this effort from our family too.

Thank you for sharing your story with us Pamela!

For more information on child sponsorship, please call our supporter services team on 1300 66 66 72