A selection of students and a few members of staff had the chance to partake in a Zoom call with the 5 Rwandan children that the Academy sponsors through Compassion.
Over an hour was spent on the call with them and we were able to ask various questions to learn more about their culture and lifestyle. They in turn were able to ask questions to us and we took turns answering them. Both sides shared songs and we even got to meet the children’s parents.
It was an incredible experience for our students, who after sponsoring these children for several years now, were able to finally put faces to the names they have know for so long.
Reuben (Y8) said “Their stories were really powerful and have helped me to relate to them. I am now so grateful for the things that I have because some people really don’t have anything."
Dempsey (Y9) added “Their way of living seems so different to mine and yet there are also a lot of commonalities."
To hear the impact that Compassion has had on the children and their families was especially rewarding. We learned about both the tangible and non-tangible benefits that sponsorship has brought. As we listened to their hopes for the future, we were keen to learn of additional ways we can support the project in Rwanda.
Megan (Y9) said of the experience: “The people were so kind and willing to tell us about how our generosity has changed their lives for the better.”
Yuk (Y9) also shared her response: “It was a very unique opportunity and experience that I never thought I would do, so I am very grateful. I feel as if I have bonded closer to my sponsor and am more mindful now that I shouldn’t take anything for granted."
We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the project in Rwanda as well continuing to raise funds and awareness of the brilliant work of Compassion.
