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Former sponsored child Sheiba grew up in extreme poverty in Uganda, but her life was changed forever thanks to the work of Compassion, a charity who with assistance from sponsors helps to make a difference to the lives of a million children all over the world. From those humble and poor beginnings Sheiba's life was turned around and incredibly she now lives in the UK and works for the charity that changed her way of life. In this moving interview she tells LTTM just what the work of Compassion means to children living in the most unbelievable conditions, and why...
Read More Former sponsored child Sheiba grew up in extreme poverty in Uganda, but her life was changed forever thanks to the work of Compassion, a charity who with assistance from sponsors helps to make a difference to the lives of a million children all over the world. From those humble and poor beginnings Sheiba's life was turned around and incredibly she now lives in the UK and works for the charity that changed her way of life. In this moving interview she tells LTTM just what the work of Compassion means to children living in the most unbelievable conditions, and why Compassion needs people like you to sponsor them.
Can you tell us about your life as a child, before Compassion started helping you or your family?
We lived in a small house in a place called Masaka about 140km from Kampala city [Uganda] where I shared a single mattress with 3 sisters and a brother at the time, and had many relatives staying with us as well.
Being the eldest, I woke every morning at the age of 8 and made pancakes with my mother, which I would go and sell by the road side to the farmers going to fields.
On one particular morning I woke up to find the right hand side of my hair had been eaten, which I believe it was eaten by either the goats that were kept in the same room as us or by the rats that bred in such poor conditions.
My worst experience was when my parents could no longer afford to support me and I was sent away to live with other relatives who treated me like a child slave.
What difference did Compassion make to your life?
Compassion gave me a chance to dream and to be the person I am today. My sponsors wrote to me, prayed for me, sent me photos and stickers and told me how they loved me, that I was a great girl and I was going to be a history maker.
The project ensured that I was well fed, which eased the burden on my family. At my project every Friday I took home posho (maize mill) beans, rice and powdered milk which I shared with my family.
I was also able to have my school fees paid for; school materials like books, pens, school bags, shoes and uniform were all provided. I also got medical care paid for, received luxurious things to use at home like blankets, mattresses and bed sheets.
Through Compassion I also became a Christian at my project and since then, I have never walked away from God and I grew up with these foundational values.
What was a typical day like within a Compassion sponsored project?
A typical day was full of fun; beginning with devotion before classes, having desks to write on, good meals to eat, nice play materials and a resource centre where you could read. I also enjoyed the days when sponsors visited us and we sang and danced for them.
During the school holidays we had trips to socialise with other Compassion sponsored children from different projects and competed with them in school quizzes, netball, volleyball and football.
What was your relationship like with your sponsors, how did you feel about them?
My sponsors were an American youth group, they would all write to me and I remember one evening writing back sixteen letters to them! They were young and full of encouraging words. My best moments would be receiving pictures, stickers and cards from abroad; I felt like holding them above my head for everyone to see.
You're now working for the Compassion organisation in the UK, how did that happen?
Because of my outstanding academic performance I received a partial scholarship to study in the UK, and immediately after arriving I wanted to be around Compassion. Straight away I became an advocate, helping out at different events, churches, conferences, and speaking on behalf of Compassion UK
What does your job at Compassion now involve?
My role involves traveling around speaking on behalf of Compassion in different churches, conferences and events, encouraging existing sponsors and potential sponsors. I also help with administration work in the office when I am not speaking.
What music do you listen to? Do you have a favourite artist or band?
Yes I have a couple of them, I like Hillsong, have listened to Michael W Smith and Don Moen since my Compassion project days and I love Delirious? and Keith and Kristyn Getty.
What plans do you have for your future?
At the moment Compassion around the world is reaching out to over a million children, and I want to be part of that journey - seeing another million supported in the next couple of years.
Having gained a masters degree in International Relations & Globalisation in London I also hope I will be a great woman in Uganda, where I can have a platform in policy making in the government.
People all over the world are currently feeling the effects of the credit crunch. How does this affect the communities that Compassion works with in the poorest countries around the world?
The economic crisis has affected everyone because food costs, school materials for children, fees and medicines have all gone up.
What message would you give to potential sponsors to encourage them to sponsor a child with Compassion?
I would encourage anyone to get on board. It's not just the money that matters, it's the willing heart to extend God's love to the poor.
I have other friends who were sponsored children and are now doctors, evangelists, human rights activists, lawyers and accountants. When you sponsor a child, you are reaching out to them with the gospel which spreads through the family and to the child's community.
I have sponsored two girls with Compassion UK for the last five years and I have received so much more than I have given to them. One of my sponsored girls has grown knowing that she is sponsored by a formerly sponsored child, and she told me two years ago that she wants to do the same when she grows up.
Louder Than The Music would strongly urge you to carefully consider sponsoring a child with Compassion. If you have been inspired by what Sheiba said and would like to find out more about the work that Compassion International does with children in the poorest parts of the world, please check out the Compassion website.
Special thanks to Sheiba, plus Kate Sharma and Nikki Sealey at Compassion UK for all their help in making this interview possible.
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