For this edition of Story of the Month, we want to draw your attention to how sponsorship can transform someone’s life and how, for £30 a month, you can open the door to education, community, health, security and more for someone who desperately needs it. And what better way to show the impact sponsorship can have, than by hearing from someone who has been on that journey, and is now on the other side? Iraguha has recently graduated from the Gatenga Street Kids Rescue Project, and in a letter to his sponsor, Fabi, he told a little more of his story, and how sponsorship has affected him.Â
“It is with immense joy that I take this opportunity to write to you and express my heartfelt gratitude for always being there for me throughout the years.
A little about my journey—I joined the Gatenga (Street Kids’ Rescue) project when I was just 12 years old. At that time, I had never been to school due to poverty, but after joining the project, I was finally able to start my education in Primary 1. I grew up with my mother and two siblings, without a father in my life. Life was extremely difficult. My mother worked tirelessly, doing laundry and cleaning houses just to provide food for us. My childhood was filled with hardship, and I had almost no hope for the future.
But today, I am overwhelmed with gratitude because my life has completely changed. I am no longer living the life of struggle that I once knew. Comfort Rwanda has played a crucial role in transforming my life, and I truly appreciate the incredible work they continue to do for people like me. It has always been my dream to graduate and transition into independent living, and now I am seeing that dream come true.
I am happy to share that I completed Primary school and studied up to Senior 2 in Secondary school. Later, I decided to pursue business training because I developed a deep passion for entrepreneurship. Today, I run a fruit business, working alongside my mother. I also love serving in the church and seeking new opportunities, such as event decoration for weddings. It brings me great joy to work hard and stay productive, making the most of every opportunity that comes my way.
Recently, I was delighted to meet David Gasana (Comfort Rwanda director) at a wedding where I had helped decorate the venue. It was a special moment for me to share with him all that God has been doing in my life and to talk about the friendships I have built. I am surrounded by people who offer me positive support and encouragement on this life journey.
With all my heart, I want to thank you, my dear sponsor, for standing by me all these years and supporting my journey toward independent living. Because of you, I am now able to meet my basic needs on my own. I will always cherish your kindness and generosity. I miss the children from the Gatenga project, as I have become so busy with many responsibilities and am no longer able to attend weekend activities. However, I continue to hear wonderful updates about how the project is helping children transition toward independent living.
May God bless you abundantly in all that you do.”
Sponsorship undoubtedly changes lives, and we need many more people to sign up to become sponsors and help young people like Iraguha on their way to independent living. Comfort International has a new sponsorship portal where you can “meet” some of the young people, teachers and classes who are awaiting sponsorship. If you can, please consider sponsoring someone today, and changing a life.Â
