FIRST experiences are often defining and memorable moments in one’s life. And, in a lifetime there are many “first” moments – first birthday, first day in school, first doctor’s visit, and many more.
While many of us take these firsts as life’s rites of passage, there are many who may never experience these “given” without a little help.
International humanitarian organisation World Vision Malaysia has initiated ‘A World of Firsts’ campaign under its Child Sponsorship Programme.
Rooted in the idea that even a small act of change can start a ripple effect that impacts not just one child, but also their families and communities, World Vision Malaysia’s ‘A World of Firsts’ aims to deliver a new world of first experiences for its sponsored children and their sponsors.
World Vision Malaysia chief executive officer Daniel Boey said: “Our message is that child sponsorship opens up a world of firsts for the sponsored children, their families, and communities as well as the sponsors.
“These firsts do not have to be moments of grandeur. They could be as simple as their first sip of clean water, first nutritious meal, first step to a brighter future and to transforming the world or something as every day as the first letter from a sponsored child to his/her sponsor that will lead to a new friendship.”
World Vision’s efforts to enable children to savour the joy of firsts received a hand up from globally renowned actress, Lee Sinje. Lee will help the NGO to amplify its world of firsts message and efforts.
“Having Sinje to be part of this initiative is such a blessing not only to World Vision Malaysia but also to the children and communities that will benefit from her involvement.
“Her passion and empathy for the vulnerable particularly children within the migrant communities, are well known. We sincerely hope that her involvement will further open the eyes of many and spur them to act so that more children can experience significant milestones in their lives,” said Boey.
Boey added that economic uncertainties brought about by Covid-19 have changed the way Malaysians are donating to causes. Rather than committing themselves to long-term sponsorships, many are reverting to one-off campaigns. This has impacted the planning of many charitable organisations.
“We are grateful that Malaysians are still donating. However, for the children and communities benefiting from our community development work, long-term sustainable planning is key.
“We can only do that when and if we know our guaranteed level of monetary commitment. Nonetheless, we will soldier on as everyone deserves to live life in all its fullness.”
In its 70 years of giving hope, World Vision has seen how lives change when a child is given the opportunity to progress. Its ‘A World of Firsts’ campaign aims to unlock a better and brighter future for the thousands of vulnerable children, their families, and communities.
Malaysians who want to give marginalised children memorable moments of firsts can do so by signing up as a World Vision child sponsor. For details, visit worldvision.com.my/sponsor-a-child. – The Vibes, March 31, 2021
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