Here at Children of the Nations (COTN), we know the power of your generosity. We’ve seen it ourselves. You have the power to transform the life of a child living in poverty.

But what do we mean when we talk about transformation? What does that look like?

It looks like this:

Bethsaida grew up in a rural village in Malawi—she is the fifth of six children in her large family. Like many families in her community, Bethsaida’s family faced significant financial struggles—even basic necessities like food, school supplies, and clothing were often beyond their reach.

Life could have easily stayed the same—oftentimes poverty is just too big of a hurdle to overcome. But in 2015, Bethsaida became a part of COTN, and things began to change.

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Before, Bethsaida’s family was unable to support her education. But thanks to your generosity and the generosity of other partners, Bethsaida was able to attend International Christian Academy, our secondary school in Malawi. Not only that, but she could go to class each day without the heavy burden so many carry: worrying about whether she’d have enough food to eat or the school supplies she needed to succeed. 

Bethsaida says, “COTN’s unwavering support allowed me to dream beyond my circumstances and pursue what once seemed impossible.”

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According to a report from UNICEF, the completion rate for junior secondary school is only 23%, while the completion rate for senior secondary school drops down to 15%. The report also says, “In particular, children belonging to the poorest quintile have much lower completion rates than other groups.”

Completing secondary school was an astounding achievement for Bethsaida. But she didn’t stop there:

“I successfully completed secondary school and pursued a diploma in travel and tourism management at the Malawi Institute of Tourism. This was a monumental achievement for me and my family, as it marked the realization of a dream I once thought was impossible.”

Shortly after completing her studies, she got an internship at MAME Car Hire. Because of her hard work, determination, and exceptional attitude, she was offered a full-time contract as a Sales and Logistics Officer.

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Just look at the transformation you put into motion!

Bethsaida not only has a bright future, but she is now a role model for the next generation, showing them what is possible for their own lives. When a child hears Bethsaida’s story, they learn that they too can overcome life’s challenges and become a change maker.

She said, “To the entire COTN family, I say thank you from the depths of my heart. May God bless you abundantly and grant you health, happiness, and the fulfillment of all your wishes. You are my heroes, and I love you all!”

Want to help an inspiring young man or woman like Bethsaida achieve their dreams? Sponsor a child today!

 

By Kelly Flannery, Marketing Writer at Children of the Nations