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Child Sponsorship
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Tameka and David's Story

Sponsored students

09 August 2018

Tameka and David don’t share the usual sibling memories of playing pranks or fighting over ice cream. Due to issues at home they were separated as young children. Three years ago, Tameka came to live with David in the loving care of their grandmother, Bronwyn. But Tameka was a long way behind at school and needed more support than Bronwyn could provide alone.

As a retired grandmother, Bronwyn wasn’t expecting to be raising children again. And helping Tameka, aged 14, and David, aged 12, to catch up at school hasn’t been easy.

“Without sponsorship, they would be kind of singled out. They wouldn't be going on excursions. I would do my best, but financially I just couldn't do it.”

“I left school at an early age,” said Bronwyn. “Because I didn't get educated, my job prospects weren't good. I want my grandchildren to be able to do their schooling, so they can get a better job.

“If we hadn't had the sponsorships, at times I wouldn't have been able to get things for them – school clothes and excursions. David is in high school next year, so I’m starting to put money away for that, because it’s expensive!

Sadly, the impacts of Tameka and David’s difficult childhood are far from over. David has severe ADHD which affects his mental capacity. And Tameka struggles with learning difficulties that stem from separation anxiety.

It would be a lot for Bronwyn to handle on her own. Thankfully, she doesn’t have to. Sponsorship’s wrap-around approach also connects Tameka and David with the support of a local Learning for Life Coordinator and our learning programs. Taking part in our 18-week reading program student2student has helped Tameka in all subjects.

“Reading was really hard [before],” said Tameka.

“Because of student2student, I'm doing much better at school. Now I'm confident to read in front of people. And it helps me to read my maths a little bit better, because I couldn't read it properly before.”

Bronwyn is overjoyed to see Tameka and David making great progress with their learning.

“If it wasn't for student2student, Tameka wouldn't be where she is today at all. I mean, her reading when she came here – she couldn't read two words,” said Bronwyn.

“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. It means the world to them, and I know with the sponsorship money they can get things that help them to blend in with the other kids.”

To meet more of our sponsored students, click here.