We wear our stories: Different cultural dress of kids in Africa

Our clothes tell a story. They can tell where we come from and who we are. Culture is expressed in fabrics, textures, colours and beadwork. Our clothes can connect us to community as well as distinguish us in our diversity. For Compassion children around the world, donning the cultural dress of their tribe is a […]

A full heart: A local church’s support remains steady through COVID-19

Luis’ smile is one that lights up the whole room. When he was just three years old, Luis was registered at the Compassion centre in his community in Colombia. Now eight years old, his joy is infectious and his warm disposition is loved by all at the Compassion centre. As much as Luis is loved, […]

Not (just) your parents’ charity: why you should sponsor a child in your 20s, from someone in their 20s

“Child sponsorship? Oh yeah, I remember my parents did that when I was a kid—I think they still do. We had their picture on the fridge!” Whenever I tell people where I work, this is a common response I get. As I’ve heard this more and more, I’ve come to realize that, intentional or not, […]

‘A letter to my grandson’: A story of hope in the face of suffering

I remember how happy I felt when I saw my grandson, baby Deinner, for the first time. Despite the pain, there he was: so innocent, so beautiful, reminding me of God’s love. I started to cry when I finally held him in my arms, feeling that mix of deep sadness and happiness. He was born […]

More than a passing grade

Grade 11, right after lunch. The sun has warmed the classroom to nap-inducing temperatures and the staccato clacking of chalk on a dusty blackboard is the only thing keeping you awake—and yet strangely, also lulling you into a stupor. You look over your next assignment without fully understanding it and suddenly find yourself wondering, “Is […]

Back-to-school: 10 Questions with a Canadian teacher

All across the country parents are pulling out backpacks, replacing too-small running shoes, and wracking their brains for lunchbox combinations that won’t come home rejected. Teachers are setting up lessons and desks, preparing for the rush of noise, questions and energy that will wake their slumbering schoolrooms. It’s back-to-school time. It’s no secret that we […]

Presence: The most effective way to recover in the aftermath of disaster

“Even though Compassion is not a disaster relief organization, the link between poverty and vulnerability to disaster is undeniable. As a result, Compassion staff and church partners are often the first ones on the ground in the wake of an emergency—ready and prepared to respond to the needs of children and their families.” – Compassion […]

‘Help me be brave’: COVID-19’s impact on a fishing community in Indonesia

In a small fishing community in Indonesia, 11-year-old Keilah sits cross-legged on her bed, her face silhouetted by the soft glow of a torch. Her hands are clasped tightly together under her chin, eyes closed. Her mouth moves silently. As the pandemic wears on, her prayers have become increasingly urgent. “Please help this to end […]

Haiti: God answers the simple prayers of a child

“I told you God would answer my prayers,” six-year-old Soraya said as she quickly looked through the emergency food box in front of her. Three days after a devastating 7.2 earthquake hit southwestern Haiti on Saturday, August 14, Soraya told her grandmother Ana she had prayed for God to provide her favorite food. To Ana’s […]