A Lower Swanwick mum has been named an ambassador for a children’s sponsorship charity that helps poverty-stricken communities in Ethiopia – and has just returned from visiting the country and meeting the child she sponsors.
Cathy Madavan and Kiya
Cathy Madavan was astounded by the poverty she saw when visiting families in Ziway who are supported by Food for the Hungry, an international charity that began in America and has expanded to the UK and Australia.
Around 500 volunteers from the local area are trained by the charity to support the families for various needs, including food, water, medical supplies and school kits and materials.
Cathy, who worships at Locks Heath Free Church, felt humbled to work with the charity and she will be able to spread awareness of the cause speaking at events, as well as writing a blog and other literature.
During a six-day trip to the Ethiopian village, Cathy encountered many people with diseases, children who are unable to afford equipment and uniforms to go to school, as well as families run by children and others where the elderly look after their disabled grandchildren.
She was delighted to be asked to be an ambassador.
“It was amazing seeing how these people live and the challenges they have. It was overwhelming,” she said.
“Food for the Hungry find local people and train them up and develop a strategy for each house and family. The aim is to create an infrastructure in that community so they can live sustainably.
“It costs £19 a month to sponsor a child. Some people might spend that in Starbucks, but it could go to these children and the community.
“It is a great organisation and they are incredibly professional. Hopefully I can encourage more people to sponsor a child.”
Cathy also got to meet the girl she sponsors, 14-year-old Kiya, and gave her gifts, including school equipment. The 40-year-old mum-of-two teenage girls of a similar age to Kiya told her about their family life back home with her husband Mark, who is the senior minister at Locks Heath Free Church.
Cathy and the children in Ziway
“It was very special and way more emotional than I expected it to be,” added Cathy. “Straight away she gave me a huge hug. They have so little. They had a mattress on the floor in their mud hut and two chairs. She was so excited by the gifts I gave her.
“I want to create a meaningful relationship by sponsoring a child and helping their community. It can literally transform someone’s life.”
While out there, Cathy was filmed by Fareham video production firm Global Fire Productions, for her to show videos of her time there when presenting at conferences. She joined other worshippers from churches in Hampshire and some from America.
For more details on the charity visit http://uk.fh.org/