Singer Beverley Knight on why she loves being a child sponsor
‘That little lift of joy’: singer Beverley Knight on why she loves being a child sponsor
Over the last 13 years, I’ve sponsored two boys from Haiti and learnt all about the impact it’s had on their lives and the wider community.
Why Haiti, you might think?
I’m of Caribbean heritage and my parents are from Jamaica. The lives of children in the Caribbean vary from one island to another, but of all the islands, Haiti is by far the poorest and has the most challenges.
Islanders also live with the constant and very real risk of natural disasters. That’s why I wanted to sponsor a child from there – I felt they needed the most help.
That personal connection
Junior was my first sponsored child. I sponsored him from when he was a little boy all the way through to manhood. It was remarkable to see the change in him.
When I get a letter in the post and see it’s from Plan International UK I think, is it a normal letter? No, it’s a sponsorship letter! And instantly I get that little lift of joy.
The best thing about the letters and sponsoring a child is receiving their photo. You can clearly see the different stages of their development and the changes in their face.
Junior often wrote about the impact sponsorship had on his life, his family and his education. It’s such a personal relationship even though you’ve never met them. Through the letters and photos, you are literally seeing a child blossom before your eyes.
The impact sponsorship has on a child is enormous. If lots of children in one community are sponsored, I can only dream about the amazing footprint they leave behind. Being part of that is a beautiful thing.
More exciting times ahead
When Junior turned 18 my sponsorship ended, but I immediately wanted to support another child in Haiti.
I now have the pleasure of sponsoring a lovely little boy called Wansite, and I’m looking forward to learning more about his journey. There are so many exciting times ahead!
If you’re anything like me, you’ll dearly want to provide a child with every opportunity. The best way to go about that is to sponsor a child.
Because as much as you’re giving to that child, they’ll give you back so much more when you read those letters and when you see that little face looking back at you. It means so much.
Latest stories for you
The young activists fighting for gender equality and climate action
Discover the stories of five youth activists around the world.
Forced to flee: the lives of girls in crisis
Hear from girls forced to flee their homes in search of safety and what their hopes are for...
Why you should join the Youth Advisory Panel
We are recruiting for a new Youth Advisory Panel! Also known as YAP. The youth advisory panel...
Seeing is believing: becoming CEO for the day helped me see my power
Penelope took up leadership positions as part of the Girls’ Takeover through Plan...
Show more