When Sapana gets word that her sponsor has purchased a goat, it’s the tipping point for real change in her life.

“For me, the best part is that I’ve strengthened my knowledge as a teacher,” says Carolina, who champions reading in the classroom.

Hassana’s school days look a lot different now that her primary school has its own water and sanitation facilities.

With little confidence, Yurico felt she couldn’t contribute much among her peers. The leadership network changed all that

“I am giving back,” Salvador says, “because someone I haven’t even met also invested in me while I was growing up—my sponsor.”

Despite the odds, Lidia’s love for education gave her strength to pursue her passion and eventually led to a community movement.

Mary—a widow and mother of two—joined a community savings group in Matyazo. Among her first investments is a little pig fit for a family.

Awa’s husband didn’t earn enough to support their family, so she seized an opportunity, ran with it, and is now a “working woman.”

Alice’s nursing career led her to the child health centre where World Vision works. With the new equipment, she has everything she needs.

If it wasn’t for her sponsor, Rose may never have gone to school. Today she has a diploma, a good job and strong prospects for the future.

Zondi was once dependent and alone. She joined a savings group in her community and began building a business with a neighbour’s help.

Juggling business and high interest loans doesn’t make for strong financial footing, but these women are eager to earn and save

Canadians talk about what community means to them. 

Sara and Rabika may live worlds apart, but their passion and drive to reach their goals is parallel.

The It takes a village series we’ve been sharing with you over the past month has been exploring the universal understanding that “it takes a village to raise a child” by highlighting the importance of community. 

Tolu is a passionate nurse working in a busy suburban hospital. Nurse Beate is on the front lines of child health in rural Burundi. It will take both of their strengths and resources to ensure children grow up healthy.

The language of music is something that can transform a life. Isabel teaches it to her community in Guatemala through violin, in much the same way my high school choir teacher Laurelle passed it on to me.

Aimée Wimbush-Bourque runs a blog devoted to real-life, delicious, kid-friendly nourishment that her readers can make themselves. She's also a champion of community and families, just like Delia from one of our projects in Bolivia.

Education took Sunday from child refugee to agricultural scientist. Now she is improving the lives of women and families in her community, by teaching them how to be food secure. 

Sixteen year old Tabarak is determined to be a journalist, despite the setbacks she's facing as a Syrian refugee. And education is helping her get there.