School children in Uganda.

Each of us finds different ways to make our mark on the world. One way of doing this is by making a bequest.

A bequest is a gift left in a will. When you leave a bequest to World Vision, you give a gift that lasts longer than a lifetime, a gift that will always be remembered.

Your gift will have a greater impact on the lives of others, more than many people achieve in a lifetime. That's because your bequest can help to support programs that provide basic needs and give people the skills, tools and knowledge to become self-sufficient, so their children and grandchildren all benefit.

The following are examples of how bequests from World Vision supporters have helped to improve lives around the world.

Children in Ghana enjoy the benefits of clean water.

Water and Sanitation

In many poverty-stricken communities, contaminated water and poor sanitation often leads to the spread of water-borne diseases. This results in illness and death, especially among young children.

In Ahanta West, Ghana, bequests from World Vision supporters have helped to build a block of 12 toilets for school children. There's also a drinking and washing facility now for the 500 children. Before, these children and teachers had to answer nature's call in bushes and the school had no drinking water in the dry season.

Health centres provide medical attention to more that 8,000 people in Laos.

Health

In the least developed countries around the world, many children struggle to live against disease and malnutrition. One in six of them will not reach their fifth birthday. These children are dying needlessly from diseases that can be easily prevented.

Since 2002, the health situation has improved in Atsaphangthong, Laos, thanks to bequests from World Vision supporters. Health centres were built to provide medical attention to more than 8,000 people in 15 villages in the area. Precious lives can now be saved and children can look forward to long, healthy lives.

Classrooms being built will provide shelter for children in Kitgum.

Education

The most powerful gift for a child living in poverty is education. Skills once learnt will be with them for life, opening doors to new opportunities. Through education and training, the world's poorest people can function in today's world, where reading and writing are essential to survive. They can access different income opportunities to support themselves and families in the future.

The generous gifts from World Vision supporters have helped to build classrooms for children in Kitgum, Uganda, so now they don't have to sit under trees for their lessons. Desks and benches were provided, latrines and water tanks were built and 28 teachers were trained. This gift of education has the power to change lives forever.