How Levy’s life has changed

Levy, now aged 7, shows proof of the difference sponsorship can make in the life of a child and their community.

Levy in 2003

Levy in 2005

Levy Today

Levy and photo of Kate

2003: Levy was a small and malnourished four-year-old from Zambia. Going to bed hungry was normal because Levy’s family could only afford one small meal a day.

To make matters worse, the water Levy drank was dirty and it often made him sick. Levy barely had the energy to move. World Vision staff in Zambia indicated that without help, Levy may not survive.

Luckily for Levy he was sponsored in 2003 by Kate Edmeades

2005: Two years later we visited Levy again and found a different boy, thanks to child sponsorship. He had grown considerably and was healthier, stronger and had the energy to play with his friends.

His family now had a garden next to their house where they were growing enough maize for food, and Levy was eating two nutritious meals a day. His family used to have to walk more than 3km to collect dirty water. Now they were collecting clean water from a borehole only 200m from their house that the whole community was benefiting from.

The support of Australian sponsors had also helped World Vision build a school for the children in Levy’s community, and a health clinic for when they get sick.

Levy’s grandmother Susan reported that "My grandchild is doing much better now and we're planning to take him to nursery school next year".

Today: Levy was visited again in 2006 and has continued to improve. He attends school regularly and his teacher Monica reports he is doing well. His favourite game is soccer which he plays enthusiastically with his friends. His grandmother Susan says he is healthy and life is much better since he was sponsored. He has received letters and pictures from his sponsor Kate and Susan sends a message to Kate: "I am thankful to sponsor".

Meet Levy’s sponsor

Levy’s sponsor, Kate Edmeades, works for World Vision in Melbourne and started sponsoring Levy in 2003. Sponsoring Levy is a very rewarding experience for Kate. "The transformation in Levy’s life since sponsorship began has been amazing," says Kate. "Seeing him so happy and well is really a fantastic feeling."

"Sponsoring a child connects me with a wider global community. It reminds me of the privilege of living in one of the wealthiest countries, and my responsibility to be compassionate to people who are less fortunate."