My name is Dorris: A World Vision Zimbabwe Story of Transformation
The World Vision Zimbabwe Child Sponsorship Programme seeks to improve the quality of life of children in vulnerable situations. Sponsored children are empowered to break free from the cycle of poverty by gaining the right education, knowledge and skills which exposes them to greater opportunities in the real world. Dorris Mwanaku from Nyamahumba village in Nyanga is one such girl who benefited from World Vision Zimbabwe Child Sponsorship Programme. At the age of two, Dorris’ parents separated, and she spent her childhood living with her grandmother. Life was a struggle for her young mother, her brother and herself. She speaks of sometimes going to bed hungry and to class without any school supplies. It was during this time in her life in 2010 that she was selected together with some of her friends at her local school into the World Vision Child Sponsorship Programme. Dorris worked hard and was determined to make the best of this opportunity given to her. Finally, following in the footsteps of her mother, a teacher and the only other graduate in their family, Dorris went on to get an Honours Degree in Science with a focus on Plant Breeding and Biotechnology. Dorris is appreciative of her sponsor she fondly remembers only as “Devonna Anderson from USA” and the World Vision family for transforming her life through Child Sponsorship Programme. She considers herself fortunate to have been selected to benefit from the programme among many children who faced many struggles just like she did. She sadly laments for many girls she left behind who became victims of early marriages and others who eventually dropped out of school. “Devonna Anderson wherever you are, I want you to know that you changed my life!” said Dorris, with a smile on her face. World Vision Child Sponsorship Programme gives a child access to what they need to thrive in a society. This programme creates a lasting impact not just on an individual but also on the community. Dorris aspires to further her studies and she dreams of helping other young children in vulnerable situations as her small way of giving back.