I’m a former sponsor child. Here’s what I have to say.

Raphael was accepted into one of the top high schools in his district. He then went on to complete an undergraduate degree, and he has recently finished postgraduate studies. He now works as a logistics officer for a Dutch aid agency.

ChildFund was my launch pad. If I was not sponsored I think I would be a peasant farmer, which is one of the popular livelihoods in Uganda, or doing casual work.

Sponsorship may not translate to your success and career. It translates into the environment and the resources you need to succeed. After that it is our responsibility to make the most of the opportunity. For me, I think it`s the beginning of a very bright future. I`ve spent most of my time so far at school. It is now going upwards from here.

I am now married with three boys. My children will go to the best schools in the district but I don`t want to have any more children because I want to be able to support other children and make an impact in their lives.

My goal for my life is to ensure people succeed through me.

I am now part of the ChildFund Alumni Association. We are a group of 300 successful former-sponsored children who are reaching out to the next generation of Ugandan children. We are teachers, university lecturers, social workers, lawyers and I am in procurement and transport.

After reconnecting with Michael Coorey, a former teacher who organised Raphael`s sponsorship on behalf of his students, Raphael made the long journey from Uganda to Sydney to meet him in person this year.

When the time came to meet Michael it was something that cannot be described, it could just be felt. It was very special. It was a moment in life that nobody can imagine to be true. It is a very good feeling for someone who has been sponsored through ChildFund for this to happen.

When I first started to think about a means of conveying my heartfelt thanks to my sponsors, the first thing that came into my thoughts was to name my last born in memory of him. That is why my four-year-old son is called Emmanuel Coorey. Though to actually meet Michael in person was unexpected but definitely a dream come true!

Coming to Sydney was such a special time for me.

I also went to the school that sponsored me to meet their students. Speaking to them was a very big achievement for me. Interestingly, teachers that were also involved in my sponsorship were still there, and they were wonderful to meet. It was great that they too could see the impact they have had on me.