Ok so this isn’t technically about baking or anything delicious. But it is about something that’s equally as dear to my heart. Last week I stepped into my role as a World Vision ambassador and went to a local school – Carshalton Boys Sports College – and spoke to Years 9 and 10 about World Vision’s work as part of their RE day. I spoke specifically about World Vision’s humanitarian work in the Middle East, specifically Syria.
I have been a World Vision ambassador since 2012, having sponsored a child for over a decade. This role sees me go out to local schools and community groups to talk about World Vision’s work, collect fundraising cheques and to shake a bucket for donations when there are emergency appeals.
After a brief presentation, I took the boys outside to the playground where they formed a long line, standing shoulder to shoulder. Each boy had been given a character and had been asked to think about what life might be like for their character – whether they had free education and healthcare, a loving family, lived in a society where they didn’t feel discriminated against… I asked the boys questions – such as take a step forward if your character has never felt discriminated against because of their language or religion, take a step forward if your character has a house with a television and take a step forward if your character has a loving and supportive family. The final result was a visual reminder at how unfair life is – most of the boys had taken one or two steps forward, some had taken a step with every question to end up right at the front and sadly some of the boys hadn’t taken a single step forward. And it’s like this in real life for children.
Some of the boys had asked to swap characters: “I want a better one Miss…” And I wouldn’t let them because I wanted them to understand that, like this game, our start in life really is just chance.
I’d been warned that, as teenage boys, some of them might not care. And one or two did admit this and I respect their honesty. However, what really struck me was the thoughtfulness and compassion shown by some. One boy said he would like to move into his brother’s bedroom so that a Syrian refugee could live in his. It was so lovely, and reassuring to know that, that in a time that sometimes feels so full of judgement, fear and hate, there is always hope for the future.
If you would like to bring hope to children around the world visit www.worldvision.org.uk to find out more about child sponsorship.
I’m a big fan of homemade gifts; to me they show far more thought (they’re so easily personalised) and are made with love and imagination (although flowers and jewellery are still gratefully accepted ). These rose creams are pretty, easy to make and are as sweet as the person you’re giving them to!
Sweet Clare 