Treasured Messages: The Lasting Impact of Your Words

Compassion photojournalist, Galia Oropeza, who works alongside local church partners in Bolivia, has captured what those moments look like, and what sponsors’ words mean to children over time.

For children in Compassion’s programme, receiving a letter is never taken for granted. Opening a letter is always a moment of anticipation, joy and connection.

Although their sponsors live far away, many children describe feeling a strong sense of closeness when they receive letters. The act of writing to each other helps to close the physical distance between child and sponsor and build trust and presence.

Exchanging messages encourages the children because they see that someone is thinking about them, listening to them, and walking alongside them in their lives.

Lavinia receiving her letter

For Lavinia, 17, letters from her sponsor have been a constant source of support. “When I receive his letters, I feel good because I feel there is someone I can talk to. I can tell him what I do and the plans I have,” she says.

Some of these letters remain especially meaningful to Lavinia. She still remembers one that arrived after her father died. That letter, she explains, brought her comfort at a painful time.

“He consoled and encouraged me. That letter I always remember,” she says.

Beatriz writing to her sponsor

Beatriz, 16, also describes messages as a source of comfort during a very difficult period, when her mother was seriously ill in hospital. Receiving a letter from her sponsor that spoke about shared pain helped her feel understood.

“She told me that I’m not alone, that I can count on them, and that besides being my sponsors, they’re also my friends,” Beatriz says. “That made me not feel so alone, and I shared things I had kept very deep inside me.”

Feeling like part of a family

Beyond comfort and advice, letters help children feel included and valued. By sharing small stories about family life, daily routines and personal experiences, sponsors create a sense of belonging that goes beyond formal support.

Genesis reading her letter

Many sponsors use their letters to encourage children to keep studying and feel hopeful about their future. Hearing words like, ‘well done for working hard!’ and ‘I believe in you’ encourage them to move forward with confidence.

Genesis, age 10, also receives encouragement through her sponsor’s words.

“She tells me that when she sees my letters, she feels happy because I write nicely, and that encourages me,” Genesis says, adding, “My sponsor tells me that she prays for me, and that makes me feel good and happy.”

Letters that are treasured

Emily reading her letter

For many children, letters are not only meaningful when they arrive; they remain treasured possessions. Some children keep them in special boxes or folders at home, and others choose a quiet place where they can read them again and enjoy every word. These moments become personal rituals, allowing them to feel close to their sponsors and reflect on the messages they receive.

Jaime, one of the staff team at the girl’s local church project, says, “Receiving letters makes participants excited and happy. They’re always eager to read what their sponsors have to say. Many letters arrive during important or difficult moments and become a much-needed source of support.”

It’s clear that sponsorship is about much more than material support. Messages, however short, offer comfort during difficult moments, encouragement to keep learning, guidance rooted in faith and a sense of belonging.

Thank you for not only providing support as a sponsor, but also for creating these special moments of connection. Through your words, time and care, you help build meaningful bonds that cross borders and stay in the hearts of children long after your letters are read.