Welcome back to our blog and podcast series, Fueling the Future, where we talk about investing in today’s youth and empowering tomorrow’s leaders. Today, we have the pleasure of having a conversation with members from the HopeChest International Program Department!
Today’s blog is a conversation with Rachel Andrews and Tesfa Abebe, International Operations Director from the HopeChest International Program Department. Their conversation answers your burning questions (frequently asked questions from sponsors), and shine a light on the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders (teens and young adults). They will provide a holistic view of the “aging out” process and the importance of sponsoring teens and young adults! They’ll touch on the roots of Children’s HopeChest, as well as where we’re headed.
Hot Seat Questions
- When does a child age out of a program?
- How does programming change or evolve for a young adult?
- Cost of education and why education is so important
- When does CarePoint support stop … or does it just change (spoken like a parent of adult children myself)
- Can sponsorship really make a difference so late in a child’s life?
Rachel – This series about young adults is really the roots of HopeChest … this is close to your heart?
One of the most significant lessons I learned from my trip was the paramount importance of relationships. Sponsoring a child and engaging with a community is not just a mere act of financial generosity, but rather a chance to form genuine bonds. These relationships open the door to a world of possibilities for transformative change. By connecting with a community, we have the potential to create a ripple effect of positive impact that extends far beyond our initial act of kindness. The power of relationships in bringing about lasting change cannot be overstated.
My trip was a powerful reminder of the value of in-person visits to our partner communities and the significance of travel as a whole. Physical presence and face-to-face interactions with the communities and individuals we support are invaluable. While financial empowerment from afar can be appreciated, the true essence of any relationship lies in personal interaction and the creation of shared experiences. Just like the way spending quality time with my grandmother, laughing, making memories and sharing stories with her, holds immeasurable worth and meaning beyond any material gifts she could provide. That’s where the real magic of relationships lies.
From a program perspective, why is this series so important?
One of my most cherished moments from the Vision Trip was observing the progress and impact of other CarePoint communities aside from the one I am partnered with. I was struck by the comprehensive nature of Children’s HopeChest and the level of care and attention they bring to each CarePoint. Despite being in the same country, each CarePoint is distinct, possessing its own unique character, culture, and spirit. It was a privilege to witness the transformation and progress of these communities and to see how much they have accomplished, all while maintaining their individuality and spirit. The diversity and individuality of each CarePoint truly made the experience unforgettable!
Graduation is a big deal at our CarePoints. What does this mean?
Our work around the world in highly impoverished communities has revealed, first hand, the tremendous impact that investing in young adults can have. This is a critical time in their lives when they are developing their passions, exploring their potential, and discovering who they are meant to be. By investing in them during this crucial period, we can help shape their future and create positive change in their communities.
What are some upcoming initiatives being worked on to empower young adults in some of our countries?
However, our focus on teens and young adults isn’t only about helping them achieve their full potential. It’s also about empowering them to become leaders and agents of hope and transformation in their communities and breaking cycles of poverty that has kept their families and communities trapped for generations. By investing in young adults, we are investing in the future of their communities and creating a ripple effect of positive change. I invite you to join us in this mission to make a lasting impact in the lives of the young people in our CarePoint communities.
I hope you’ll subscribe to this blog during our “Fueling the Future” campaign and blog series so that you too can hear stories of impact from remarkable youth in very challenging circumstances. Thank you for your support and for believing in the power of investing in young people.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Rachel Andrews and Tesfa Abebe make up Children’s HopeChest’s International Program Department. As Vice President of International Operations, Rachel has strategic and operational responsibility for management, engagement, development, and implementation of HopeChest’s Community-to-Community model within the countries HopeChest partners with. Based in Colorado Springs, Rachel is frequently on Zoom or phone calls with in-country staff, reviewing Management Team reports, budgets and proposals, development plan creation and assisting with facilitating training overseas. She also travels frequently to our overseas offices and CarePoints around the globe for ongoing relationship building and program evaluation! Tesfa works directly with our in-country staff and oversees the in-country implementation and management of our programs at our CarePoints. If he had one day completely free, he would spend the day with his wife, who he met at Children’s HopeChest, and his kiddos playing at home or taking them out to enjoy time outside together.
