WHY I CHOSE TO LEAVE A GIFT IN MY WILL

Seeing possibility in every child

From Cambodia to Uganda, Emmanuelle has seen first-hand how lasting change begins with one child. After 13 years of supporting World Vision and witnessing its impact in communities, she's chosen to leave a gift in her Will so that her commitment to children can continue beyond her lifetime.

For Emmanuelle, that curiosity shaped the course of her life. It led her to study international development, learn languages and build a career bringing people together through events.

Along the way, she became increasingly aware of the inequalities that shape so many people's lives and determined to do something practical in response.

"My step-grandchildren were born into the luck of a stable, safe country," she shares. "But so many children around the world don't have that same start."

It was this conviction that first drew her to World Vision over a decade ago. What began with volunteering soon grew into sponsorship, advocacy and a deep connection with children and communities around the world.

Where sponsorship began

Emmanuelle's sponsorship journey started during a visit to Cambodia, where she met a young girl whose family was taking part in a World Vision programme. The experience made an immediate impact.

Since then, sponsorship has remained a meaningful part of her connection with World Vision. Through letters, photos and updates, she's been able to follow children's journeys and see how support can help unlock opportunities for the future.

Today, she sponsors her third child and continues to cherish the connection sponsorship creates.

Uganda: seeing change in action

Last year, Emmanuelle travelled to Uganda with World Vision, where she witnessed communities celebrating the completion of a long-term programme. The experience strengthened her understanding of how communities create lasting change when they have the support and resources they need.

She met young people learning practical skills, including tailoring, shoemaking and motorbike repair. She spent time with families, shared meals and saw communities taking ownership of their futures.

"There was this little girl who was selling beautiful bags," Emmanuelle recalls. The girl's confidence, warmth and determination left a real impression. Later, at a community celebration, she came to find Emmanuelle one last time, simply to say goodbye.

The trip was filled with moments like these: dancing with local families, celebrating achievements together and seeing the pride communities felt in what they had accomplished.

Why World Vision's approach resonates

For Emmanuelle, the impact goes far beyond individual projects.

During her visits, she saw women learning about nutrition and healthcare, children gaining access to education, young people developing employable skills and families creating new opportunities for themselves.

Rather than focusing on a single issue, Emmanuelle values an approach that recognises how closely everything is connected.

A commitment that lasts beyond a lifetime

After seeing World Vision's work first-hand, leaving a gift in her Will felt like a natural step for Emmanuelle.

"I want my commitment to these children to continue even after I'm gone," she says.

Having visited projects in Ethiopia, Cambodia and Uganda, Emmanuelle feels confident that future gifts will help create meaningful change where it is needed most. 

"I've seen what they [World Vision] do on the ground," Emmanuelle explains. "There are still lots of children who need support. They don't have those opportunities. They don't have those financial resources."

For her, the motivation comes down to fairness.

Finding hope in the future

Despite the challenges facing children around the world, Emmanuelle remains hopeful.

"I like that phrase, 'be the change you want to see in the world'."

She has witnessed communities gain access to clean water, young people develop skills and families build stronger futures. Those experiences reassure her that change is possible when people come together.

"And I've seen the results of people in Uganda, Cambodia, Ethiopia to have clean water, to go to school, things we take for granted. There's still a lot of work to do, but there is hope."

For Emmanuelle, leaving a gift in her Will is one way to help that hope live on for future generations. If you're considering doing the same, we're here to help make the process simple and straightforward.

By planning ahead, you can protect the people you love and, if you choose, leave a gift that helps future generations thrive. After providing for family and friends, a gift in your Will to World Vision could help more people like Joshua and Flavia create brighter futures of their own.

That's why we're pleased to offer a free Will-writing service through our trusted partner, Octopus Legacy.

Create your Will for free

Whether you're making your first Will or updating an existing one, you can do so free of charge and in a way that suits you.

You can write your Will:
•    Online
•    Over the phone
•    At a local branch
•    Through a home visit

Creating a Will can give you peace of mind that your wishes are clearly recorded and that the people and causes you care about are provided for.

The impact of a gift in your Will

Many supporters choose to leave a share of their estate to World Vision after providing for family and friends. These gifts help children and communities build brighter futures for generations to come.

•    5% could help support 30 Savings Groups supporting 660 people build more secure livelihoods for their families.

•    10% could help 35,000 children receive nutritious school meals, helping them learn, grow and thrive.

•    20% could help bring clean water and sanitation to a healthcare centre, protecting patients and newborn babies.

Whatever size it may be, a gift in your Will becomes part of something bigger, helping create lasting change for children and communities around the world.