CATHERINE’S JOURNEY
From visiting YWAV to becoming part of the journey
This is Catherine’s story.
What began in 2021 with a simple donation to YWAV’s Christmas Food Parcels and Gifts Appeal has grown into something far more meaningful — a personal journey of friendship, sponsorship and connection with Uganda.
Catherine has now visited Uganda three times, meeting the children she sponsors, their families and the wider YWAV community, and experiencing the impact of YWAV’s work firsthand.
FROM A FIRST DONATION
to A DEEPER CONNECTION
From the moment I discovered Youth With A Vision (YWAV), I knew its values closely aligned with my own. In November 2021, I made my first donation to the Kids' Christmas Food Parcels and Gifts Appeal.
What began as a simple act of support has grown into something far more meaningful. My involvement with YWAV has developed naturally over time, fuelled by my love for a country I have now visited three times and by the warmth and friendship shown to me by the wonderful people of Uganda.
From that first donation in 2021, I have since gone on to sponsor four girls, support their families and encourage others to become sponsors too.
MEET
CATHERINE
IN UGANDA
MEETING “MY GIRLS” FOR THE FIRST TIME
Having first visited Uganda in 2019, returning in 2025 gave me the opportunity to actually meet ‘My Girls’ for the first time. The 22nd of May 2025 is a date I will never forget — a day filled with excitement, anticipation and emotion.
The surprise encounter I had with My Catherine reduced us both to tears of joy, whilst meeting Winnie for the first time was incredibly special and I simply did not want to let go of her!
I took gifts for all My Girls, and at Winnie’s house we planted an avocado tree as a symbol of growing together. Winnie’s family were incredibly grateful for my sponsorship and they were some of the most humble people I have ever met.
RETURNING TO UGANDA
In May 2026, I was back in Uganda for a third time, so I arranged to spend a few extra days with John and his team in order to find out more about how the charity is run and what they do. I obviously wanted to meet with My Girls again, of course, and what a welcome I was given!
Just one year on, and the difference was noticeable. My Girls are no longer children but have blossomed into young teenagers, confident in who they are becoming. Sponsorship has given these girls back hope and dignity; they now know they have a brighter future ahead. They work hard at school and value their education.
We spent a fabulous few hours together, talking and finding out about each other’s lives. I shared gifts that I had brought for everyone, the most important of which were the individual letters I had written to each girl and the photos of my family that I gave to them all. The bond and connection we now have has only been strengthened by this incredibly special visit and I would encourage every sponsor, if they are able, to come out to Uganda and do the same.
SEEING THE IMPACT FIRSTHAND
In spending time with John and his team at Youth With A Vision, I have personally seen the impact that sponsorship can have on the lives of not just children, but on an entire family. I have witnessed:
A HEALTHIER FAMILY
The improved health of an entire family because they were provided with beds, mattresses and blankets; a father in better health as he is no longer sleeping on a cold, damp floor, now able to work more hours and provide for his family.
THE POWER OF EDUCATION
How providing the education for one child has eased the burden on a small family, with no income, who have one less mouth to feed during school time at least.
DIGNITY & SAFETY
The dignity brought by providing a proper brick-built kitchen for a family who can now safely leave food there without risk of it being stolen; who no longer face the struggles of keeping a fire burning while the wooden roof leaks rainwater and the wind blows the fire out.
FOOD & SECURITY
The absolute joy on the faces of small children and elderly grandparents who are being sponsored with a regular food supply and who no longer need to worry about where their next meal will come from.
CATHERINE’S JOURNEY CONTINUES
WHY JOURNEY INTO IMPACT 2027?
Journey Into Impact 2027 is the perfect opportunity for every sponsor, and others, to experience the joy, the passion, friendship and love that I have been fortunate enough to experience through my visits to Uganda.
WHAT YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO
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Meet your sponsored child or children and their family
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Visit homes and communities where transformation is happening
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Experience Youth With A Vision projects first hand and see the impact YOU are having
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Learn more about the work and vision behind our programmes
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Participate in meaningful cultural experiences and community activities
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Build relationships with fellow supporters, staff, families and local communities
Come and find out more about the incredible work of Youth With A Vision. I’ve been there, seen it, done it, and yes, I’ve even made myself a YWAV T-shirt!
See you in 2027!
Catherine Kelly