Inspiring Basingstoke couple return from visiting their sponsored child in Nicaragua

Geoff and Christine Allwright have just returned from Nicaragua where they met the teenager they have been sponsoring for just over a year through child development charity, Compassion UK.

While in the area, the couple from Tadley also took the opportunity to meet two children sponsored by their son and daughter-in-law through Compassion for over six years.
“The thing I will remember the most from our trip is the love and care of the Compassion staff and the embrace of Geyson our sponsored child, despite the miles between us he is very much part of our extended family,” shares 59-year-old Christine, a part-time Finance Assistant.

“We met 15-year-old Geyson at his hotel along with his project director. He has grown into such a lovely young man, with a very smart haircut! We gave him an album filled with photos of our family which he loved. We then spent the afternoon at the zoo which was so much fun.”

Geoff shared, “Geyson’s Project Director explained how gang culture is one of the main challenges the staff see in the area. Some of his friends are already involved in gangs, but Geyson chooses to stay out of trouble. The support and care of the Compassion staff are helping him to make positive choices for his life, despite the difficult circumstances around him.

“Next, we headed to Geyson’s home to meet his family. We were greeted by his mum and two younger siblings as well as numerous neighbours. We took along a selection of sweets, bubbles and a football, which they all loved. Geyson showed us where the family cook, it was a small corner within the main living space; they cooked on something similar to a camping stove, it wasn’t much but at least they have electricity. After a truly special day together, it was an emotional farewell as we left the family home and said goodbye to Geyson,” reflects the 59-year-old travel company manager.

Geyson lives on the plains of Managua, home to approximately 6,000 residents. Typically houses are constructed of dirt floors, brick walls and tin roofs. Most adults in Managua work as free trade zone workers and earn the equivalent of £66 per month.

Nicaragua is the second-poorest nation in the region after Haiti, and over 20 percent of children experience growth stunting, an often irreversible condition resulting from chronic malnutrition during early childhood. While 90 percent of children are enrolled in primary school, many children are unable to attend due to child labour, which affects approximately 10 percent of children and adolescents.

The Allwright’s sponsorship of £28 a month enables Geyson to be part of his local Compassion project where he receives nutritious meals, emotional support, medical attention and the chance to get a good quality education.

Geoff reflects, “After seeing the projects in action, we feel so inspired by the work of the Compassion team, the project staff, volunteers and church partners work tirelessly to bring hope to over 400 children in their care.”

Christine concludes, “The trip gave us a better understanding of the challenges faced in Nicaragua for children and young people like Geyson. If you are considering sponsoring a child, please do so. You are giving that child the priceless gift of hope for a better future, which will not only transform their lives but also their families’ lives and communities’ too.”