A Story of Hope, Faith, and the Powerof Compassion

My name is Ngabirano Wilson, and I come from Masaka, Uganda. I was born on 2nd August 2000 in Kabale District into a family living in extreme poverty. My childhood was filled with challenges that no child should have to experience. I never had the opportunity to know my father, and my mother, Tibasulwa Denavence, struggled to provide even our basic needs. I was born alongside two siblings a brother and a sister but tragically, they both passed away. Later, my mother gave birth to another daughter, Kansiime, and together we became the only surviving children in our family.
As life became increasingly difficult, I was sent to live with my grandmother, Tindibuhwa Safina, in Kyazanga, Lwengo District. During that time, I became seriously ill and spent almost an entire year battling sickness. There were moments when my family feared I would not survive. Yet, by God's grace, I recovered. Looking back, I believe God spared my life for a greater purpose.

Despite surviving illness, poverty continued to threaten my future. Like many vulnerable children in Uganda, I faced the possibility of never completing school. My family could not afford school fees, uniforms, books, or other basic educational needs. My dreams seemed impossible. then, in 2009, everything changed.
I joined Compassion International through the Lwekishugi Child Development Center, where God introduced me to a family I had never met Mr. and Mrs. Henrik and Henita Riesien chose to sponsor me. Although they lived far away and did not know me personally, they opened their hearts to a young boy whose future seemed uncertain but their generosity transformed my life.

They paid my school fees, encouraged me through prayers and letters, and stood with me throughout my education from Primary Three onward. More importantly, they gave me hope. They helped me believe that my circumstances did not have to define my destiny. Their kindness taught me that one act of compassion can change a life forever.
Because someone believed in me, I was able to receive an education, develop my talents, strengthen my faith, and discover my purpose. I learned that true transformation begins when someone chooses to invest in another person's future.Many children miss school because they cannot afford tuition, uniforms, books, or sanitary supplies. Some have never experienced the encouragement of someone who truly believes in them.

Every day, we meet children whose stories resemble my own. Some have lost parents. Others live with grandparents or single mothers who struggle to provide even one meal a day. Many children miss school because they cannot afford tuition, uniforms, books, or sanitary supplies. Some have never experienced the encouragement of someone who truly believes in them.

At Young Visionaries Foundation, we believe that every child is created in the image of God and deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and fulfill their God given purpose. Through education support, mentorship, counseling, health and hygiene programs, home visits, spiritual guidance, and community empowerment, we are helping children discover hope, build confidence, and prepare for a brighter future.