by Sister Ndukeobong Clement
Head of Administration, Caritas Makeni, Sierra Leone, Africa
In 2023, I was entrusted with the care of 20 young children through the ANCOP-CARITAS Sponsorship program, I felt both honored and humbled. Each child carried a story, some marked by poverty, others by broken families or quiet struggles. I was asked not just to manage their sponsorships, but to journey with them.
It was a call to trust and dare. At first, I worried: Could I truly meet their needs? Could I be present enough to make a difference? But I leaned into our SSND charism, which calls us to educate with the heart and to be a transforming presence. I dared to believe that accompaniment itself could be healing.
I worked closely with their sponsors to ensure each child had what they needed: school supplies, uniforms, nutritious food, and emotional support. I visited their homes, spoke with their families, and followed up with teachers to monitor their progress. I celebrated their small victories: improved grades, newfound confidence, and a smile that hadn’t been there before. And when setbacks came, I stayed close, reminding them, and myself, that growth takes time and love.
Through this journey, I saw the power of presence. I wasn’t just a coordinator; I was a companion. The children began to trust me, and in turn, I trusted the Spirit working through our shared path. Being an SSND gave me the lens to see each child not just as a beneficiary, but as a sacred life with infinite potential. This experience has deepened my commitment to the mission. It has taught me that daring isn’t loud; it’s the quiet courage to show up, to believe in others, and to walk with them faithfully. And in that trust, transformation unfolds, not only in the children, but also in me.