Knock, knock, knock. “Sorry to bother you, but would you have any food to spare?”
From one house to the next, Kima* would repeat this routine with the hope she would get enough food to make it until the next day. Then she would do the same thing the following day and the day after that. While other teenagers were attending school and preparing for their future, Kima was just trying to survive.
Across several rural regions of South Asia, thousands of families migrate seasonally to work in the sugarcane fields under harsh, exploitative conditions. Many of these families are trapped in bonded labor, working to repay high-interest debts to local contractors. Because the work demands long hours in distant fields, parents are often forced to leave their children behind in villages for six to eight months each year. These children, left without consistent care or supervision, face hunger, neglect, and exploitation. Many are compelled to beg for food, depend on neighbors, or even drop out of school to survive.
In addition to begging daily for food, she did not attend school and had no knowledge of the basic alphabet. Her future looked bleak: with the options of working as a bonded laborer like her parents or being forced into early marriage—a devastating common occurrence for girls in her community.
But then Kima got connected with One More Child’s feeding program in South Asia. For the first time in her life, Kima had reliable nutritious meals every day—instilling dignity in her life. With food security, Kima began attending classes regularly and developed an excitement for learning.
Our ministry came alongside Kima and her family, providing tangible support, practical guidance, and spiritual encouragement. This support strengthened the family, providing Kima with the opportunity to focus on her education, and slowly, she began to thrive. Her education grew immensely, to the point where she could deliver a public speech. This was unimaginable a year ago.
She also began to participate in church activities: singing songs of worship and giving thanks to God. Now, Kima not only has the resources to achieve success, but she has hope that a brighter future is possible.
Kima described the transformation in her life saying, “Before, I went hungry and knocked on doors for food. Now I eat every day, and I can study. I want to become someone who helps others the way I was helped.”
The impact of investing in an individual extends beyond just that one life. We exist to reach one more but when we empower others, the impact becomes exponential. By equipping others, we create a ripple effect—enabling them to help others thrive too. The impact for one more becomes an impact for many more.
*Name and photos changed for privacy.
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