see how child sponsorship changes lives

Life used to be hard for Alem and his community in Ethiopia. Every day, he had to walk miles from his village to the nearest supply of water. It was so dirty that drinking it would often make him ill - But things changed when ActionAid started working with his community.

Then, the community started making plans for a well and a health centre - which ActionAid helped them build. So now the whole village has clean, safe water to drink and healthcare that has helped to save many young lives.

Today, Alem has a lot to look forward to. He has a chance to grow up strong and healthy. He'll be able use his education to build a livelihood for himself and if he has children, they will have a better chance of living a healthy and happy life. And the whole community can now look forward to a self-sufficient future.

photo : ©Mark Philliphs/ ActionAid UK