A Story of Mentorship: Winnie

Mentor Winnie sat down with Esther, a P-2 (second grade) student after the day’s activities. How was she doing?  How did she like the Read for Life holiday program? As this American visitor watched from a distance, Esther and Winnie chatted like a mom and daughter after a busy school day. It looked so normal from thirty feet away.  

After Winnie finished talking with Esther, I asked Winnie if Esther was a student she is assigned to mentor. No, Winnie replied. So why did she spend so much time visiting with her? Winnie replied that she had seen Esther walking barefoot a few weeks before, and she didn’t like seeing her walking barefoot and getting sores on her feet. Winnie bought Esther a pair of shoes with her own money, to “help a child of God.” Winnie checked in with her to make sure the shoes were fitting properly, not causing any sores or pain. Winnie had also noticed a cut on the young child’s cheek, so she applied a little antibiotic ointment to help heal the wound. 

Later, I looked back at photos I had taken of Saturday Club. At that time, I hadn’t yet met Winnie; but looking back at the photos, it was noticeable how she loved and interacted with the children.



I learned that Winnie started working for Hope Alive! in March of 2022. She had heard about the job opportunity from Aunt Sarah, the site director, who attends the same church as Winnie. It was a welcome opportunity for Winnie to work with children. Winnie’s husband left her in 2013, taking their four children; he does not allow Winnie to see them. Winnie has taken her heartbreak and redirected it into serving the Lord through loving the children of Hope Alive!. She told me that one of her favorite things about Hope Alive! are the Bible studies that are a part of each Saturday Club. She wants to see the children come to Jesus and learn His word. This may sound like a “Sunday School answer,” but watching her in action with Esther, it was clear to me that the answer came from her heart.

Loving, committed mentors like Winnie set Hope Alive! apart from other relief and development programs. Your sponsorship fees help support these close, long-term relationships that are so vital to the children’s success and well-being.