Balaam’s Journey of Hope Through Sponsorship

Amigos Internacionales • September 11, 2025
a blue sky with a few clouds in it
A poster for amigos mission in motion shows a girl holding a cup

When Gloria, Amigos Internacionales’ sponsorship coordinator in Northern Uganda, first heard about a young boy named Balaam, she immediately knew his story could not end in despair. Born with a disability in a rural village, Balaam’s life had been defined by struggle. School was a revolving door — each time his family couldn’t pay the fees, he was sent back home. His old wheelchair was worn, broken, and difficult to maneuver, leaving him feeling excluded and hopeless.

Yet Gloria saw more than his struggles. She saw a boy with potential — and she connected Balaam with Amigos Internacionales’ Child Sponsorship Program.

The Turning Point: Sponsorship Changes Everything

In 2023, Balaam’s life began to change. For the first time, he didn’t have to worry about being sent home because of unpaid school fees. Amigos Internacionales stepped in, ensuring his education was fully covered and that he had the supplies every child deserves: notebooks, pens, paper, and even a new mathematical set.

The impact was immediate. Balaam’s academic performance improved, but beyond that, his confidence blossomed. “I was no longer just a disabled boy from a small village,” he said. “I was now a sponsored child with dreams and aspirations.”

You can learn more about how sponsorship transforms lives like Balaam’s on our Sponsorship Stories page.

Old broken wheelchair Balaam used before sponsorship

Celebrating Milestones: His First Birthday Party

In 2024, Balaam celebrated something most children take for granted — a birthday party. For the very first time, his friends, family, and well-wishers gathered to honor him. There was joy, laughter, and hope in the air. This simple act of love symbolized something greater: Balaam is seen, valued, and cherished.

Looking Ahead: A Disability-Friendly Latrine

While Balaam has come so far, challenges remain. At school, he has access to a disability-friendly latrine — but at home, he faces daily struggles with basic hygiene. Amigos Internacionales is now working to construct a disability-friendly latrine at his home, fitted with ramps, handrails, and handwashing facilities. This project will give him dignity, protect his health, and set a precedent for inclusive facilities in his community.

You can read about the full proposal and support the project on our Sponsor a Child page.

Before and After images of some of our children

Plan for disability-friendly latrine at Balaam’s home
Old worn out wheelchair for Balaam
New Wheelchair Balaam received to go to school, wearing school uniform.

A New Wheelchair, A New Beginning

For years, Balaam relied on a deteriorating wheelchair that barely held together. But thanks to sponsorship support, Balaam recently received a new wheelchair — giving him dignity, independence, and mobility like never before.

The smile on his face as he sat in his new chair tells a story words cannot capture. He can now move freely at school and in his community, no longer defined by limitations but empowered by opportunity.

A Future Full of Possibilities

Today, Balaam dreams of becoming a doctor. His story is proof that when a child is given the tools, love, and support they need, they can rise above even the greatest challenges. Sponsorship is more than covering school fees — it is about holistic child development, nurturing the spirit, and empowering a child to thrive.

If you want to learn more about the global movement of sponsorship, resources like Sponsor A Child highlight how individuals around the world are stepping up to transform lives.

Be Part of Balaam’s Story

Balaam’s journey reminds us that hope grows where love is planted. His transformation is a living testimony of what happens when caring hearts come together to support a child in need.

✨ Would you consider becoming part of a story like Balaam’s?
Join us at
Amigos Internacionales to sponsor a child today — because every child deserves the chance to dream.


Be Part of Balaam’s Story

Balaam’s journey reminds us that hope grows where love is planted. His transformation is a living testimony of what happens when caring hearts come together to support a child in need.

✨ Would you consider becoming part of a story like Balaam’s?
Join us at
Amigos Internacionales to sponsor a child today — because every child deserves the chance to dream.


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Balaam with his new wheelchair, smiling at school
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