As we celebrate the joy of Christmas and prepare to step into a new year, I want to pause and say thank you. This season invites reflection — and I am deeply grateful for the partnership, trust, and shared commitment that made this year one of meaningful growth and impact despite overwhelming challenges.
Because of your partnership, together we were able to reach 13,459,813 women and girls this year — each one with a story, a calling, and the potential to create lasting change. Your support did more than fund programs; it helped open doors, build confidence, and create opportunities that will echo for generations.
One of the highlights of my year was our incredible event in New York City on December 5. It was an unforgettable evening where hope took center stage as we learned more about our vision to end child marriage everywhere we work in Kenya and parts of Bangladesh, alongside partners and friends who share a heart for impact.
Some highlights from the evening:
- World Vision Video Producer and Storyteller, Anne Gibbs, shared the story of child bride and mother, Sameli, who today is part of a savings group and will soon have access to clean water because of partners like you.
- Donor partner Margo Day shared her journey from hopelessness — hearing how girls were running away to escaping female genital mutilation and child marriage — to one of abundant hope, as girls are empowered to pursue education and have the freedom to marry if and when they choose.
- Advocate and former World Vision sponsored child, Dola Reba, shared her personal story of boldness, loss, and strength, and invited us all to believe in girls just like her — girls who want to learn, to speak, to fly!
- And donor partners Carla and David Hillard shared their experience visiting Bangladesh and meeting Lucky and Jima, and seeing firsthand the work World Vision is doing through Big Dream to End Child Marriage.
You can relive the magic of the evening by looking through our event photo gallery here. We left encouraged, inspired, and more committed than ever to the work ahead.
Looking ahead with hope
As we look toward the coming year, we are filled with hope and expectation. With your continued partnership, we look forward to:
- Equipping and empowering 150 million women and girls by 2030 to reach their full potential.
- Ending child marriage everywhere we work in Kenya and parts of Bangladesh, directly impacting 660,000 people, including nearly 170,000 girls. We will also reach an additional 1.2 million people indirectly who will benefit from improved social, health, and economic conditions.
- Seeing the Beyond Access program drive meaningful transformation across recently launched expansion countries!
Christmas reminds us that light enters the world in powerful yet humble ways — and together, we are carrying that light forward.
I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with peace, joy, and purpose.
With gratitude,
