Jessa once felt invisible inside the limits of poverty. Compassion helped her discover she was seen, loved and capable of more. Today she’s a teacher, writer and mentor to children walking the path she once walked.

For many girls, poverty builds barriers I never had to face. It limits choice, narrows vision and silences possibility long before dreams have a chance to form. But witnessing those barriers being met with compassion fills me with hope.

Growing up in a squatter's community in Manila, Anjoe found hope through God’s presence and the Compassion program. From music to ministry to serving his community, his life has become a testimony of God’s faithfulness and grace.

I remember the smell. It clung to my clothes, my hair—it seeped inside of me. I felt small, angry. I thought, ‘How do you solve something this big?’ Then I heard it—one of my favourite sounds in the world.