Growth does not always happen all at once. Sometimes it appears in small changes that become easier to notice over time. Through the Allies Mentoring Program in Indonesia, teachers and volunteers have been seeing those changes in children who continue to participate each month. The activities give them opportunities to learn, play, share their ideas, and practice positive character values both at the program and in everyday life.

After the summer break, volunteers returned to the Kutaisi Center in Georgia and were welcomed with hugs, photos, selfies, and children joking about who had missed them the most. Since a few new children had joined, the day began with introduction games before moving into a lesson about food and nutrition. The children made paper apples, “baked” pizzas, decorated ice creams, and joined the activities with plenty of laughter. Even the caregivers enjoyed the exercises and saved them for later use.

At Island Hope Orphanage Centre in Chukwani, Tanzania, children recently took part in a lesson called “I Am Special and Unique.” The goal was simple: to help them understand their value, recognize their strengths, and grow in confidence. The volunteers talked with the children about the different gifts people have, from sports and music to leadership, creativity, and helping others. They also encouraged them to make good choices, learn from mistakes, and keep trying even when something feels difficult.

A visit to Japu, Peru, does not always go exactly as planned. On one of our youth activity days, rapidly changing weather and snow meant lots of adjusting for our Allies team. Still, the children gathered for the activity “I Am God’s Creation,” where they talked about identity, worth, and the truth that our circumstances do not determine our value in God’s eyes.

One of our teens from Fort Worth Christian recently served with Allies by making bracelets for children in our programs. The experience inspired her to write the poem below and to start a bracelet club at her school, where students can continue making bracelets to donate to Allies.

For 15 years, faithful partners have helped turn one orphanage visit into a global mentoring network serving more than 27,000 children each month. See what your support is making possible and where Allies is headed next.

Sometimes the biggest changes happen one small step at a time.

In Antananarivo, Madagascar, one of the most meaningful moments during a recent activity began with a child sitting quietly by himself. While the other children played and talked, he stayed on the sidelines, shy and unsure. A volunteer named Rova noticed him and invited him to join a simple card game.

In Peru, children gathered for activities designed to help them grow in confidence, discover their abilities, and believe in their future. Through mentoring, encouragement, and shared learning, the children were reminded that growth happens one small step at a time. One volunteer shared that one of her greatest goals is to walk alongside children as they discover their talents, build self-confidence, and grow in an environment filled with care, respect, and learning. For her, mentoring is not simply about teaching, but about helping children believe they are capable of more than they imagined.

In Mwanga, Tanzania, seven-year-old Rose begins each day earlier than most children her age. Before the sun rises high, she helps fetch water, cares for her younger siblings, and supports her mother with responsibilities at home. Like many children in her community, her days are shaped by duties that leave little room for rest or play.