A HAMPSHIRE couple have just returned from Africa where they met the child they sponsor.

Debbie Smart, 54, and her husband Neil, 56, the vicar of St Saviour’s Church in Brockenhurst, sponsor a boy and girl from the Kigeme area of Rwanda.

When they found out they would be travelling to the country to attend a church event, Debbie and Neil jumped at the opportunity to visit their sponsored children – Emmanuel, 11, and four-year-old Furaha.

The Smarts have been sponsoring children with Compassion UK for more than 16 years.

Debbie said: “Being a partner church and representing the denomination, we were there to congratulate and attend the inauguration of the new bishop of Kigeme.

“On our previous visit to Rwanda two years ago, we met Emmanuel. It was exciting and surprising to meet up with him again and see how he’s growing up into a compassionate, respectful and enthusiastic young gentleman.

“Emmanuel is achieving well at school and excelling in mathematics in particular. He has become more confident in attempting to communicate and comprehend English. Furaha was startled and overwhelmed when we met, she was overcoming a terrible flu.’’

Debbie and Neil met Furaha and Emmanuel’s mothers during their visit and gave gifts to both children including a backpack and t-shirt for Furaha and a pocket English Dictionary and maths stationary set for Emmanuel.

In return the children gave locally-crafted placemats and a handbag.

The couple also bought each family a goat because they recognised the value of the family having livestock.

“This means they’ll have fresh milk, and they may also be able to breed additional goats from them,” Debbie added.

Without the support and financial aid the two children receive from their local Compassion Project, Emmanuel and Furaha’s families would struggle to feed and educate them.

The sponsorship of £25 a month is entitling each of their sponsored children the chance to pursue an improved and different future thanks to nutritious meals, emotional support and medical attention.

Compassion UK has also offered Furaha regular access to health checks.