If you happen to have a godchild in Africa named Vitus, just know that by the end of the school year, he might become Virus. Vanessa might turn into Vanesa, Vaneza, or even Waneza. One day, you'll receive a report for Alice, and the next time, it might say Elice—even though it's the same girl. Rameck and Lameck aren’t twin brothers, nor is this a typo; it’s just one boy with multiple variations of his name. 

So, dear godparents, get ready for an adventure with names! These shifts in spelling are simply a reflection of the relaxed approach to writing in Africa and are not considered mistakes. The level of precision we’re accustomed to is not a cultural priority there. In many communities, in addition to official languages like English and Swahili, tribal languages are also spoken. It’s common for names to be written differently depending on the language—or even a mix. 

Another peculiarity is birthdates. Most children are born at home, and parents often don’t remember the exact date. When they finally register their child at the civil office, officials usually assign a birthday around mid-July or December. That’s why so many children share the same birthdate! But this doesn’t necessarily mean they celebrate birthdays. Most children don’t mark their birthdays at all and don’t associate them with gifts. 

If you’d like to send a birthday present to your godchild, don’t be surprised if we kindly ask you not to. Of course, no child would turn down a gift! But we strive to ensure that no child is left out. That’s why, instead of individual presents, we organize collective gifting for the children we support in Africa. Periodically, we invite godparents to contribute a small symbolic donation—usually 10 euros—so that we can purchase a gift for their godchild. 

 For children whose sponsors are unable to contribute, we provide symbolic gifts using donations or funds specifically given for this purpose, ensuring that no child is left out. This way, we bring joy to every child, making their happiness complete when no one feels forgotten.

Their excitement over gifts is evident in their eyes and smiles. But here’s an interesting phenomenon—photography! When we try to take pictures, children often appear serious, looking down, unsure how to smile for the camera. The moment captured in the photo rarely reflects their daily playfulness and happiness. Sometimes, getting a child to smile for a picture becomes a little mission of its own! 

You’ll also notice that most children are photographed in their school uniforms, which might give the impression that they always wear the same clothes. The reason is purely practical—we visit them at school, where we take the pictures. 

One thing that surprises many sponsors is that girls often have shaved heads. Schools require all students to keep their hair short due to frequent problem with parasites, especially fungal infections like ringworms. These infections are common among children with weakened immune systems due to poor nutrition. The easiest way to treat them is with a special medicated powder and by keeping hair very short. 

Godparents may also notice that their godchild moves frequently from one region to another. Due to droughts, poor farming conditions, or other hardships, families are often forced to relocate in search of better living conditions. These migrations, while essential for survival, add an extra challenge to a child’s education. 

When writing letters to their godparents, children often feel pressured not to make mistakes. This is why their messages tend to repeat the same phrases: “Thank you so much for your help and gift. May God bless you.” While they genuinely want to express their gratitude, they also fear saying something wrong. 

But the greatest gift these children receive isn’t a material one—it’s the opportunity for education, which transforms their lives. Their names may change, but the chance you give them stays forever. 

Like six-year-old Yohane, for example—the boy who, in 2008, became the starting point of Kolajna ljubavi in Africa. Yohane was an orphan, left in the care of his grandmother, who couldn’t provide for him. When she entrusted him to our Ivana Marasović (then Parlov), Yohane became one of the first residents of the orphanage Ivana built with the help of volunteers and donors from Croatia. 

Today, Yohane is a graduate mechanical engineer, employed in his field, and deeply grateful for the opportunity he was given. Instead of a life on the streets, he now has a future filled with dignity, progress, and hope. 

In his heart, just like in the hearts of all the students in our sponsorship program—the name of his sponsor is forever inscribed. Because this opportunity is more than just education. It’s a bridge to a future they once could only dream of. 

Thank you for being part of this story and for changing lives.