Media Release
Former Indian Sponsored Child To Give Free Talks In North Island
Former Indian sponsored child, Esther Azariah will be giving free talks as part of The Compassion Tour in the North
Island in the coming two weeks. Sponsored at aged 10 by a Kiwi family, these free events are hosted by NZ Aid and
Development Agency, TEAR Fund, and will see Esther share her inspirational story and encourage New Zealand audiences on
the benefits of child sponsorship. Esther’s story appeared on TV1’s Close Up program last night http://tvnz.co.nz/close-up/fruits-child-sponsorship-video-4842470
Born and raised in Bangalore, India, Esther’s family was burdened by the heavy debts incurred to pay her two elder
sisters’ dowry. The situation was compounded when her family’s small business collapsed. Shortly after, Esther became a
sponsored child and went on to complete both primary and secondary school.
Today, this 25 year old Bangalore Ernst and Young employee has a powerful story to tell and will be travelling abroad
for the first time when she visits New Zealand. Wellington based sponsor parents Gordon and Sonia Hadfield are thrilled,
“It’s not every day you have your sponsor child come to your country; usually it’s the other way around. We can’t wait
to meet Esther!”
TEAR Fund events organiser, Megan Claxton is looking forward to the tour, “Esther is a remarkable young lady that has
achieved so much in her life. Her inspiring testimony will captivate your imagination and steal your heart”
Entry is free but donations are welcome.
Further information and tour details can be found at www.tearfund.org.nz/ctesther
About Tear Fund
TEAR Fund NZ is a Christian aid and development organisation that works in close partnership with local Christian non-government
organisations and churches in Asia, Africa, Central and South America. TEAR Fund actively changes the lives of the poor
and oppressed through disaster relief, community development and child sponsorship. In NZ since 1975, TEAR Fund is a
registered New Zealand charity, member of the Council for International Development and the NZ Disaster Relief Forum.
For more information on TEAR Fund go to www.tearfund.org.nz
ENDS