Florence Lomariwo’s lifelong crusade against female genital mutilation (FGM) in Kenya, started with her own narrow escape when her family tried to marry her to an older man.

Florence bravely defied the tradition and is now actively rescuing other girls from the same fate. She now runs a school and rescue center for girls who escaped FGM and child marriage.

Brothers Alex and David wanted to be soccer stars when they grew up. But living in poverty, they knew they’d have to put those dreams aside, instead finding ways to support their family.

Soon, another dream took root: Owning a chocolate factory. Armed with determination and lessons learned at their Compassion center, Alex and David built their dream factory, working daily to produce high-quality chocolate bars in Ecuador.

Karunia from Indonesia was born with Apert syndrome, a congenital condition in which the bones fuse together too early in the womb. It affects the skull, hands and feet. While treatment is available, there is no cure.

Rather than becoming discouraged by the bullying she has experienced, she’s standing tall and helping her whole community learn the beauty and worth of people who are born different.

As a child, Dadiva would watch her mother embroider beautiful art on her rectangular hoop. And as she grew, so did her dream of embroidering too.

Through a sewing workshop at her Compassion center and the gift of a sewing machine from her sponsor, Dadiva perfected her craft. Now, she owns a successful sewing business with the income and stability she needs to thrive.

At just 12 years old, Ayun was set to marry, forcing her to stop her studies and put her dreams on hold. But a Compassion center director stepped in, empowering Ayun to escape child marriage and achieve a greater purpose.

Ayun is now studying biology at university; her tuition is fully funded by a scholarship. She looks forward to starting a career and reaching for her dreams.