Millions of Chinese fled to Hong Kong in the 1950s to escape the Communists' advance. Families were crowded into simple one-room apartments in high-rise buildings put up by the Hong Kong government. Children ran aimlessly through the refugee camps while parents despaired for their future. Parents realized that without education, their children had no hope for a better life. In time, the Hong Kong government turned the rooftops of these buildings into classrooms for the children.

The Hong Kong government provided for the Chinese people's resettlement, but not the fees needed to educate their children. So, in the 1960s Partners International, then known as Christian Nationals Evangelism Commission, started providing tuition and uniforms for children in the rooftop schools. This project was the first outreach in what would become our Sponsor A Child program which today cares for thousands of children in ten countries.

It is such a blessing to be able to help a child in this way. It is so wonderful when they (sponsored children) complete their education and go on to serve the Lord!

    —Linda Otto, Sponsor since 1971