How will my sponsorship help my child?

World’s Children supports orphans and vulnerable children who live in an orphanage or children’s home due to a wide variety of circumstances. Your sponsorship fee is sent directly to the home in which your child lives, and is used to purchase nutritious food, clothing, medicine, books, supplies, and other necessities. Our children’s homes are like (very) large families. As with any family, it is important that all the children feel equally loved and nurtured. So when you sponsor a child, your donation is pooled with that of other sponsors and used to support ALL the children equitably – both sponsored and unsponsored.

Equally important to the physical help you provide to all the children, is the psychological and emotional support that your sponsored child feels. When they know that someone cares about them and wants them to succeed, they prosper. Sponsored children often do better in school and are more motivated to plan and pursue long-term goals than their unsponsored peers; never underestimate the emotional impact your sponsorship will have on your child.

Can I select the child I will sponsor?

Call us old-fashioned, but we prefer to work with each sponsor individually to match you with a child. Please do let us know if you have preferences about the child you wish to sponsor (for example, a child close in age to your own, or a child from a country with which you have a connection). We are happy to do what we can to match you with the “right” child for you.

If you do not indicate any preferences about the child you will sponsor, we will match you with the child who is in the greatest need of support. We know our kids, and we know who needs you the most. Once we match you with a child, we will send you a welcome packet with information about your child, and what to expect as a sponsor.

We also have a Child Safety Policy, which we feel pretty strongly about.

How can I correspond with my child?

You are under no obligation to correspond with your child, but many sponsors find an unexpected happiness when they build a relationship with their child through the exchange of letters and photos.

Children in our homes are very curious about their sponsors and what their lives are like. Most of the children are timid about asking their sponsors personal questions, but you can be sure they will be extremely curious about you. They love to receive letters in which you tell them about your family and your life. They enjoy learning what you like to do, what your job is, what your favorite games and recreational activities are, the names of your family members, and even pets. If a sponsor sends a personal or family photo that photo is treasured by the child and carefully kept with their belongings.

World’s Children sends a mail packet to each home every other month and we are happy to facilitate your correspondence with your child. We will gladly forward small, flat items like photos, letters, and cards. We don’t recommend sending any cash or gifts because of postal theft, duties that are sometimes imposed on the receiving end, and jealousy among the children when some receive gifts and others do not. The children themselves do not have email addresses (yet), but in some instances we are able to forward emails from sponsors on to the children’s homes.

Overseas mailing dates are on the first of the following months: March, June, September, and December

What if the child I sponsor leaves the orphanage?

We work hard to make sure that the children we support are in the situation that is best for them. Usually, this is living in the children’s home and attending school. But occasionally, a child leaves the home and is no longer able to be sponsored through World’s Children. Most of the time, this is a happy occasion (such as graduating from school and getting a job, or reuniting with a family member who can provide a loving home). Other times, a child may leave because his guardian doesn’t see the long term benefit of an education, or she is needed to help care for an ailing relative. The orphanage administrators act as advocates for the children in these cases, and will make sure whenever possible that if they are leaving, they will be cared for properly.

If your sponsored child leaves for any reason, we will contact you and explain why your child has left. We will also ask if you would like to transfer your sponsorship to another child in need.

Can I terminate my sponsorship at any time?

Yes. You do not sign a contract with us and you are under no obligation to continue your support. Most sponsors like to see their child complete their education and then decide whether to sponsor another child or not, but the choice is always yours. You can cancel sponsorship at any time. To cancel, please call or email to let us know that you want to end the relationship you have with your child, and we will try to find them a new sponsor.

How is my sponsorship donation used?

World’s Children is committed to honoring your stated preferences for sponsorship donations. In some circumstances, such as an unforeseen change in a partner organization, your contribution will be used for the greatest need of vulnerable children living in poverty.