I am thinking of sponsoring a child?

Question

probably in India. Has anyone had experience of this? Positive or negative ?

Erica N this is my concern. Will it actually go to the child, or elsewhere?

Sponsoring a family here in London may sound a nice idea,but I feel that I already do so, by paying for their benefits with the tax deductions etc. from my wages.

Answer 1

Yes, yes, yes...do it.

We sponsored a child in Africa with World Vision, and yes all the money goes to that child. Not only that but it also helps the village. We did this for 12 years until His education was finished. We got regular reports, school reports and letters from him and his brother and photographs. One Christmas we sent off £50 for him to buy some personal presents, World vision received this money and then gave it all to him, we waited eagerly to see what he bought, thinking maybe he might have bought a pushbike or clothes or whatever he wanted. Eventually we received a reply with a photo...he had bought a COW, ...yikes...imagine that. He told us how important it was for his village and that lots of people would benefit, it also made him a very important person.
We used to look forward to sending and receiving information and you can write to world vision and they will pass all the mail on and also they send their own reports to you. Go for it, it really is a good experience. Best wishes to you.

Answer 2

I've sponsored a young boy in Central Amerian since he was 2 years old. He is now 10 years old. In addition, I have sponsored 2 Grandmothers from the same area. I have nothing but positive things to say about all my experiences with my sponsored child/grandmas and the agency through which I sponsor them. Go for it.

Answer 3

I sponsor a child in Guatemala, through Compassion Internation. I did a little research first and found that they are a good charity. They help lots of children, even the ones who don't have a sponsor. They give them an education, vaccinations, and a good meal each day. I write him, and I have received letters and drawings from my little boy. He's 5 years old. I received a photo of him and some history about his family. I sent him some pictures of me and my family. They periodically have trips where you can visit your child if you would like.Please consider choosing a child. You can select them from all over.
Here's the link...
http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm

Answer 4

I have been doing this for about 10 years. I do it through a sponsor company called Everychild. www.everychild.org.uk. It costs approx £15 a month. For this the child will be placed on a programme to ensure he/she gets some basic education and vaccinations against disease. You will be sent some personal details and a photo of your sponsor child. Also you should receive occasional updates on the child's progress and the child will write to you occasionally. See the website. Good luck.

Answer 5

I've never done a long-term sponsorship like what you're thinking of, but I am sponsoring an Ohio family for the holidays and I have to say that it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. If you do this, you'll be making an impact that the person that you're sponsoring would never forget.

I did look into the long-term sponsorships, just be aware that for most of those, while you may be in communication with one specific child, it is much more likely that they use the money to fund community projects. Its just how the charities operate. Please read the fine print for any charity that you plan to support.

Answer 6

Years ago I looked into doing this. Forget why it never happened. I looked at the financials for each of the organizations. I recognized that the money would probably go into a general fund. I wanted one where 80% of the money did not go into an administration category, in other words, someone's pocket as a paycheck. I also wanted one where you could have some direct contact with the child; send special gifts directly to him or her and their family. Never found one that allowed that.

I love the idea of sponsoring a local family!

Answer 7

My family sponsors a child in Africa with the help of World Vision, it's a rewarding experience, but sometimes we don't take the time to write him..But he always write too us..He asked us how the rain season was in Canada lol, such an adorable little guy. I'm going to sposor a child once I'm out of college :) that's if I don't build my own orphanage :)

Answer 8

I sponsored a child in Nepal and Africa for a few years with Action Aid and each sponsorship ran its course, however for various reasons Action Aid dropped the scheme,under that scheme the children wrote to you from school with a letter from the class teacher as well, although you knew the details of the children they were only told that somebody from say England was helping them, it was felt that too much information would lead to begging letters etc. I dont think the child or their familys recived any money direct, I suspect such a scheme would be impractical, Whilst it made your donation seem personal, I dont belive it did any more than put a face on charity, Hope this helps.

Answer 9

I've never done so, but my mom used to sponsor two children through Save the Children. She got letters from them and pics periodically. With some of the organizations they will give you an accounting of how the money is spent - I do know that you cannot directly help the child you've picked....i.e., they will not let you make contact except through their organization [s]

Answer 10

suggest you try looking into sponsoring a child through One Spirit Organization.90 cents out of each dollar goes to where it needs to go.

Am a co-sponsor through this fine organization and it helps the LAKOTA PEOPLE. of course I am prejudiced in helping the NATIVE PEOPLE.

www.nativeprogress.org will provide information.