Why sponsor a child? Sponsoring a child is a personal, effective way to fight poverty and transform the life of a child in one of the world's most dangerous places. Here are ten reasons why you should sponsor a child with World Vision today.
Why sponsor a child?
Here's ten reasons why you should sponsor a child
1. Sponsoring a child is an effective way to fight poverty
When you sponsor a child, you may only be linked to one child, but you help many. We pool donations with that of other sponsors for maximum impact, meaning that for every one child you help, four more benefit.
Going after poverty’s symptoms is temporary, so we tackle its causes - by providing help for families with their farms or business, or helping them stay safe in the face of natural disasters or conflict.
We provide clean water, nutritious food, healthcare, education and help families be self-sufficient, so they no longer need our help in the future.
2. Sponsoring a child provides long term support for a community
At World Vision, we work within a community for at least ten years and we let the community lead the way. We know that when community members lead change, the change lasts, so we start by asking the community what they need and how we can help.
We help communities set up things like savings groups, mothers’ groups or children’s clubs – so that when Child Sponsorship ends or World Vision leaves, the positive changes will last long into the future.
3. Sponsorship results from World Vision speak for themselves
As a sponsored child in Cambodia, Sreyrath (below) got an education, despite difficult circumstances. Now an adult, she appreciates the chance she was given and understands how important it is for all children to be educated. So she teaches in the village school, helping the next generation to fulfil their potential.
She says, “Now I can do my job and create a good experience for children. I want them to be better educated so they can choose whether or not they will be farmers like their parents.”
4. Child Sponsorship with World Vision gives children a voice and lets them lead
We listen to children about their experiences and the things they want for their family and community. Sometimes children are expressing themselves for the very first time, which is particularly important for children whose lives have taken unexpected turns because of war, abuse or natural disasters.
Amina, 9, says, “Today I learnt to express myself. Before I never had the opportunity to tell my story to someone else - even my parents - about my challenges in life and even my future dreams as well. And when I tell the story to other friends, I feel relief.”
5. Child Sponsorship allows you to see the difference you’re making through the eyes of a child
Sponsoring a child with World Vision offers you a unique personal insight into another country and culture. You'll receive letters from your sponsored child, written in their local language (and translated for you) as well as photos and videos from the community you're helping.
You’ll be able to see progress on your My Sponsorship account, with videos, photos and news from your sponsored child and their community. You can easily send messages to them on here too.
Sponsors can even travel to countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe to meet their sponsored children. Sue, a long-time UK child sponsor, travelled to Senegal to see her sponsored child: “Meeting Laurent, his family and community exceeded all my expectations. The warmth of their welcome and generosity of their gifts combined to make this a very memorable visit.”
6. Child Sponsorship allows you to create a friendship and provide encouragement
Sponsoring a child can be a special relationship. A child can gain hope, confidence, and resilience to tackle the challenges life throws up. Tebogo, 19, South Africa said: “My sponsor granted me a chance to become a child, something I would have never experienced given the fact that my parents had abandoned us. I believe that my sponsor will be proud of me, that I am able to give my time and skills to children in my community. I wish to see them to become good and educated people.”
7. Child Sponsorship allows you to rediscover letter-writing with your family
Many of us have fond memories of taking time to write a letter to a friend or loved one, sharing news or highlights from our day or a special occasion. With Child Sponsorship, you can write letters and cards to your sponsored child - and they'll reply to you.
The impact of a letter can be profound for a child, as Samirawit, 17, in Ethiopia shows: “The letters I received from my dearest sponsors and the love they shared with me is still alive in my heart.”
Letter-writing is also a great way to involve your children or grandchildren, allowing them to learn about another country, culture and language. Writing to a child the same age, that they can relate to, will help them understand other children's lives around the world.
8. Child Sponsorship with World Vision is world-renowned
At World Vision, we’ve been leading Child Sponsorship for more than 70 years and we work in almost 100 countries. We have a long history of transforming the world from speaking out on the aids crisis to fighting famine in Ethiopia, to saving refugees after the Vietnam War.
We operate in some of the most dangerous parts of the world, wherever children need us and are often the first on the ground after an emergency. We always put vulnerable children first, so we’ll find you a child that desperately needs your help and we’ll use the money you give to build them a better life. We'll give them protection from abuse, safety, food, clean water and a chance at an education.
9. Child Sponsorship is simple to do
From just 89p a day, you can transform a child's life. You can sponsor a child and be as involved as you'd like to.
All you need to do is sign up, then we’ll send you a welcome pack within two weeks of you sponsoring a child. We’ll also give you login details so you can keep up to date online. We know circumstances change, so you can be involved for as long as you like.
10. Still not sure why you should sponsor? Listen to our sponsors.
David says, “My wife and I feel truly blessed that we are able to sponsor a child and it's thanks to World Vision and all the good that you do to make it all happen. It's such an uplifting and positive experience helping a child and community develop, that I would recommend it to everyone. Thank you for this opportunity.”
Charmaine says, “It has been brilliant for us and our young girls in particular, as it has been a real eye-opener for them to learn how our sponsored girl may live compared to our girls’ own lives. They have taken such a wonderful interest in our sponsored child.”
If you haven't found the answer to your question 'why sponsor a child' above, read through our Child Sponsorship FAQs or if you're ready sponsor a child today.
