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. Rather than send paper letters, we have an email for the kids where sponsors can attach letters and photos. This save a lot of time and money and the children enjoy the instant communication.
The children themselves do not have email addresses, but the administrator of the children’s home oversees the email communication for all the children.
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.
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.
Why sponsor an orphanage instead of one child?
Some donors may not wish to have a one-on-one relationship with a particular child. We are equally grateful to those individuals who make a regular monthly donation to help an orphanage. When you sponsor an orphanage, we will send you a group photo of the children and a newsletter about the orphanage once a year. The orphanages we support always need extra funding for infrastructure, staff for running the orphanage, medical expenses, and educational expenses for the children. Your donation can help give these children a happy and healthy childhood and a solid education. You can experience the joy of uplifting all the children.
How is my sponsorship donation used?
World’s Children uses your donation for your sponsored child (or the orphanage you sponsor) and your donation is pooled with other sponsor donations so all the children are cared for equally in that home. World’s Children is committed to honoring your stated preferences for sponsorship donations. In some circumstances, such as an unforeseen change in the orphanage status, your contribution will be used for the greatest need of vulnerable children living in poverty.
How much of my donation goes to your programs?
In 2021, 92% of donations went to program services. For more information about our finances, please visit our Financials page.
World’s Children has received the highest ratings from Guidestar, Charity Navigator, and Better Business Bureau.