Almost 8,000 incredible Kiwis like you sponsor at least one child through Tearfund New Zealand’s partner Compassion International. We thought you’d be interested in the five questions we’re most asked about sponsoring a child. You might find answers to things you’ve been wondering about too!
Mia and Macy with the three children their family sponsors
Can I visit my child and what does this process involve?
Yes, you can! Just make sure you submit your request at least eight weeks prior to the visit date to see if the timing works. Getting your visit request in as soon as possible increases the chances of it being accepted and means the local planner will have plenty of time to organise your visit.
Important things to note when considering visiting your sponsored child:
1. If you’re under 18-years-old, make sure you bring a parent with you!
2. You will need to cover the costs of your trip.
3. You will need to sign a code-of-conduct and do a Ministry of Justice check.
On the day of your visit, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation and transported to the programme to meet your sponsored child. Make sure you lock a whole day into your calendar, as you can expect the trip to take around six hours. A Compassion staff member will accompany you.
We’ve had individuals, couples and families visit their sponsored children and many we’ve spoken to have said it brings their sponsorship to life and helps them see just how far their $56 a month donation can go.
Watch this 90-second video to hear about Becky and her daughter’s experience visiting the children they sponsor in Kenya.
If you’d like to visit your sponsored child, email us at info@tearfund.org.nz or give us a call on 0800 800 777.
Charlie, a 10-year-old boy from Nicaragua, loves to receive letters from his sponsor. “I feel so happy when my sponsor sends me a letter! Photo: Compassion International
Does letter writing really make a difference?
It absolutely does! Children truly treasure the letters sent to them and they can become keepsakes. Letters aren’t just words to these children, they provide hope and encouragement. It’s a chance to tell them you believe in them, you’re praying for them, that they are known and loved.
Owen in Kenya heard “I love you” for the first time in a letter from his sponsor.
Your words have the power to encourage children living in poverty into a better future for themselves. Some sponsored children become lawyers, teachers and doctors, others become pastors and community leaders. You never know what dream you might spark in a child, through your words.
Alice is a 21-year-old student in Mombasa, Kenya who overcame loss, sickness, and an unsafe shelter to become a strong student and advocate for girls in her community. Compassion International
How long can a child stay in the programme for?
A child can be registered into the child sponsorship programme between the ages of one and ten. Once sponsored, a child can be supported throughout their school years, usually until the child reaches the age of 18 to 22.
Each child’s expected completion in the programme is managed on a case-by-case basis. Their abilities and aspirations, the country’s school system and opportunities through additional tertiary training all play a part in determining how long they would stay in the programme for.
The aim of sponsorship, especially through the teenage years, is to set the young person up for success. For some this may be academically with support into high school and university, and for others it might be completion of primary school and vocational training.
A medical professional is measuring the height of a girl at a Child Development Centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Photo: Compassion International
How are my donations used?
Child sponsorship funds are used to provide for a child and their family’s specific needs.
Donations received by Compassion International are primarily used to:
- Employ staff to develop, deliver and supervise child development programmes like literacy workshops, menstrual health resources, and age-appropriate Bible lessons.
- Purchase medical services, food, uniforms, school supplies and emergency needs for children in the programme.
Christmas donations are pooled to purchase a gift for each child that attends the Compassion programmes to ensure no one is left out. The Centre staff take joy in selecting gifts for each child, like school bags, balls or toys, according to their age and interests.
In addition to their sponsorship, birthday and Christmas gifts it’s also possible to make a project donation that will go towards a need in your sponsored child’s development centre. A project gift supports all the children attending Compassion programmes, blessing the whole community.
Domi, Thommy, and Marven are at their Compassion centre in Indonesia, receiving Christmas gifts. Photo: Compassion International.
Can I send physical gifts to my child?
We completely understand that you may want to send the child you sponsor a teddy bear, a doll or even some of their favourite sporting goods. Unfortunately, we can’t allow parcels to be sent due to risks including possible theft, and high customs charges and delivery fees.
The only products that can be sent are paper items which can be scanned and digitally delivered by Tearfund. We recommend sending postcards, photos or activities such as crosswords or colouring pages. This will bring enormous joy to the child you sponsor.
To bless your sponsored child on an important day or occasion, our recommendation is to give a special financial gift. This means the local staff in your sponsored child’s community can purchase a culturally appropriate gift locally on your behalf.
But the best gift of all is your personal encouragement, love and prayers.
Thank you for all the ways you are helping vulnerable children thrive. You are an answer to prayer!
If you have any more questions about our sponsorship programme, don’t hesitate to talk to one of the team on 0800 800 777 or email us at info@tearfund.org.nz.