New ways of communication

My preferred way of writing to children has always been using online letter templates because it's quicker and easier for me than having to handwrite and post. However I stopped using online greeting cards since learning that it's printed on normal paper rather than card.

I see value in writing this way because children reply by handwriting no matter whether you type or handwrite your letters to them. Nonetheless, having to adapt to current Covid situation with centers closure and stay-at-home or social distancing orders in place, the journey my letters making to children now seems far from value driven. There is no guarantee of any attached photos being received, and the return journey only consisting of the child response in the format of either text or by phone and translated/transcribed by staff – no handwriting, drawings.

Aflatoun International has recently conducted a survey (Aflatoun COVID-19 Impact & Response) amongst its 114 social franchisees in 67 countries and published findings in April 2020.

CI among 28 International NGOs participated in the survey showed nearly 90% have access to the internet once every 2 days, but only 17% have continuous access, which shows the opportunity for CI to maximize service deliveries going forward using online platform.

For examples:

a) Like current EG follow-up reporting where children write their letters, take photos and send via WhatsApp – can this be adapted to our online letters too even if that means any photos we attach may be dropped off along the way to them? (saving money in printing/mailing to SOA)

b) Using Skype to communicate with children is a big advantage we have today – can children read/show what they wrote on Skype recorded video message with translator beside or based in CIKC, and email the link to sponsor? (saving money in paper/mailing from SOA)

Of course, I understand the value of receiving original handwritten letters of our children, and vice versa but at the same time I believe that we can weigh pros and cons of self-transmitted digital letter/drawing, or moving visual images and voice of your child!

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