Children.org Sponsorship

MSC archived stories -  March 16, 2025 I haven't been able to publish anything on MSC recently when I became a carer for my elderly parents (whist on a full-time job). It makes me wonder how privileged are we to come and share stories of our sponsored children in the safest home of CI, MSC. Yes, when you're here life truly takes you to another level, leaving behind our ups and downs of the day… a therapeutic support indeed! I hate to contemplate the imminent shutting down of MSC for good, so to reminisce just started to archive my own stories, including shared comments, of course [ chelakablog.blogspot.com ] as best I can. I hope to be able to complete this task by next Sunday. If anyone can scavenge any interesting discussions on the message boards please do let me know, so I can try and archive them separately. Farewell and best wishes for the FB Group.

MSC archived stories -  January 18, 2025 Usually the turnaround time for DP is 4 weeks. It's been a month to next Sunday (Jan 26th) since UPS collected and successfully delivered my DPs to Dulce and the twins. Two years later, last night Simon appeared in my profile as a grown up man. As we aren't getting follow up photos from Zambia anymore, for the first time thought trying DPs to Faith and Simon there, so they will have to come to CC to collect it, where the staff will have a camera to take photos. I remember Zambia used to have the whole family gatherings for EG photoshoot out. So, are there anything special they would be more excited receiving? For example, a football or cricket bat & ball set for Simon, and for Faith.. (no idea!.. may be something to make her elegant hairstyle she has in the latest photo..?). Help me make the list, of course, I don't want to make staff jealous 

MSC archived stories -  December 26, 2024 Just had 2 packages prepared for Dulce and Joana & Ixayana and waiting for UPS to collect today. They are my trusted courier choice, and expecting delivery within 1-3 days. Mexico is not new to me but first time sending a package to Colombia. I had queries about the address given to me but after a quick chat with Rebekah in CT yesterday, she managed to contact the agency straightaway and got it corrected for me. Thank you! A lot of thoughts went into planning the gifts, and I hope they will like it, especially the twins' one is designed around a theme... (see if you can guess from the photo). Will share their reaction when I get the follow-up photos.

MSC archived stories -  December 12, 2024 Is this concert going to be live on CI YouTube channel available outside USA?

MSC archived stories - October 13, 2024 I extracted some points from this article (dated April 2023) and in response to Prof. Cockburn (adjunct professor at University of Toronto, Canada) given my views on CI.   https://theobserver-qiaa.org/the-consequences-of-child-sponsorship   1) The dignity of a child diminishes through sponsorship. When sponsored, they must give frequent updates—including letters and photos—to the donor. > I know, the family has to agree to CI minimal requirements before enrolling a child in the sponsorship program. Even if they really don't feel committing to this at the start the program benefits outweigh any resentment on their end.   2) The child and their family must divulge intimate facts about their lives to a stranger; this can lead to feelings of duty and pressure. The sponsorship procedure dehumanizes the child, turning them into a cause for sympathy or posting them in the format of a shopping catalog. > We are obligated to prote...

MSC archived stories - September 3, 2024 My darling  'dhuwa'  Joana and Ixayana are back on (computer) screen to delight my world and yours! They are anxiously waiting for my first letter, so think it's time to break my silence.   As they are getting used, I feel that EG to them is nothing else but time for shopping.. let’s go sister! Both are truly enjoying the moment, yet Ixayana with never goes away shyness or bemused expression on her face.   Thinking of them reminds… Gabriela Mistral (1889-1957), a Chilean poet and Chile's first Nobel Prize laureate in Literature. She is most widely quoted in English for Su Nombre es Hoy ("His Name is Today"): "We are guilty of many errors and many faults, but our worst crime is abandoning the children, neglecting the foundation of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made, and his senses are being developed. To him we cannot...

MSC archived stories - August 6, 2024 The latest annual photos of Ixayana and Joana (the twin sisters) have arrived.. what a change in just 7 months gone past since I last saw them in January of this year. Both facial expressions beginning to show an understanding of me in their lives.. that's a relief! Other than sending gifts, I paused writing to them so far until they can understand by themselves a bit of my role as the sponsor.   As the time goes by, my reading of Ixayana is getting more closer to my own childhood, as her mum, Niza just wrote to say how scares she is to swim in the water park, whereas Joana is the complete opposite.   Even the colour of Ixayana's outfit the light blue/white is my favourite too. She seems still very shy girl as touching the wall behind on taking the photoshoot. I know if I was to meet her someday and offer a handshake, she would be quite hesitant to react, but Joana will have a firm shake with confidence in herself.   I'm yet to d...

MSC archived stories - July 13, 2024 When I saw Dulce with her Welcome Gift just a couple of days ago, I was literally speechless. Her single mother, Yenifer could not be happier to take her daughter (age 5) for the first time on shopping and bought her an outfit (wearing for the photo). I wondered what Dulce was thinking on that debut trip but I could hear it myself because we both share the same (zodiac sign) characteristics.   I was immediately thinking of planning a DP, so yesterday went shopping after work and bought some clothes to begin with my project. I had to think and fit her age, culture, and climate. A few more items to add (any ideas..?) before sending the package off to Colombia – a new destination to explore as well as trying to keep the shipping/taxes below 50% of the overall cost. Also, her birthday is coming up in October, so aiming to have it delivered by then.   One thing struck me deeply about Dulce is that she's a very responsible girl, which is of ...

MSC archived stories - July 7, 2024 CI India is making headway.. we know Kolkata resumed work recently [http://sahaywb.in], and now Delhi too, the website revamp has just gone live [www.children.net.in] – promising prospects on the ground that I believe look to soon resume sponsor connection activities (i.e. letters, EG/DP, waiting list).   CI having local NGOs like SAHAY or CHILDREN give us the opportunity to have great insights into what's happening over there, especially through resources like Annual Report. For example, a program called 'Yuva Vikas' in Hindi/Sanskrit meaning 'Youth Development' (ages 16-18) in action (Delhi AR 2022-23). It even shows how many DP, EG, Memo Inquiry, Sponsor Visit and Death of Child information for the year. To me, compared to other CI countries the advantage of sponsoring in India is the presence of SAHAY and CHILDREN.   I just received a letter from Neyli in Honduras. As lovely as she always is, writing to thank me for the immens...

MSC archived stories - June 15, 2024 I believe most of us, sponsors are from the generations of 'Baby boomers' (born between 1946 and 1964) and 'Gen X' (between 1965 and 1979). I fall under the latter, and since my generation Gen Y ( aka  Millennials – 1980 to 1994), Gen Z (1995 to 2009), and Gen Alpha (2010 to 2024) – the latest being the largest generation in human history, over 2 billion people!   My 'sponsor world' spans across Gen Z (2) and Gen Alpha (16) encompassing dynamic and vibrant cultures, religious beliefs, languages and custom. The sponsorship opened up window not only to interact with my predecessors (i.e. some of you) and successors (the children/youth) but also to understand vast experiences of different generations living together across the five continents.   I recently went to see a classical Chinese dance, performed for the first time in my city of Glasgow by Shen Yun Performing Arts celebrating thousands of years civilisation (recommend if...

MSC archived stories - May 21, 2024 Best wishes for the team from CI Guayaquil participating in DI GF24 (May 22-26) in KC. You are amazing and absolutely unique!   The team of 6 youth chose the artwork ‘The Scream’ by Edvard Munch to create a play to compete for the first time in 25-year history of DI – creative art work on reflection of Ecuador's recent political violence. https://www.children.org/stories/2024/05_may/destination-imagination

MSC archived stories - April 13, 2024 With system changes happening at CI, you may want to read this... www.hso.com/blog/ai-for-non-profits-how-your-organization-can-implement-ai-solutions-without-breaking-the-bank#the-children-international-story It says, by 2025, CI hopes to have no data centers or VMs and be 100% cloud-hosted and cloud-native. Ex military man, Mr Bachta's driving CI into "No VMs" world is very concerning. Virtual Machines are cloud based, so allow staff to work from anywhere. Getting rid of VMs means AI (Artificial intelligence) will dominate future of CI operation. What that means for child-sponsor relationship? Well, 3 weeks ago I asked my Juliana… "You used to handwrite letters and draw pictures for me but how do you find the new way of communication?" She replied… "While I enjoy digital communication, I do miss the personal touch of handwritten letters." Our digital letters will be scanned and edited by AI before passing onto ch...

MSC archived stories - March 31, 2024 I do not know how they did it... website is back up running once again with new breath of life –  http://sahaywb.in   Immensely proud Agency Director, Kolkata turning the challenge into a meaningful pursuit of "cluster operation" – youtu.be/JQiWK7ON6bM   What that means in terms of Community Center model remains to be seen, like will the Central office at Hazra Community Center and the Youth Resource Center be the focal points of CI-Kolkata?   Well done staff... a sigh of relief!

MSC archived stories - March 9, 2024 When Mairani's Family Record last updated in July 2023, her favourite subjects at school was mentioned as science/electronics. A girl, age 13 interested in science caught my attention to make a memo inquiry and a list of items that would facilitate her desires (e.g. something she really wants to try making but unable to afford to buy components). Mairani's enthusiasm in this field what matters, so if staff can explore this would be a treat for me too!   With my agreement to fund her new school year as well, off the memo on the way to Nina Rae Wesson CC, Jalisco. In 3wks later, I received the following reply: "The sponsored child's mother states that Mairani is studying 8th grade in middle school, she has several subjects focused on science, such as physics and chemistry in which they have done experiments and these two subjects have caught her attention. She let us know that she does not have any books and she would like to have a c...

MSC archived stories - February 18, 2024 The face of Luz in her latest annual photo reminds me of a famous person, thanks to CI letter templates the children used in early years from which I knew a little of Mexico history. The realities of her recent life turning events only became known to me from her recent 'CR' letter (copy in media). I just responded.. Dear Luz, This week has been unusually warm in Scotland in the midst of Winter but expecting cold weather in the coming weeks before arrival of Spring. The second half of last year for me was a turning point of relocation and settling down to my new home. In contrast, as I read your latest letter to me, how much turn of events happened for you, 'dhuwa'. I'm so very sorry to hear the loss of your grandfather. I still have the picture of you with him took when you came into my care. As a result, I'm even more saddened by you and your brother having to leave school to support your mom. I'm awaiting Children ...

MSC archived stories - January 27, 2024 Since the uncertainty loomed over the past few months on CI India operation, my thoughts were/are with 4 children I sponsor there. Whatever happens the authorities in India are so confident that their existing government programs are better suited to help the families/children in poverty than relying on foreign aid sponsored charities.   I was planning to replace my 4 children from elsewhere, but after some digging realised that CI has some hope to continue their work in Delhi [children.net.in]. That meant, Neha and Trisha in Kolkata are not safe. Last night, I did some further research to find that Jorasanko Community Center ( aka  Doshi Dream Center) is closed down. I suspect the same for Narkeldanga Community Center, though can't confirm. However, Hazra Community Center (the two children I have there go to) is functioning to-date.. a mystery?   Today I wanted to share a story of Soumi (age 19) in Kolkata. In January 2021, I ...

MSC archived stories - January 13, 2024 The anticipated recent DP follow-up has arrived this week followed by a 'CR' letter, in fact almost 2 identical from Niza, the mom of twin sisters – Joana and Ixayana.   The two girls are now just over 3.5yo and live with their elder sister (age 4) and mom in Jalisco. A female dominant family with no father figure around – except grandfather, who lives in Tijuana at Mexico-US border (1,172 miles away) and me across the North Atlantic Ocean.   The package was shipped via UPS Express (door-to-door) service to arrive in 3-5 days. 3 days later the tracker alerted me to Mexico customs holding it up pending import tax charge, which I then paid. The package was delivered on December 20 and the signed receipt acknowledged.   The family visited the CC (4 days after spending Christmas with granddad) to pick up the gift. As always, Joana is over the moon, yet Ixayana seems flummoxed. If I have to pick a favourite child from my entire spon...

MSC archived stories - December 21, 2023 The end of another year is closing in, but aside my own life adventures this year what's happening new at CI. Are we soon be out of India, talking about system upgrades will it benefit sponsor communication, and what about my two little twins in Mexico, how they are up to.. I wonder.   I never had children so young as Ixayana and Joana, so talking to them in writing can be a little challenge. Every day, they see their mom and elder sister around but not me. I wonder, to them 'sponsor' could be an alien being that lives in another world.   Last month, I attended a business conference in the city of Edinburgh. There was a guest speaker, Prof. Steve Peters, a Consultant Psychiatrist who specialises in the functioning of the human mind. In his talk, I learned that there are 3 parts to our brain – human side (us), chimp side (genetics) and computer system. He gave a simple story with its words projected on the screen in front of us and ...

MSC archived stories - November 5, 2023 Both Neha and Trisha wrote me (letters in media) talking about their recent visits to places around Kolkata in the Bay of Bengal in eastern India. It took my breath away to learn the places the two families have taken them – the Sundarbans nature reserve, home to majestic Bengal tiger, coastal city of Puri famous for the holiest Jagannath Temple to worship Lord Vishnu (or may have gone there for the annual Hindu chariot festival of Ratha Yatra in July) and a boat trip on beautiful Chilika lake, the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent.   As Buddhists we believe God Vishnu is the last of the Buddhas yet to be born on this earth. And according to Hindu mythology, they also celebrate festivals of Durga Puja (2 weeks ago) and Kali Puja (or Diwali on next Sunday), both of which are symbolising the spiritual 'victory of good over evil'. How wonderful to live and experience your own cultural heritage, which o...

MSC archived stories - October 8, 2023 Following my recent memo inquiry to Field staff, Mairani's latest Family Record has been updated but showing the original release date of July 25. It appears that her favourite subject changed from Electronics to 'Reading/Literature, Mathematics, Grammar' and Family Income of $460 changed to Average Monthly Family Income of $225. If I did not notice the first version of this FR, I'd never have known or queried her interests in science. I wonder why the date has not amended whenever there is a change made.   Beside this, I received her latest CR letter (added to media). I'm glad that she's capable of accepting people and situation as they are, as it is not your decision that your friends left you. So, I wanted to shift her focus away from feeling behind or social exclusion.   Dear Mairani, I hope this letter finds you well and you are keeping safe. I was happy to receive your biannual letter. I'm too sending you heartfel...

MSC archived stories - August 27, 2023 The date: March 10, 2023.. the staff in CI Kanyama Center, Lusaka happened to be working on the EG report of Simon on my birthday! It was a big one for Simon to help with his sleeping condition as well as educational needs. I was hoping that this time at least a photo from Zambia will show up with the follow-up, but unfortunately ended up in receiving only the report (added to media).   I was told.. "Zambian families do not have phones to take and send photos, but our staff in Zambia and Kansas City are working on a way to get photos from the families in Zambia."   So, in the absence of a Thanking letter, it's difficult to gauge the impact the EG had on Simon other than to know how the donation was put to good use. I primarily intended for him to have a Mattress & beddings and World Atlas.   Prior to receiving the EG, Simon told me.. "In our home, we are 6 in total that is my mother, myself and my 4 elder siblings. I am the ...

MSC archived stories - August 12, 2023 At the start of this year or to be more precise the Lunar Year of the Rabbit, I wanted to send my first DP at post-pandemic to Juliana on her special year of the birthday. She lives in the Bicol (pronounced BEE-col) Region of the beautiful Albay province in the Philippines.   The shopping was done at my usual place, Shopaholic for Kids [www.shopaholic.com.ph] based in the capital Manila. When Juliana was little, choosing items was not difficult but this time finding for a 12yo girl was not that easy as most of their stock inventory falls within the age group up to 12. I was just lucky to have a go with the project.   The logistic process was straight forward as staffs are well acquainted with me and Juliana being their VIP clients! I only had to select my items and pay – everything else they handled to the letter of my instructions (even beyond), i.e. preparing the bespoke invoice, wrapping each one so neatly, printing my letter and ...

MSC archived stories - July 31, 2023 After 3 years away from the camera,  she's still smiling..  what a gift for the start of my day. The picture resonated in abundance the simplicity, flexibility and knowledge of her beautiful being. She's just entered teenage years on last Friday – Congratulations  dhuwa!   Do you know, every child we choose to care reflects part of you, a perfect synchronization of who "we" really are, one way or another. I happen to believe the photos of our children do tell collectively something about ourselves as much as them, and I can see it all the time.   Mairani, being the only girl in the family of 5, I always noticed her shyness from the beginning (photo added to media) just as I was then. The latest FR revealed that her favourite subject is Electronics, so there I see no difference from my own childhood. I can imagine having a sponsor means the world to her!   The mom works as a maid, seems to be the only breadwinner in ...

MSC archived stories - July 16, 2023 At first sight of Trisha's new photo recently taken me by surprise or even shock to see her wearing a red bindi, which is traditionally worn by Hindu women to signify marriage. If that was true, how safe for a young girl to walk about and socialise, particularly in a strong Hindu cultural backdrop of Kolkata?   I know a red bindi is worn by Trisha's mom in order to make people understand that she is married. Why Trisha? When I last saw her she had a black dot on the forehead between eyebrows. It was puzzling, so quick to start doing my research.   Apparently, today Bindi has transformed into a fashion statement worn as a decoration by women, no matter their age or marital status. It goes without saying Trisha's red bindi is a perfect match to her love of colourful dresses. I see.. young girls like Trisha are braving the stereotypes and exploring freedom of choice.. perhaps would not have been possible (for her safety sake) there at the...

MSC archived stories - June 24, 2023 Just turned 3, my two little twins barely reaching the height of their dining chairs paused for a moment to thank me for the welcome gifts they just received. In 2 photos of them I have seen so far, Ixayana does like to keep her hands together as gesture of shyness, whereas Joana keeping them apart as if she's wanting attention. Apart from hair styles, I think they two are quite unique in their individuality.   Who would have thought, your children could be an inspiration at a time of life changes happening in your own life. And these two are no exception in giving me ideas for a stunning dining table as the chairs resemble designs of an eminent Scottish architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who I admire.   Mom said.. "I bought them a large pantry". I wanted them to have something special for the birthday (May 28), but can't see in this photo what she bought.. "everything the girls wanted".   I'm thinking of sending D...

MSC archived stories - May 27, 2023 Big clearout happening in my household in preparing for the move next week! I'm exhausted right now, but when I needed some inspiration, a letter from my first sponsored child, Mellanie from Manila just popped out of nowhere, which says.. "Do your best and the God will take care of the rest.." And she goes on to say.. "Someday you forget about me, my name, my voice, who I am and who I am to you but even if you forget about me, just want you to know I won't forget you." She wrote that at age 17 before graduated in 2012. This is surreal but every little emotional support is what I need to move on with an insurmountable task ahead, so thought sharing it, but I should hurry up.

MSC archived stories - May 13, 2023 Tlajomulco Community Center in Chulavista, Jalisco is the latest of 5 CI Community Centers in Mexico, which was inaugurated over a decade ago in 2012 [ youtu.be/A4cNbIKADlc ]. I'm new to this CC, not had a child from there until now. The area is well known for houses in abandonment and violence.   With my own experiences of children's untimely departure along with a girl in extreme poverty who recently got married at teens (the news broke to me this week) and about to graduate from the program, or families bringing more children into the world during your sponsorship – all have a common theme of children "living with parents", which plays a big role in shaping their future beyond a sponsor can possibly envisage. Yet, I'm very fortunate to bare witness to hopeful faces of CI, whose lives have truly changed for the better through sponsorship… by you and me being part of this!   Coming out of a global pandemic, I was pleasantly sur...

MSC archived stories - April 30, 2023 My beloved and irreplaceable  Karla  from Mexico along with her sister (another sponsor's) had to sadly leave the program recently because the family could not spare enough time to sponsorship responsibilities with their ever increasing commitments to the family business of pottery making.   Karla 's studies hugely affected by the pandemic and even at age 9 when she left she could not read or write. I was very keen to turn this around, but out of the blue I'm thrown into the darkest cosmic universe looking down on beautiful  'dhuwa'  in my thoughts and prayers.   India waiting list used to be one of the largest CI always had but what's happened now..? If you ask me the most rewarding experience I get out being a sponsor is that the rich and diversity of cultures the children inherited, in particular India, soon to become the most populous land on earth.

MSC archived stories - April 22, 2023 No doubt if you have a boy, talking of sports is a common pastime within the family. That's no difference in my sponsor family.   Nelson from the Dominican Republic is a Baseball fanatic! In fact, when I recently sent him a special gift to purchase a new baseball kit, they said..  "The youth did not buy baseball items because he has all the equipment that he needs. It is his favorite sport and he always plays."  I was little disappointed but could the family had more pressing needs than fulfilling his desires?   I'm new to this game though as a boy used to play 'Elle' (similar to Baseball), popular bat-and-ball game in Sri Lanka. Nelson's passion for this sport is well recognised by his school..  "I was taken on fieldtrip from the school (to many baseball stadiums) because I was one of the most outstanding students of the month."  Wow, that shows how much they value Baseball and incorporated into the school c...

MSC archived stories - April 7, 2023 In January, Neyli and her mom, Zoila received a gift voucher (EG) to purchase my welcome presents. It's wonderful to see that they now get to have shopping done at their own pace but then making the way back to the CC to take photos and write a note for me in the presence of CI staff.   They both are filled with gratitude and joy as the life has returned to BC (Before Covid) times. Neyli's passion for the environment and reforestation turned to rather new perspective when she said "In my department, we have a campaign to plant 5 trees". The key word being 'department' because I did not realise in the Spanish speaking world it means an administrative region as opposed to an institutional establishment, like a department in a school or company.   That's a whole different scenario, where I could see Neyli being very much into environmental activism. Her silent words of exchange powerfully depicted in that beautiful top she...