MSC archived stories - June 27, 2020
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 – [www.aflatoun.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Aflatoun-COVID-19-Results-April2020.pdf]
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!
I think that during this time of crises, we need to adapt. And yes, the idea of video chatting or something along those lines, pre-recorded bits, etc, could be very attractive. But speaking from the heart, I don’t have any interest in loosing old-fashioned letters as the primary communication tool. And this concerns me, because we may well loose the USPS in another few months. That’s getting lost in the news cycle of one tragedy after another, but it’s a big deal. And it’s how I pay for my sponsorships- I have online businesses. The whole things a hot mess, and it’s stressing me out. I wish that organizations (like CI, amongst others) would be proactive and put pressure on the political system about this. I wonder if CI has even had a chance to stop and consider what will happen to their business model if the postal system goes down? Whatever happens next, it’s going to be interesting.
ReplyDeleteJune 27, 2020
It’s normal to introduce modern ways of communication as an alternative, especially if they are faster and cheaper, but I know many sponsors would be deeply disappointed if handwritten letters were banned. I have chosen to be an e-sponsor during the lockdown, as mail between the US and Europe, where I live, has been badly disrupted. However, I can’t wait to send proper birthday cards and paper photos! By the way, it’s possible to exchange short videos with some children in Ecuador. Skype wouldn’t work, because the content of the communications must first be checked and approved bu CI. (Kyetaka: In many European countries, mail is delivered only a couple of times a week nowadays, as it has become a loss-making activity. Maybe the USPS is heading down the same path?).
ReplyDeleteJune 27, 2020
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Kyetaka & Elemay. First, both outbound and inbound handwritten correspondences in the mail will stay for the foreseeable future as it delights and resonates profoundly in the power of child/sponsor connection than our virtual interaction, no matter how time and money savings it can bring to CI. Having said that, operating in very competitive environment, I think CI is ahead of the curve when comes to exploring new avenues of Virtual Learning & Knowledge Exchange – [www.rootchange.org/2020/04/22/rolling-out-locally-led-feedback-across-the-globe-using-virtual-learning-knowledge-exchange]
ReplyDeleteJune 28, 2020
Kyetaka: With the bleak prospects you painted of your national carrier, the Royal Mail (UK national carrier) also just announced cutting 2,000 management jobs as it struggles to deal with the effects of the coronavirus crisis. So far as CI concerned the bulk of weekly mail couriered by DHL and daily mail by USPS.
ReplyDeleteJune 28, 2020
Elemay: I only started to use proper Birthday cards in February and then all had to be put on hold. For the last 3 months, I've been working from home, having regular meetings with my colleagues and leadership team – all done through Skype with recording capability if anyone has missed to listen later. Skype definitely can be used for your child to convey their writing/drawings verbally as well as visually but monitored/edited/translated by CI locally or at HQ before sending the pre-recorded link to sponsor to listen/watch. In fact, it can be extended to having real-time chat with your child overseen by CI at a time best suit everyone from different time zones – just like when organizing visitations. I suppose that allowing CI to venture into new paths to deliver services efficiently will see how the demand for old ways of communication can be sustained.
ReplyDeleteJune 28, 2020
I appreciate the efforts CI has made to maintain some communication between sponsors and their sponsored children during the many events of recent months. However, I'm looking forward to the time when sponsors and children are able to exchange paper letters. For me, this exchange of 'old-fashioned' paper letters and cards is the single most powerful component for establishing and building a child/sponsor relationship. I believe that when we take the time to carefully try to translate our thoughts into written language, directed toward a specific child, we share a part of ourselves and; in that sharing, honor the recipient. I would never want to surrender the intimacy a hand written letter has to the expediency or economy of letters put into the digital world.
ReplyDeleteJune 28, 2020
KristyLynn
ReplyDeleteShawn & I are new to this entire process. While we cannot wait to send/receive a handwritten card or see Nathaly’s art work. We are grateful for any update given and the knowledge in our hearts and heads that we are all making a difference for the lives of so many children around the world. 🗺I have no doubt things will never go back to “normal” however I also have no doubt that CI like many other organizations will adjust and adapt to whatever the new normal is in the best interest of the children. 💝
June 28, 2020
I also agree with @NancyA and old school as well - I would not trade it for expediency. The letters and drawings means alot to me and digital is less personal.
ReplyDeleteJune 28, 2020
barbmc
ReplyDeleteI know CI already had (and I think still does have) a trial video program going on between some limited children and their sponsors. It's been around for quite awhile. I'm thinking it's likely not very practical for communicating between a child and their sponsor and It would make a lot more work for CI ( about 250 thousand videos twice a year just to replace the twice a year required letters alone. They may be more effective as a way to recruit new sponsors for children on the waiting list. You should ask CI It's up to CI to decide if or when the situation happens. I'm sure CI has been looking into the use of videos and will make the best use of them.
June 28, 2020
I agree with the above. At this time, CI is distributing the money creatively. Getting a Skype recording would require CI to see each family and record a video which isn't really possible, especially now. I think it would be cute to have a video greeting but I don't really need it. Even in normal times, I imagine they have multiple Children in a room writing letters and it would take extra time to record with all of them. Guess I'll just have to wait for a sponsor visit to hear them!!I'm sure CI will navigate the future of digital technology while being mindful of the situations children are in. Perhaps it could be a sponsor response to extra large EGs - like we get photos for $100, maybe larger ones ($250? $500- it depends how many of each size gift come through and how's many videos it would be possible for them to do) could get a video clip 🤷 .
ReplyDeleteJune 28, 2020
Thank you all for taking time to voice your opinion, in particular ShawnandKristy being new to CI – Welcome! I'm sure CI will listen to each one of your views seriously. I wondered how we, of all ages so accustomed to interacting and supporting each other in this virtual forum, right here! May be someday our children will too have a chance to be 1-on-1 with his/her sponsor closer than ever before.
ReplyDeleteJune 28, 2020
barbmc/kselander1: Yes, Sponsor Connect project in Quito, Ecuador has been for awhile now but video recording done by staff themselves, which is completely different from using Skype by the child/family on their own connecting with the center or CIKC. I'd prefer this technology be used in DP/EG follow-up too. What fascinated me the most is that the child/family is preparing the letters without being helped by staff/volunteer, which makes their efforts even more personal, and once the centers are reopened the opportunities will be endless using the computer labs!
ReplyDeleteJune 28, 2020
barbmc
ReplyDeleteChelaka. There cannot be any direct contact between the sponsor and the child. They aren't communicating with each other without CI on Skype. CI still has to translate, monitor, check, and send the video. Just additional work for CI. Almost all sponsored children prepare and write their letters without being helped by staff, volunteers, or family members at the age appropriate time and grade level. They love getting letters and writing helps them to develop their writing and language skills. The computers at CI labs are always in high demand with students needing them to do homework, to seek out employment, to study, ect. I think at some community centers computer time has to be reserved at least a day or two in advance. Do you think that most of the sponsored families or sponsors own or have the technology or access to the technology available for them to make or receive videos? Sponsored children don't need to make videos to make connections. You should be asking CI about these ideas. The staff at CIKC is very knowledgeable about such things.
June 28, 2020