Extra Gifts
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1 posts
September 21, 2022
We want to share an important update with the MSC family as many of you generously give Extra Gifts (EG’s).
When the pandemic began staff in each of our agencies looked for ways to ensure they were able to continue helping the youth and families, including delivering EG’s, without putting the kids, their parents, volunteers, or staff at risk. They began delivering EG’s as gift cards, gift certificates to local stores and through digital pay services.
What the staff learned is that the families liked the convenience and time savings of not having to arrange their schedule to miss work or school to shop or travel to the community center to pick up items during the office hours. Having the funds or gift card directly available to them, means the families can shop during their normal daily lives and feel safer while traveling home with fewer items, rather than one large purchase.
The youth and their families also shared that being able to select how to use their donation, including paying for utilities, gave them a greater sense of independence and accountability that was lacking when a staff member helped them select how to use the funds. As you know, empowerment is one of our program pillars and by allowing the families to continue to receive their EG’s and shop in this way gives them another opportunity to learn to be empowered.
To honor the youth and families in our program and to increase the impact of your donations, we, in conjunction with our field staff, decided to continue providing EG’s in this manner going forward. The families are extremely happy about this decision, and we hope that you will be too. Families will continue to let us know how they use their donation and will send a letter and personal photos of their gifts.
Of course, we know that not every family has the means to take photos or send their letter digitally. In these instances, our staff will pass along a personal message of gratitude from the youth and family that they receive when they call to share what items they purchased. Our Care Team will share their sentiments with you when they contact you to share the items purchased. Regarding photos, our staff will be exploring more sustainable options of how to collect photos when families do not have the means to take the photos themselves.
When the pandemic began staff in each of our agencies looked for ways to ensure they were able to continue helping the youth and families, including delivering EG’s, without putting the kids, their parents, volunteers, or staff at risk. They began delivering EG’s as gift cards, gift certificates to local stores and through digital pay services.
What the staff learned is that the families liked the convenience and time savings of not having to arrange their schedule to miss work or school to shop or travel to the community center to pick up items during the office hours. Having the funds or gift card directly available to them, means the families can shop during their normal daily lives and feel safer while traveling home with fewer items, rather than one large purchase.
The youth and their families also shared that being able to select how to use their donation, including paying for utilities, gave them a greater sense of independence and accountability that was lacking when a staff member helped them select how to use the funds. As you know, empowerment is one of our program pillars and by allowing the families to continue to receive their EG’s and shop in this way gives them another opportunity to learn to be empowered.
To honor the youth and families in our program and to increase the impact of your donations, we, in conjunction with our field staff, decided to continue providing EG’s in this manner going forward. The families are extremely happy about this decision, and we hope that you will be too. Families will continue to let us know how they use their donation and will send a letter and personal photos of their gifts.
Of course, we know that not every family has the means to take photos or send their letter digitally. In these instances, our staff will pass along a personal message of gratitude from the youth and family that they receive when they call to share what items they purchased. Our Care Team will share their sentiments with you when they contact you to share the items purchased. Regarding photos, our staff will be exploring more sustainable options of how to collect photos when families do not have the means to take the photos themselves.
Education Inquiries
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2 posts
August 24, 2020
Everyone (CIKC, SOA staff and the families) appreciates the generosity and concern sponsors have for their sponsored youth,especially during the current pandemic. As much as CIKC had hoped to move forward with educational inquiries for all of our Agencies, we’ve realized it’s just not practical for our field staff and families to try and provide such information.
Our field staff are learning many families are having difficulty saying today,what they might need when the funds are received a several months later. The reality is that if the family needs food, rent money, toiletries or hygiene items when the funds earmarked for education arrive, they will want to change the purpose of the donation.
Additionally, we cannot in good faith request information that could take 2-3 months to receive, knowing it will take another 2-3 months (or longer) for the agencies to implement if the sponsor chooses to make the donation. Our staff and families are struggling day-to-day with communication, especially those who do not always have adequate access to a digital or virtual means of communicating or receiving the funds sponsors so generously give for them,which can create major delays in getting donations to the families and the follow-up sponsors expect and deserve.
Our field staff are learning many families are having difficulty saying today,what they might need when the funds are received a several months later. The reality is that if the family needs food, rent money, toiletries or hygiene items when the funds earmarked for education arrive, they will want to change the purpose of the donation.
Additionally, we cannot in good faith request information that could take 2-3 months to receive, knowing it will take another 2-3 months (or longer) for the agencies to implement if the sponsor chooses to make the donation. Our staff and families are struggling day-to-day with communication, especially those who do not always have adequate access to a digital or virtual means of communicating or receiving the funds sponsors so generously give for them,which can create major delays in getting donations to the families and the follow-up sponsors expect and deserve.
August 24, 2020 in reply to Missing user
We hope you’ll understand that for the foreseeable future, the best way to way to help a youth with their educational needs is to give an Extra Gift donation and let us know you’d like to help with educational needs. We'll put this in the memo when the funds are sent to the SOA and our staff will share the info with the family.
Of course, if the family has more urgent needs when the funds are received, we must allow them to use the funds to purchase those necessities.
Some countries have a better digital infrastructure and as we are able to offer education inquiries, we will do so. The best way to determine if we can inquire about education for your child/ren, is to reach out to our Care Team. We appreciate your patience and understanding - and our Care Team is available for any questions you have regarding this post. Thanks!
Of course, if the family has more urgent needs when the funds are received, we must allow them to use the funds to purchase those necessities.
Some countries have a better digital infrastructure and as we are able to offer education inquiries, we will do so. The best way to determine if we can inquire about education for your child/ren, is to reach out to our Care Team. We appreciate your patience and understanding - and our Care Team is available for any questions you have regarding this post. Thanks!
Child Health Information
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1 posts
June 24, 2019
We know keeping our kids healthy is as important to sponsors’ as it is to CI. We also understand that sponsors can be surprised, or even shocked, to learn their sponsored child has a health condition and want to share it with those who care and understand – their MSC family.
This is a gentle reminder that each country CI works in has privacy rules about sharing of health information. Just like our own health info, the kids health info is sensitive and confidential, and our field staff cannot gather the information without obtaining permission from the family first. Many times the families are hesitant to share the info with our staff, who reassure them the CIKC staff will only share the info they provide with their child’s sponsors, and that it will not be shared openly or in a public forum.
To help us keep this promise to the families, we must ask that specific info about a child’s health is not discussed on MSC. Please remember, many former and graduated sponsored youth, as well as our field staff have access to MSC. We would never want anyone to feel that we or their sponsor is not fulfilling the confidentially agreement our field staff made with them.
We have deleted some posts that shared just a wee bit too much info, and we thank you for your understanding.
This is a gentle reminder that each country CI works in has privacy rules about sharing of health information. Just like our own health info, the kids health info is sensitive and confidential, and our field staff cannot gather the information without obtaining permission from the family first. Many times the families are hesitant to share the info with our staff, who reassure them the CIKC staff will only share the info they provide with their child’s sponsors, and that it will not be shared openly or in a public forum.
To help us keep this promise to the families, we must ask that specific info about a child’s health is not discussed on MSC. Please remember, many former and graduated sponsored youth, as well as our field staff have access to MSC. We would never want anyone to feel that we or their sponsor is not fulfilling the confidentially agreement our field staff made with them.
We have deleted some posts that shared just a wee bit too much info, and we thank you for your understanding.
Direct Packages (DP's)
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2 posts
July 24, 2018
Based on feedback from the sponsored families and our staff, as well as keeping inline with Child Protection rules, we've made a few tweaks to our DP guidelines.
We've mailed a letter to every active sponsor who has sent a DP in the last 2.5 years to provide them with the specific information, but we wanted to give those of you on MSC a preview update.
The letter includes:
Customs fee tips and reminders
Consideration of the weight of the package and the distance the family must carry/transport the items
Digital Devices
This info is being included in all new requests for package addresses, and if you've sent a package since 1/1/2016, you'll be receiving a letter. Of course, if you have any questions, please reach out to our Care Team. They'll be happy to help you navigate this update. Thank you!
We've mailed a letter to every active sponsor who has sent a DP in the last 2.5 years to provide them with the specific information, but we wanted to give those of you on MSC a preview update.
The letter includes:
Customs fee tips and reminders
Consideration of the weight of the package and the distance the family must carry/transport the items
Digital Devices
This info is being included in all new requests for package addresses, and if you've sent a package since 1/1/2016, you'll be receiving a letter. Of course, if you have any questions, please reach out to our Care Team. They'll be happy to help you navigate this update. Thank you!
October 31, 2018
Just a little additional info to hopefully bring some clarity and reassurance to the Direct Package changes:
There are so many online sellers now-a-days that the number of DP’s our field staff is processing has increased significantly within the past few years. Our field staff had been asking us to implement changes months before we finally took the plunge.
We know how important DP’s are to sponsors, (and we never want to upset our sponsors – we love you guys!), so we didn’t make any changes until after much consideration (and doing things like walking around the office with bags of items weighing different amounts to recreate a sponsored family’s journey home).
The reality is the SOA staff is overwhelmed with the number of packages being received, in all countries, and in some cases, they have nowhere to store them until it is time for the next scheduled delivery to the community centers.
For example, earlier this year staff in the Lusaka central office received two vans (filled to the brim) with DP’s (about 50 packages) in ONE day. The majority being sent via Shopzed.
In India, where some families are 5-10 hours from the central office, the staff generally makes a monthly trip (it requires spending the night) to deliver and collect letters/DP’s etc... The office can get really crowded in-between deliveries (imagine packages stuffed under tables).
CIKC cannot afford to track DP’s and keep up with who has exceeded the weight or number of packages limit, so that duty falls on the SOA staff. Of course, they don’t have a lot of time to track all of this either.
If the staff or family determines that a direct package (whether mailed or ordered online) doesn’t meet the DP criteria outlined in the package address info we send to sponsors (i.e. inappropriate content, weight, expired food, broken/dirty/used items, etc.), it can be subject to disposal, delivery declined at the central office or declined at the customs/carrier office.
If any package is declined, there’s a delivery fee or the number of packages received exceeds 2-3, the SOA staff contacts us and we contact the sponsor.
The staff would not discard items without contacting CIKC. In fact, so far the only items discarded have been expired food (from Shopzed), and some very, very well used clothing that arrived – and we’ve reached out to those sponsors.
MSC is a wonderful place for sponsors to share their kid’s letters, photos and stories, but it can also be a place of misconceptions and, sometimes, confusion. I know we sound like broken records, but really no 2 situations are the same, because no 2 kids/families are the same. That’s why we always urge (ok to be honest, we preach) sponsors to call/chat/e-mail the Care Team to get the most accurate info for their child or situation.
And, if you’re ever not happy with the service/answer you receive, we wanna know! We want you to be absolutely happy with your decision to sponsor with CI.
There are so many online sellers now-a-days that the number of DP’s our field staff is processing has increased significantly within the past few years. Our field staff had been asking us to implement changes months before we finally took the plunge.
We know how important DP’s are to sponsors, (and we never want to upset our sponsors – we love you guys!), so we didn’t make any changes until after much consideration (and doing things like walking around the office with bags of items weighing different amounts to recreate a sponsored family’s journey home).
The reality is the SOA staff is overwhelmed with the number of packages being received, in all countries, and in some cases, they have nowhere to store them until it is time for the next scheduled delivery to the community centers.
For example, earlier this year staff in the Lusaka central office received two vans (filled to the brim) with DP’s (about 50 packages) in ONE day. The majority being sent via Shopzed.
In India, where some families are 5-10 hours from the central office, the staff generally makes a monthly trip (it requires spending the night) to deliver and collect letters/DP’s etc... The office can get really crowded in-between deliveries (imagine packages stuffed under tables).
CIKC cannot afford to track DP’s and keep up with who has exceeded the weight or number of packages limit, so that duty falls on the SOA staff. Of course, they don’t have a lot of time to track all of this either.
If the staff or family determines that a direct package (whether mailed or ordered online) doesn’t meet the DP criteria outlined in the package address info we send to sponsors (i.e. inappropriate content, weight, expired food, broken/dirty/used items, etc.), it can be subject to disposal, delivery declined at the central office or declined at the customs/carrier office.
If any package is declined, there’s a delivery fee or the number of packages received exceeds 2-3, the SOA staff contacts us and we contact the sponsor.
The staff would not discard items without contacting CIKC. In fact, so far the only items discarded have been expired food (from Shopzed), and some very, very well used clothing that arrived – and we’ve reached out to those sponsors.
MSC is a wonderful place for sponsors to share their kid’s letters, photos and stories, but it can also be a place of misconceptions and, sometimes, confusion. I know we sound like broken records, but really no 2 situations are the same, because no 2 kids/families are the same. That’s why we always urge (ok to be honest, we preach) sponsors to call/chat/e-mail the Care Team to get the most accurate info for their child or situation.
And, if you’re ever not happy with the service/answer you receive, we wanna know! We want you to be absolutely happy with your decision to sponsor with CI.
Education Reports - UPDATE
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1 posts
May 29, 2018
I know we all agree on the importance of education! I also know we all want our agency staff to focus on every child and youth having a safe place, supportive team and a path out of poverty.
With that said, we'd like to fill you in on an update and ask you to help our staff remain focused.
Due to ever changing privacy laws our staff does not have access or cannot obtain the grades from the school, therefore Education Reports are self-reported.
What does that mean? Well, when you ask for an education report, our agency staff arranges a time to meet with the family to "interview" them. So, when a report says the child is performing well in school this is based on the family's input, may not be based on their actual grades.
Above was the update - now for the ask....
Since the information is self-reported, we’re asking sponsors to write a letter to their child and ask them how they're doing in school. This is more personal than having the child sit through an "interview" with staff and directly shows them how much you care. Let's cut out the middle man here! :)
If you are interested in providing financial assistance for your child's education, please continue to contact the Care Team to learn more about the opportunities available to your child and the costs associated with them!
With that said, we'd like to fill you in on an update and ask you to help our staff remain focused.
Due to ever changing privacy laws our staff does not have access or cannot obtain the grades from the school, therefore Education Reports are self-reported.
What does that mean? Well, when you ask for an education report, our agency staff arranges a time to meet with the family to "interview" them. So, when a report says the child is performing well in school this is based on the family's input, may not be based on their actual grades.
Above was the update - now for the ask....
Since the information is self-reported, we’re asking sponsors to write a letter to their child and ask them how they're doing in school. This is more personal than having the child sit through an "interview" with staff and directly shows them how much you care. Let's cut out the middle man here! :)
If you are interested in providing financial assistance for your child's education, please continue to contact the Care Team to learn more about the opportunities available to your child and the costs associated with them!
Youth Council Info
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2 posts
December 27, 2017
Each agency Youth Council is awarded an average Youth Empowerment Fund of $20,000. Under the supervision of agency staff, councilmembers manage the fund and plan and budget for projects. They first assess needs within their communities by conducting surveys and interviews with residents and public officials before drafting, reviewing and selecting project proposals to implement.
Then they enlist the help of volunteers and seek out support from local partners to implement and evaluate the projects upon completion. Each youth council will typically implement 7 to 12 projects, which can include neighborhood clean-up projects,volunteering at hospitals and schools, donating supplies and materials to orphanages and schools. Also youth will plan and sponsor community building events such as teaching arts (traditional dance,music lessons) and handicraft fairs.
Youth come up with a project plan, which includes a project statement,the goal of the project, how they will know if it’s successful, timeline and budget. Once the plans are presented, they are then voted on. Whichever projects are approved are then implemented under the rigorous monitoring and evaluation plan required of all our programs.
To be eligible to be elected to the Youth Council, individuals must have completed the year-long Youth Leadership Training, which provides children and youth with a hands-on learning experience so that they can practice important life skills, including interpersonal communication, public speaking, teamwork, problem analysis and decision making, conflict resolution and resource management.
Then they enlist the help of volunteers and seek out support from local partners to implement and evaluate the projects upon completion. Each youth council will typically implement 7 to 12 projects, which can include neighborhood clean-up projects,volunteering at hospitals and schools, donating supplies and materials to orphanages and schools. Also youth will plan and sponsor community building events such as teaching arts (traditional dance,music lessons) and handicraft fairs.
Youth come up with a project plan, which includes a project statement,the goal of the project, how they will know if it’s successful, timeline and budget. Once the plans are presented, they are then voted on. Whichever projects are approved are then implemented under the rigorous monitoring and evaluation plan required of all our programs.
To be eligible to be elected to the Youth Council, individuals must have completed the year-long Youth Leadership Training, which provides children and youth with a hands-on learning experience so that they can practice important life skills, including interpersonal communication, public speaking, teamwork, problem analysis and decision making, conflict resolution and resource management.
December 27, 2017
They learn the meaning of leadership and how to identify and strengthen leadership qualities in themselves and in their peers. Youth trainees also investigate and evaluate community problems and then identify possible solutions, and analyze the resources required to implement those solutions. The culminating activity for the youth participants is the implementation of a small-scale community service activity.
You can see how it is through the YLT program that youth learn about project management principles which prepares them to implement the community projects in the Youth Council.
Each agency implements their Youth Councils according to what works best in their communities. The most common methods are either a YC per SAC (community center) or one centralized YC which brings youth from each SAC together to serve the entire SOA.
Agencies may have anywhere from 50 to 1,000 youth on the youth council (depending on which structure they are using). The youth typically implement 7 to 12 projects, and recruit peers and other community members to assist in their projects.
The number per project really depends on what project they are implementing. Some might need a low number (delivery supplies, etc.), while others might need a few hundred (community clean-up).
You can see how it is through the YLT program that youth learn about project management principles which prepares them to implement the community projects in the Youth Council.
Each agency implements their Youth Councils according to what works best in their communities. The most common methods are either a YC per SAC (community center) or one centralized YC which brings youth from each SAC together to serve the entire SOA.
Agencies may have anywhere from 50 to 1,000 youth on the youth council (depending on which structure they are using). The youth typically implement 7 to 12 projects, and recruit peers and other community members to assist in their projects.
The number per project really depends on what project they are implementing. Some might need a low number (delivery supplies, etc.), while others might need a few hundred (community clean-up).
HOPE Scholarship Info
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2 posts
November 29, 2017
The HOPE (Helping Overcome Poverty through Education) is a scholarship for sponsored youth providing partial financial support for upper secondary, vocational or university education. All of our Sponsorship Operating Agencies (SOA) offer HOPE Scholarships.
They are competitive scholarships and each agency has their own requirements to be eligible to apply. They include, but are not limited to, the following:
Is a minority, indigenous or a member of another economically or socially disadvantaged population;
Is female in a country where girls face additional barriers over boys in acquiring an education;
Is an “out-of-school” youth, who has left school prematurely to pursue employment;
Has a large number of siblings or is a member of a single-parent household;
Achieves high academic scores according to local standards;
Exhibits exemplary leadership skills and/or a tendency toward positive community involvement, either within or outside of the sponsorship program.
They are competitive scholarships and each agency has their own requirements to be eligible to apply. They include, but are not limited to, the following:
Is a minority, indigenous or a member of another economically or socially disadvantaged population;
Is female in a country where girls face additional barriers over boys in acquiring an education;
Is an “out-of-school” youth, who has left school prematurely to pursue employment;
Has a large number of siblings or is a member of a single-parent household;
Achieves high academic scores according to local standards;
Exhibits exemplary leadership skills and/or a tendency toward positive community involvement, either within or outside of the sponsorship program.
November 29, 2017
The selection process for scholarships must be carried out in a fair and reliable manner to make certain that all eligible applicants get equal consideration.
This process should include at least three elements: a public announcement that reaches the majority of eligible sponsored youth, the establishment of a selection committee, and the development of a point system for evaluating applicants.
Agencies must involve sponsored youth in this process. This may include, for example, their involvement in publicizing the scholarship, sitting on the selection committee and helping to design the point system.
This committee should be comprised of at least 3 individuals. These may be principally SOA staff, but must also include at least one member of the business, educational, or local community (e.g. business owner, university professor, representative of another local NGO, community leader). This member should have no direct ties to any scholarship applicant.
The selection committee may also include a member of the Agency Youth Council, though this is not a requirement and is not a substitute for representation from the outside community.
This process should include at least three elements: a public announcement that reaches the majority of eligible sponsored youth, the establishment of a selection committee, and the development of a point system for evaluating applicants.
Agencies must involve sponsored youth in this process. This may include, for example, their involvement in publicizing the scholarship, sitting on the selection committee and helping to design the point system.
This committee should be comprised of at least 3 individuals. These may be principally SOA staff, but must also include at least one member of the business, educational, or local community (e.g. business owner, university professor, representative of another local NGO, community leader). This member should have no direct ties to any scholarship applicant.
The selection committee may also include a member of the Agency Youth Council, though this is not a requirement and is not a substitute for representation from the outside community.
Programs
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1 posts
November 21, 2017
All the children and youth ina community are made aware of the programs available to them through visitingtheir community center, via volunteers, signs/posts in the community and at the centers, and goodold word of mouth from their peers. Any child/youth can sign-up to join aprogram as long as they are eligible (they might need to be a certain age,grade, etc.), and have the time and willingness to participate. If you call or e-mail the Care Team, we’d be happy to tell you what programs are available in your sponsored child’s country.
Extra Gift - Did I give correctly?
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1 posts
November 20, 2017
It's pretty simple.
If you want to give a gift for your child only for a specific holiday, or just because, use the Extra Gift option on the website. An extra gift does need to be minimum of $50. If you call, just mentioned it’s an extra gift for your child. Or if you mail it in, include a note it’s an extra gift for you child.We just simply need to know.
If you chose wrong on the website, forgot to mention it or didn't include a note, it's okay. Just call, email or chat with the Care Team and your gift can be corrected.
If you want to give a gift for your child only for a specific holiday, or just because, use the Extra Gift option on the website. An extra gift does need to be minimum of $50. If you call, just mentioned it’s an extra gift for your child. Or if you mail it in, include a note it’s an extra gift for you child.We just simply need to know.
If you chose wrong on the website, forgot to mention it or didn't include a note, it's okay. Just call, email or chat with the Care Team and your gift can be corrected.
Birthday/Christmas Fund & Letters
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1 posts
November 20, 2017
The contributions are pooled together for all children to receive two gifts every year. They may not be presented with these labels in some countries out of respect for religion and beliefs. We're proud to have these options as it ensures every child feels special and has something new to feel proud of. It allows for sponsors to contribute any amount they are able to - whether that be a $1, an extra $20 or a generous larger amount. We are able to present the children with these gifts as long as we have the funds - without them many may have to go without. Remember these gift are also given to the children without sponsors - it reminds them they are still remembered.
Because the gifts are given to all a letter of thanks isn't written but we do keep a record of the gifts received, which is available on the website’s FAQs under the heading ‘Miscellaneous’. As far as letters from the child - they're kids, they will write what they want to. Some sponsors may have a child with a strong memory and some children may just be excited to tell you about something that day/week or any other thing. The children know the gift is from their sponsor.
Because the gifts are given to all a letter of thanks isn't written but we do keep a record of the gifts received, which is available on the website’s FAQs under the heading ‘Miscellaneous’. As far as letters from the child - they're kids, they will write what they want to. Some sponsors may have a child with a strong memory and some children may just be excited to tell you about something that day/week or any other thing. The children know the gift is from their sponsor.
People in poverty
3 posts
January 23, 2021
My own SCS (Second Chances Sponsorship) program launched with the reunion of Estephanie 6 months ago, benefits 2 children now (Estephanie and Sandy, her niece) each having their own bank account opened with their mums being the guardian who have access to the money.
The program is designed for individual child and the families’ needs, and the funds I transfer directly into their savings accounts are only used for the intended purposes.
Just last week, there was an urgent need of one family to purchase an item we discussed about, but I later learned that the mum taught her daughter never to withdraw money from the account without asking me – out of respect for me.
Our true 'leaders' inspire me beyond the biases/assumptions we may have about or organizations which support them.
The program is designed for individual child and the families’ needs, and the funds I transfer directly into their savings accounts are only used for the intended purposes.
Just last week, there was an urgent need of one family to purchase an item we discussed about, but I later learned that the mum taught her daughter never to withdraw money from the account without asking me – out of respect for me.
Our true 'leaders' inspire me beyond the biases/assumptions we may have about or organizations which support them.
Gift of humanity
2 posts
November 21, 2020
'Thanksgiving' season already upon… what a year it has been, dominated for all of us by an invisible virus, but honestly what did make you feel giving 'thanks' this year?
As a sponsor, if you are new to an organization or for that matter a country where your child lives, you would do your research before making the commitment. I recently wrote about a story (July 04, 2020) "Missing of school.." and following from that UNICEF so kindly referred me to an organization [bhutanyouth.org] in Bhutan to sponsor Dechen (age 12). Despite my long experience of being a child sponsor, it was a sponsorship starting from scratch as both of us are new to YDF/country.
With Covid lockdown, getting staff to reach out to a rural part of the country was no easy task and to gather all the documentation took over 4 months, and this week Dechen finally joined my family.
Despite the pandemic, I have many things to be 'thankful' and among is the motivation to share Dechen story with all of you, followed by my determination to give this 'parentless' child a better chance in life.. not only a gift of education but the greatest gift of humanity.
On another note, today I received CI annual Christmas/Holiday cards for forwarding to each of my children, but has the mailing to SOA (central offices) resumed from HQ?
As a sponsor, if you are new to an organization or for that matter a country where your child lives, you would do your research before making the commitment. I recently wrote about a story (July 04, 2020) "Missing of school.." and following from that UNICEF so kindly referred me to an organization [bhutanyouth.org] in Bhutan to sponsor Dechen (age 12). Despite my long experience of being a child sponsor, it was a sponsorship starting from scratch as both of us are new to YDF/country.
With Covid lockdown, getting staff to reach out to a rural part of the country was no easy task and to gather all the documentation took over 4 months, and this week Dechen finally joined my family.
Despite the pandemic, I have many things to be 'thankful' and among is the motivation to share Dechen story with all of you, followed by my determination to give this 'parentless' child a better chance in life.. not only a gift of education but the greatest gift of humanity.
On another note, today I received CI annual Christmas/Holiday cards for forwarding to each of my children, but has the mailing to SOA (central offices) resumed from HQ?
November 23, 2020 in reply to Missing user
Since the kids love getting those cards (and sometimes it's the only mail they receive) we are holding them to mail at a later date. Missing user
January 24, 2021
Hi Jeffrey, Thanks for sharing the links. I will explore Rick's journeys to learn his finding. It's interesting how different organizations tackle 'poverty', yet constantly adapting new ways to deliver 'child sponsorship' model.
Bacon or Eggs
15 posts
August 17, 2020
I woken up this morning thinking about a business fable or motivational story you may have heard of 'The Chicken and the Pig'. Both the chicken and the pig look on at a family eating breakfast. The chicken comments how her eggs allow it to participate or involve itself to help others. The pig then comments on the bacon saying they don't just involve but are totally committed by sacrificing life!
The difference between commitment and involvement is like bacon and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed.
My reunion with Estephanie at the last weekend is the most memorable moment of my life as I kept thinking for fourteen months when that day will come.. she was thinking the same way about me. It was as a dream came upon us, and I wanted to continue her sponsorship through what I call.. 'Second Chances Sponsorship' – direct commitment to a child with the family onboard. Estephanie (age 12) is the first ever child to benefit from SCS, so have just sent her 'Reunion Gift' package incorporating the whole family in an educational program led by herself.
I'm beginning to feel just like a baby learning to stand and walk, my involvement in 'basic' sponsorship has now taken me to a higher level.
The difference between commitment and involvement is like bacon and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed.
My reunion with Estephanie at the last weekend is the most memorable moment of my life as I kept thinking for fourteen months when that day will come.. she was thinking the same way about me. It was as a dream came upon us, and I wanted to continue her sponsorship through what I call.. 'Second Chances Sponsorship' – direct commitment to a child with the family onboard. Estephanie (age 12) is the first ever child to benefit from SCS, so have just sent her 'Reunion Gift' package incorporating the whole family in an educational program led by herself.
I'm beginning to feel just like a baby learning to stand and walk, my involvement in 'basic' sponsorship has now taken me to a higher level.
August 17, 2020
But then, Bacon or Eggs, the life will be sacrificed. If you’re a chicken, every egg you lay is a chick that you’ve sacrificed. If you’re a pig, you sacrifice your life. Both take risk to give and both have a reward in contributing to the meal we call breakfast – the sponsorship!
And the question and ultimate lesson is how much of your self are you willing to sacrifice to have the life that you truly want (for our children)? Or, you may feel like no sacrifice at all, just a simple word.
The photo sent by Estephanie's parents who simply named it ‘Dhuwa’.
And the question and ultimate lesson is how much of your self are you willing to sacrifice to have the life that you truly want (for our children)? Or, you may feel like no sacrifice at all, just a simple word.
The photo sent by Estephanie's parents who simply named it ‘Dhuwa’.
August 17, 2020
barbmc
I'm a realist. The real question is would you sacrifice your own life, or own well being or your childrens. The truth is that I would not, and neither would the chicken or the pig. In any case, without knowing what you are specifically talking about, sending large amounts of money without any oversight from CI is risky. That decision is completely up to the former sponsor. Every situation is different because it's not for our children, It's for your child.and only you can decide.
I'm a realist. The real question is would you sacrifice your own life, or own well being or your childrens. The truth is that I would not, and neither would the chicken or the pig. In any case, without knowing what you are specifically talking about, sending large amounts of money without any oversight from CI is risky. That decision is completely up to the former sponsor. Every situation is different because it's not for our children, It's for your child.and only you can decide.
August 17, 2020
n23foster
I can understand your motivation to extend financial support to Stephanie, but I also know that neighbors and extended family are likely to pressure Estephanie's family to share in the bounty. The neighbors of one of my sponsored kids pressured her family to give them free food from their little store, because they had a generous sponsor. The mother was too uncomfortable to refuse them.
I can understand your motivation to extend financial support to Stephanie, but I also know that neighbors and extended family are likely to pressure Estephanie's family to share in the bounty. The neighbors of one of my sponsored kids pressured her family to give them free food from their little store, because they had a generous sponsor. The mother was too uncomfortable to refuse them.
August 17, 2020
Kyetaka
You have a kind and generous spirit. Don’t forget that if the pig is dead, the pig can’t help any longer ... of course you want to help, but find ways to be sure that the money does what it’s supposed to do. I am trying to figure this out for Kyla- I was sponsoring her college costs, but now she’s graduated from CI... how do we create accountability? Of course I want her to finish school. With a degree she’ll be able to do so much! But it’s thousands of dollars — and I’ve seen the horror stories, so I know I have to be smart.It’s easy for us to forget that if we extend a lot of money it can be tempting to use it for other things. It’s a lot of responsibility for that family and child! There are solutions, but caution is needed, both from a practical standpoint, and as a kindness. As n23foster said, it can create problems in the community. Part of it is trust, part of it is common sense. I look forward to hearing more about Estephanies journey with you in the future. Namaste
You have a kind and generous spirit. Don’t forget that if the pig is dead, the pig can’t help any longer ... of course you want to help, but find ways to be sure that the money does what it’s supposed to do. I am trying to figure this out for Kyla- I was sponsoring her college costs, but now she’s graduated from CI... how do we create accountability? Of course I want her to finish school. With a degree she’ll be able to do so much! But it’s thousands of dollars — and I’ve seen the horror stories, so I know I have to be smart.It’s easy for us to forget that if we extend a lot of money it can be tempting to use it for other things. It’s a lot of responsibility for that family and child! There are solutions, but caution is needed, both from a practical standpoint, and as a kindness. As n23foster said, it can create problems in the community. Part of it is trust, part of it is common sense. I look forward to hearing more about Estephanies journey with you in the future. Namaste
August 17, 2020
chelaka
Great! Bacon & Eggs is a metaphor and about commitment to a project or cause – 'sacrifice' does not literally mean 'dead' but far from it (i.e. time/money/energy you expend on something or someone). A breakfast plate consisting of bacon (commitment), eggs (involvement) and the rest (neither) I have found useful in my quest to learn how you feel about your sponsorship. Some may feel both commitment and involvement as 'sacrifice' but others may see it as 'no sacrifice at all', meaning more than happy to let your resources available to your child's wellbeing & development – who are
Great! Bacon & Eggs is a metaphor and about commitment to a project or cause – 'sacrifice' does not literally mean 'dead' but far from it (i.e. time/money/energy you expend on something or someone). A breakfast plate consisting of bacon (commitment), eggs (involvement) and the rest (neither) I have found useful in my quest to learn how you feel about your sponsorship. Some may feel both commitment and involvement as 'sacrifice' but others may see it as 'no sacrifice at all', meaning more than happy to let your resources available to your child's wellbeing & development – who are
August 17, 2020
chelaka
Also, thanks for raising your concerns over trust, transparency & accountability. Honestly, it depends on how you build the relationship and understanding between the child/family and you throughout sponsorship. In my opinion, Estephanie's family possesses these qualities. They are well versed in the CI sponsorship experience, and I have no doubt that they will respect SCS with utmost integrity.
Also, thanks for raising your concerns over trust, transparency & accountability. Honestly, it depends on how you build the relationship and understanding between the child/family and you throughout sponsorship. In my opinion, Estephanie's family possesses these qualities. They are well versed in the CI sponsorship experience, and I have no doubt that they will respect SCS with utmost integrity.
August 17, 2020
NancyA
A very interesting post! My commitment comes first-before involvement.It underpins my involvement.My involvement is ever changing and depends largely on doing whatever possible to give the child/family what is necessary for the child to, one day, achieve CI's goals of healthy, educated, empowered and employed. I believe both trust and risk are integral parts of all giving.
A very interesting post! My commitment comes first-before involvement.It underpins my involvement.My involvement is ever changing and depends largely on doing whatever possible to give the child/family what is necessary for the child to, one day, achieve CI's goals of healthy, educated, empowered and employed. I believe both trust and risk are integral parts of all giving.
August 17, 2020
barbmc
Everyone who sponsors a child (especially on this site) cares about their sponsored child. It isn't a matter of trust or building a relationship. It doesn't matter how many children you can sponsor or how much money you send them You posted the fable about the chicken and the pig. Don't insult sponsors who make solid decisions based on the reality of their own finances, needs, and goals. No one suggested that they were scamming you. Actually it was very rude of you ask sponsors "how much of your self are you willing to sacrifice to have the life that you truly want for your child? or you may feel like no sacrifice at all.
Everyone who sponsors a child (especially on this site) cares about their sponsored child. It isn't a matter of trust or building a relationship. It doesn't matter how many children you can sponsor or how much money you send them You posted the fable about the chicken and the pig. Don't insult sponsors who make solid decisions based on the reality of their own finances, needs, and goals. No one suggested that they were scamming you. Actually it was very rude of you ask sponsors "how much of your self are you willing to sacrifice to have the life that you truly want for your child? or you may feel like no sacrifice at all.
August 17, 2020
Elemay
A thought-provoking post. "Yes" to commitment and involvement, but "No" to sacrifice. I would not sponsor if it felt like a sacrifice. As for risk and trust, it applies to both sides in a sponsor-sponsored relationship. I'd be happy to be in contact with a former sponsored child who has graduated from the program. In contrast, I would find it hard to navigate the unsupervised, informal sponsorship of a young child and deal directly with the family, without knowing much about them. It could also be highly rewarding, though, so I can understand your excitement!
A thought-provoking post. "Yes" to commitment and involvement, but "No" to sacrifice. I would not sponsor if it felt like a sacrifice. As for risk and trust, it applies to both sides in a sponsor-sponsored relationship. I'd be happy to be in contact with a former sponsored child who has graduated from the program. In contrast, I would find it hard to navigate the unsupervised, informal sponsorship of a young child and deal directly with the family, without knowing much about them. It could also be highly rewarding, though, so I can understand your excitement!
August 17, 2020
mariemrcm
Hello. I am pretty sure that Chelaka is not trying to be rude to us and he is maybe asking some feed back in a question form. I am unaware of the meaning of second chance sponsorship. Does that mean a private sponsorship? If you can afford it and if you trust it then there is no harm to it, and it is beautiful, just like helping family. In my case I am trusting CI can achieve much more than I could ever do with the monthly money. Having 2 children of my own and a limitated amount of time and income makes it difficult for me to get any more involved than I am already with my 8 girls. I am commited because I already sponsor since 2005 and involved because I do my best to know the children and meet their needs and because I love them. Sacrified? No I do it because it is my own choice. some people have hobbies, I have my children.
Hello. I am pretty sure that Chelaka is not trying to be rude to us and he is maybe asking some feed back in a question form. I am unaware of the meaning of second chance sponsorship. Does that mean a private sponsorship? If you can afford it and if you trust it then there is no harm to it, and it is beautiful, just like helping family. In my case I am trusting CI can achieve much more than I could ever do with the monthly money. Having 2 children of my own and a limitated amount of time and income makes it difficult for me to get any more involved than I am already with my 8 girls. I am commited because I already sponsor since 2005 and involved because I do my best to know the children and meet their needs and because I love them. Sacrified? No I do it because it is my own choice. some people have hobbies, I have my children.
August 18, 2020 in reply to Missing user
You should take your questions to CI, There are no Second Chances Sponsorships.' They don't exist. You named an idea.in your head. and it's very misleading and confusing to some. sponsors. They aren't sponsorships, or programs, or scholarships. Does CI endorse this? Once CI had a program where sponsors could continue to send money by sponsoring a younger sibling or younger relative that lived in the same SOA. CI stopped doing that. That means now there isn't any oversight, accountability, or transparency about how your money is being used. What makes you so sure you're at a higher level of sponsorship than other sponsors? That's just so wrong on so many levels. Other sponsors have been paying the college expenses of their former sponsored children themselves. for years.
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August 18, 2020 in reply to Missing user
@kselander1 quite possibly that will be what happens, among other things. Right now communication has stopped because of Covid; I suspect Kyla will miss a semester of school (but who knows, really). I figure that possibly I can do her books etc through the school, but then what happens with her basic living expenses & bus fare, etc etc...
I’m thinking that I might post on this in the community & see what these brilliant hive minds come up with lol
I do trust Kyla, we’ve had a good relationship over the years. But I’m working hard to earn the money for her schooling, so I need to know it’s doing what it’s supposed to be doing- hard over thousands of miles and a language barrier!
Anyways, one thing at a time- right now the world is so topsy turvy, it makes small problems seem bigger. This is a small problem, and solvable. Thank you for your caring! So kind of you!
I’m thinking that I might post on this in the community & see what these brilliant hive minds come up with lol
I do trust Kyla, we’ve had a good relationship over the years. But I’m working hard to earn the money for her schooling, so I need to know it’s doing what it’s supposed to be doing- hard over thousands of miles and a language barrier!
Anyways, one thing at a time- right now the world is so topsy turvy, it makes small problems seem bigger. This is a small problem, and solvable. Thank you for your caring! So kind of you!
August 18, 2020
Hey Chelaka, whats your native language? Just curious - you have an offbeat writing style and your bio suggests you’ve done some traveling!
Homepage
18 posts
July 27, 2019
CI homepage does seem to portray the message of "Poverty" using consistently just one picture of a child (Christina) from Zambia. I know that CI has invested in marketing/advertising of its renewed brand recently on various channels with this picture, but to me it does not reflect the dynamic state of our children living across CI operating countries.
Since CI no longer publishes Journeys magazine, why can't this space be utilized to highlight a success story or a special need (project with an intention to find crowdfunding support) for a child with a brief description by text/video in rotation – once a month perhaps?
What do you think?
Since CI no longer publishes Journeys magazine, why can't this space be utilized to highlight a success story or a special need (project with an intention to find crowdfunding support) for a child with a brief description by text/video in rotation – once a month perhaps?
What do you think?
July 27, 2019 in reply to Missing user
What a timely post! This past week I received what was labeled as the 1st issue of the Jouneys magazine. They seem to have begun publication again. This issue focused mostly on the Philippines but did include a few other short articles. As with the Birthday Reminders, it would be interesting to know if CI is able to send this outside the US?
July 28, 2019
Thanks Nancy. I thought Journeys is dead in the water after Gina Kellogg (former editor) left CI 2yrs ago. Indeed a good news that it's back though the digital version not available online as yet. Regarding Birthday Reminders, I don't mind receiving such by e-mail if it at all saves international postage toward getting the magazine published quarterly.
I've seen CI message advertised in Magazine Ads & Billboards across America, but where all happening right here, the homepage does seem to lack the power they talked about in a recent case study – [youtu.be/IVPOu8kai-I]
I've seen CI message advertised in Magazine Ads & Billboards across America, but where all happening right here, the homepage does seem to lack the power they talked about in a recent case study – [youtu.be/IVPOu8kai-I]
July 28, 2019 in reply to Missing user
I also thought it curious, at first, that my version of the home page was featuring a 13-year-old from Zambia indicated as 'recently sponsored'. Then I realized that I was seeing 'Beatrice', a child that I had considered but had reluctantly elected not to sponsor because I was adhering to a self-imposed limit on sponsorships. Instead of sponsoring, I had initiated an 'EG to a child I do not sponsor' for her, with the hope it would help a bit until someone else took on the longer-term time commitment.
That video link to the CI messaging video was pretty good! I was surprised that (at the time I looked) it had fewer than 100 views over the past year. Again, good video.
That video link to the CI messaging video was pretty good! I was surprised that (at the time I looked) it had fewer than 100 views over the past year. Again, good video.
July 28, 2019
Bill, you’re a savior!
To provide many different versions of the same site underONE global URL (i.e. geo-target by country, region code, city, zip code, andIP-address) – I didn't even know this possible! I've never seen an "EG to a child I do notsponsor" option anywhere on the homepage from where I live plus neverheard of "CI messaging video" either.
When I right-click on the main image > View BackgroundImage, it shows me the following URL with Christina's name at the end.
https://media.children.org/cdn-8d65eb52e658300/globalassets/00_home-page/2018/lus-christina-img_3280.jpg
Definitely need some changes to CI marketing strategy overhere as I don't know how I can live with static imagery on CI homepage (ratherswitch to unbound.org just to keep me going everyday!), and wonder what do youall see on the CI landing page..?
To provide many different versions of the same site underONE global URL (i.e. geo-target by country, region code, city, zip code, andIP-address) – I didn't even know this possible! I've never seen an "EG to a child I do notsponsor" option anywhere on the homepage from where I live plus neverheard of "CI messaging video" either.
When I right-click on the main image > View BackgroundImage, it shows me the following URL with Christina's name at the end.
https://media.children.org/cdn-8d65eb52e658300/globalassets/00_home-page/2018/lus-christina-img_3280.jpg
Definitely need some changes to CI marketing strategy overhere as I don't know how I can live with static imagery on CI homepage (ratherswitch to unbound.org just to keep me going everyday!), and wonder what do youall see on the CI landing page..?
July 29, 2019 in reply to Missing user
"I've never seen an "EG to a child I do notsponsor" option anywhere on the homepage from where "
***************
That's not a selection option. I got the idea for a non-sponsored-child EG from a posting on this board a few months ago (maybe it was from Frosty). When I initiated the donation check I just put this designation on the description line, along with that child's name and number.
***************
That's not a selection option. I got the idea for a non-sponsored-child EG from a posting on this board a few months ago (maybe it was from Frosty). When I initiated the donation check I just put this designation on the description line, along with that child's name and number.
July 29, 2019 in reply to Missing user
Yes, I did one earlier this year for similar reasons. I wanted to do something for a child on the wait list. It is best to call CI in regards to giving an EG to a child on the wait list as not all children are eligible and ultimately it is up to the in country staff to decide.
July 30, 2019 in reply to Missing user
Just a little backstory on a couple of things: CI was given the opportunity to have 2 billboards in Kansas City a few years ago, and we jumped at the chance to gather some hometown sponsors. It was a one-time thing, and not all across America :-)
For many years (like back in the stone age when I first started working at CI), our main source of advertising to find sponsors was via magazine ads and t.v. commercials. Of course, the world has changed (we now have the internet and social media, and for that matter e-mail! - and who doesn't fast forward thru commercials, if they even watch t.v. other than via streaming), so our ways to obtain new sponsors changed too. A few years ago, we tried a magazine ads, (got them for a very, very, very reduced price, so it was cheap and easy to try), while we did obtain some sponsors, not enough to pay full price to run an ad again.
We did stop producing Journey's for a few years (Gina leaving had no bearing on that), while we were focusing on updating programs and learning more about how we correspond and update our sponsors. We've decided to send a trial copy of a new version of Journey's to about 50k sponsors to see what the response is...we're always learning!
For many years (like back in the stone age when I first started working at CI), our main source of advertising to find sponsors was via magazine ads and t.v. commercials. Of course, the world has changed (we now have the internet and social media, and for that matter e-mail! - and who doesn't fast forward thru commercials, if they even watch t.v. other than via streaming), so our ways to obtain new sponsors changed too. A few years ago, we tried a magazine ads, (got them for a very, very, very reduced price, so it was cheap and easy to try), while we did obtain some sponsors, not enough to pay full price to run an ad again.
We did stop producing Journey's for a few years (Gina leaving had no bearing on that), while we were focusing on updating programs and learning more about how we correspond and update our sponsors. We've decided to send a trial copy of a new version of Journey's to about 50k sponsors to see what the response is...we're always learning!
July 31, 2019 in reply to Missing user
I was very excited when I saw the "new and improved" Journeys magazine in my mailbox! It was almost as good (well, maybe not that close) as receiving a letter from one of my kids! I hope the response will be strong enough to keep it going.
July 31, 2019 in reply to Missing user
I received my "Journeys" magazine in the mail today too. My fiance looked at me and teased me that he had something for me to read instead of doing my school work. As Bob_c2956 stated, it is as good as receiving a letter from my child.
August 1, 2019
I liked the new Journeys as well. Thank you. :) I also like to leave them at laundromats when I'm done with them. You never know who will pick them up and read them.
August 1, 2019
snow_tiger - we hope it didn't distract you too much!! :)
MollyR- what a great idea! Thanks for spreading the word.
MollyR- what a great idea! Thanks for spreading the word.
August 1, 2019
Ah.. looks like my topic is hijacked by "Journeys" fans! I agree the magazine brightens up our day when we get to pick up and start reading.. I'm waiting for my copy.
Bill – It makes sense, so thanks for clarifying. Yes, I remember Frosty's recent post about an EG to a non-sponsored child.
Debbie – How do CI capture our GDPR consent? Is there a box to tick on online account or an email/snail mail that goes out to EU sponsors to decide?
GDPR is designed in favor of the customer/donor. So my question is how would CI handle a situation whereby if you were to know a child/minor whereabouts but has left the program, will CI share that info upon request by the sponsor?
Thanks for your interesting history of the CI Ad campaigns. I searched on Google images and saw a few billboards with CI message on. So back to my topic.. a dynamic homepage with stories like " Lifting teens out of poverty through HOPE " can evoke positive emotions in visitors, increasing the chances of finding new sponsors.
YouTube is relatively cheap yet powerful medium for creative, smart and clever advertising on the web. One of my favorite Ads on British TV is [youtu.be/ZyQrdJ5iiAY] – how about seen a child with empathy looking through the window of his/her needs and then rush to (click on) Sponsor Me!
Bill – It makes sense, so thanks for clarifying. Yes, I remember Frosty's recent post about an EG to a non-sponsored child.
Debbie – How do CI capture our GDPR consent? Is there a box to tick on online account or an email/snail mail that goes out to EU sponsors to decide?
GDPR is designed in favor of the customer/donor. So my question is how would CI handle a situation whereby if you were to know a child/minor whereabouts but has left the program, will CI share that info upon request by the sponsor?
Thanks for your interesting history of the CI Ad campaigns. I searched on Google images and saw a few billboards with CI message on. So back to my topic.. a dynamic homepage with stories like " Lifting teens out of poverty through HOPE " can evoke positive emotions in visitors, increasing the chances of finding new sponsors.
YouTube is relatively cheap yet powerful medium for creative, smart and clever advertising on the web. One of my favorite Ads on British TV is [youtu.be/ZyQrdJ5iiAY] – how about seen a child with empathy looking through the window of his/her needs and then rush to (click on) Sponsor Me!
August 2, 2019 in reply to Missing user
Yes, Chelaka, GDPR consent is given on a sponsor's web account. It appears you gave consent in June - at that time you would have seen a pop up to either give consent or decline. You can make changes at any time on the account settings page.
August 5, 2019
@chelaka: Oh, sorry for not acknowledging your suggestions in your original post. We did see them here, and on your website feedback form, and they were shared with our web team - thank you!
Additionally, I'm sorry if I’ve not been clear in my explanations about the GDPR. I'm not sure how to explain it any better than to say the GDPR and Child Protection are not related.
The GDPR only concerns marketing info, specifically, donation requests that are above and beyond sponsorship donations.
We will continue to share as much information about the children as possible with their sponsors, based on Child Protection Laws.
To your specific question asking if we can share the whereabouts of a youth who is under the age of 18 and no longer in the program: No we cannot. If a family tells the SOA staff where they are moving, generally it’s in hopes of being able to remain in the program in their new community. However, the specific details are not shared with CIKC because of child protection guidelines.
To be clear, nothing about the Child Protection Laws we follow is changed by the GDPR.
Additionally, I'm sorry if I’ve not been clear in my explanations about the GDPR. I'm not sure how to explain it any better than to say the GDPR and Child Protection are not related.
The GDPR only concerns marketing info, specifically, donation requests that are above and beyond sponsorship donations.
We will continue to share as much information about the children as possible with their sponsors, based on Child Protection Laws.
To your specific question asking if we can share the whereabouts of a youth who is under the age of 18 and no longer in the program: No we cannot. If a family tells the SOA staff where they are moving, generally it’s in hopes of being able to remain in the program in their new community. However, the specific details are not shared with CIKC because of child protection guidelines.
To be clear, nothing about the Child Protection Laws we follow is changed by the GDPR.
December 2, 2019
Just wanted to add that we got a copy of Journeys magazine this month. It was a great surprise and we really enjoyed it; the personalized inside cover was a nice touch. Just thought I'd add.
December 5, 2019
I also got the Journeys magazine and I love it! it was great! :D loved reading all the articles. and like BennyNJun said the personalized cover was really nice!
Competitor comparison
7 posts
September 14, 2019
I think for the first-time, a non-profit has given a competitor comparison in the child-protection sector, so thought sharing my take on this.
www.children.org/see-the-impact/how-sponsorship-works/best-child-sponsorship-organization
This list provides 7 of the major charities in the world, but I too have a list, which tracks sponsorship fee changes across 13 of them – Child Foundation, Children Incorporated, Pearl S. Buck International, ChildFund International, Plan International, Orphan Sponsorship International, SOS Children's Villages International, Children International, Save the Children, Unbound, Compassion International, World Vision, and Childcare Worldwide.
In the internet era, the sector has become highly competitive with new/smaller NGOs now offering unique services incorporating technologies like Skype for child/sponsor interaction. Hence the larger players’ drive to raise sponsorship fee significantly in a short space of time to stay in business.
For example, Save the Children changed monthly fee 3 times over the past 12 months: October 2018 = $36; April 2019 = $38; September 2019 = $39
They also publish photos of its US children in waiting, whereas CI does not – not sure some states allow and some don’t in view of the law.
CI financial accounts for not only the monetary donations such as sponsorship and EG fees but also the value of product donations made by private sector annually. This means, the latter does inflate the revenue figures compared to income streams of many other charities.
www.children.org/see-the-impact/how-sponsorship-works/best-child-sponsorship-organization
This list provides 7 of the major charities in the world, but I too have a list, which tracks sponsorship fee changes across 13 of them – Child Foundation, Children Incorporated, Pearl S. Buck International, ChildFund International, Plan International, Orphan Sponsorship International, SOS Children's Villages International, Children International, Save the Children, Unbound, Compassion International, World Vision, and Childcare Worldwide.
In the internet era, the sector has become highly competitive with new/smaller NGOs now offering unique services incorporating technologies like Skype for child/sponsor interaction. Hence the larger players’ drive to raise sponsorship fee significantly in a short space of time to stay in business.
For example, Save the Children changed monthly fee 3 times over the past 12 months: October 2018 = $36; April 2019 = $38; September 2019 = $39
They also publish photos of its US children in waiting, whereas CI does not – not sure some states allow and some don’t in view of the law.
CI financial accounts for not only the monetary donations such as sponsorship and EG fees but also the value of product donations made by private sector annually. This means, the latter does inflate the revenue figures compared to income streams of many other charities.
September 14, 2019 in reply to Missing user
I sponsor students through CI, Save the Children, and Unbound. There have been some distinct pros and cons to each. I have also shared some of my thoughts on the three with some of my more advanced kids. CI is 'best in class' in many areas - however if I was told that I could only contribute to one.....
But my conclusion is based on very personal priorities and expectations in trying to help the kids.
This is all still very much a work in progress for me. But there are a number of lessons to be learned from each organization - including basic differences in their categories. I'll try to elaborate, in stages:
From a sponsor (and child relationship) point of view, the first big distinction on the comparison chart is 'community' vs 'child'. Community means whatever we contribute goes to 'everyone', with no EG's or individual educational support. For those on a budget who can't get into the kind of EG's we see here, that could be a good thing. For those who want help their kid, it means we have to be either more generous or more creative. I got my StC child in Nepal English lessons that she felt she needed by instead setting up an after-school class for all of the kids in her school who wanted to take them, including her. It turned out to be very efficient, actually, but it is a fair bit of commitment. It really is an interesting way to do it, however, if we were trying to think of this as providing the most benefit for as many of our kids here, collectively. For all the disadvantages of of this collective approach, these organizational restrictions do at least make us think about how we can leverage our contributions to help more kids.
In another case I wanted to incentivize 14/15 year olds in Bolivia - engage and reward them without the use of EG's. I made contributions in the kids 'names' (first name and id number) to a highly regarded local shelter for abused children, with the idea that they would be actual donors as well as possible mentors. When I set this donation up with the shelter's founder she said she was 'in tears'. It's early to tell - but this was just an example of the way to skirt the 'support' rules and still give something to the kids, in a way. Again, this isn't for everyone. But I wouldn't mind seeing more of this kind of 'community benefit' thing going on here - it often only comes from necessity, as with StC and other 'community' sponsorships.
The next thing I would look for might be 'graduation date'. Many people here have commented on the age 19 limit relative to college needs, for students who are continuing on. This is where Unbound has some advantages over CI. Students are eligible for sponsorship as long as they are enrolled in school, including college. They also have a 'future college fund' option, which I have recently started using - so my sponsored children can plan ahead, long-term in confidence (this fund is transferable to my other sponsored students if not used by the first one). I've told the kids that they are covered through med, law, whatever, if they choose. Anyway, the pre-set vs open-ended program 'graduation' is something to consider - whether that's a plus or minus depends on our particular circumstances.
EG philosophies differ - another topic for another post. CI's EG's are generally consumption-oriented, where with others there can be focus on other priorities (income-producing activities - or - greater emphasis on add'l lessons or training).
Letter-writing, and communications generally, differ dramatically among organizations - even when ages, countries, and grade levels are the same. I'll typically get four pages of closely spaced writing from one group of students - these clearly weren't just done in an hour or so at the center - vs the letter-with-picture-on-back. It's not just the length, of course, but the effort put into writing. In my small sample, one organization's exception is another's rule. Personally, I rank 'writing' high in emphasis because (for those like me who can't visit) this is our entire communication with each other. Plus I happen to be a big believer in writing as a skill, for the kids. Of course, there are exceptional writers in each organization, but the greater emphasis in some organizations really does show.
The comparison chart notes religion - in my experience so far, the religious spectrum is fairly similar for each organization - it seems to be the kids' country, not the sponsoring organization, that's the biggest factor. (Is it just me and my tiny sample group, or are families in the Philippines really special in this regard?) Generally, I have always been surprised at how religious sponsored families - and kids - in disadvantaged areas around the world are, compared to what I'm accustomed to here on the east coast. Plus India, for example, has been quick to toss out organizations they perceive as religious 'influencers', so remaining organizations there have to be careful not to be seen as promoting any particular faith.
There are a couple of other areas that I am still testing - we'll see. But the thing is that, so far, CI is the best in many things (especially sponsor community & sponsor support). Other organizations really can be frustrating, organizationally. But there is still plenty of opportunity for every one of these organizations to get even better, including even CI. Each organization I've seen seems to do at least some things very well.
But my conclusion is based on very personal priorities and expectations in trying to help the kids.
This is all still very much a work in progress for me. But there are a number of lessons to be learned from each organization - including basic differences in their categories. I'll try to elaborate, in stages:
From a sponsor (and child relationship) point of view, the first big distinction on the comparison chart is 'community' vs 'child'. Community means whatever we contribute goes to 'everyone', with no EG's or individual educational support. For those on a budget who can't get into the kind of EG's we see here, that could be a good thing. For those who want help their kid, it means we have to be either more generous or more creative. I got my StC child in Nepal English lessons that she felt she needed by instead setting up an after-school class for all of the kids in her school who wanted to take them, including her. It turned out to be very efficient, actually, but it is a fair bit of commitment. It really is an interesting way to do it, however, if we were trying to think of this as providing the most benefit for as many of our kids here, collectively. For all the disadvantages of of this collective approach, these organizational restrictions do at least make us think about how we can leverage our contributions to help more kids.
In another case I wanted to incentivize 14/15 year olds in Bolivia - engage and reward them without the use of EG's. I made contributions in the kids 'names' (first name and id number) to a highly regarded local shelter for abused children, with the idea that they would be actual donors as well as possible mentors. When I set this donation up with the shelter's founder she said she was 'in tears'. It's early to tell - but this was just an example of the way to skirt the 'support' rules and still give something to the kids, in a way. Again, this isn't for everyone. But I wouldn't mind seeing more of this kind of 'community benefit' thing going on here - it often only comes from necessity, as with StC and other 'community' sponsorships.
The next thing I would look for might be 'graduation date'. Many people here have commented on the age 19 limit relative to college needs, for students who are continuing on. This is where Unbound has some advantages over CI. Students are eligible for sponsorship as long as they are enrolled in school, including college. They also have a 'future college fund' option, which I have recently started using - so my sponsored children can plan ahead, long-term in confidence (this fund is transferable to my other sponsored students if not used by the first one). I've told the kids that they are covered through med, law, whatever, if they choose. Anyway, the pre-set vs open-ended program 'graduation' is something to consider - whether that's a plus or minus depends on our particular circumstances.
EG philosophies differ - another topic for another post. CI's EG's are generally consumption-oriented, where with others there can be focus on other priorities (income-producing activities - or - greater emphasis on add'l lessons or training).
Letter-writing, and communications generally, differ dramatically among organizations - even when ages, countries, and grade levels are the same. I'll typically get four pages of closely spaced writing from one group of students - these clearly weren't just done in an hour or so at the center - vs the letter-with-picture-on-back. It's not just the length, of course, but the effort put into writing. In my small sample, one organization's exception is another's rule. Personally, I rank 'writing' high in emphasis because (for those like me who can't visit) this is our entire communication with each other. Plus I happen to be a big believer in writing as a skill, for the kids. Of course, there are exceptional writers in each organization, but the greater emphasis in some organizations really does show.
The comparison chart notes religion - in my experience so far, the religious spectrum is fairly similar for each organization - it seems to be the kids' country, not the sponsoring organization, that's the biggest factor. (Is it just me and my tiny sample group, or are families in the Philippines really special in this regard?) Generally, I have always been surprised at how religious sponsored families - and kids - in disadvantaged areas around the world are, compared to what I'm accustomed to here on the east coast. Plus India, for example, has been quick to toss out organizations they perceive as religious 'influencers', so remaining organizations there have to be careful not to be seen as promoting any particular faith.
There are a couple of other areas that I am still testing - we'll see. But the thing is that, so far, CI is the best in many things (especially sponsor community & sponsor support). Other organizations really can be frustrating, organizationally. But there is still plenty of opportunity for every one of these organizations to get even better, including even CI. Each organization I've seen seems to do at least some things very well.
September 15, 2019 in reply to Missing user
Bill, Thanks for opening the discussion and sharing an in-depth account of your experience. It's good to hear the views on how different organizations operate from a sponsor perspective. Am I right in thinking that your engagement in multiple charities primarily stemmed from the locations they operate worldwide?
Interesting point you mentioned that though Save the Children (StC) is 'community' based, you were able to provide direct assistance to a child in Nepal – is this type of gift to your child regarded by StC as 'community project' due to its on-going nature? CI adopt similar model for projects like home improvement, IGP.
Your other point about 'honorary gifts' on your child's behalf.. This is personal to individual sponsor, and in my case I have made contributions to World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and CI Youth Service Projects in honor of my children's birthdays and the gifts/certificates they received help to open up a dialog on the causes supported in our subsequent writings.
For special donations like Unbound model of 'future college fund', CI does have 'Sponsorship Trust Fund' but restricted up to the graduation age (19). My Hope Scholarship Trust provides an annual scholarship to a deserving youth anywhere.
I'm glad to hear the greater emphasis put on writing skills shown by other organizations. Do you see this in 'community'-centric more than in 'child'-centric organizations?
CI started as Holy Land Christian Mission back in mid 1930s, but later became secular. From religious stands point CI is well versed with individual cultures in particular as you said, Indian. As a sponsor myself, I embrace all beliefs of my children. Last year I sent Katerin books (29) from Scholastic International, including "Lee y Aprende: La Biblia" (544p) and she just wrote to tell me that “my parents are very happy because I returned to the church and they are in the church and they are very happy. I love it that they are that happy and I hope they stay like that for the rest of my life.”
Your concluding remarks gave me some pause for thought on my own engagement with CI. I have been fortunate to witness 'golden years' of CI, though today it has moved on with the rest of the world to meet the ever expanding needs of our children.
Interesting point you mentioned that though Save the Children (StC) is 'community' based, you were able to provide direct assistance to a child in Nepal – is this type of gift to your child regarded by StC as 'community project' due to its on-going nature? CI adopt similar model for projects like home improvement, IGP.
Your other point about 'honorary gifts' on your child's behalf.. This is personal to individual sponsor, and in my case I have made contributions to World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and CI Youth Service Projects in honor of my children's birthdays and the gifts/certificates they received help to open up a dialog on the causes supported in our subsequent writings.
For special donations like Unbound model of 'future college fund', CI does have 'Sponsorship Trust Fund' but restricted up to the graduation age (19). My Hope Scholarship Trust provides an annual scholarship to a deserving youth anywhere.
I'm glad to hear the greater emphasis put on writing skills shown by other organizations. Do you see this in 'community'-centric more than in 'child'-centric organizations?
CI started as Holy Land Christian Mission back in mid 1930s, but later became secular. From religious stands point CI is well versed with individual cultures in particular as you said, Indian. As a sponsor myself, I embrace all beliefs of my children. Last year I sent Katerin books (29) from Scholastic International, including "Lee y Aprende: La Biblia" (544p) and she just wrote to tell me that “my parents are very happy because I returned to the church and they are in the church and they are very happy. I love it that they are that happy and I hope they stay like that for the rest of my life.”
Your concluding remarks gave me some pause for thought on my own engagement with CI. I have been fortunate to witness 'golden years' of CI, though today it has moved on with the rest of the world to meet the ever expanding needs of our children.
September 15, 2019 in reply to Missing user
StC was first for me, and I learned that I wanted to see how effective the features of the others might be. I figured that I will have my own objective scorecard on which is 'best'. Right now my pro's and con's are my subjective thoughts.
Each of these has wide enough reach so they are all operating in destitute regions. Although one of the early appeals to StC was that it operates in some parts of the world where girls are particularly expected by their families and communities to drop out by mid-teens, just for example Mali and Nepal.
When I initiated the English classes in Nepal I had to do it with no bias to my own sponsored child - or even just the ones that wanted the class. It really did have to be a new community program, and I also had to support alternative activities (while the class was going on) for any children who were not doing the class. I did not get any help from the US corporate office for this, in that their planning cycle for new programs had passed and would have to be submitted for review in the next cycle. Therefore I had to work directly with the field office. I was in a hurry because I didn't want to miss a year for my child.
I proposed this as basically a fully-paid-for program - to run a preliminary test, a prototype, in 'one of their communities' (maybe even a particular one) so that they could evaluate whether this kind of class was something worthwhile for the rest of the country. I assured them that if this was successful I would see what I could do, to do my part to help them to the next level. [Before I go further, this stays here - I don't want to put any jobs in jeopardy]. Meanwhile, we have English classes. I make the contributions through the US office as always, earmarked specifically to support the Nepal office.
I see CI's 19 year cap for college funding as a really big obstacle. I tell the kids they can dream big for college, and then I can't see them through. I have one exceptional 16-year-old in 7th grade - if I didn't know her grade level I'd say from her letters that she was easily my most advanced student in Zambia - who wants to eventually get to college and be a teacher. She won't be through high school at 19. her chances are extraordinarily poor without support. With the Unbound kids I tell them that any tuition for med school, law school, etc is assured.
Originally with STC, one of the things that was easy to see in selection was the kids' career goals. That made it easy as a sponsor because I had eight students, all very close to the same age and grade, with similar career objectives. At least at the beginning I had a 'team' with common goals.
On the child-attributed donations, the main thing was that I made it clear to the local charity that I was only getting the ball rolling, and that the kids would be advising me on how we proceed in the future (cultivate any relationship with them, not me, as they would be calling the shots). I figured that I was doing this as an opportunity for their involvement, and they could either pick it up, or pass. Their choice. I started with $3k, which I figured would put the kids in the class of serious benefactors for that non-profit. That particular abused-children program attracts college interns from the US (the founder, a Bolivian woman abused as a child, has a law degree - and apparently a following - from Rutgers). It also happens to be an StC 'partner' in that country, which was reassuring. I figured that my kids' exposure to these kinds of things might be positive - if they decide that they want to support this.
The objective evaluation of all this will come when the kids in these programs all start their first jobs. We'll see. But that "as long as they want to continue in school" full scholarship puts one organization out front. Those kids, I think realize it.
My most prolific letter-writer in that group (and overall) is an aspiring attorney. This year her combined letters have totaled 20 solid pages, and she quotes Peter Marshall, Jon Bon Jovi, and people I don't know to make her points. She's 15, living in Payatas. I really think it makes a big difference knowing that money for the whole thing is assured.
Based on my own contacts with each of the three, however, CI is the indisputed star in 'sponsor relations' - both through the KC organization itself and the sponsor community. There is no comparison.
Each of these has wide enough reach so they are all operating in destitute regions. Although one of the early appeals to StC was that it operates in some parts of the world where girls are particularly expected by their families and communities to drop out by mid-teens, just for example Mali and Nepal.
When I initiated the English classes in Nepal I had to do it with no bias to my own sponsored child - or even just the ones that wanted the class. It really did have to be a new community program, and I also had to support alternative activities (while the class was going on) for any children who were not doing the class. I did not get any help from the US corporate office for this, in that their planning cycle for new programs had passed and would have to be submitted for review in the next cycle. Therefore I had to work directly with the field office. I was in a hurry because I didn't want to miss a year for my child.
I proposed this as basically a fully-paid-for program - to run a preliminary test, a prototype, in 'one of their communities' (maybe even a particular one) so that they could evaluate whether this kind of class was something worthwhile for the rest of the country. I assured them that if this was successful I would see what I could do, to do my part to help them to the next level. [Before I go further, this stays here - I don't want to put any jobs in jeopardy]. Meanwhile, we have English classes. I make the contributions through the US office as always, earmarked specifically to support the Nepal office.
I see CI's 19 year cap for college funding as a really big obstacle. I tell the kids they can dream big for college, and then I can't see them through. I have one exceptional 16-year-old in 7th grade - if I didn't know her grade level I'd say from her letters that she was easily my most advanced student in Zambia - who wants to eventually get to college and be a teacher. She won't be through high school at 19. her chances are extraordinarily poor without support. With the Unbound kids I tell them that any tuition for med school, law school, etc is assured.
Originally with STC, one of the things that was easy to see in selection was the kids' career goals. That made it easy as a sponsor because I had eight students, all very close to the same age and grade, with similar career objectives. At least at the beginning I had a 'team' with common goals.
On the child-attributed donations, the main thing was that I made it clear to the local charity that I was only getting the ball rolling, and that the kids would be advising me on how we proceed in the future (cultivate any relationship with them, not me, as they would be calling the shots). I figured that I was doing this as an opportunity for their involvement, and they could either pick it up, or pass. Their choice. I started with $3k, which I figured would put the kids in the class of serious benefactors for that non-profit. That particular abused-children program attracts college interns from the US (the founder, a Bolivian woman abused as a child, has a law degree - and apparently a following - from Rutgers). It also happens to be an StC 'partner' in that country, which was reassuring. I figured that my kids' exposure to these kinds of things might be positive - if they decide that they want to support this.
The objective evaluation of all this will come when the kids in these programs all start their first jobs. We'll see. But that "as long as they want to continue in school" full scholarship puts one organization out front. Those kids, I think realize it.
My most prolific letter-writer in that group (and overall) is an aspiring attorney. This year her combined letters have totaled 20 solid pages, and she quotes Peter Marshall, Jon Bon Jovi, and people I don't know to make her points. She's 15, living in Payatas. I really think it makes a big difference knowing that money for the whole thing is assured.
Based on my own contacts with each of the three, however, CI is the indisputed star in 'sponsor relations' - both through the KC organization itself and the sponsor community. There is no comparison.
September 15, 2019 in reply to Missing user
Bill, The life you devoted for these children is immensely fascinating. Your approach to a ‘scorecard’ shows how important your philanthropic endeavors are and strategic thinking gone into them. I'm with you on this as choosing the right organization is like a diver searching the sea floor, unearthing all sorts of treasures!
One of the powerful things a sponsor can do is to empower girls to be equal in society, and I know Plan International is among the champions in this front.
You obviously have undertaken bespoke/grand projects with StC beyond your basic sponsorship, i.e. planning, coordination and funding by all yourself is admirable.
CI has been working on a solution to help support the continuing education after 19, but is still in its infancy.
In contrast to your 'team' approach, I tend to treat each child as if I only have him/her in my care. In other words, guide them individually along the way.
Finally, you do have very promising young talents, and I can only hope that your commitment to providing financial support will see through to the end whichever sponsorship/organization that might be.
One of the powerful things a sponsor can do is to empower girls to be equal in society, and I know Plan International is among the champions in this front.
You obviously have undertaken bespoke/grand projects with StC beyond your basic sponsorship, i.e. planning, coordination and funding by all yourself is admirable.
CI has been working on a solution to help support the continuing education after 19, but is still in its infancy.
In contrast to your 'team' approach, I tend to treat each child as if I only have him/her in my care. In other words, guide them individually along the way.
Finally, you do have very promising young talents, and I can only hope that your commitment to providing financial support will see through to the end whichever sponsorship/organization that might be.
September 16, 2019 in reply to Missing user
I guess I should explain what I mean about the team thing. My student in Nepal and the two in Bolivia ( plus the ones in Mali and Haiti) are all on my StC 'team'. Everyone in this group is similar age and they all want to eventually have careers in health care. But each has unique challenges, which I address individually. So with Nepal I have one project, Bolivia another completely different one, Mali a third. Being similar ages and occupational interests, however, there are some topics where I'll have group letters. Sometimes when I do a group letter I'll include a thumbnail picture of each recipient.
My Unbound team is a little different - they all have very different career goals, but some common strengths. Today I just mailed them a group letter explaining The Economist's July 'Big Mac' index, gave them the data so they could calculate it themselves for their countries, and talked about how that relates to a variety of things, including sponsor 'extra gifts'. [my STC team's countries don't have McDonalds, plus no EG's, so I'll take a different approach to the concepts] With those kinds of group letters I can really dive into subjects. I sent The Economist's recent article (edited some) on predatory lending to women in Sri Lanka and what to do if anyone in our group had problems, and the African pig virus (two of the families had bought piglets with EGs) including pig safety and effects on prices. Where kids in different countries have common interests, I'll bring those out.
None of that is in place of individual letters and targeted help - it's just another dimension. With this team aspect I am also really hoping that they'll develop relationships that will survive me.
My Unbound team is a little different - they all have very different career goals, but some common strengths. Today I just mailed them a group letter explaining The Economist's July 'Big Mac' index, gave them the data so they could calculate it themselves for their countries, and talked about how that relates to a variety of things, including sponsor 'extra gifts'. [my STC team's countries don't have McDonalds, plus no EG's, so I'll take a different approach to the concepts] With those kinds of group letters I can really dive into subjects. I sent The Economist's recent article (edited some) on predatory lending to women in Sri Lanka and what to do if anyone in our group had problems, and the African pig virus (two of the families had bought piglets with EGs) including pig safety and effects on prices. Where kids in different countries have common interests, I'll bring those out.
None of that is in place of individual letters and targeted help - it's just another dimension. With this team aspect I am also really hoping that they'll develop relationships that will survive me.
September 17, 2019
I'm stunned by William’s detailed and thorough description of his experiences with different organisations. Excellent work! I am considering to try sponsoring via Plan International in the future, now I understand the 'community' approach much better, so thank you for that.
Data-driven programs
3 posts
May 19, 2019
May 14, 2019 – My Juliana is on the spotlight again.. appeared on a promotional social media campaign to raise awareness of combating the long-term impact of poverty through data-driven programs at CI.
www.children.org/see-the-impact/charity-programs/what-we-measure
Quoting..
"Increased secondary school completion: We measure success by identifying the percent of sponsored CI graduates who have reached that milestone by age 24.
We measure the number of teens in our program aged 18–24 who have:
- Increased marketable skills, measured by the percent of teens actively developing skills through university or vocational training programs. For younger teens, we measure enrollment. For young adults, we measure completion.
- Enhanced access to the local job market, measured by the percent of program youth (18- to 24-year-olds) who demonstrate knowledge and skills to access the job market in their communities."
My understanding was that once the children graduate at age 19, CI will have no contacts with the youth, thus gathering such data up to the age of 24 puzzled me – can CI elaborate on how this is done beyond age 19.
- Does CI keep in touch with all youth until they reach 24?
- If so, is there a mechanism in which a sponsor who wants to continue providing support beyond graduation for the youth in pursuit of higher education or vocational training?
www.children.org/see-the-impact/charity-programs/what-we-measure
Quoting..
"Increased secondary school completion: We measure success by identifying the percent of sponsored CI graduates who have reached that milestone by age 24.
We measure the number of teens in our program aged 18–24 who have:
- Increased marketable skills, measured by the percent of teens actively developing skills through university or vocational training programs. For younger teens, we measure enrollment. For young adults, we measure completion.
- Enhanced access to the local job market, measured by the percent of program youth (18- to 24-year-olds) who demonstrate knowledge and skills to access the job market in their communities."
My understanding was that once the children graduate at age 19, CI will have no contacts with the youth, thus gathering such data up to the age of 24 puzzled me – can CI elaborate on how this is done beyond age 19.
- Does CI keep in touch with all youth until they reach 24?
- If so, is there a mechanism in which a sponsor who wants to continue providing support beyond graduation for the youth in pursuit of higher education or vocational training?
May 20, 2019 in reply to Missing user
We don't have contact with all the youth who leave or graduate from the program. However, there are many graduate who still reside in the program area or have younger sibs/cousins/volunteer parents, etc. involved in the program, and therefore it is easier to engage with them to gather measurable information.
As you know, we've been looking at ways to either expand sponsorship until youth have completed vocational/university or, a way to help them with education only after CI graduation. I know it seems like a long time has passed since we first began looking at ways to expand, but we truly are trying. It’s not an easy or small problem to solve and has many implications which iswhy we’re still working on it. We’re closer than ever to having somethingfor youth and sponsors. Just don’t know when it would be available.
As you know, we've been looking at ways to either expand sponsorship until youth have completed vocational/university or, a way to help them with education only after CI graduation. I know it seems like a long time has passed since we first began looking at ways to expand, but we truly are trying. It’s not an easy or small problem to solve and has many implications which iswhy we’re still working on it. We’re closer than ever to having somethingfor youth and sponsors. Just don’t know when it would be available.
May 20, 2019 in reply to Missing user
Thanks Debbie for clarifying. Great to know CI doing post impact assessment of the program! May be you could consider extending graduation age only for youth pursuing further education or create a donor-advised fund to provide post-graduate scholarships in partnership with educational institutions.
Last chance at sponsorship
40 posts
March 27, 2019
Floating this concept on the board for thoughts. At some point children on the wait list drop off the wait list when they are nearing the end of the program. This happens somewhere between 17 and their graduation. I was thinking they may graduate the program perhaps never hearing from a sponsor. So I have been considering changing that for at least one child. Time may only permit a few letter exchanges and I am planning to send them at least an EG for graduation. I think it will make a difference for them to receive letters of encouragement and recognition of their graduation from the program. If there were other sponsors interested in participating perhaps this could be done for a few children.
Ways to participate: One could do the same or cover some monthly sponsorship / EGs all within the framework of CI. I have covered monthly sponsorship and sent EGs to children sponsored by others so I know this is possible to do. It did require me to call CI to accomplish.
Step 1: Sponsor a child that has aged off of the wait list. Ricardo added March 28th, 2019. Family of four, most needy, single parent household 'mother'. He aged off the wait list and has been without a sponsor for several years.
Step 2: Write him a letter. Today March 29th, 2019 Ricardo showed up in my account. I have sent him an introduction letter. March 30th, 2019 added an EG into the works to cover educational and related expenses. Time is to short to find out if he has any needs to finish school. March 31st, DP sent.
Step 3: The wait begins.
Ways to participate: One could do the same or cover some monthly sponsorship / EGs all within the framework of CI. I have covered monthly sponsorship and sent EGs to children sponsored by others so I know this is possible to do. It did require me to call CI to accomplish.
Step 1: Sponsor a child that has aged off of the wait list. Ricardo added March 28th, 2019. Family of four, most needy, single parent household 'mother'. He aged off the wait list and has been without a sponsor for several years.
Step 2: Write him a letter. Today March 29th, 2019 Ricardo showed up in my account. I have sent him an introduction letter. March 30th, 2019 added an EG into the works to cover educational and related expenses. Time is to short to find out if he has any needs to finish school. March 31st, DP sent.
Step 3: The wait begins.
March 30, 2019 in reply to Missing user
I'd like to hear CI's reasoning on the decision to pull a youth off the waiting list. I don't understand why. What is it about the system that brings CI to decide to take anyone off the Waiting for a Sponsor List , except, of course, those who have turned 19. I have thought about this too, Frosty. Say, if a "most needy" youth is 17, that means close to TWO YEARS LEFT -- ample time for an active sponsor to make a big difference with supportive letters and EG's. Personally, I was surprised I couldn't choose to sponsor someone close to graduation, for instance: an 18 year-old who is red-flagged as economically more challenged than others. I'd welcome that option and that challenge. ( FYI : I only choose children/youths who are listed as "most needy.")
March 30, 2019
I think CI takes a youth off the waiting list when they turn 18 not 17. Anyone can go to the waiting list (age 16+), see every youths birthday, and sponsor a youth who will soon be turning 18. I don't think it's unreasonable for CI to remove youths from their waiting list who are within months (less than one year) of their graduation.
March 30, 2019
I believe they are taken off when they turned 18. I started sponsored Anyira when she was 17 years old and stayed with her until she graduated. I do believe people should take a chance on older youth
March 30, 2019 in reply to Missing user
I share your sentiments and that is why I sought out one of these children and sponsored them.
I am sure CI will get back to you after the weekend.
Sharing what I considered prior to sponsoring a last chance child. It is most likely for the children and sponsors. Using the child I sponsored as an example, he was on the wait list for years writing to a sponsor and never hearing back. Most older children have had several sponsors. As they are nearing graduation they would be tasked to write a letter to a new sponsor that may never respond given that 71.8% of sponsors only write to their children according to this study https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdfplus/10.1086/670138 The risk for the sponsor is that some children drop out of the program prior to aging out. It is gust a higher chance that the child selected would drop out. There are also the administrative aspects of short term sponsorship. Then there are also system performance aspects of returning results to users in timely.
I design large computing systems and noticed like in Logan's run older children were not present on the waiting list so I asked if they aged off as I suspected and that is what happens. This thread is more like a blog proving out an approach to addressing the complexities of this issue and if anyone would like to read the solution approach outline I will post it.
I am sure CI will get back to you after the weekend.
Sharing what I considered prior to sponsoring a last chance child. It is most likely for the children and sponsors. Using the child I sponsored as an example, he was on the wait list for years writing to a sponsor and never hearing back. Most older children have had several sponsors. As they are nearing graduation they would be tasked to write a letter to a new sponsor that may never respond given that 71.8% of sponsors only write to their children according to this study https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdfplus/10.1086/670138 The risk for the sponsor is that some children drop out of the program prior to aging out. It is gust a higher chance that the child selected would drop out. There are also the administrative aspects of short term sponsorship. Then there are also system performance aspects of returning results to users in timely.
I design large computing systems and noticed like in Logan's run older children were not present on the waiting list so I asked if they aged off as I suspected and that is what happens. This thread is more like a blog proving out an approach to addressing the complexities of this issue and if anyone would like to read the solution approach outline I will post it.
March 30, 2019 in reply to barbmc
I asked CI and was told it happens around when they turn 17 and if I wanted to sponsor a child in this situation I could call CI and they could assist. I called CI and they gave me several to consider that have aged off the waiting list. I picked the one I thought was most needy and sponsored him. He has about 9 months left before graduating the program.
Currently a global search for children 16+ shows 3 children are on the waiting list that are 17. All 3 just turned 17 in March. You will not find any children that are 17 with birthdays in other months because they have aged off the wait list.
Currently a global search for children 16+ shows 3 children are on the waiting list that are 17. All 3 just turned 17 in March. You will not find any children that are 17 with birthdays in other months because they have aged off the wait list.
March 30, 2019
"As they are nearing graduation they would be tasked to write a letter to a new sponsor that may never respond given that 17% of sponsors only write to their children."
Very good point, Frosty; didn't really think of that!
Very good point, Frosty; didn't really think of that!
March 30, 2019 in reply to Missing user
I asked CI and was told it happens around when they turn 17 which could explain your case of sponsoring a 17 year old. I am also talking currently as things change over time. I did ask CI to review my posting as I did not want to miss-state anything. I added some clarifications as a result but no corrections. I am sure they will comment on Monday.
March 30, 2019
CI has changed it to seventeen? I'm not surprised that there are many administrative costs and additional aspects involved in such short term sponsorships for CI. Sounds to me like you've nailed them!
March 30, 2019
FYI I did see some 17 years on the waitlist to day but one of them just had a birthday
March 30, 2019 in reply to Missing user
True, Joaniedear, there is one Zambian who is 17 - his birthday was yesterday . There is one in Honduras, his birthday was also recent, March 16th . Seventeen year-olds, yes, they just turned 17 . I checked Mexico, no 17 year-olds, I checked Ecuador, no 17 year-olds. Looks to be accurate that soon after the seventeenth birthday, CI removes their listing, but we'll wait to hear the official answer on Monday. Thank you to everyone for their interest in this subject.
March 30, 2019 in reply to Missing user
rgfischoff said: True, Joaniedear, there is one Zambian who is 17 - his birthday was yesterday .
Rachel, I was thinking of sponsoring him, but I was planning to wait until my oldest is 19 in June.
I, too, have noticed very few 17 year olds, and a LOT more younger kids, on the list lately.
March 30, 2019
Sponsoring youth is SO rewarding too, and I have two in their final year and planned to spend more time with them this year!
Debbie talked about "cycles" in below tread..
https://www.children.org/MySocialCenter/messageboard/!content/q-and-a-with-children-international/most-needy-and-waiting
Debbie talked about "cycles" in below tread..
https://www.children.org/MySocialCenter/messageboard/!content/q-and-a-with-children-international/most-needy-and-waiting
April 1, 2019
Well, it seems I have some 'splaining to do:
1. We never stop looking for sponsors for the kids on our program, even the older kids. To be fair, we don’t always place information about kids over the age of 17 (18+) on our website, because most people don't want to help older kids because they want to help the same youth for many years. If a sponsor wants to sponsor a youth that is 17+, they can contact the Care Team and we'll do our best to find just the right youth for them to help.
2. Remember, the kids on the website waiting list, isn't all the kids needing sponsors. Our pool of waiting children are marked in different ways to find them sponsors. For example, some are marked to show on the web, some to replace kids who leave the program, and others for allocation over the phone or by mail. The kids stay marked for a certain period of time, and if we haven't found a sponsor, then they cycle to another marking. So, not every child waiting for a sponsor shows on the web and, if you do a search for specific criteria it will only search for the kids who are marked to display on the web.
3. I have no idea where the 17% comes from, as we're not tracking exactly how many sponsors write to their kids. Of course, we wish all sponsors would, but we don't spend a lot of our resources on keeping track of those kind of things, as we want resources to go to the programs for the kids.
1. We never stop looking for sponsors for the kids on our program, even the older kids. To be fair, we don’t always place information about kids over the age of 17 (18+) on our website, because most people don't want to help older kids because they want to help the same youth for many years. If a sponsor wants to sponsor a youth that is 17+, they can contact the Care Team and we'll do our best to find just the right youth for them to help.
2. Remember, the kids on the website waiting list, isn't all the kids needing sponsors. Our pool of waiting children are marked in different ways to find them sponsors. For example, some are marked to show on the web, some to replace kids who leave the program, and others for allocation over the phone or by mail. The kids stay marked for a certain period of time, and if we haven't found a sponsor, then they cycle to another marking. So, not every child waiting for a sponsor shows on the web and, if you do a search for specific criteria it will only search for the kids who are marked to display on the web.
3. I have no idea where the 17% comes from, as we're not tracking exactly how many sponsors write to their kids. Of course, we wish all sponsors would, but we don't spend a lot of our resources on keeping track of those kind of things, as we want resources to go to the programs for the kids.
April 1, 2019 in reply to Missing user
Thank you Debbie, you have graciously explained the system and the reasons for the system. I have copied and pasted your answer into my CI file -- so I will be reminded that 17+ youths are available for sponsorship. I add a factor that no one is mentioning: Most know I'm partial to choosing older children/youths, special needs cases and most needy situations. The additional truth is I'm 72 -- I don't think in terms of sponsoring a two year-old child all the way through CI's program; I don't envision celebrating their graduation. Yes, I am an organic vegetarian with a treadmill, but I am also mindful that no one in my family has lived longer than 85 years (I have money in my will bequeathed to CI sponsored children/youths in the event I leave life unexpectedly ) Some of us desire a complete sponsorship experience for ourselves and the sponsored child/youth -- I know that a tot in the CI program will easily outlive me... Moreover, I am committed to adding value to the CI experience of a youth no matter how short their remaining program-time is.
April 1, 2019 in reply to Missing user
Thanks debbies , the original intent of my post was to share this, sponsor one of these youths and hope to inspire others to do the same.
How many youths are there currently in this older youth classification that CI could use some help sponsoring?
My wish list item for CI: A box to check on the search page to include short term sponsorship in the results.
How many youths are there currently in this older youth classification that CI could use some help sponsoring?
My wish list item for CI: A box to check on the search page to include short term sponsorship in the results.
April 1, 2019 in reply to Missing user
@rgfischcoff: You are a gem!
@Frosty: I really don't know how many youth are 17+ in need of sponsorship. For your wish list item, please share that on the website feedback form, that goes straight to the marketing and it teams :-)
@Frosty: I really don't know how many youth are 17+ in need of sponsorship. For your wish list item, please share that on the website feedback form, that goes straight to the marketing and it teams :-)
April 1, 2019 in reply to Missing user
Thank debbies, I have followed up with the site feedback as suggested.
Regarding percentage of sponsors that write. The previous source I used quoted this study but transposed the percentage. It is actually 71.8%. I have corrected my post.
https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdfplus/10.1086/670138
Regarding percentage of sponsors that write. The previous source I used quoted this study but transposed the percentage. It is actually 71.8%. I have corrected my post.
https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdfplus/10.1086/670138
April 1, 2019 in reply to Missing user
The paper by Wydick et al refers to one particular programme called Compassion International: “All children sponsored through Compassion write letters several times per year to their sponsor, and most receive correspondence from their sponsor (71.8 percent in our study)”. Another study from 2008 (“The Development Impact of Child Sponsorship”) found that “only 30—35% of sponsored children receive letters and gifts from their sponsors.” It concludes that the sponsor letter-writing varies between programmes, so in absence of any hard data we can use the trusted method of guessing :-)
April 1, 2019 in reply to Missing user
Hmm, the point I was trying to convey was that not all sponsors write their children. Perhaps 'Studies have shown that not all sponsors write their children' foot-noting the two studies referenced previously.
Foot-note to self: Avoid stating statistics in posts. I have an extensive background in statistical studies and decades of dealing with them but I still fall into this trap once in awhile.
Please don't let this distract from the overall intent of my post. Inspire others to seek out and sponsor these 17+ year old youths not searchable on the site.
Foot-note to self: Avoid stating statistics in posts. I have an extensive background in statistical studies and decades of dealing with them but I still fall into this trap once in awhile.
Please don't let this distract from the overall intent of my post. Inspire others to seek out and sponsor these 17+ year old youths not searchable on the site.
April 1, 2019 in reply to Missing user
@Frosty I sponsored Anyira for 1 1/2 years I started sponsoring her at 17 years of age, because I felt the need to sponsor her. I was smittened by her beautiful smile, then saw just the mom was in the home. It was a joy to sponsor this beautiful young lady. She was recently my first sponsored child to graduate. Which was very exciting and extremely proud of her. Right now I can't add any more kids 5 is my limit with working part time and going to school. But another point I want to make even the 15 year olds need wonderful sponsors that why I sponsor teenage girls. Let me tell you these teenagers are the best letter writers I have, I feel like you can talk to them about more topics
April 2, 2019 in reply to Missing user
@joaniedear,
I too sponsor what I would call youths. They write good letters. I agree one has to balance things with the number of children one sponsors to be able to provide whatever level of support one has personally defined. I also agree there are other youths on the site to sponsor. The thing that compelled me to create this post were the youth that can't be seen. A search of the kids today shows all 3 youths 17+ got sponsored so there are none on the site. What one can't see is that there are many youths 17+ in need of sponsors. I just think all the children should be afforded the same opportunity and to do so they need to be visible on the site regardless of what cycle they are in.
I too sponsor what I would call youths. They write good letters. I agree one has to balance things with the number of children one sponsors to be able to provide whatever level of support one has personally defined. I also agree there are other youths on the site to sponsor. The thing that compelled me to create this post were the youth that can't be seen. A search of the kids today shows all 3 youths 17+ got sponsored so there are none on the site. What one can't see is that there are many youths 17+ in need of sponsors. I just think all the children should be afforded the same opportunity and to do so they need to be visible on the site regardless of what cycle they are in.
April 2, 2019
If there are children not receiving letters, due to not having a sponsor or one who writes at all, then that is an opportunity for CI to assign them a writer. Or if they will graduate without a letter, etc. I wish I could afford to sponsor more, but I would write in a heartbeat. Other organizations do this. It has been a blessing to encourage kids with words. And pretty neat to see the organizations value letter writing as much as I do, that it is not just about money, but hope and intangible encouragement, which is priceless I think!
April 3, 2019 in reply to auntiemay
@auntiemay, The CI systems seems to be centered around a child being sponsored to enable most things like even writing a youth.
However, you bring up an interesting perspective that perhaps CI could do something. The only thing I can think of would be to provide a reduced monthly sponsorship rate for these hard to place youths that are no longer searchable on the site. The main point from your post is that perhaps CI could assist in enabling things to make your wish come true.
However, you bring up an interesting perspective that perhaps CI could do something. The only thing I can think of would be to provide a reduced monthly sponsorship rate for these hard to place youths that are no longer searchable on the site. The main point from your post is that perhaps CI could assist in enabling things to make your wish come true.
April 3, 2019 in reply to Missing user
That's a clever idea to offer a reduced monthly fee for children who are harder to get sponsors for - since CI will provide benefits no matter what, this could get some money coming in instead of none. As for letters, I can see the issues. What if I haven't written my child, but start and there receiving letters from someone else? Would a sponsor need to agree to someone else writing? There's also a cost associated with translating and sending these letters, again with no fees being paid
April 3, 2019 in reply to Missing user
Remember tho', just because the kids are not on the website, we are still looking for sponsors for them through other avenues.
April 3, 2019 in reply to Missing user
@debbies, so CI would not consider offering the board a lower monthly rate for the board to sponsor theses specific youths? Each one sponsored here would free up a spot for an easier to place child.
April 3, 2019 in reply to Missing user
Hey, suggest it through the website feedback form :-)
April 3, 2019 in reply to Missing user
Thanks debbies, I submitted via the site feedback as suggested.
April 4, 2019 in reply to Missing user
So far site feedback responded with an email outlining that one can search for 17+ youth on the site and provided direction on how to do so. Must have overlooked the part about ones removed from the site.
April 4, 2019
To piggy back what debbies said about acquiring sponsors for older youth with other avenues. Our recent waiting child request was specifically for our older youth and 888 youth are now sponsored!
April 4, 2019 in reply to Missing user
thank you for the good news about CI's efforts. ramfam. Yet, I will still fret about the remaining unsponsored older ones. Most sponsors prefer cute tots. Perhaps because I was an awkward pre-teen and teen -- I was much overweight plus I had raging acne, thick bifocals, big, shiny teeth braces -- my peers taunted me, called me froggie, perhaps that is why I am especially concerned about unsponsored youth whose waiting-for-a-sponsor photos show their changing bodies, their angst and their bewilderment -- this is an opportunity for an active sponsor to be their supportive friend, to help them be strong and focused, to help them stay committed to bettering their future.
April 5, 2019 in reply to Missing user
CI has been doing a wonderful job. This post keeps getting interpreted a criticism which it is not. It really is all about 17+ youths not on the site needing sponsors. Perhaps an example of a youth we are talking about. Ariel Josafat does not come up in any search on the site. His 18th birthday is in June so he has 5 maybe 6 months left in the program. He aged off of the site and is in another cycle. It seems it would be difficult to find sponsors for these youth. I suggested via site feedback that the board be given a chance to sponsor them at a discounted rate thus allowing placement efforts to go toward younger youths.
April 6, 2019 in reply to Missing user
The flip side of offering older youth at discounted rate is that new sponsors wanting to sponsor younger children for a longer-time paying at higher rate can't (then) be justified.
I'm with you on allowing 17+ group on the waiting list to be given exposure WE deserve for them, even though they may not necessarily be keen as younger children to have a sponsor at this late stage due to preparing for their adolescent life ahead!
As a passionate advocate for these youth, I suggest you setup " 17+ Action Group " to find sponsors and helping with their any other needs through crowd-funding campaigns. You can promote the group without giving reference to anyone in particular and set a budget for one youth at a time for 2yrs ($36 x 12 x 2 = $864) from their 17th birthday (today two turned 17 and will soon be taken off the web listing).
Once the funding is secured, you/CI can nominate a youth at the time to benefit. CI sponsor, Kristen Palana has successfully done similar through her Aura’s House project [aurashouse.com].
Hope this helps.
I'm with you on allowing 17+ group on the waiting list to be given exposure WE deserve for them, even though they may not necessarily be keen as younger children to have a sponsor at this late stage due to preparing for their adolescent life ahead!
As a passionate advocate for these youth, I suggest you setup " 17+ Action Group " to find sponsors and helping with their any other needs through crowd-funding campaigns. You can promote the group without giving reference to anyone in particular and set a budget for one youth at a time for 2yrs ($36 x 12 x 2 = $864) from their 17th birthday (today two turned 17 and will soon be taken off the web listing).
Once the funding is secured, you/CI can nominate a youth at the time to benefit. CI sponsor, Kristen Palana has successfully done similar through her Aura’s House project [aurashouse.com].
Hope this helps.
April 9, 2019 in reply to Missing user
True, out of context it sounds like they are in the discount bin and the next stop is the curb with a free sign. But the context is that everything revolves around being sponsored. There are those here that would write to these youths letters of encouragement as these youths graduate the CI program. However, they are currently maxed out with existing sponsorships. It perhaps sounds better that at some point there is a cut off for these particular youth and at that point someone open to a writing them could do so by covering the cost of that activity.
April 9, 2019 in reply to Missing user
I have had to think about this for a while and this is the long route to an answer. Raising funds is a good idea for a few youth but with 70 centers and the number of youths if there were only 3 per center per year there are hundreds. So I think the answer lies somewhere with transparency. If there was a page to go to see those in the other cycles not only could one see these youths but also the longest waiting. Just an observation but some longest waiting just appear on the site and makes me wondered where they come from. Perhaps they are coming off of the other cycles. This other page would be a little different in that one could only request to sponsor a child because their file may be deployed in a campaign. If they did not get sponsored their file would surface and get assign to the requestor. I just think that such a page would reduce the overall time for those without sponsors and provide sponsors for these youths.
April 13, 2019 in reply to Missing user
I believe, there are around 1000-1500 (out of thousands!) waiting children coming up on the website daily in rotation using complex computer algorithms to find sponsors. In addition, other ways of campaigning exist (e.g. mailing, phone, traditional media, social media and public canvassing).
You can check the status of the children (sponsored or no sponsor) at anytime using their ID – even, if they do not later show up online using the following link:
www.children.org/make-a-difference/sponsor-a-child/child-details/ (enterID)
If interested, may be you can set up a microsite to have visibility for all waiting 17+ children and then find groups of (say) 8 sponsors to share the total cost for sponsoring a youth for 2yrs. Multi-sponsor groups will not only reduce per sponsor contribution to 12.5%, but also have a good chance of corresponding with the child more often in the time left.
You can check the status of the children (sponsored or no sponsor) at anytime using their ID – even, if they do not later show up online using the following link:
www.children.org/make-a-difference/sponsor-a-child/child-details/ (enterID)
If interested, may be you can set up a microsite to have visibility for all waiting 17+ children and then find groups of (say) 8 sponsors to share the total cost for sponsoring a youth for 2yrs. Multi-sponsor groups will not only reduce per sponsor contribution to 12.5%, but also have a good chance of corresponding with the child more often in the time left.
April 16, 2019
As we know, a few 17 year-olds do briefly appear in the Waiting to be Sponsored photo/list. Yesterday I chose one: 17 year-old Charity in Lusaka, Zambia. Today it is official, she is the 15th on my profile page. Both of her parents are deceased, she lives with relatives. The income is listed as $80, and she sleeps on a mat on a cement floor. This morning, I sent an online hello letter, written in my shaky Nyanja, already translated, and I also sent a $150 EG (Extra monetary Gift). I post this to encourage other sponsors to consider choosing a short-term relationship with a CI youth.
April 17, 2019
@rgfischoff I think it's wonderful that you added a 17 year old. Plus you wrote a letter already and sent an EG
Home-made stove
7 posts
October 25, 2018
Does anyone remember a post on the CI website several years ago that discussed a home-made stove that used much less wood? As I remember, it was made from a metal barrel with a little trap door at the bottom to add wood. I've looked online but haven't seen anything quite like it. The best feature about it was that it required much less wood and retained heat longer. The top of the barrel was used as a stove-top.
October 25, 2018 in reply to Missing user
Try searching David2051’s posts for the Eco Stove.
October 25, 2018
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/children-international-provides-stoves-that-save-lives-in-latin-america-204074931.html
October 26, 2018
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! Your replies led me to the video of CI's efficient stove in Latin America, and the Stove Team International. Bless you all.
October 26, 2018
Oh..those are called Rocket Stoves! There are many, many versions of these. I made one of cinder blocks one time when camping. Google pictures of rocket stoves. They certainly burn hotter with much less wood needed.
October 27, 2018
Yes, they are rocket stoves. I've looked at multiple instructions online for making them, and wonder if there's an effort to help people make them in CI areas that aren't in Latin America.
October 27, 2018 in reply to Missing user
Anyone , anywhere, in the world who can get to a computer, may type in "rocket stoves videos"and obtain video instruction for near 24/7.
Is Education the Answer?
10 posts
March 13, 2017
Yes, of course it is! A good education is likely the only way for our sponsor children to rise up from poverty.
But, it’s not as easy as simply staying in school. There are obstacles beyond financial issues that stand in the way of our kids getting ahead merely through the virtue of school attendance, and these problems need to be acknowledged and discussed.
Graduating From High School (or the equivalent) Might Not Be Enough
Just like in the United States, a basic education isn’t likely to get a person any further than working behind a counter in a fast food restaurant. I’m not saying that our kids should drop out of school if college isn’t a possibly - not at all. Education is valuable in and of itself, even if it doesn’t lead to an awesome job. The very act of learning keeps the brain sharp, teaches problem-solving skills, and exposes a person to new and useful ideas. I would always encourage a kid to stay in school for those reasons alone…but I’m also supportive of my sponsor kids dropping out early to take vocational training or to start working in a family business or another available field. It’s good to be realistic about how you will support yourself and your family as an adult.
Higher Learning is Hard!
Graduating from a university with a degree is the surest way for our kids to break the bonds of poverty, but just having a sponsor who can afford to pay their college tuition may not be enough. Even with financial help, our children may not be academically equipped to face the challenge of attending a university in their country. I’m not saying our kids are dumb, but we have to realize that they may not have the advantages of a quality learning environment. At home, they might be forced to study in a poorly lit multi-purpose room with no table for their books and a bunch of younger children running around. Their parents may not be able to help if they have questions about what they are learning. The schools they attend very possibly have low educational standards. In my experience, many, many schools - particularly government run schools - are underfunded, lack resources, and have undertrained staff or staff who don’t really care. I used to teach 5th grade at a well-reputed private school in Karachi, Pakistan, and the place was awful! Case in point - I taught there. I was 20 years old and had no teaching degree.
The Jobs Have to be Available
The job market is not strong in many of the countries where CI works. One of my sponsor families in Honduras sacrificed to put their smartest son through business school. His education was supposed to be the family’s salvation after the father died, but although he graduated with high marks, Jimi has been unable to find employment. He moved to the city and is just scraping by while he searches for a job, but businesses only want to hire applicants who can speak English.
Note: It might be worth talking to your child and CI about the possibility of English lessons!
Leaving Your Community is Scary!
Poverty is difficult, but so is living in isolation. A lot of our kids have grown up in rural areas where they are surrounded by family, but where their options for lucrative employment are slim to none. In order to make real money, they would have to leave the security of everything they know to first attend university and then to relocate to an area where jobs are available. In more industrialized countries, making the transition from childhood to self-supporting adulthood is a lot easier because the change in lifestyle isn’t so drastic. Also, most of us in North America and Europe either don’t live within a close-knit community, or, if we do, it’s a community that we don’t have to leave in order to have a secure financial future. Having visited all of my sponsored kids, I can see that there are some of them who will be unlikely to venture far from the family farm or business, even if that means living out their lives in poverty. (Personally, I’m glad for this, because I can’t afford college tuition and I feel guilty about that with some of my kids!)
I’m not writing any of this to sound discouraging. Many of you will and do have graduated sponsor kids who attend universities or professional programs and perform very well. Higher education does work out for many kids, and these kids should be supported and encouraged. Even those of us who don’t have the financial security to pay for our children’s college tuition might still have sponsor kids who are able to attend a university through other means - for example, many governments offer free education to young people who test highly enough to qualify for admission. Many of our kids have dreams and goals that drive them to succeed, which is wonderful, but I don’t think less of those kids who are less ambitious.
I am talking about all of this in the wake of visiting my two 16-year-old girls in Guatemala, both of whom have chosen to stop attending school.
Magda has expressed interest in the past of being either a nurse or a secretary, but has since decided that continuing her education will not be useful for her, despite receiving financial support from the sponsorship community (I will be contacting donors individually to discuss alternate uses for their contributions). Right now, Magda and her older sister alternate between earning money working on a farm and staying home to care for the younger children in the extended family. Magda lives in a very remote area, far even from a drivable road, and in a community made up almost entirely of relatives. None of them seem to leave the land they’ve occupied apparently for generations. Obviously, I would support Magda if she chose to be a black sheep and leave her community, but I also understand how comfortable she feels there. I suppose she’ll have to leave her family if she decides to marry, but probably only to another nearby community.
Odilia has also quit school, but she lives closer to the CI community center and has remained active in their program for teens. I didn’t get a clear idea of what she does with them exactly, but she’s excited about the program and finds it very fulfilling. Like with Magda, a traditional career would not be possible for Odilia unless she were to leave her family unit. There are very few businesses in Patulul, and the ones that exist are probably family-run and unlikely to hire outside workers.
That’s all I have to say on this subject. We talk a lot on MSC about helping our kids get educated, but I’d like to hear people’s opinions on our kids NOT pursuing an education.
March 13, 2017 in reply to MackyMack
That's kind of sobering and kind of scary. I wonder if I'm too utopian and imposing values and ideals that may not be culturally appropriate in all circumstances. It kind of upset me in the van to hear talk about Magda's decision after she seemed so enthusiastic about returning to school. Did Miguel make the right decision for him? Who knows?
I hope all my kids will defy the odds. I try to be realistic but am I prepared for future educational decisions that are more the norm? I'm not sure. I don't want them to end up underemployed. You mentioned learning English. I had a couple of tour guides talk about the importance of that for them. They learned early in private school having a sponsor pay for it. So I wonder if it's something worth bringing up with maybe Uzias and Drake's families.
I hope all my kids will defy the odds. I try to be realistic but am I prepared for future educational decisions that are more the norm? I'm not sure. I don't want them to end up underemployed. You mentioned learning English. I had a couple of tour guides talk about the importance of that for them. They learned early in private school having a sponsor pay for it. So I wonder if it's something worth bringing up with maybe Uzias and Drake's families.
March 14, 2017 in reply to MackyMack
Great insights MackyMack and I find many of your points true!
March 14, 2017
MackyMack: I agree with everything you wrote. The only thing I would add is that in some countries even with an associates degree and good grades there is stiff competition for even low paying jobs. Often workers must leave their county to find work. And if they can find a job in their own country those jobs pay so little. Not enough to raise them out of poverty or enable them to provide for their own children. In some countries the government is very corrupt and seldom acts in the best interests of their poor.
March 14, 2017
I definitely agree with everything everyone has posted above. I think it would be very, very hard for me to come to terms with my child choosing not to continue in school, especially If they had made it to a high grade without much struggle (I know some people just aren't cut out for school or have learning disabilities that aren't able to be adequately addressed in a poverty stricken school - something I would find it easier to understand but something that would be hard to know without 1+ visits!). I would definitely support them choosing to instead go into a vocational program or other training, but then again it is difficult to find jobs in many places (it's even difficult in the USA a lot of times). Harsh realities, and lots of things worth considering.
March 14, 2017 in reply to MackyMack
That was wonderful in so many ways. Thank you Macky.
March 14, 2017
This is part of a thank you letter from my Angela's aunt Leah who was her guardian for a while whom I commissioned to play Santa Clause for me this Christmas.
"After I graduated from college I was so lucky I got hired to job I applied for. From then on almost all my earnings are for my family. And that is also the reason why I married late. Then when I had my own family my support to my parents has also become limited, but I wasn't that sad Mr. Stephens (grandpa) because youwere there all the time. A watery eyes while writing this letter because I cannot thank you enoughfor all your love and support. I could only pray that all of the graceses of almighty God showered upon uou and your whole family. A warm heart felt thank you Mr. Stephens."
So, you see that even a college education doesn't guarantee a way out of poverty. If Leah had taken her education and went on her own, things would be good, but family is the most important for our kids.
"After I graduated from college I was so lucky I got hired to job I applied for. From then on almost all my earnings are for my family. And that is also the reason why I married late. Then when I had my own family my support to my parents has also become limited, but I wasn't that sad Mr. Stephens (grandpa) because youwere there all the time. A watery eyes while writing this letter because I cannot thank you enoughfor all your love and support. I could only pray that all of the graceses of almighty God showered upon uou and your whole family. A warm heart felt thank you Mr. Stephens."
So, you see that even a college education doesn't guarantee a way out of poverty. If Leah had taken her education and went on her own, things would be good, but family is the most important for our kids.
March 15, 2017
Thank you Macky for sharing the reality that many of our sponsored children face. I just received a letter from one of my Filipino boys, who just turned 16, that he was dropping out of school. Prior to this, he had always said how much he enjoyed school, was doing well, and had dreams to graduate and possibly go to college. So, it was quite a shock when I first read that he had dropped out. He told me it was his decision to drop out, and I had to face the fact that he probably won't go back. He said school was getting too hard. I have already written him back, telling him that I appreciated his courage in telling me, but also asking if he would consider some type of vocational training. I just can't totally give up yet! We all want what is best for our sponsored children, but do have to realize that they have to make their own decisions on what is best for themselves and their families. I think it would be very difficult and very scary to move far away from everyone and everything you've ever known your whole life.
March 15, 2017
This thread is all very realistic and sponsors should be prepared for reality. It doesn't make it less depressing though.
March 16, 2017 in reply to MackyMack
I think this is something that you learn over time with the kids, especially if you visit. I'm hopeful that Jose will pursue his dream of being a doctor, but he's also in Patulul and I won't be surprised if moving to Guatemala City to attend the public university ends up not happening. Sometimes, even if both child and sponsor are willing, like with Juan, the family decides that they can only afford to have one child attend university at a time and the others need to work. You hope they'll eventually get their turn, like Lovely did, but sometimes that isn't the case.
It also helps to know that trade careers can still pay a livable wage in other countries. When I was in Guatemala, my tour guide told me that auto mechanics (Edy's goal) make enough to support a family in a middle class condition, as do bilingual tour guides.
The level of difficulty in regards to education is greater in some countries than others and even different regions. Of my kids, I consider my rural Guatemalan kids least likely to pursue upper education, although I strongly encourage it. On the other end, it seems easiest for Filipino urban kids to obtain higher education. Of course, I don't have kids in all of CI's countries, so this is just my experience so far with teens.
It also helps to know that trade careers can still pay a livable wage in other countries. When I was in Guatemala, my tour guide told me that auto mechanics (Edy's goal) make enough to support a family in a middle class condition, as do bilingual tour guides.
The level of difficulty in regards to education is greater in some countries than others and even different regions. Of my kids, I consider my rural Guatemalan kids least likely to pursue upper education, although I strongly encourage it. On the other end, it seems easiest for Filipino urban kids to obtain higher education. Of course, I don't have kids in all of CI's countries, so this is just my experience so far with teens.
Losing a sponsored Child
9 posts
January 30, 2016
I received sad news this morning from CI. One of my sponsored kids is no longer in the program. CI promises a letter with details, which I hope will give some insight into what happened. I'm just left very sad right now, wondering if there was something I could have done to prevent this. It's frustrating being so far away and not being able to do something there, depending on CI to make my child's life better. Why do children in the program leave?
Very, very sad. I've only been sponsoring for a year, but I wanted to make a difference. For this child, this must not have been possible.
Any tips for coming to terms with this? I am really upset about losing one of my kids.
Very, very sad. I've only been sponsoring for a year, but I wanted to make a difference. For this child, this must not have been possible.
Any tips for coming to terms with this? I am really upset about losing one of my kids.
February 1, 2016
So sorry this happened to you. The first girl I sponsored also left the program suddenly after I was sponsoring her for 5 1/2 years. It felt as though a relative passed away. I'm still not sure exactly why she left. This has happened to many of us. Maybe your child's parents had to move for a better job and therefore they will be better off even though they will be out of the CI area. Others leave the program for other reasons of the family unknown to us. Their leaving is no reflection on what you did or did not do. CI tries to keep them in the program for as long as they can, but they have to respect the wishes/decisions of the families. The best way to get past this for you, I've found, is to put your energies into making another child's life better.
February 1, 2016
Sorry to hear about losing your sponsored child. The same thing happened to me in June. I sponsored a boy in Colombia for 9 years and one day when CI went to his house, they were gone. Nobody knew where they went. I still think about him often, and I still have photos and letters from him, which helps. Like Cindy said, though, it is not your fault that they left the program. Maybe they had to move to find work, or maybe they moved to be closer to family.
February 3, 2016
You know something dear community...? past year CI communicate me that the girl i sponsored almost 10 years had disapear from the place they had her registered with her family.
Her name is Katherine Lema Manya from Ecuador.
How can this be possible?
Its still hard for me to belive... she´s now almost 14 years and she never forgot to send me letters and photos.
I wish someday she came back to contact me. I had hard feelings about this.... and its not about the money, its about the fact.
Anyway... i hope she´s fine and safe.
Now CI asign me Nadie instead of Kath. I see im not alone in this sad situation.
Best regards to all of you from México
Her name is Katherine Lema Manya from Ecuador.
How can this be possible?
Its still hard for me to belive... she´s now almost 14 years and she never forgot to send me letters and photos.
I wish someday she came back to contact me. I had hard feelings about this.... and its not about the money, its about the fact.
Anyway... i hope she´s fine and safe.
Now CI asign me Nadie instead of Kath. I see im not alone in this sad situation.
Best regards to all of you from México
February 4, 2016
Since 1996 I've had four children leave the program early. Reasons can vary--my first girl moved out of the service area so a family member could take a new job. My second girl's family moved without notifying CI, so I never found out why (though it was a few months after her father passed away, so that probably had something to do with it). The third girl's father also passed away--she moved in temporarily with her grandmother in the service area while her mother moved to another city to look for work, but eventually she went to live with her mother. My most recently-lost girl's family had to move to a bigger house because her mother had another baby.
Although it's always difficult for the Sponsor, a child leaving the program is sometimes actually a very good thing for them. I have contact now with my first girl, Joan, who has gone to college, is working, and will be getting married! The new job her family moved to take was life-changing for her. I hope your child has a similar story!
Although it's always difficult for the Sponsor, a child leaving the program is sometimes actually a very good thing for them. I have contact now with my first girl, Joan, who has gone to college, is working, and will be getting married! The new job her family moved to take was life-changing for her. I hope your child has a similar story!
February 11, 2016
I've had children leave the program early as well. With the first girl, her mom was a single mother and disappeared - CI didn't know where they went. My second child to leave was already in Columbia. Her father had recovered from an injury and the family no longer wanted to comply with the requirements; however, they are in contact through FB and seem to be doing well. My next teen from the Philippines left before she turned 19, but right after graduating high school. CI told me that it is not uncommon for that to happen there as the teens hope to open a space for a younger child to be sponsored once they've finished school. The most recent teen girl to leave was from India. My understanding was that she left shortly after I was expecting her to get her scores back for the exam to attend 11th & 12th grades. No real reason was given, but based on the timing, I do wonder if she didn't pass and her parents had her start working or made plans for her to marry :-( On the upside, I've had two boys graduate the program after they turned 19 as well! I have another girl who has finished high school in Guate and is on track to graduate this year and another Filipino girl who also finished high school and will graduate next year. So, there are definitely success stories of children staying in the program to full graduation age . . . and even some, in more internet-connected countries especially, who stay in contact after leaving.
I too have chosen to select new children to sponsor when this happens. While it's hard not to form some bond with the kids, I want to continue to help others. With kids I've had for many years, I often sponsor siblings or other family members (one graduated boy is a sibling of a child I still sponsor, I sponsor 2 other sibling sets and I sponsor the toddler nephew of one of my teens), which I hope makes it less likely they'll leave!
I too have chosen to select new children to sponsor when this happens. While it's hard not to form some bond with the kids, I want to continue to help others. With kids I've had for many years, I often sponsor siblings or other family members (one graduated boy is a sibling of a child I still sponsor, I sponsor 2 other sibling sets and I sponsor the toddler nephew of one of my teens), which I hope makes it less likely they'll leave!
February 21, 2016 in reply to Missing user
Hey Brooke-OR, I just wanted to let you know that I believe one of your sponsored children (Abimelec) from Ecuador has a sibling named Nehemias that is available for sponsorship. He is just the cutest little boy you can imagine and is the spitting image of Abimelec. I know you enjoy sponsoring siblings and just thought I would let you know. I don't know if you have room for another, but maybe you could at least check out his profile. And if you can't take him on, maybe you could advocate for a friend to sponsor him, so you would have a traveling partner! Take care!
February 21, 2016 in reply to Missing user
That is his brother! I thought he had a sponsor before - maybe he lost his sponsor? I don't have room to add another child right now, but I'm saving his link to check on him when Keisy graduates later this year. I had been planning to add the youngest sister to keep my ratio of boys and girls even, but if he's enrolled and waiting, I'll take him and wait to add their sister later. I'm not sure I can add the two girls I wanted to anyway since they will both be 2 years old.
February 21, 2016 in reply to Missing user
Since there are a lot of great, involved sponsors on here, if anyone is looking for a boy right now, I can tell you that this family is great! Their mom writes wonderful letters full of details, education is written about often and the family even sent me a photo recently through CI. Abimelec's little brother has been waiting 91 days for a sponsor :-(
https://www.children.org/Sponsorship/Child/Details/78494
https://www.children.org/Sponsorship/Child/Details/78494
Avg Monthly Family Income
7 posts
September 16, 2023
I have only just noticed on Family Records (FR) the term – Avg Monthly Family Income. I think previously it was simply called "Family Income". Has there been a change to how this figure is calculated now?
When updating FR (and taking photos) at annual review, in general Family Income is the total earning expressed by the family for the previous month. But if CI is re-defining income as "Avg Monthly Family Income", which seems to suggest that the total amount of income earned by the household in the previous month is divided by the total number of people living under that roof.
One of my FR updated on July 25 showed Family Income of $460. Less than 2 months later, Avg Monthly Family Income of the same family has changed to $225. This could happen if the calculation has changed to the total income figure divided by family members, whether they are related or not who are working or over a certain age.
If this is true, what kind of work the children do independently to support their families? If so, do they usually work part-time without affecting their studies?
When updating FR (and taking photos) at annual review, in general Family Income is the total earning expressed by the family for the previous month. But if CI is re-defining income as "Avg Monthly Family Income", which seems to suggest that the total amount of income earned by the household in the previous month is divided by the total number of people living under that roof.
One of my FR updated on July 25 showed Family Income of $460. Less than 2 months later, Avg Monthly Family Income of the same family has changed to $225. This could happen if the calculation has changed to the total income figure divided by family members, whether they are related or not who are working or over a certain age.
If this is true, what kind of work the children do independently to support their families? If so, do they usually work part-time without affecting their studies?
September 18, 2023
I understand the confusion, but no, there has not been a change in the way a family's income is reported. Our printed Family Records still say "Approximate monthly income for the family (in U.S. Dollars)" and Progress Reports say "usually averages" x amount a month.
I'm not sure why the website child info was changed, but please know we meant no confusion or concern. The income is reported by the child's guardian and is always an approximate monthly income for the entire household. There is no complicated equation involved, just simply whatever the guardian reports. Hope this information helps!
I'm not sure why the website child info was changed, but please know we meant no confusion or concern. The income is reported by the child's guardian and is always an approximate monthly income for the entire household. There is no complicated equation involved, just simply whatever the guardian reports. Hope this information helps!
September 19, 2023 in reply to Missing user
Since my story "She's still smiling.." (July 31, 2023), the approximate monthly income for the family has gone down from $460 to $225 in the last few weeks, which does not sound right if mom is the only one earning below the minimum wage for a maid job in Mexico.
I understand the print format may take time to update, but it'd be good to know how/why this new terminology is coined by CI.
I understand the print format may take time to update, but it'd be good to know how/why this new terminology is coined by CI.
September 19, 2023
Family earnings can fluctuate daily/monthly depending how the family gets their income. For many families in our program it's never the same amount each month. The guardian reports the income and it is generally an average or approximate for the month. Changing from Family Income to Average Income is the most accurate way to describe each family's earnings. There are no calculations involved, the income is entered exactly how the family reports it.
October 8, 2023
Without knowing the exact income for the recent months, I'm still puzzled by the term "Average monthly family income" used for a given family rather than generalising among families. It makes sense when CI say.. "The average monthly income of a family in our program is around K1500 or 89 US dollars." [www.children.org/see-the-impact/where-we-work/africa]
For our information, I believe the FR supposed to reflect the financial situation within a particular family like how this is used to describe as "Family Income" [www.children.org/learn-more/contact-us/faq/about-child-details/my-family-income]
For our information, I believe the FR supposed to reflect the financial situation within a particular family like how this is used to describe as "Family Income" [www.children.org/learn-more/contact-us/faq/about-child-details/my-family-income]
October 9, 2023 in reply to Missing user
It's simply a way to describe each family's self reported average income each month.
October 9, 2023 in reply to Missing user
Thanks, I see what you mean.. the word "average" used in this context is to mean usually, generally, broadly, typically, commonly, largely, mostly, or normally. To avoid confusion, I think "Typical Monthly Family Income" would be a better term to use in FR.
90 Days?
5 posts
November 17, 2022
It seems the system requires 90 days period before child can be allowed to respond back to another sponsor's letter. PLease clarify exactly where does the counting begin. Is it from the date child last wrote a letter (which is really the date letter is received by sponsor and available for access online)? or is it the date sponsor last submitted a letter? I normally just wait to get a response before writing another one. However, kid may not necessarily respond to letters. In other words, I would like to trigger my next letter with the optimum chance of receiving a response while avoiding a CR letter to get into the act or our max count of 4 letters per year.
November 17, 2022 in reply to Missing user
I get letters a lot faster than that - usually about 2 months after I write. I think the rule is that if the sponsor writes, the child has to reply within 90 days, but that 90 days is not reset each time a sponsor writes (if they write multiple letters within a 90 day period), so the child only has to reply once every 90 days, even if the sponsor writes every day, for example.
November 17, 2022 in reply to Missing user
Pretty sure it's 90 days between SPONSOR letters (time you submit, then 90 days from that registered response one). Why some CP replies can come faster than others is anyone's guess - I've gotten a couple really fast ones too, Gabor.
From what I remembered from our trip to the Philippines (open up open up open up), the agency actually marked which one the kids had to write a response to.
I'm pretty sure the two required CR letters don't affect anything with CP timing or number of letters per year.
From what I remembered from our trip to the Philippines (open up open up open up), the agency actually marked which one the kids had to write a response to.
I'm pretty sure the two required CR letters don't affect anything with CP timing or number of letters per year.
November 17, 2022
Lots of good replies, so I'll grab a couple accuracies and list them for you:
The child only has to reply (to sponsor letters) once every 90 days, even if the sponsor writes every day
The two required CR letters don't affect anything with CP timing or number of letters per year - this is true, in fact if you write to your child and it's marked for a reply (our computer system does it automatically based on the date of the last letter received by the sponsor), then it actually moves the CR date out by 6-months. This means if a sponsor writes once every 90-days, then they always get a reply to their letter and not the required letters.
The 90 days starts a few days after you write the letter (it takes a few days to get the letter approved and added to the child's account, especially if it's written on a weekend or a holiday weekend.
The child only has to reply (to sponsor letters) once every 90 days, even if the sponsor writes every day
The two required CR letters don't affect anything with CP timing or number of letters per year - this is true, in fact if you write to your child and it's marked for a reply (our computer system does it automatically based on the date of the last letter received by the sponsor), then it actually moves the CR date out by 6-months. This means if a sponsor writes once every 90-days, then they always get a reply to their letter and not the required letters.
The 90 days starts a few days after you write the letter (it takes a few days to get the letter approved and added to the child's account, especially if it's written on a weekend or a holiday weekend.
November 18, 2022
Thanks everyone! I plan to shoot for 4 CP letters in 2023.
The Complaint Corner
Thread is closed for posting
21 posts
July 19, 2022
feeling like a Negative Ned lately.
- Sponsorship is going up $3/a head yet..
- Slower EG response times
- No handwritten letters
- No physical mail allowed to Kansas City
- No mailed responses/printed photos when the electronic letters or gift reports DO come in
- No sponsor visits
How are y'all feeling about sponsorship lately.
- Sponsorship is going up $3/a head yet..
- Slower EG response times
- No handwritten letters
- No physical mail allowed to Kansas City
- No mailed responses/printed photos when the electronic letters or gift reports DO come in
- No sponsor visits
How are y'all feeling about sponsorship lately.
July 19, 2022 in reply to Missing user
Honestly I've been feeling a bit negative too. I understand inflation is hitting everywhere, but I also feel that we are not getting what we originally signed up for. I still have not received my first letter from the new child I sponsored last month. Rather, I got a letter stating due to COVID things were slow. I understand that, but I also have not heard about my EG to Angela that I sent in March. I even sent an email last Thursday to inquire about the EG and received the form email stating I would hear back in 24 to 48 business hours. It is now Tuesday and I still have not heard anything back, not even anything stating they were inquiring. Also, their COVID page is not being updated as much as it use to. The last I saw on it, it stated community centers where one of my kids is were open, yet I have no received my welcome letter from her, instead receiving a letter stating COVID protocols? I get it, just because things are more normal here, it does not mean they are in the countries our children are, but unless we are kept in the loop better, we aren't going to know that. I'm ready to start getting physical letters and pictures from my kids as well as being able to send, but again I could be placated by better updating on the protocols per country.
July 19, 2022
We understand your frustration, as sponsors the moderators feel this same pain.
Some sponsors are being asked to voluntarily increase their sponsorship to allow CI to continue to provide programs and benefits to the youth due the rising inflation felt the world over.
There are still no visits because the staff AND families are not yet comfortable having guests in their communities.
We are however, arranging zoom calls for sponsors once per year, based on the willingness and availability of the families.
When we began working from home (which will continue for the foreseeable future) we began sending all EG/Memo follow-up electronically, if we had an email on file. However, many sponsors have since requested that we send hard copies instead and we are happy to oblige.
With regard to slower EG response times AND the fact that we are not yet able to sent physical mail to the SOA's, the reality is our SOA's have less staff and volunteers due to the pandemic and simply do not have the man power to process memos and mail as they did pre-pandemic.
Just as in the U.S., each of the countries we work in are also dealing with increased costs and a lack of workers (and volunteers). Our staff in Kansas City and in each SOA are working hard daily to ensure the children and youth have the continuous support they need.
We are so very thankful for our supporters generosity, patience and commitment.
Some sponsors are being asked to voluntarily increase their sponsorship to allow CI to continue to provide programs and benefits to the youth due the rising inflation felt the world over.
There are still no visits because the staff AND families are not yet comfortable having guests in their communities.
We are however, arranging zoom calls for sponsors once per year, based on the willingness and availability of the families.
When we began working from home (which will continue for the foreseeable future) we began sending all EG/Memo follow-up electronically, if we had an email on file. However, many sponsors have since requested that we send hard copies instead and we are happy to oblige.
With regard to slower EG response times AND the fact that we are not yet able to sent physical mail to the SOA's, the reality is our SOA's have less staff and volunteers due to the pandemic and simply do not have the man power to process memos and mail as they did pre-pandemic.
Just as in the U.S., each of the countries we work in are also dealing with increased costs and a lack of workers (and volunteers). Our staff in Kansas City and in each SOA are working hard daily to ensure the children and youth have the continuous support they need.
We are so very thankful for our supporters generosity, patience and commitment.
July 19, 2022 in reply to Missing user
I’m not loving this seemingly new forever normal. I am starting to wonder when, exactly, we can expect to be able to do physical mail back. Its been 2 1/2 years of pandemic and I start to wonder, WILL we get physical mail back? I understand its hard times, but communication is terrible, the benefits have all but disappeared, and it doesn’t seem like there is an end in sight. Communication from India, in particular, feels sparse and formulaic. It’s hard to know what the families need, or to form a connection under such circumstances.
There is a child I want to sponsor, but each time I go to hit the “sponsor” button, I stop. Its not being any fun, and at this rate I wont get to know her. Why bother? She’s special needs— will I function in a vacuum for the next 2 years with her, too? I hate (!!) feeling this way about something I truly love with an organization that has held my trust in the past. I really hope it gets better soon, because I’m very discouraged. I have started sponsoring through another organization, just to see how it goes. Guess what- we can do real mail! And sponsor visits. I know other sponsors who are now working through different organizations. They have mail, too. Just saying. So maybe not a lot of people will respond, but they’re out there. I believe in CI, but I wish they’d figure this out.
There is a child I want to sponsor, but each time I go to hit the “sponsor” button, I stop. Its not being any fun, and at this rate I wont get to know her. Why bother? She’s special needs— will I function in a vacuum for the next 2 years with her, too? I hate (!!) feeling this way about something I truly love with an organization that has held my trust in the past. I really hope it gets better soon, because I’m very discouraged. I have started sponsoring through another organization, just to see how it goes. Guess what- we can do real mail! And sponsor visits. I know other sponsors who are now working through different organizations. They have mail, too. Just saying. So maybe not a lot of people will respond, but they’re out there. I believe in CI, but I wish they’d figure this out.
July 19, 2022
I have loved CI from the start but lately I've felt disappointed and defeated. I feel like I'm failing my kids and can't help them the way I want to. Covid has left me emotionally drained. Working in healthcare will do that to you. I also don't feel as connected to my kids either, part of it had to do with when my dear Emely graduated from the program. Also my parents are retired and on a fixed income are constantly being asked for money and my mom was also asked to up her donation. Letters seem to be delayed big time too. certain kids who use to write great letters seem to write less often. Sometimes I wonder what's the point to sponsorship with CI do my letters matter
July 19, 2022
I also miss being able to send physical letters and real photos with them and I hope the yearly photo updates won't be delayed too much in 2022. (I understand why it had to happen in 2020, but I really hope not to have another "skipped" year in 2022.)
I did notice that the latest follow-ups to EG's took 4-5 weeks longer on average to be sent to me. I'm not comparing them to pre-pandemic turnaround times, but to the same time last year when the pandemic was much worse everywhere. (The first 5 EG's I sent in 2021 were completed in 42 days, 57 days, 74 days, 83 days and 91 days... The first 4 EG's sent in 2022 took 107 days for all 4 and that's after I sent an e-mail to inquire. The last one before those, sent on Dec. 31, 2021, was completed in 95 days.)
I understand the need to prioritize the services that provide much needed help for the children and I'm going to try to be patient and not complain too much, but I didn't expect things to be slower in 2022 than they were in 2021. The latest information I have is that classes are back to being in-person in all the countries where I sponsor (Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras) and unless something changed recently things seem to be returning to (mostly) normal and have been for a while, so hopefully these staffing issues will sort themselves out soon.
I did notice that the latest follow-ups to EG's took 4-5 weeks longer on average to be sent to me. I'm not comparing them to pre-pandemic turnaround times, but to the same time last year when the pandemic was much worse everywhere. (The first 5 EG's I sent in 2021 were completed in 42 days, 57 days, 74 days, 83 days and 91 days... The first 4 EG's sent in 2022 took 107 days for all 4 and that's after I sent an e-mail to inquire. The last one before those, sent on Dec. 31, 2021, was completed in 95 days.)
I understand the need to prioritize the services that provide much needed help for the children and I'm going to try to be patient and not complain too much, but I didn't expect things to be slower in 2022 than they were in 2021. The latest information I have is that classes are back to being in-person in all the countries where I sponsor (Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras) and unless something changed recently things seem to be returning to (mostly) normal and have been for a while, so hopefully these staffing issues will sort themselves out soon.
July 20, 2022 in reply to Kiyoshi
I hope you decide to sponsor that extra child - I'm sure it will mean the world to them to have such an involved, caring, and fabulous sponsor!
July 20, 2022
Just to be clear, phone calls are not new. If a sponsor asks, we've always tried to accommodate the request. However, technology has given us zoom, so it's a little less expensive for sponsors to arrange and you get the benefit of seeing each other during the call.
July 20, 2022 in reply to Missing user
Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts. I've been trying to check myself with "calm down it's a children's charity" (lol) but at some point sponsor engagement needs to be reviewed and checked in on. I wanted to make sure I wasn't alone in feeling this way.
Part of sponsorship - for us - is being able to effectively feel engaged in this process otherwise it's easy to toss a hundred bucks once or twice a year, rather than now ~$80/mo for something that has all the joy of sending and receiving a work email (and we get plenty of those). All of the engagement is effectively removed. Like you snow, the COVID page isn't really updated with regular information on the processes and programs being offered or what the gameplan is. WHAT is being offered, HOW is it offered (center? digital?), WHERE is it being offered (Bicol is very different to Quezon City, for example), and WHEN (what is the timeframe)?
For example, we received a letter from one of the kids which a) let us know they got our EG and were excited for it, well before any SOA update and b) let us know about a program they're doing at CI (appropriate use of social media, which is pretty cool). But we only received this information from one of the KIDS - not CI - and that type of letter is a very rare exception not the rule. It's also only effectively come about because of the relationships we were able to build PRE-pandemic. Like Kyoshi said, this will probably not happen - and really cannot happen - with new sponsorships.
The physical letters really are a "payoff" to waiting because that tangible experience is very much different from clinical online-only communication. The handwriting, the drawing, the physical EG photos (though I do love digital as well; and yes, I have been told - to my surprise - we will get physical twice now but nothing has come) all can and do contribute to that experience allowing for this to feel real. If it's online only, like Gabor said, I feel this should be faster: updates, gift reports (are we still just doing direct cash payments?), etc. I will say I feel our CP letter responses are much faster which I do appreciate.
ANYWAY, I guess what it boils down to is that sponsorship engagement is critical and, as a sponsor, I do not feel engaged at all in this process. It's only because of the aforementioned letter that popped up that referenced our extra gift that prompted me to be a masochist and ask the Care Team about the extra gifts and sponsor visits, with the requisite "sorry don't know y'know covid"-esque response. Blah.
Part of sponsorship - for us - is being able to effectively feel engaged in this process otherwise it's easy to toss a hundred bucks once or twice a year, rather than now ~$80/mo for something that has all the joy of sending and receiving a work email (and we get plenty of those). All of the engagement is effectively removed. Like you snow, the COVID page isn't really updated with regular information on the processes and programs being offered or what the gameplan is. WHAT is being offered, HOW is it offered (center? digital?), WHERE is it being offered (Bicol is very different to Quezon City, for example), and WHEN (what is the timeframe)?
For example, we received a letter from one of the kids which a) let us know they got our EG and were excited for it, well before any SOA update and b) let us know about a program they're doing at CI (appropriate use of social media, which is pretty cool). But we only received this information from one of the KIDS - not CI - and that type of letter is a very rare exception not the rule. It's also only effectively come about because of the relationships we were able to build PRE-pandemic. Like Kyoshi said, this will probably not happen - and really cannot happen - with new sponsorships.
The physical letters really are a "payoff" to waiting because that tangible experience is very much different from clinical online-only communication. The handwriting, the drawing, the physical EG photos (though I do love digital as well; and yes, I have been told - to my surprise - we will get physical twice now but nothing has come) all can and do contribute to that experience allowing for this to feel real. If it's online only, like Gabor said, I feel this should be faster: updates, gift reports (are we still just doing direct cash payments?), etc. I will say I feel our CP letter responses are much faster which I do appreciate.
ANYWAY, I guess what it boils down to is that sponsorship engagement is critical and, as a sponsor, I do not feel engaged at all in this process. It's only because of the aforementioned letter that popped up that referenced our extra gift that prompted me to be a masochist and ask the Care Team about the extra gifts and sponsor visits, with the requisite "sorry don't know y'know covid"-esque response. Blah.
July 20, 2022 in reply to Missing user
Hey BennyNJun: Can you tell me more about this: The handwriting, the drawing, the physical EG photos (though I do love digital as well; and yes, I have been told - to my surprise - we will get physical twice now but nothing has come).
Do you mean you are not receiving your children's letters in the mail?
Or, that you were told your memo follow-up would be mailed to you, but was emailed instead?
I'd like to look into this for you, but want to be sure of what I'm researching. Thanks.
Do you mean you are not receiving your children's letters in the mail?
Or, that you were told your memo follow-up would be mailed to you, but was emailed instead?
I'd like to look into this for you, but want to be sure of what I'm researching. Thanks.
July 20, 2022 in reply to Missing user
Hey Debbie -
We randomly will get a CR letter in the mail from time to time, but nothing physical on the others. All electronic only. I've asked if EGs would be ever mailed again and was told it would be noted on my account to mail (edit: was surprised by that!), but never saw them and just figured saying that could happen was a mistake.
We randomly will get a CR letter in the mail from time to time, but nothing physical on the others. All electronic only. I've asked if EGs would be ever mailed again and was told it would be noted on my account to mail (edit: was surprised by that!), but never saw them and just figured saying that could happen was a mistake.
July 20, 2022
Just my own, thoughts, but I feel ultimately it's CI's job is to serve the children! It's in CI's mission statement! It's more about them and less about serving sponsors . Maybe CI offered too much in the first place, unlimited letters, DPs, this site (MSC), ect . Lot's of things that most child sponsorship organisations don't, and likely won't, provide for their sponsors because they come with financial costs that negatively impact programs and services provided directly to the sponsored families. They are things for sponsors. CI is accountable to sponsors for how they spend monthly fees, donations, EGs, ect. I've seen no complaints when CI ended it's requirement for young children to get a yearly physical, but plenty complaints about sponsors not getting a yearly pic. I completely get why CI can't provide the yearly physicals right now and I hope this change is only temporary. I understand that a lot of things have changed and become frustrating and difficult due to covid, the lack of workers and volunteers, and rising costs. We know that because it's happening everywhere. CI has over 200 thousand top priorities that need help being fed, housed, educated, and sometimes just to survive. Vacation plans can change, sponsors can change, the world can change. Sponsors still can write as many letters as they want, What's should the top priority be? I doubt a sponsor will find a more sponsor friendly organisation than CI.
July 20, 2022 in reply to barbmc
I absolutely agree with that, Barb. The kids are the priority. In that vein, sponsorship engagement (which means more donations) is critical to raise the funds to support the children. These two ideas are not mutually exclusive.
My negativity/complaints stems from not being able to feel engaged in sponsorship much anymore and with no end in sight after 2.5 years. I shared this because a) I think that's valid and b) I want to check myself by seeing through you all if that's out of line. It's not meant to condemn a charitable organization, or say sponsors/myself must come first, but I do think that this kind of feedback is warranted. MSC is a relative dead zone compared to 2020.
But maybe the bulk of CI's funds come from large donors who write off charitable donations on taxes and not solo sponsors who take standard deductions. I don't claim to know the nitty-gritty, but going into Fall 2022, I do find it valid to provide feedback (albeit negative feedback) about how it can feel to be a sponsor right now. If people here on MSC think I'm out of line, feel free to tell me as much because I'd genuinely want to know.
My negativity/complaints stems from not being able to feel engaged in sponsorship much anymore and with no end in sight after 2.5 years. I shared this because a) I think that's valid and b) I want to check myself by seeing through you all if that's out of line. It's not meant to condemn a charitable organization, or say sponsors/myself must come first, but I do think that this kind of feedback is warranted. MSC is a relative dead zone compared to 2020.
But maybe the bulk of CI's funds come from large donors who write off charitable donations on taxes and not solo sponsors who take standard deductions. I don't claim to know the nitty-gritty, but going into Fall 2022, I do find it valid to provide feedback (albeit negative feedback) about how it can feel to be a sponsor right now. If people here on MSC think I'm out of line, feel free to tell me as much because I'd genuinely want to know.
July 20, 2022 in reply to Missing user
I don't believe your post actually has anything to do with the $3 price increase. Probably not so much about letters or pics either. You've actually visited (I think) both of them and you're a very empathetic person. You actually got to hug them, play with them, and connect with them in a special way that most sponsors don't experience. I wouldn't be surprised if they weren't the only ones crying when it came time for you to leave. But leaving was okay because you both knew you'd be coming back again just as soon as you could. Then covid happened! Two visits that never happened. I think that really affected you more deeply than you think. It's depressing! I hope you'll be allowed to visit them soon! You're both great sponsors. I don't think the children really care if their letters come by mail or digitally, or about their yearly pictures, or about slow letters, or altered travel plans. They understand why you couldn't visit them. They're just grateful to you and to CI for supporting them. They are not the ones who are complaining and accusing CI. Who's being the adult in this scenario? What would the children think about their sponsors comments? I think that most large donations to CI are used right away, but that's really a question for you to ask CI. If you don't feel confident about CI then why add another child right now? Why not wait until you can visit?
July 21, 2022 in reply to Missing user
My two cents: feedback is important. In fact, I would especially pay attention to negative feedback. They are meant to challenge and help CI improve the system. Letter writing between sponsors and kids happens to be a key charm of CI sponsorship. My experience: CR letters end up being irritating when it has no connection/response to my latest letter. It breaks the flow of conversation. Yes, it could have been that kid wrote the CR prior to receiving a sponsor’s latest mail. This I strongly believe: on a maximum frequency of four letters per year, all my sponsored kids will have no problem responding. We have a rhythm… then the CR letter interferes. Of course, my intuition can be wrong, but I have one kid explained that he was just following CI lead. I interpret that as kid gets a form to fill so he can respond, and then sometimes not. Then later on, he gets a CR to do. The lag between letters and EG responses remains long, but birthday and holiday donation reminders are very prompt. I’m human, so yes, I get irritated. I have one graduating this year, but have we even touched base yet? No. My letter from early April was answered by a CR letter and I can’t count that. She will be rolling off after September or her birthday, so oh well. My gut says kids get EG and letters promptly, but we just get the acknowledgement much later for some reason. Is it covid? lack of workforce? My kids' mom are usually CI volunteers themselves. Wouldn't it be in their best interest to make sure their response is officially sent back? What is the bottleneck? Problem could be different across countries but, nonetheless, it is an area really worth visiting. A better flow will keep sponsors active and kids even better supported because sponsors stay engaged. CI issues a survey now and then, but, for some reason, it has been hard to put my thoughts down. BennyandJun, excellent prompt!! I want the handwritten responses too. While this is a complaint, it is a deep dive into an active sponsor's view point.
July 22, 2022
I miss sending physical letters and pictures to my kids. I'll take a picture of something and think, "It would be awesome to be able to send these pictures to my sponsor kids and share or teach them about something I just learned." and then I get upset because I can't do that. The tiny pictures that get pasted onto the letters sent by email just don't give the kids the same experience. I understand the issue stems from COVID and maybe cost, but it would be nice if we could find out when we might be able to send physical letters again. I'd even be ok with a cost associated with it if that would make it happen faster. The length of time it takes to get EG reports back is also a bit frustrating, but I'm willing to accept that more so than not being able to send physical letters.
July 22, 2022
My husband used to look across the room at me and say, “I know you got something from your kids. I can tell when I see you smiling like that.” A couple/few weeks ago he said “You don’t smile much anymore…do you still sponsor all those kids?”
July 24, 2022
I agree, I sponsor a little one and I didn’t even know she was in school, I miss the updates of the files. I wouldn’t haven’t known that she started school if wasn’t for the most recent letter
July 25, 2022
Please don't yell at me. I'm going to complain about these complaints. I signed up to sponsor a child to help improve their lives. I signed up to sponsor a child to help improve their families' lives. And I signed up to sponsor a child because I have the means, the income, the time and the effort to do so. I did not sign up to sponsor a child to get a letter. That's called a perk. And I have had plenty of those letters attached to my refrigerator over the years since we started sponsoring way back in 2007 or whenever we first discovered this amazing opportunity. So while many are upset because they can't get a letter, I'm wondering just how many of those people are also upset because they have clean drinking water, ample supplies of food in their electric refrigerators, clean clothes to wear, Air conditioned homes with their microwaved dinners and Roku televisions streaming 1000's of stations for their enjoyment. We have the luxury to make the decision to vastly improve another human being's life - we can live without a letter from someone who is enjoying a warm meal, clean clothes, new shoes, a soccer ball and a chance to change the world because of our generosity. If A LETTER is holding you back maybe you should give your money to Starbucks and order a second Mochachino to put your mind into perspective. Meanwhile my wife and I who work backbreaking jobs to make ends meet will add a third child to the roster and yes, I will not expect a letter because I know our efforts will improve that child's life.
July 26, 2022
@weloveourkids Speaking for myself, I want to get to know these kids so that I can help them better, not so I have a letter for my fridge; that is reductive and insulting. I believe that exposure to a different world view, rather than one mired in poverty, is an absolute must for these kids to not only dream bigger, but to act on it. Further, I feel that participation, a lot of it, in CI’s programs is essential for success. There is a team there for a reason. Letters both ways are a part of this. Just throwing money at a problem doesn't make it go away automatically. So thanks for the offer to go to Starbucks, (and if you’re not trying to pick a fight there, well, uh-huh) but thats not what the complaints are about. Its not about Value For Money, its about connection, about an organization who is not being particularly communicative in a time of great stress, its about 2 1/2 years of this with NO end in sight. You might feel superior to others because you don't care about letters or other “perks”, but that doesn't mean you actually _are_ in a position to judge. It just means that what matters to some people doesn't matter to you. And thats great, except you don't want to get yelled at but you came in here to take us to task, riding a high horse and flinging false equivalencies about like weapons. A bit of a contradiction in my eyes. This is me wagging my finger at you, not yelling- you have a different viewpoint, thats okay, but you might want to reconsider how you approach it with others.
July 26, 2022
We thank each of you for sharing your comments, concerns and pain points with us. Hearing your feedback gives us great insight into how sponsors think and feel – and that is very important to us. We hope you'll hang in there with us as we navigate our work, while continuing to deal with the rippling impacts of COVID. We know the last 2.5 years has been long and hard for everyone and we, and the families we serve, appreciate your dedication and support. As always, please reach out to the Care Team if you’re feeling out of the loop or have questions about your sponsorship -- we may not have all the answers, but we do care and will listen.
FAQ - Miscellaneous questions
13 posts
February 23, 2019
What gifts will be given to my child for birthday and Christmas?
Can this list be updated for 2019?
Can this list be updated for 2019?
February 23, 2019
Click on my CI. Click on frequently asked questions (middle box bottom row) Scroll down to the bottom of the page till you see Miscellaneous Questions Click on .what gifts will be given to my child. It's at the bottom of the page.
February 24, 2019 in reply to barbmc
Yes, I was simply asking to update the list as it says.. ".. Scroll down to see the planned gift list by country for 2018."
February 24, 2019 in reply to Missing user
I didn't even notice that! Can you remember if the items on this list is what your children got last year? Hopefully someone from CI will respond on Monday.
February 25, 2019
Oops, looks like the web team forgot to update the year in the FAQ's. We'll get it reported. Thanks!
February 26, 2019 in reply to Missing user
No changes made at all to the list for 2019 from last year.
a) Are you saying these gifts are not reviewed (or the list updated) on annual basis?
b) Can you clarify whether the Birthday gifts are distributed each month (date chosen by each SAC) for those birthdays fall into that month plus the Christmas gifts are in December?
c) Are all of the children receiving these gifts regardless they have an active sponsor or not?
Colombia
Birthday: Choice of a new outfit (voucher to a local store where kid can select an outfit during their birthday month)
Christmas: Choice of a new outfit (voucher to a local store where kid can select an outfit) and a pair of casual shoes*
Dominican Republic
Birthday: Backpack and a pair of casual shoes*
Christmas: Jeans
Ecuador
Guayaquil — Birthday: School supplies for kids through age 18; 19 year olds will receive a USB drive
Guayaquil — Christmas: School shoes
Quito — Birthday: Black leather school shoes and a pair of casual shoes*
Quito — Christmas: White canvas sports shoes
Guatemala
Birthday: School supplies
Christmas: Hygiene kit
Honduras
Birthday: Hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and a hairbrush) and a pair of rubber sandals
Christmas: Underwear (3 pair), a bath towel and a pair of casual shoes*
India
Delhi — Birthday: school supplies and a pair of shoes
Delhi — Christmas: Blanket
Kolkata — Birthday: New outfit
Kolkata — Christmas: Choice of a raincoat, a school bag or an emergency light
Mexico
Birthday: Choice of clothing, shoes or a backpack
Christmas: Winter clothing for school (their choice of pants, sweater, etc.)
Philippines
Bicol — Birthday: One item or more or a combo of the following: clothing, footwear, educational items,hygiene materials
Bicol — Christmas: Same as birthday and a pair of casual shoes*
Manila — Birthday: Gift card for their choice of items such as school supplies, shoes and clothing
Manila — Christmas: Gift card to a local mall to purchase their choice of 2–3 clothing items, and a pair of casual shoes*
USA
Birthday: Gift card to shoe store
Christmas: to be determined
In October, each child and youth will receive a pair of casual shoes*
Zambia
Birthday: Backpack
Christmas: Blanket and a pair of casual shoes*
*Shoes with asterisk were donated by a giving partner.
a) Are you saying these gifts are not reviewed (or the list updated) on annual basis?
b) Can you clarify whether the Birthday gifts are distributed each month (date chosen by each SAC) for those birthdays fall into that month plus the Christmas gifts are in December?
c) Are all of the children receiving these gifts regardless they have an active sponsor or not?
Colombia
Birthday: Choice of a new outfit (voucher to a local store where kid can select an outfit during their birthday month)
Christmas: Choice of a new outfit (voucher to a local store where kid can select an outfit) and a pair of casual shoes*
Dominican Republic
Birthday: Backpack and a pair of casual shoes*
Christmas: Jeans
Ecuador
Guayaquil — Birthday: School supplies for kids through age 18; 19 year olds will receive a USB drive
Guayaquil — Christmas: School shoes
Quito — Birthday: Black leather school shoes and a pair of casual shoes*
Quito — Christmas: White canvas sports shoes
Guatemala
Birthday: School supplies
Christmas: Hygiene kit
Honduras
Birthday: Hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and a hairbrush) and a pair of rubber sandals
Christmas: Underwear (3 pair), a bath towel and a pair of casual shoes*
India
Delhi — Birthday: school supplies and a pair of shoes
Delhi — Christmas: Blanket
Kolkata — Birthday: New outfit
Kolkata — Christmas: Choice of a raincoat, a school bag or an emergency light
Mexico
Birthday: Choice of clothing, shoes or a backpack
Christmas: Winter clothing for school (their choice of pants, sweater, etc.)
Philippines
Bicol — Birthday: One item or more or a combo of the following: clothing, footwear, educational items,hygiene materials
Bicol — Christmas: Same as birthday and a pair of casual shoes*
Manila — Birthday: Gift card for their choice of items such as school supplies, shoes and clothing
Manila — Christmas: Gift card to a local mall to purchase their choice of 2–3 clothing items, and a pair of casual shoes*
USA
Birthday: Gift card to shoe store
Christmas: to be determined
In October, each child and youth will receive a pair of casual shoes*
Zambia
Birthday: Backpack
Christmas: Blanket and a pair of casual shoes*
*Shoes with asterisk were donated by a giving partner.
February 27, 2019
A. Each fiscal year the SOA's determine what items are needed/wanted most by the families, and then send the list to CIKC, as part of their fiscal budget, for review. As you can see, most of the items are clothing/shoe/hygiene/school related, and that probably won't change from year-to-year.
B. Each SOA has their own schedule for distributing birthday gifts, some are monthly and some are quarterly. I don't have that info :-)
C. As you know, we never stop giving benefits to the kids in the program, even if they lose their sponsor. That includes birthday and Christmas gifts, which is another reason why we pool our funds, so that no child is left out.
B. Each SOA has their own schedule for distributing birthday gifts, some are monthly and some are quarterly. I don't have that info :-)
C. As you know, we never stop giving benefits to the kids in the program, even if they lose their sponsor. That includes birthday and Christmas gifts, which is another reason why we pool our funds, so that no child is left out.
February 27, 2019
It probably also depends on how big of funds are available for any given year...so give, People! Give! :D
I try to give to the fund as well as making an EG for my child close to her birthday/holiday time. EG for my sponsored child..and fund money for everyone!
I try to give to the fund as well as making an EG for my child close to her birthday/holiday time. EG for my sponsored child..and fund money for everyone!
February 28, 2019
Way to go, Doris! We contribute to both the Birthday and Christmas fund for each one of our kids. We don't feel right making lifelong commitments directly sponsoring more children than we do, but by donating for Birthdays/Christmas instead of just an Extra Gift directly to our kids, we know we can - in some small way - hopefully bring a happy smile to all the kids still waiting for a sponsor of their own. :)
March 1, 2019 in reply to Missing user
Thank you Doris and BennyNJun. Your thoughtfulness and generosity amazes me. :)
June 23, 2020
Is there an update to the Birthday/Christmas Gift List for 2020 for all the countries? I’m assuming these activities will be on pause until restrictions are lifted for each country, correct?
June 23, 2020 in reply to Missing user
Actually, the birthday activities are not on pause as the staff is giving the families vouchers or cash to use during this time, since they cannot do a big distribution. For those sponsors who make donations to our birthday fund, their letters of acknowledgement explains this change. I imagine birthdays thru the end of the year will continue in this manner. We have no idea yet what Christmas will look like since we don't know where the world will be in December. Thanks for asking.
June 23, 2020 in reply to Missing user
Thanks for the prompt response! I probably glanced through my letter of acknowledgement 😊 I should start reading those through 😛
“NR” on CI’s on line card label
12 posts
February 25, 2020
What does NR stand for on the label ( following the account number) of on line cards to children?
February 26, 2020 in reply to Missing user
NR stands for No Response. When people send out a greeting card (for Christmas, birthday, etc), they typically don't expect that person to send back a reply. Same goes with sponsor greeting cards. We don't ask children to respond to greeting cards that sponsors send since they are very short and don't typically contain questions or anything the child would need to respond to.
February 26, 2020
So timely - we actually learned this during our visit! Owel had a couple of envelopes with sticker labels marked NR (our acct number had CP next to it) so we learned about "No Response." Another cool thing we learned is that CI Manila will highlight questions we ask in the letters we send the kids (can't say if the other agencies do it). That way, if the letter isn't a CP 90-day response letter the kid can easily reference old letters for questions sponsors have asked them before.
February 27, 2020
NR – No Response ??
I thought it's just to denote Account xxxxx "number" (NR). I always use online letter templates when writing, and NR shows next to my account on the top- right box.
Can someone explain why online letters also show NR code?
I thought it's just to denote Account xxxxx "number" (NR). I always use online letter templates when writing, and NR shows next to my account on the top- right box.
Can someone explain why online letters also show NR code?
February 27, 2020 in reply to Missing user
Just a guess, but maybe 'NR' shows on an online letter you are writing to your child if it's less than 3 months since your previous letter, and no reply is required of the child.
February 27, 2020
Looks like all my letters incl. Welcome Letters sent since September 2019 have NR code next to my account number.
February 27, 2020 in reply to Missing user
Mine too! Everything i have sent out has NR next to it. Is that why we haven’t received replies?
Still waiting on 2 EG from first of December to be acknowledged. Waiting patiently but i am anxious to receive the pics. Both of them are from Zambia. All other 5 have been received with pics.
Still waiting on 2 EG from first of December to be acknowledged. Waiting patiently but i am anxious to receive the pics. Both of them are from Zambia. All other 5 have been received with pics.
February 27, 2020 in reply to Missing user
I remember querying myself 'NR' code started to appear in my online letters but did not pay much attention to it. I normally ask questions in my letters, which presumably means the child knows that sponsor's anticipating answers, thus 'NR' becomes meaningless! I don’t know how it wasn’t picked up when processing letters at HQ. If you are not in Europe, possible reason of GDPR setting change in my account can be ruled out. Thanks to Liza's curiosity, I’ve logged this issue with IT giving letters impacted.
February 28, 2020 in reply to Missing user
Thanks for your question. We double checked with our IT team and they confirmed that this was due to a change we made back in September to how we review and process online letters. The web letters default to showing the NR code, but once they go through the screening process, the appropriate status is added at that time. So just because your online letters show NR does not mean that a response was not requested.
February 28, 2020 in reply to Missing user
Sheryl1019 - Your Extra Gift follow up for Anita and Brenda was mailed out a few days ago. The only one still pending is Angela's and that should go out next week.
February 29, 2020 in reply to Missing user
Great! To keep things in perspective in the context of online letters, I'd re-define NR as "Not Reviewed". Thanks
March 1, 2020 in reply to Missing user
Thank you so much!
How many days a week do children attend center
7 posts
December 31, 2019
I was wondering how many days/hours a week do children spend at the center on average. Do they go after school or instead of. Are the children required to attend a certain amount time at the center to participate. thanks! ... Javier
January 1, 2020
I'll try to answer this for now and if I get anything wrong someone from CI can correct me later:
- Sponsored children are not required to spend any time at the community centre, except to do the annual medical check up, the annual photos, to write a minimum of two letters per year and to pick up letters, packages or Extra Gifts from sponsors.
- The programs offered by CI do not replace regular school. Children are encouraged to attend school.
- The amount of time a child spends at the community centre depends on many factors, including the distance he/she lives from the community centre (and the cost/availability of transportation to go there), the number of programs/activities the child is interested in participating in, etc. I've heard that if a rural community is far from the local community centre and it's difficult for children from that community to travel there, CI tries to offer some programs locally (like at the local school) so the children do not have to make the long trip to the community centre.
- Sponsored children are not required to spend any time at the community centre, except to do the annual medical check up, the annual photos, to write a minimum of two letters per year and to pick up letters, packages or Extra Gifts from sponsors.
- The programs offered by CI do not replace regular school. Children are encouraged to attend school.
- The amount of time a child spends at the community centre depends on many factors, including the distance he/she lives from the community centre (and the cost/availability of transportation to go there), the number of programs/activities the child is interested in participating in, etc. I've heard that if a rural community is far from the local community centre and it's difficult for children from that community to travel there, CI tries to offer some programs locally (like at the local school) so the children do not have to make the long trip to the community centre.
January 2, 2020 in reply to Missing user
Thank you for the clarification. I was concerned about minimum participation to continue to be eligible.
I imaged that kids that live far from the center would have a harder time benefiting from the programs being offered.
I imaged that kids that live far from the center would have a harder time benefiting from the programs being offered.
January 2, 2020
The kids pick up their sponsor letters from the community center? I always assumed they were delivered by staff.
January 2, 2020 in reply to Missing user
Oh, that one I don't know for sure... I'm guessing that if the family can't make it to the community centre, then CI will attempt to deliver the letter, but families that go there often probably just pick them up.
January 2, 2020
I'm happy to clarify that children living too far away from the community center to be able to participate regularly would not be enrolled in the program to begin with. All sponsored children live no more than 30 minutes away. For those enrolled children in farther away communities, programs and activities are held in local schools, playgrounds, churches, etc. A lot of children will go to the community center to pick up a letter. But some communities have staff or volunteer parents who deliver the letters to the children's homes instead. Here's a link to a fun infographic about the letter process if you haven't already read it: https://www.children.org/stories/2016/jan/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-sending-letters-to-your-kid
January 2, 2020 in reply to Missing user
Thanks for the information and the link to the infographics about how letters are processed.
BMI & Child Health
9 posts
February 9, 2019
An advantage of sponsoring outside of US means, the annual Child Report tells us about the child's current height and weight – indication of his/her health status.
I use the two readings to calculate BMI (Body Mass Index) and then compare the results against WHO guidelines on nutritional status of children (two tables are added to My Media).
The BMI is defined as the body mass divided by the square of the body height, and is universally expressed in units of kg/m², resulting from mass in kilograms and height in metres.
To my relief, seven of my girls fall within "Normal" category, but one "Overweight", which somewhat surprised me, given her family size/income.
The below link gives comprehensive answers to some of the concerns sponsors may have about their child's health.
[ www.children.org/MySocialCenter/messageboard/!content/q-and-a-with-children-international/Degrees-of-malnutrition- ]
- How would CI doctors/nutritionists (and me too!) respond to those who fall into the right side of the table?
- During the program, at what age will CI stop taking children's height/weight measurements?
I use the two readings to calculate BMI (Body Mass Index) and then compare the results against WHO guidelines on nutritional status of children (two tables are added to My Media).
The BMI is defined as the body mass divided by the square of the body height, and is universally expressed in units of kg/m², resulting from mass in kilograms and height in metres.
To my relief, seven of my girls fall within "Normal" category, but one "Overweight", which somewhat surprised me, given her family size/income.
The below link gives comprehensive answers to some of the concerns sponsors may have about their child's health.
[ www.children.org/MySocialCenter/messageboard/!content/q-and-a-with-children-international/Degrees-of-malnutrition- ]
- How would CI doctors/nutritionists (and me too!) respond to those who fall into the right side of the table?
- During the program, at what age will CI stop taking children's height/weight measurements?
February 9, 2019
Surprise is a common reaction to seeing overweight poor people . It upends our visual logic, but it has a reality logic. Fresh, nutritious foods are rarely available in locations that know deep poverty. And they are nearly always more expensive. What is available and affordable are foods which are full of chemicals, low in nutrition and high in sugar, fat and salt. When I see thin arms and when I see fat arms -- I know I might be looking at people facing hard times.
February 10, 2019
I like to add that overweight is also an indication of too much carbohydrate intake versus "nutrients" of fresh vegetables etc.
Poor people have to rely on rice and grains to fill them up. This means they are still in a nutritional deficit when it comes to Vitamins, minerals and essential Fatty and Amino acids. (actually also quite common in developed countries due to poor food choices...but that is another subject). So in order for the body to efficiently "burn those carbs" to energy, Vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients are needed. If the body doesn't have those to do it, it will store these calories rather then burning them to energy or building up tissues and therefore resulting in overweight.
Weight is by no means an indication of being a healthy person...too much is quite the contrary as we all know. It is not necessarily too much food intake...just too much of the wrong kind as well. This is also called "unbalanced nutrition intake". Only balanced nutrition intake keeps us healthy.
Poor people have to rely on rice and grains to fill them up. This means they are still in a nutritional deficit when it comes to Vitamins, minerals and essential Fatty and Amino acids. (actually also quite common in developed countries due to poor food choices...but that is another subject). So in order for the body to efficiently "burn those carbs" to energy, Vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients are needed. If the body doesn't have those to do it, it will store these calories rather then burning them to energy or building up tissues and therefore resulting in overweight.
Weight is by no means an indication of being a healthy person...too much is quite the contrary as we all know. It is not necessarily too much food intake...just too much of the wrong kind as well. This is also called "unbalanced nutrition intake". Only balanced nutrition intake keeps us healthy.
February 10, 2019
Hello. It is an interesting question. What I know for sure is that being overweight has different causes, it could be genetics, wrong food choices, diseases or malnutrition. I think most of "our" overweighted children are struggling with malnutrition.. eating lots of cheap carbs for example.. I think CI has a program teaching the mothers how to cook healthy and in Ecuador they even grow their own vegeta ble garden.. those are great tools against food poverty.
February 11, 2019
Not really applicable to our sponsored kids, but you will find people in the developed world who have a BMI that puts them in the overweight category, when in fact they are not overweight when you look at them. This happens most often with athletes who are carrying a lot of muscle mass.
February 16, 2019
Thank you all so much for the fascinating insights into this topic from different angles!
- food poverty (i.e. the inability to afford or have access to healthy food)
- not having a balanced diet
- consuming junk food or even linking to genetics!
- increased muscularity of athletes to have a high BMI, not because of their increased body fatness.
Juliana's FR was last updated on April 18, 2018 with her weight 57 lb, height 4' 0", which results in BMI of 17.5 at age 7 – just stepped into the "Overweight" category.
With her father being motivated to have his daughter gain a well education, he has surely taken a big responsibility off my shoulder, as the sponsor – rarely be seen among our sponsored families.
But, I know Juliana went through quite a stressful time in the wake of Mayon eruption in early last year, having to move out of the danger area and temporarily roughing out in cramped shelter – this may have played a role in her being overweight.
Since some of the CI operational regions are prone to natural disasters, CI Youth Health Corps may conduct a study to find the effect/aftermath of such events on the children’s health.
On the other hand, the family (of 6) had a new born in 2017, which meant chaotic/noisy home life around her causing lack of sleeps at night.
The research done by Harvard School of Public Health [ www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/sleep ] suggests that..
"There are several possible ways that sleep deprivation could increase the chances of becoming obese. Sleep-deprived people may be too tired to exercise, decreasing the “calories burned” side of the weight-change equation. Or people who don’t get enough sleep may take in more calories than those who do, simply because they are awake longer and have more opportunities to eat; lack of sleep also disrupts the balance of key hormones that control appetite, so sleep-deprived people may be hungrier than those who get enough rest each night."
Yes, it does sound familiar to me when breaking your sleep to get up early in the morning to have something to eat! I can intervene in making comfortable bedding arrangement to help improve her sleep time..
but, what if she has “sweet tooth”?
- food poverty (i.e. the inability to afford or have access to healthy food)
- not having a balanced diet
- consuming junk food or even linking to genetics!
- increased muscularity of athletes to have a high BMI, not because of their increased body fatness.
Juliana's FR was last updated on April 18, 2018 with her weight 57 lb, height 4' 0", which results in BMI of 17.5 at age 7 – just stepped into the "Overweight" category.
With her father being motivated to have his daughter gain a well education, he has surely taken a big responsibility off my shoulder, as the sponsor – rarely be seen among our sponsored families.
But, I know Juliana went through quite a stressful time in the wake of Mayon eruption in early last year, having to move out of the danger area and temporarily roughing out in cramped shelter – this may have played a role in her being overweight.
Since some of the CI operational regions are prone to natural disasters, CI Youth Health Corps may conduct a study to find the effect/aftermath of such events on the children’s health.
On the other hand, the family (of 6) had a new born in 2017, which meant chaotic/noisy home life around her causing lack of sleeps at night.
The research done by Harvard School of Public Health [ www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/sleep ] suggests that..
"There are several possible ways that sleep deprivation could increase the chances of becoming obese. Sleep-deprived people may be too tired to exercise, decreasing the “calories burned” side of the weight-change equation. Or people who don’t get enough sleep may take in more calories than those who do, simply because they are awake longer and have more opportunities to eat; lack of sleep also disrupts the balance of key hormones that control appetite, so sleep-deprived people may be hungrier than those who get enough rest each night."
Yes, it does sound familiar to me when breaking your sleep to get up early in the morning to have something to eat! I can intervene in making comfortable bedding arrangement to help improve her sleep time..
but, what if she has “sweet tooth”?
February 27, 2019
Sorry that we overlooked the questions at the bottom of the original post:
1. Each nutritional case would be handled specifically by a doctor/nutritionist based on the youth/family specific needs. Because this is a health concern for the child (in which all info is confidential unless the family chooses to share it), it would never be appropriate for a sponsor to ask questions or share comments with the child/family about thinking a child was overweight/obese. I would imagine any youth would be extremely embarrassed if they thought their sponsor considered them overweight or if their sponsor asked them about it.
2. The youth never stop getting their height and weight checked.
1. Each nutritional case would be handled specifically by a doctor/nutritionist based on the youth/family specific needs. Because this is a health concern for the child (in which all info is confidential unless the family chooses to share it), it would never be appropriate for a sponsor to ask questions or share comments with the child/family about thinking a child was overweight/obese. I would imagine any youth would be extremely embarrassed if they thought their sponsor considered them overweight or if their sponsor asked them about it.
2. The youth never stop getting their height and weight checked.
February 27, 2019 in reply to Missing user
chelaka, a BMI of 17.5 is quite the opposite of overweight!
February 27, 2019
Thank you for responding with your views on this Debbie. I know the CI Feeding Program helps improve nutritional status of undernourished children, hence my curiosity to find out what might be done or available for those in the other side of the spectrum (even if 17.5 isn't considered overweight!). I'd not go down any of social views surrounding this issue, but rather look at from wellbeing view point. I believe Juliana's situation was very much circumstantial than health related.
CI+ Project
5 posts
October 6, 2018
In March, I first saw the CI Annual Report 2017, which was a 3-pager summary, but was unaware that it has been replaced by the full version and uploaded to the site until by chance clicked on it today! Can any changes to the site be announced, so that we don't miss out on such updates, especially because Journeys magazine is not in print now?
The full report highlighted CI's new initiative called CI+ project which aims to improve front-line programs delivery through "learning-by-experiment" – I believe this is currently being piloted in DR [ facebook.com/CI-Experimento-RD-227481317845360 ], which involves experiments such as interactive online activity tools like [ discoverwater.org ] to teach children how and why to wash their hands with soap to see the impact on their real life behavior.
Does CI get to involve sponsors to explore ideas for CI+?
The full report highlighted CI's new initiative called CI+ project which aims to improve front-line programs delivery through "learning-by-experiment" – I believe this is currently being piloted in DR [ facebook.com/CI-Experimento-RD-227481317845360 ], which involves experiments such as interactive online activity tools like [ discoverwater.org ] to teach children how and why to wash their hands with soap to see the impact on their real life behavior.
Does CI get to involve sponsors to explore ideas for CI+?
October 8, 2018 in reply to Missing user
The CI + project is being implemented at all agencies. The ultimate goal of CI + is to build the capacities of our staff and improve program outcomes through implementing small experiments. Incorporated into this approach is a process in which we include feedback from community constituents.
Due to the particular objectives of the CI + activities and their focus on beneficiary engagement, we are not including sponsor involvement at this time.
Due to the particular objectives of the CI + activities and their focus on beneficiary engagement, we are not including sponsor involvement at this time.
October 8, 2018 in reply to Missing user
I had an idea, but already in implementation phase! Perhaps I can find out more from the children what they up to.. thanks for the update.
October 10, 2018 in reply to Missing user
Since CI+ is a "back-of-the-house" initiative for our staff in the SOA/CIKC, families won't even know what it is. They will only know if they or their parent are selected to give feedback on programs, implementation, etc.
October 10, 2018 in reply to Missing user
Of course Debbie, thanks for the insight. I understand that improved program deliveries will help increase their participation too.
Letter Codes (CW, CR, etc.)
10 posts
June 14, 2015
I'm new to this so I haven't figured out what some of the codes mean on the stickers that CI puts on the letters.
The 3 welcome letters I received so far (from Daniela, Noris and Shaira) all have "CW" on them. I just got a scan of another letter from Daniela in my account with the code "CR". I'm guessing the R in "CR" stands for required or something like that, but since this is my first non-welcome letter, I don't know for sure. I recently wrote her a letter, which I'm not sure she received yet, because she didn't answer my questions or mention my name or the photos I sent her with my letter. Are there different codes for the letters all children are required to send their sponsors twice a year and the letters they write voluntarily - maybe as a response to a letter they received from their sponsors?
What are all the different codes that are used for the different types of letters? Can someone please explain them? Thanks in advance! :)
The 3 welcome letters I received so far (from Daniela, Noris and Shaira) all have "CW" on them. I just got a scan of another letter from Daniela in my account with the code "CR". I'm guessing the R in "CR" stands for required or something like that, but since this is my first non-welcome letter, I don't know for sure. I recently wrote her a letter, which I'm not sure she received yet, because she didn't answer my questions or mention my name or the photos I sent her with my letter. Are there different codes for the letters all children are required to send their sponsors twice a year and the letters they write voluntarily - maybe as a response to a letter they received from their sponsors?
What are all the different codes that are used for the different types of letters? Can someone please explain them? Thanks in advance! :)
June 14, 2015 in reply to Missing user
CW - Child Welcome (first letter), CR - Child Requirement (one of the 2 yearly letters), CP - Child Participation (a voluntary response to one of your letters)
Those are the only ones I know. I can't remember if there are different letters on the direct package or special needs gift letters.....
Those are the only ones I know. I can't remember if there are different letters on the direct package or special needs gift letters.....
June 14, 2015 in reply to Missing user
Thanks for the explanation! :)
June 15, 2015 in reply to Missing user
The codes can be confusing...and we have a great section in the FAQ on this site that explains the letters codes and more, check it out when you have a chance. For now, I can tell you that:
CW: Welcome letter
CR: Child Participation (required semi-annual letter)
CP: Child Requirement (response to a sponsor letter)
I know it looks like CR & CP are backwards, but they're not...crazy, I know!
CW: Welcome letter
CR: Child Participation (required semi-annual letter)
CP: Child Requirement (response to a sponsor letter)
I know it looks like CR & CP are backwards, but they're not...crazy, I know!
June 15, 2015 in reply to Missing user
LOL So I've had them backwards all this time! Thanks for clearing that up!
June 21, 2015 in reply to Missing user
Thanks, debbies!
That is an extremely strange way of naming them. Let me see if I understand it correctly: The semi-annual required letters are marked "CR", and the voluntary letters are maked "CP". Those abbreviations seem to be correct, but then for some reason the R stands for "participation" and the P stands for "requirement". Could it be that the person who wrote the FAQ simply switched that part around accidentally?
And it should be:
CW: Welcome letter
CR: Child Requirement (required semi-annual letter)
CP: Child Participation (response to a sponsor letter)
... with the middle parts switched?
That is an extremely strange way of naming them. Let me see if I understand it correctly: The semi-annual required letters are marked "CR", and the voluntary letters are maked "CP". Those abbreviations seem to be correct, but then for some reason the R stands for "participation" and the P stands for "requirement". Could it be that the person who wrote the FAQ simply switched that part around accidentally?
And it should be:
CW: Welcome letter
CR: Child Requirement (required semi-annual letter)
CP: Child Participation (response to a sponsor letter)
... with the middle parts switched?
June 22, 2015 in reply to grandpaNicky
take care of yourself. I hope you feel better soon
June 22, 2015 in reply to Missing user
Poor nickystye, please don't start the week with a MSC headache!
Here's a little more insight: We've had CR (semi-annual letters) since the beginning of time (or at least the 24 years I've been here, which sometimes seems like the beginning of time - lol). The were named CR because the children/families must agree to write two "Requirement" letters to "Participate" in our program.
We've only had CW (Welcome letters) for about 5 years and naming them CW was easy, because they are "Welcome" letters.
CP's (response to a sponsor letter) started about 7ish years ago when we began asking the children/families to respond to a sponsor letters once every 90-days. Since CR was already in use, the letters that REQUIRE a response are marked as CP on the label.
I know it seems confusing, but it all makes sense to us.
Just a tasty tidbit: Sponsor letters that don't require a response are marked NR on the label.
Here's a little more insight: We've had CR (semi-annual letters) since the beginning of time (or at least the 24 years I've been here, which sometimes seems like the beginning of time - lol). The were named CR because the children/families must agree to write two "Requirement" letters to "Participate" in our program.
We've only had CW (Welcome letters) for about 5 years and naming them CW was easy, because they are "Welcome" letters.
CP's (response to a sponsor letter) started about 7ish years ago when we began asking the children/families to respond to a sponsor letters once every 90-days. Since CR was already in use, the letters that REQUIRE a response are marked as CP on the label.
I know it seems confusing, but it all makes sense to us.
Just a tasty tidbit: Sponsor letters that don't require a response are marked NR on the label.
June 22, 2015 in reply to Missing user
Thanks for the clarification! As long as it makes sense to the CI staff, I'm all good. :P
It's funny how it ended up the way it is. I'll just remember that R stands for the semi-annual letters and that way I think I'll manage to keep them straight.
It's funny how it ended up the way it is. I'll just remember that R stands for the semi-annual letters and that way I think I'll manage to keep them straight.
I.G.P.s - Successes and Failures and anything else about this subject
17 posts
April 5, 2013
Many of our LiftOne sponsors have begun I.G.P.s to help their family's monthly income in the hope that it will help them raise out of poverty. We have often read posts about the beginning of such small businesses but I have often wanted to know if they succeeded or failed. So, I am beginning this discussion hoping that sponsor's who have provided I.G.P.'s will post about their own experiences. Or, if they have anything at all to add about I.G.P.'s. This will help newer sponsors and also be a subject of interest for the rest of us.
I will begin with my own three experiences of which 2 were successful and the other one failed.
1) The first one I tried was to send a small amount to provide Lontia, the grandmother of Nsenzeni and little Barbara in Zambia, with a small vending business selling vegetables, mealie meal and dried fish. At that time the monthly income was only $20.00 a month for a large family. At first it did well and their income rose but then customers were lacking. Therefore, I did a fundraiser for a larger amount to fund a second hand clothing business which was all the rage at that time. I advised Lontia to buy one large bale and something like a bicycle to transport her goods for sale. Unfortunately, she used all of the funds on two large bales of used clothing and a table. Evidently, the same thing happened as the previous business - at first it went well and then she told me that people no longer wanted what she had to sell. But, this time she was more sensible and reverted to her former business but offering more items like charcoal and a more varied choice of vegetables. That was several years ago and the business is still doing well and the income has risen to $70.00 a month though a third of that amount has to pay for newly installed electricity.
2) This second IGP was to provide Eloina's mother, Edith, of Guatemala with a business making and selling tortillas. A single mother with two daughters to support Edith's only monthly income of $208.00 was from baby sitting. This dropped dramatically to only $100.00 so an IGP was the only answer. This business immediately saw a rise in income back to the earlier amount of $208.00. and has consistently provided the family with their daily needs except for a blip last year when I learned that the business was no longer in operation. The reason was that Edith had to use her monthly supplies money to buy medicine for a very sick relatives. Fortunately, with the help of some wonderfully generous Lifters the business is now back in operation and doing well.
3) This third IGP was to provide Angela - Miguel's Mum of Mexico with a small business to be run out of their home. Her aim was to sell packages of tortillas, milk and soft drinks to her neighbours who lived far from town high up on a ridge. The funds raised also provided her with a large fridge. Though Angela was very excited at the thought of a better income than a few days a week work as a maid the business did not succeed. Evidently, unknown to her other people had already begun selling similar items and even though she tried her best going from door to door she could not make a go of it. I expect Miguel had a year's supply of soft drinks and at least they now had a large fridge to store the vegies they grew in their garden.
These are just a few examples of the types of businesses that sponsor's have provided for their sponsored families and I know there must be many more. I have heard in the past that one pig business failed because the father sold the newly purchased pigs for drink but I would love to hear more about other successes and failures.
April 5, 2013
I'm certain that they work. But I'm 0 for 2 on IGPs. Dailin's family sold soft drinks from the home. But the profits never found their way into resupply. Moise's pig farm went down when, unbeknownst to the rest of the family, Moise's stepfather sold the pigs for easy cash.
Since the pig experience, I've decided that to finance the kids' educations is a better investment. But nothing is certain. 
April 5, 2013
it all depends on where ones prioritys are..many a small business has gone under for as many other reasons as you can think of,,follow your heart, you are doing what you can. you gave them the means and oppertunity . your works are good.
April 6, 2013
Thank you, Barbara, for starting this thread!
I can only contribute a little at the moment because the IGP for Daniel's grandmother in Valparaíso, Chile, is in the initial phase. Last summer we asked if the family would be interested and they were! The grandmother has been sewing for friends and neighbors but has never had her own materials and only a 35 years old sewing machine.
The idea is to make it possible for her to do her own sewing and have a stand in the local market to place the items for sale. She will make curtains, blankets, track suits, bags etc.
First step was to get her a new sewing machine and fabric to start the production and we have now sent the remaining money for an overlock machine and money to pay for the stand at the market. We are still waiting for a report regarding this second step.
We hope, of course, that this cn give an increase in income ($222 a month for grandmother and 4 children), but if it should fail - because of lack of customers or whatever - she will be able to sew and mend her own and her grandchildren's clothes. And it is a "business" she can bring with her, it doesn't require much space or special conditions for storing. So we believe that it will be successful, and the grandmother is very dedicated to the project.
In the first report, the grandmother had said that: "She will work a lot to earn money and give the best to her grandchildren"
April 6, 2013
I need to check up again on Mercy's (Zambia) mother's food-selling stall. When I last inquired, I was told that the business was doing well and had resulted in profits that were used for more inventory ... yet it seems the family income has decreased since?
April 8, 2013
Interesting about John's experience - I was told that one of my kids isn't eligible for a IGP because the father is an alcoholic and there was concern he'd sell the goods for booze. I suppose that means there is risk with any nice items the child receives though.
Thanks for the recap here all! Very useful information.
April 8, 2013
I provided Steven's mother, Lourdes, with 2 IGPs at once last year. CI recommended a small food selling business that required a stove, tables and tent canopy. She also requested supplies to sell fruits and produce. The intention was that she would sell food everyday and be there to sell the produce and be with her children more.
The way it worked out she is selling food on the weekends, Friday through Sunday, and still working at her former cleaning job through the week. Since she is not there as much, the fruit and produce was going bad before it could be sold. However, her income has increased substantially and she found a middle way that worked for her.
In retrospect, I think I should have tried the IGP CI recommended and waited a while to see what the results would be. At any rate, I'm still a big fan of IGPs; I'm glad their income has increased and I hope the business will continue to do well. Keeping my fingers crossed...
April 8, 2013
Many thanks to all who have responded to this thread. I can already see that there are things to be learned from their replies. I had worried about Miguel's Dad being an alcoholic and even though his wife, was so exited about the thought of giving up both of her small jobs (her only form of income) I advised her just to give up the smaller street cleaning job but to keep the more remunerative maid job until the business began to turn a profit. This is an important lesson to pass on because as in the case of David's IGP to help his sponsored family things don't always turn out as planned. David, is this the IGP where the restaurant had such a wonderful view? I had thought that it would do well because of the great view and the mother's cooking experience. I do hope that your grandmother's IGP will also be a great success Annette and look forward to hearing more in the future. Hoping to hear more stories from other sponsors both good and bad. They will all help other sponsor's to make good choices if they also decide to ask for an IGP for their own families.
April 9, 2013
My mom did a rather pricey ~ $1600 --IGP for her sponsored child Mirna (funded in part by FirstGiving). The idea was to build a small galley that could be used to raise pigs--5 of them--and also to get the piglets, feed, deworming, etc.
So far it seems to have been a rousing success. Mirna's original family income was $52 or $78/month. But with the sale of two half-grown pigs, they got $140 and not only got 2 more piglets and feed, but also food and clothing for the family (including a very dressy outfit for Mirna). We got another follow-up photo later of them with a new batch of piglets to raise and Mirna with a bigger grin than I had thought possible (before, she tended to look very serious).
Pigs take about 5-6 months to mature to slaughter weight. By selling 2-3 pigs every 2-3 months, I imagine they could make a tidy sum, compared to their prior income. Although the Family Record has not yet been updated to show how much the increase has been (sometimes it is updated only once a year) I look forward to that and suspect it will be quite a jump.
Mirna has also been the main caretaker of the pigs, a fact of which she is very proud.
April 9, 2013
I have a sponsored child, Eyra, and a group-sponsored child, Paul, who have both had dramatic increases of income following an SNG--which may or may not have been the result of an IGP that the family took on themselves and was thus not reported.
When I first started sponsoring Eyra, her family income was $52/month for her, her mother and brother. Her mother works as a maid. With the first SNG I sent them, they spent part on three pairs of shoes, one, I think, for Mirna's mom, and another part on cleaning supplies.
Not long after that, their income went up to $65/month, a 25% increase.
Paul of Zambia, living with 3 young cousins and 4 adults (but neither parent), had a family income of $10/month when our group started sponsoring him. I don't know how they were surviving.
We sent him SNGs several times a year, partly to send him to school for the first time, and partly for food. Nothing was said about an IGP. However, his family income has increased to $40/month, and then, later, to $70/month!
He has not said anything about them doing an IGP. However, maybe eating well consistently enabled one or more family members to get strong enough to earn more money. That's my best guess.
April 9, 2013
I should mention that I have a "sort of" failure on an IGP. While I was still raising funds for an IGP for Edy and Katherin's mother, Juana, it became too dangerous for her to start the business outside the home. If I had the funds and had sent them right away, I assume the business would have failed when Juana had to quit working in the market (the market she was working in was the same she wanted to start her own business in).
These are kids who live in the red zones in Guatemala, so IGPs in those areas may be risky with all of the issues currently going on in those zones.
June 15, 2013
Updates on the IGP for Daniel’s grandmother in Chile:
Well, we would have loved to share that the IGP for Daniel’s grandmother was progressing with an increase in income as a result. But the fact is that we won’t be able to follow the project closely in the future. Daniel no longer lives with his grandmother because his mother decided to take 3 of the 4 kids back to live with her and her boyfriend. The family income in the new household is the one listed on the family record and will not show any changes caused by the IGP, I believe.
However, Daniel’s youngest sister still lives with the grandmother and hopefully she will benefit directly from the IGP - and we are sure that the grandmother still will do everything she can for her grandchildren.
Even if this was not quite the idea with the project, we are happy that Daniel didn’t move out of the CI area! And I believe that there is a close contact between the grandmother/ mother / Daniel and his siblings - especially with the youngest sister still living with the grandmother.
But unless we can pry some informations out of Daniel, we really can’t tell if it is a success or a failure...
Annette
April 22, 2014 in reply to frumor
Im curious.. any news since your last post?
August 7, 2014
I also worked out through CI an IGP selling shoes. The mother was suppose to sell out of her house and at market on weekends. They were not very active at it and it failed.
August 10, 2014 in reply to ditchqueen
@Ditchqueen, Daniel's agency in Chile has closed now. I hope that Daniel will reconnect with Annette somehow and that we will hear more news from him again though. Fingers crossed...
November 10, 2014
Thanks for sharing your IGP experiences, everyone – they're very interesting!
Pumps and Wells
18 posts
April 11, 2014
Hi,
I have read on here where some people have purchased a pump and well for their sponsered child and community. I currently sponser a child in Ecuador and have inquired to CI if they needed a pump and the cost. It is going to take approx 6 weeks for them to find out the answer, so my question is. Those whom have purchased pumps and wells what was the approx cost and what community did you purchase it for?
Thanks!
April 11, 2014 in reply to ditchqueen
@ditchqueen
I provided a pump and well for my Sheilla last year in Legazpi, Philippines. The cost was $600. This year I requested that field workers locate areas that needed pumps and wells. My plan is to keep doing pumps, one at a time for as long as posible. I'm doing this in two areas, Legazpi and Tabaco. My first two is at barangay Tabon-Tabon, Legaspi and the other is on San Miguel island, Tabaco. The cost was $716 for Legazpi and $750 for Tabaco. The cost could be worlds apart, but to me worth every dollar. As an example, the well I had done for sheilla is supplying water for 5 families. rewards are great.
April 12, 2014 in reply to grandpaNicky
nickyste, are you funding these pumps and wells projects yourself, or doing them as fundraisers?
April 12, 2014 in reply to Missing user
They are all mine. I have been blessed aplenty and am blessed each time I get to do these things. My way of tithing.
April 14, 2014
I have also heard of cases in which someone who had a pump or well installed was then able to charge a small fee for others who wanted to draw water from it--saving the others a lot of water-fetching time (and letting them get perhaps much better quality water), and providing some additional income to the family with the pump. Good luck with your project!
April 14, 2014
Generally when a pump and well are provided it is a community well, which eliminates the use of a stream, river or other body of water that would be unsanitary. The ones being provided by nickyste are for the communities, so they are not charging their neighbors to use the water.
April 14, 2014 in reply to Missing user
I was informed 5 families would benifit from the pump I provided for Shiella. The thought of her family chargeing them had never crossed my mind. I can understand, but I would be disappointed as I assume the neighbors are disadvantged also. Don't know how to feel about this......
April 15, 2014
Thanks for the info! i had issues posting before, so sorry for the late reply!! Thank you for the approx cost, as for charging, I hope they wouldn't do that. I too can understand but I would put in a well with the hope to help all the families not those that can pay. I wonder if there is a way I can stipulate that to make sure its free for use.
April 15, 2014 in reply to grandpaNicky
Don't worry Nickyste, I have never heard of families charging for water - maybe brightspot can tell us where she read this. And since the pumps are for the community to use and the water is free, I can't imagine anyone would even consider charging.
April 15, 2014 in reply to ditchqueen
There would be no need to stipulate that the family not charge their neighbors for water. In the 23 years I've been here and handling these types of special needs, I have never seen nor heard of a family charging their neighbors for water. And since the wells are for the community and the water is free, it would be extremely rude of a family to do such a thing.
April 15, 2014 in reply to Missing user
I don't remember reading anything that specifically said our children's families charge others to use their pumps ... however, I *do* remember it being said that if a child's Family Report lists "neighbor's faucet" as their water source, that oftentimes it meant they were paying that neighbor for that water. It was on the old LiftOne site (and of course now I don't remember who said it).
April 15, 2014 in reply to Missing user
Now that you mention it I remember reading that also. If water is gathered from a neighbor that has to pay a water bill theirself, that is understandable. I have now had water connections hooked up for two of my kids that had to get water from neighbors.
I'M GETTING SO EXCITED WITH ALL THIS BUSINESS I COULD DANG NEAR BUST.
April 15, 2014 in reply to Missing user
Yes, if a family has running water in or at their home and pay for it, then neighbors would pay for the water they use. In cases such as these, the neighbors are typically extended family members, who pool their funds to pay the water and electric bill.
April 15, 2014 in reply to Missing user
Extended families ... that thought hadn't occurred to me. Peril of life in the US, where you may not even know your neighbors' names!
Is it possible to tell, Debbie, if any of my children are benefiting from Nickyste's upcoming wells and pumps? Jie and Anikka both currently list a nearby stream as their water source.
Is it possible to tell, Debbie, if any of my children are benefiting from Nickyste's upcoming wells and pumps? Jie and Anikka both currently list a nearby stream as their water source.
April 15, 2014 in reply to Missing user
I'll have to do some research to determine what SAC's they are benefiting and where your girls live. Stay tuned...
April 15, 2014 in reply to Missing user
@debbies
I just recieved acknowledgment that funds were recieved for the above mentioned pumps and wells. It also mentioned that the field workers will be looking for the next place to do. Do me a favor, and if Saddare's girls are not going to use these, please put a bug in Vickie's ear for me. Her Anikka is a sweetheart.
April 15, 2014 in reply to grandpaNicky
Will do nickyste!
April 16, 2014
@sasddare & nickyste: Neither Anikka or Jei Ann live in the area of Legaspi that will benefit from the well that nickyste funded. However, since our Legaspi staff is looking for other areas to build another well we did ask them to let us know if Anikka's SAC was a possibility.
I have to caution you that there is so much to consider when determining if an area is suitable for a well and pump can be installed (water tables, permits, etc.) that even if a community's only water source is a nearby stream, it does not automatically ensure the area is a good candidate for well construction.
Additionally, I want to remind everyone that the cost for providing anything for a child, family or community varies from country to country, as well as between service areas within the same country and child to child. I mention this only because don't want anyone to be shocked by the difference in cost when they receive the special needs inquiry information.
Criteria for "Most Needy"
11 posts
September 23, 2013
I apologize if this had been posted elsewhere already but the board search doesn't work on my phone. I was curious as to how kids are identified as being "most needy". Sometimes it's obvious but other times its not. Are there certain criteria they use or is it a judgement call from someone at the local SOA? l know there's more to it than income and family size but I've seen kids identified as most needy that seemed better off than those who weren't, and vice versa.
I called on a child from Delhi and found out that even though the family is new to the program and none have been sponsored yet, they enrolled all four children in the program. This leads me to believe that there's a special circumstance but she was not identified as being most needy.
September 23, 2013
I do know only one parent in the household seems to be an automatic most needy designation. They take water delivery system into account also. There are other criteria also, but now that I'm typing they have left my memory...
September 23, 2013
There are five main things, I heard, that are taken into consideration, creating a scale of 0-4. The ones I can remember: parents, housing, (water, I think). Monthly income, in and of itself, is not factored in because it can fluctuate so much.
September 23, 2013
I wonder if one criterion might be that a child shows great potential or has some special skills that can't develop without sponsorship?
September 24, 2013
This is good information. It would be great if someone from CI could confirm how it's done and let us know what the five criteria are.
I wish I had asked this question earlier. I won't be looking for a new child for a few years now, and in my recent searches, i didn't ignore the "most needy" flag, but I didn't give it much weight, either. It seemed arbitrary. It's probably a better indicator, though, than income and family size, which were my main criteria.
September 24, 2013
http://community.liftone.org/service/displayDiscussionThreads.kickAction?as=121091andw=255061andd=901367
here is a link to the post by the admin about the most needy criteria.?
October 2, 2013
To determine which children are considered the “neediest” there is a point system to score the children. The criteria used is:
electricity + water + sanitary + sleep accommodation + parents
Income is not a factor because you can't compare it from country to country, and it fluctuates so much - daily in some cases.
October 6, 2013
Thanks for this information, Debbie. That makes so much sense once you describe it. Are you able to share how CI ranks the different situations under each criteria? I don't need to know point systems or formulas; it would be enlightening, though, to see which conditions are seen as worse than others for each of these. For some it may be obvious (open field for sanitary), but for others. like water, it's not so much.
Regarding the situation I mentioned where (I was told) four kids in the family was enrolled at the same time, even though Delhi is new for CI and the rule is generally one per family, what kinds of things might cause that, other than perhaps me being misinformed? (The child in this case is my Sifa.)
October 7, 2013
The SOA each use their own factors to determine the most needy. The "formula" listed in the previous post if how CI decides who is the "Most Needy" for the our website.
With regard to Sifa, she has 2 sibs enrolled and the 4th (who is 11) is not enrolled, so there are 3 in her family.
Delhi was a bit different in their enrollment approach. They enrolled by "ward" and tried to reach all the families in the ward befire moving onto the next. To maximize loss of work for the parents and multiple trips to the SOA office, the staff enrolled multiples in each home 2-3 the first time around.
Hope this helps!
Aflatoun Program
5 posts
August 17, 2013
I may have missed this, but how are children selected to participate in this program? Are there certain quailificatons or do the children have to apply for the program?
August 19, 2013
Nope, no qualifications are needed. If you are interested, you let the recruiters know.
August 19, 2013
Thanks, Debbie!
Underweight Children
15 posts
June 10, 2013
I have been sponsoring Isaura for over 3 years now and she has always been a thin child. I looked again at her family record to see her height and weight, and she is 5'4" and weighs only 103lbs. To be sure I entered her data into the BMI and she is definitely inderweight. Could this be a malnourisment issue or could she just be a naturally thin girl. I will call in the morning to ask. In the meantime, do any of you have children who are underweight?
June 10, 2013
If you used a BMI calculator for children/teens and not adults, her being underweight would be cause for concern (the further underweight, the more concern obviously). Calculators for children and teens will return a different result based on age and sex and adult calculators shouldn't be used as they will frequently say a child is underweight when they're fine. For example, an adult BMI calculator says Crismairy is significantly underweight for her height, but using a child calculator, she's at the 21st percentile and considered to be at a healthy weight. Under 5th percentile is underweight for a child/teen. Here's a good one if you did use an adult calculator before:
http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/Calculator.aspx?CalculatorType=English
Having said that, poor Lovely May is below the 1st percentile for her age 
and height and the CDC site says she should be seen immediately by a health care specialist to determine why she's so severely underweight . . . which makes me think I may need to request a health report on her ASAP.
All the rest of my children are of healthy weights for their age, gender and height.
June 11, 2013
Thank you for this! Using this one, she is in the 9th percentile and is a healthy weight. That's a big relief.
I'm sorry to hear about your little girl. I would assume CI would have already noticed this and taken action. However you know what they say about people who assume....I'd definitely call or email to see what was going on.
Best of luck and thanks again! Keep us updated
June 11, 2013
So happy to know she is a healthy weight! It may not hurt to check it for future years since she is on the low end of normal at 9th percentile. If she stays around 9th, she's probably just naturally thin. If she starts to grow and her percentile drops, she may not be getting enough food to support a growth spurt (which may be what has happened with Lovely May).
I think CI may have noticed since they told me that Lovely May did have a recent medical check up. Either that or she goes by choice even though it isn't mandatory. I'm sure CI is doing whatever they can; however, I did inquire about a copy of the medical report because I know the medical emergency funds are limited. I remember there was a child who was severely malnurished due to a health condition and the sponsor did a fundraiser to provide special foods the child needed. I assumed it was a case where the feeding program didn't/couldn't offer the special diet the child needed? On the off chance that there is an issue going on that can't be addressed by the feeding program/medical fund, I'd like to know if she needs something more than just a few SNGs to get that girl some food!
June 11, 2013
My mom's Neha of India is 4'4", 53 lbs--and 13 years old. Surely that's not normal?
For comparison, my mom's Mirna of Guatemala weighs 77 pounds, at 11 years old.
June 11, 2013
Wow. There is no way a 13 year old should only weigh 53 pounds! She should be around 90 at least an I would even coinsider that small. She doesn't look severly malnourished but I'm also not a doctor. Have you asked about that?
Isa's reports have actually varied alot. At one point they said she was 5'8. Then they dropped to 4''11. Now they have her listed at 5'11 which seems to be the most accurate. Hopefully that's what happened for your child because there is no way a 53lbd teen would not raise red flags. Maybe it's a conversion issue
June 11, 2013
Richard is 4 yrs old and 32 lbs, 3 ft 1 in In 75th percentile weight to height according to the chart.
According to a different English/American chart http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/usefultools/l/bl_kids_centils.htm, he is shorter and thinner than most kids his age with his height in <3rd percentile and weight is 15th. But I guess that 75 comes from the height/weight ratio together not sure.
June 11, 2013
@Jess, the tool I posted combines not just height and weight, but also age and gender to determine the "norms" for all 4 characteristics. So, 75th percentile would mean that for male children of the same age and height (other children who are also short for their age), he falls in the 75th percentile for weight.
June 12, 2013
Sorry, I did not see this post yesterday. I know everyone is concerned about their children, but I do want to mention that the BMI calculator link that was posted is from the CDC and is based on U.S. standards.
CI uses the BMI calculator from the World Health Organization (WHO), which is a global calculator. This means it takes into account the differences in countries. In addition to using the BMI chart, our medical staff also takes into consideration the family, typical diet for the region and other factors in determining if a child is below weight or malnourished.
This is the type of information CI tracks very closely and one reason why children age 2-12 are given a annual health exam. Any child who falls below a certain percentage (it varies by region) is enrolled in our nutritional program.
So, for some of you who are concerned that your child's percentile is low on the CDC's BMI chart, be aware that it is not the chart that CI uses and that if your child is truly below standards for their country, they are receiving the help they need
June 12, 2013
Thanks Debbie! I think we forrget to take into account that different regions have different standards of normal
June 12, 2013
Thanks Debbie! All of my young children look healthy. I only worry about the older ones because they don't necessarily have to do the annual exam. I know a lot of children thin when they go through a growth spurt and then fill out as well. Having a calculator by country is smart.
June 12, 2013
Thanks, debbie, that's reassuring! I wonder if we could see that calculator by country?
June 12, 2013
@brooke_or: Well, one of reasons we don't do required annual exams for teens is because most countries don't require it for all teens (girls really need it more than boys) and, BIG SURPRISE here, teens don't want to go.
We actually have some teens who refuse to go when a sponsor requests a Health Report for them and have said they'd rather drop from the program than go and even if they do, they balk at sharing the info with their sponsor. It's embarrassing and they see it as an invasion of their privacy. It's the age old struggle called teenagers 
@brightspot: I'm sure if you pull up the WHO's website you can locate the calculator.
June 15, 2013
Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if a teen refused. I asked about my kids once, but I think I had all young children then. I did inquire about Lovely, but I know she had a health check up already even though she's over 12. With my other teens, I just encourage them to still be seen since preventative care is so critical.
Thanks for all the info though!
June 16, 2013
I wondered about how the kids felt about sharing their medical information. No matter how much one is struggling, they have some principles they have to stick to. Plus teenagers think they know best. I know I certainly did :)
Pregnant Teen
19 posts
June 5, 2013
So, a member of my family is now a pregnant teenager. While this is far from ideal, I'm debating whether to mention it to some of my older teens along with a commentary on all of the challenges she now faces. It might open up an opportunity to share my views and hopefully influence them to avoid the same scenario.
I tend to stay away from touchy subjects like this and focus on the importance of education, getting their medical check ups even after 12, etc. I think this is an important subject, but didn't want them to feel badly that I think they might have pre-marital sex or how to even bring the subject up, so this seems like a good opening.
Have any of you written your kids directly about this topic?
June 5, 2013
I haven't addressed this with my teen because she already seems to have her priorities in order. However I think it is a great oppurtunity to at least mention it and bring up the challenges she'll face.
June 5, 2013
I do not know the answer to this question but I'd love it if a staff member in particular could weigh in. I'm not sure how much "controversial content" a sponsor is allowed to discuss with a sponsored child or youth.
For that matter, I do not know how much controversy is allowed in something like a book for the sponsored child. There are some books which would be considered appropriate for U.S.A. honors english classes high school, but I don't know how well they would go over in a conservative country, which is why I saved my controversial books for Sankari until she had graduated from the program.
June 6, 2013
Unfortunately, it's not an appropriate topic for a sponsor to discuss in a letter, and would cause the letter to be rejected by our field staff. I also wonder if your family member would want to be used as a cautionary tale?
I can assure you that in July 2008 our Board of Directors approved a Reproductive Health Policy – a policy aimed at providing sponsored youth (teenagers) with services geared to ensuring their reproductive health. This includes access to accurate information on contraception, access to pre- and post-natal care for pregnant teens, testing for HIV and STIs, and facilitating access to birth control methods. The policy is currently being implemented in all of our agencies around the world.
The curriculum used by our Youth Health Corps to discuss these issues is a comprehensive ABC model which discusses Abstinence, Be faithful (to your sexual partner and have fewer partners), and use Condoms (and contraceptives if you are sexually active). This model has been adapted from some very successful HIV prevention programs, and it works well for an adolescent audience which contains a mix of individuals that are sexually active and those that are not.
The Youth Health Corps focuses on the prevention of unwantedand untimed pregnancies through the provision of life skills development (leadership training, building communication skills and self-esteem, etc.)
By having this program/information available to all youth in our program, it allows the youth and their families to determine when and how the topic is broached and discussed.
June 6, 2013
Interesting and good to know. I would have likely mentioned it in a letter if it was important to me. Luckily I haven't. I would hate for my letter to be rejected and cause further delay. Are sponsors notified if letters are rejected?
June 6, 2013
Our goal is to get all the letters that arrive in our office into the hands of the children; but if there is ever a letter that creates a cause for concern, rest assured we would contact the sponsor.
Examples would be pornography, letters of a sexual nature, letters referring to drugs, alcohol, exactly why someone is in prison, evangelizing, criticism of the child or family, culturally inappropriate content (birth control would fall into this category).
Hope this info helps!
June 6, 2013
It helps alot. My children are in Latin America and mention God in their letters. In this case would it be ok for me to mention God as well?
June 6, 2013
God Bless You, I pray for you, etc. are fine, but we cannot fowards letters that try and convert a child/family or that tell them their religious beliefs are wrong.
June 6, 2013
Is birth control information provided to the parents of sponsored kids? That has to be very touchy, but some of the large families make you think...
June 6, 2013
Many of the countries that CI works in has an overwhelming majority of Catholics. Members that live in the US may be comfortable not following the Pope's teachings, but it is a whole different story in other countries.
June 6, 2013
Yeah, I wasn't thinking of mentioning birth control - I know how strict Catholics feel about it. I hadn't mentioned "waiting" because it seemed a difficult subject, but didn't think something about waiting to date until older to avoid any negative consequences would be a problem. I can see where avoiding it altogether might be better than trying to figure out how to mention it in a way that wouldn't be offensive.
CBrown - you also can't mention in a letter that you've sent the child something, plan to send the child something or plan to visit (until the airfare is purchased and detail given to CI). After the child receives things, it's fine. You can say you'd like to visit someday, but not that you're going to visit someday . . . I made the mistake of writing that once and my letter was rejected.
June 7, 2013
while were on the subject of letter rejections and delays...I have a letter that I put in a DP. now that I think of it, im not sure if it was the best idea. the letter doesnt have to be translated- what happens when its sent in DP to the.child and not CI KC
June 8, 2013
Jesscoffee- I've done that. They still translate it at the field site. I actually think letters are sent to Kansas, possibly screened and then translated once sent to the site.
June 8, 2013
One of my sponsored children in the Philippines wrote me that she saw a film concerning aids and the HIV virus and her concern. So I believe the schools are addressing this touchy area.
June 9, 2013
Thanks, Debbie, for the information you have given us ... especially the info relating to comprehensive ABC model which Children International uses to educate their youth on this delicate issue.
June 10, 2013
I have not told my teen sponsored girls to "wait/use b.c." since it's verboten and also CI is getting the message across themselves. What I do think is acceptable (and haven't heard any complaints) is "Don't date anyone who treats you with disrespect--or your family, pets, or anyone who is less powerful than he is, because that brings out a person's true character," and "It's better to marry someone who is willing to do some housework if needed, in case the wife is sick, injured, etc. Someone who expects his sick wife to work like a dog while he doesn't lift a finger is not worth it. Personally I would rather be single my whole life than marry men like those." Another sponsor mentioned telling her young teen girls in India that "it's better to wait until 18 or older to marry, because the mother is more mature and ready for the job, less likely to have health problems, and can take better care of her kids with more education," knowing that her speech to the child was more for the benefits of the child's parents. I think all of these are acceptable.
June 10, 2013
You're absolutely correct. I recently wrote one of my girls and told her to make sure any guy she likes treats her with respect and has a plan/goal for his life. Luckily she is an intelligent girl and has done just that. I'm sure she is seeing young girls all around her becoming pregnant.
Sending sponsored children their own photos
10 posts
September 18, 2010
I saw somewhere on here where someone said that sponsored children don't get copies of their own photos. I think it'd be really neat to send them copies of their own photos! I doubt that most of them have access to cameras so they probably have little to no photos of themselves. So I bet they'd like having photos of themselves and their families might like having them too to display in their homes.
Has any of you here ever sent your children photos of themselves? If so, did they like receiving them?
I was thinking of printing some on photo paper from my computer and sending them to my children.
September 18, 2010
I send them their annual photo if it was good (I often glue it into their birthday card), and good SNG photos that include other family members. I don't send every photo of the child alone because I think it would be strange for parents to have a big box of photos of only one child...
I'll probably send 2 copies of the photo of Sarbari and her siblings, so they can give one to their father. They're living with their mother and grandmother in the city so they can get benefits while he works elsewhere.
September 21, 2010
I usually don't although I have sent a couple. When I send a child an introductory pakage I usually send a photoalbum with pictures of me and those important in my life. And since I theme it on those important to me, I usually include their pic in it.
I also have just printed the pictures from Steve's visit with Brayan because his mom just mentioned wanting to see them in the letter I got yesterday. So I am sending a letter with some pics and stickers or something off to Kansas City for him. I also have a couple really nice family photos I have been meaning to make copies of to send also!
September 21, 2010
So do people usually print out their photos? On regular paper? I was thinking of putting the digital photos on a drive and bringing them into the photo shop to print out.
September 21, 2010
Right now I upload my pictures to Walgreens site and then just go pick them up. They are usually ready in about an hour. I do have a 4x6 photo printer at home that is great but I need the ink for it and sort of got used to doing it through Walgreens.
September 21, 2010
My printer does 4x6 photo prints (or larger). But note that Steve always takes his kid their photo printed 8x10 on regular paper.
I do it more for the parents than the child, actually.
September 22, 2010
I have sent my own picture and their most recent picture with my first letter to each of my kids so far, except Jackeline, whose letter I sent through the website. (I was going to wait until I heard from her, but I couldn't make it ...). I usually just download the photo from the site to a USB drive and take it to the drug store to print out a nice copy. My scanner and printer aren't much to speak of.
Typically I also add the entirely unnecessary remark that they are prettier in their photo than I am in mine, a self-evident fact.
September 22, 2010
It never occured to me to send pictures of the kids to the kids until other people did it on the google group. I sent Khayrunnesha pictures of her from when she was younger (when I visited) as well as some more recent and some updated pictures from me and she wrote in her letter "Thank you for the pictures of my childhood" hehe. Such a mature young lady! 
Forums / Q and A with Children International /
Gift that can grow!
18 posts
February 8, 2020
Yesterday, I received Evelin's new annual photo. She's standing in front of a floral greenhouse – has anyone seen this beautiful structure when visiting Quito in Ecuador?
With Fatima joining the family, I was thinking when sending birthday cards via HQ to insert a small vegetable/flower seeds packet to go inside – will it be all right?
I want to bring the gift of a new tree or plant so that the memories live on with them for many more years to come!
With Fatima joining the family, I was thinking when sending birthday cards via HQ to insert a small vegetable/flower seeds packet to go inside – will it be all right?
I want to bring the gift of a new tree or plant so that the memories live on with them for many more years to come!
February 8, 2020 in reply to Missing user
States and nations have laws governing and forbidding the import (by any means) of seeds and plants. The reason for so many import laws is that plant pathogens, fungi and micro-bugs (alive or dormant) travel ! Countries are trying to protect their native plants and crops. For specifics, Google Ecuador's agriculture import laws , hit translate.
February 8, 2020 in reply to Missing user
I understand.. had a look at Royal Mail (UK) and USPS advice to customers regarding Prohibited and Restricted items..
www.royalmail.com/sites/default/files/royal-mail-prohibited-and-restricted-items-nov-23-2018---23410530_updated%20April%2019.pdf
www.usps.com/international/shipping-restrictions.htm
But, can you see where it says mailing seeds is prohibited?
www.royalmail.com/sites/default/files/royal-mail-prohibited-and-restricted-items-nov-23-2018---23410530_updated%20April%2019.pdf
www.usps.com/international/shipping-restrictions.htm
But, can you see where it says mailing seeds is prohibited?
February 8, 2020 in reply to Missing user
Chelaka, unless the rules have changed, you can only send paper items via the KC headquarters.
February 8, 2020
Hello Chelaka, like said in other comments I think that seeds from another country would not be allowed as a protection for the local agriculture/natural flora.. however you could specify in your next EG that you want them to buy a local plant or seeds. That would be possible I guess..
February 8, 2020 in reply to Missing user
to MARIEMRCM and CHELAKA : Brilliant idea mariemrcm, brilliant. Solves the problem. Chelaka gets to gift seeds to Evelin and her family and CI and Ecuador are happy about no effort to break rules and laws.
CHELAKA : Reading the postal laws for the United Kingdom and the United States is not what is called for. You have to read the agricultural import laws of Ecuador and the mailing rules of Children International. Mariemrcm's advice is the best! When you are including written suggestions with your next E xtra monetary G ift to Evelin, suggest garden seeds! Cheers from Rachel who gardens.
CHELAKA : Reading the postal laws for the United Kingdom and the United States is not what is called for. You have to read the agricultural import laws of Ecuador and the mailing rules of Children International. Mariemrcm's advice is the best! When you are including written suggestions with your next E xtra monetary G ift to Evelin, suggest garden seeds! Cheers from Rachel who gardens.
February 9, 2020
Much appreciate all your input..
Marie and Rachel say that seeds from another country would not be allowed as a protection for the local agriculture/natural flora because plant pathogens, fungi and micro-bugs (alive or dormant) travel, and countries are trying to protect their native plants and crops.
But the irony is that any country's import/export laws on seeds do not have prohibition or restriction placed upon when come to sending a packet of seeds (as a gift) to another country by airmail.
My research has taken me to "Seed Programs International", whereby vendors whom with approved certification of mass seeds production donate excess seeds to SPI for distribution worldwide to alleviate hunger and malnutrition. [www.seedprograms.org]
The EG route may be the easy way out of this dilemma, but there is a strong case for CI to consider from health and environmental education/benefits of sowing seeds, so long as it's legally allowed can a lightweight vegetable/flower seeds packet be acceptable to go inside a birthday card?
Marie and Rachel say that seeds from another country would not be allowed as a protection for the local agriculture/natural flora because plant pathogens, fungi and micro-bugs (alive or dormant) travel, and countries are trying to protect their native plants and crops.
But the irony is that any country's import/export laws on seeds do not have prohibition or restriction placed upon when come to sending a packet of seeds (as a gift) to another country by airmail.
My research has taken me to "Seed Programs International", whereby vendors whom with approved certification of mass seeds production donate excess seeds to SPI for distribution worldwide to alleviate hunger and malnutrition. [www.seedprograms.org]
The EG route may be the easy way out of this dilemma, but there is a strong case for CI to consider from health and environmental education/benefits of sowing seeds, so long as it's legally allowed can a lightweight vegetable/flower seeds packet be acceptable to go inside a birthday card?
February 9, 2020 in reply to Missing user
The first thing should be to ask CI if they would even send /deliver packets of seeds that were in birthday cards (or in DPs)?
February 10, 2020
I am pretty sure you cannot mail seeds internationally. The best bet would be to include a note in an EG saying that you would like them to purchase some seeds etc.
February 10, 2020
I also think you cannot mail seeds for the reasons others have posted above regarding agriculture. I also had the same idea but decided against it or would probably request it in my EG. In regards to CI, I’m pretty sure they mention only paper items such as stickers, bookmarks, books, etc. For USPS rules to ship any items as “media mail”, it also has to be strictly paper items or it doesn’t qualify. If CI makes exception to this rule then people would try to get creative to add other lightweight non paper items and I imagine will cause difficulty to ship them out to field offices and delays.
February 10, 2020
Chelaka, it's very thoughtful that you want to provide this gift to your sponsored children; however, we are unable to forward any packets of seeds.
February 10, 2020
Thank you Erin! The idea of enclosing a seed packet with my birthday cards is only just thought of, and glad I now know CI stance on this.
I'd not be interested in doing this via EG or DP as suggested above as the impact would not be as powerful as sending along inside a birthday card!
I was just overwhelmed to hear from the CEO of SPI today offering me his personal view on this dilemma, saying..
"risk that your birthday cards will not be received because there is seed inside, I would say the risk of that is small but it is always greater than zero."
It was certainly new learning for me and thanks again for your valuable contribution.
I'd not be interested in doing this via EG or DP as suggested above as the impact would not be as powerful as sending along inside a birthday card!
I was just overwhelmed to hear from the CEO of SPI today offering me his personal view on this dilemma, saying..
"risk that your birthday cards will not be received because there is seed inside, I would say the risk of that is small but it is always greater than zero."
It was certainly new learning for me and thanks again for your valuable contribution.
February 16, 2020 in reply to Missing user
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May 22, 2020 in reply to Missing user
Speaking as a gardener I adore your idea... and speaking as a gardener, keeping plants native is the best thing all around. Even without fungus/etc problems, in many regions of the world we are now having difficulties with non-natives becoming invasive & upending ecosystems. Also, the local bees, butterflies and general chain of life depend on the indigenous species. Here in Maine we have a local butterfly that is dependent on _one_ plant, which is being threatened by a non-native variety, & now that butterfly is disappearing. It’s so complex! Even with something like milkweed- there are many variety’s and if it’s not the right variety? Forget it. The monarchs turn up their nose and go hungry or elsewhere! Some ideas to get around this: perhaps send information on their local native plants and what they support (this type of information can be surprisingly difficult to come by). Art of native butterflies, lightening bugs, or garden birds is inspiring. Classic botanical art can be truly beautiful as well as educational & I’m sure would be welcomed- if you’ve got favorite flowers to share, why not consider that route? Or perhaps an EG with funds for garden gloves and tools... the list is so long in ways that you can nurture this love of nature, & gardeners have a list of wants as long as their arm, always. These were just my thoughts. I hope they help.
May 22, 2020 in reply to Missing user
Sorry- I just saw your reply about the EG!
May 24, 2020 in reply to Kiyoshi
Thanks Kyetaka! It’s very kind of you to share your thoughts. Last summer, I sent Mairani a package with ‘Beautiful Flowers Coloring Book’ (ISBN: 9781838576035) and she absolutely loved it, so will see if she’s into gardening to get her the tools! Btw, Maine reminds me my favorite clothing brand from New England :-)
May 28, 2020 in reply to Missing user
Chelaka, You can't sent packages to Ecuador, only paper items like bookmarks or stickers. I sponsor a child in Ecuador too and customs in Ecuador does not allow packages. You can send her an EG, maybe she will be able to use it to buy seeds there.
May 28, 2020 in reply to Missing user
Oh I love the idea of a coloring book! Good on you for finding different ways to nurture her!
MSC profile
3 posts
August 3, 2024
I recently decided to shut my profile from public view due to some of the images going back for a year showing child's full name, which is against CI guidelines, but sorting this out is very time consuming task. Am I able to create a new profile but keeping my access to the current one at the same time? Any suggestions are welcome.
August 5, 2024 in reply to Missing user
Hi Chelaka, thanks for asking. Sponsors may only have one MSC profile, but don't fret, you do not need to go back and edit/remove anything from your update/post history. Just be mindful of sharing personal details of a child going forward. You're such an active contributor on the MSC page and that would definitely be a daunting task!
August 6, 2024 in reply to Missing user
Thanks for understanding. All my media images are chronologically linked to my stories/comments/discussions in MSC, so editing them even going back for a year is massive undertaking. I shall refrain from sharing children's personally identifiable information, such as their full name when posting again.
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