And they send it too! Not an hour ago, I got paged to the front desk. Was I in trouble? Who could possible want to talk to me? But when I got there a big, sugary surprise was waiting.
Children International’s Google Group has really taken off this year, and our members amaze me continually with their generosity and dedication to the sponsorship program. Recently on the Google Group, sponsor Steve Hogan announced his plans to travel to Chile to visit his sponsored girls, and extended an invitation to fellow group members. He graciously offered to meet with and take pictures of their sponsored children in Chile. Many took him up on the offer too.
So why the cake? Well, our staff in Chile organized a little party for all of the sponsored kids who were making the journey to our community center to see Steve. Naturally, our Google Group members were touched by the thoughtfulness of our Chile staff and Lori Kays, our sponsor visit coordinator. When this post from sponsor Stephanie came across my email screen this morning, I was definitely curious:
I've cooked up a surprise as a thank you to CI for throwing a party for our kids in Chile and for working so hard to make sure that they can meet with Steve. I think it's going to be a great day for the children and I hope the surprise will make day the day fun for CI as well. :) So any CI people reading this....Shhhhhhhh! Don't spill the beans!
“Oh, I can keep a secret,” I smugly thought to myself. Little did I know that this fabulous cake was on its way to our headquarters!
Sarah Trapp - Google Group moderator, Greg Jones - Sponsor Services Representative and Lori Kays, Sponsor Visit Coordinator pose with the cake.
This gesture is just one more reason why I know that Children International sponsors are the best. Thanks for the cake and for everything you do for your special needy children...Now guess what I (and many other staff members) are having for lunch?
To join Children International’s Google Group and interact with our wonderful sponsors, please visit our group.
Well you can! Children International has teamed up with House Party to help promote child sponsorship. Apply to throw a party at your home to spread the word about our program, and those selected will receive a great activity pack to get the party started.
Have a sponsorship party - Tupperware®-style - at your home and share childhood memories, photographs (yes, that’s me), games, candies and fun. As you take a trip down memory lane, contemplate the realities of children living in poverty and how sponsorship can help make their childhoods a little bit brighter.
Sound like a good time? Apply to host a Children International Sponsorship party in your home today.
With the support of Congress and the Courts, Honduran President José Manuel Zelaya was ousted by the military on Sunday, June 28. The Supreme Court and members of Congress deemed the president’s efforts to seek a second term illegal and unconstitutional.
Rest assured our child sponsorship agency staff in San Pedro Sula reports that our agency is operating normally and does not anticipate any disruption of benefits or services to sponsored children or their families. Agency director Blanca Estela Rodriguez described the mood of the city and the population in general as “calm.” Preliminary reports from the field indicate that all sponsored families appear to be fine as well.
We will continue to provide updates on Honduras as the situation progresses. For breaking news, alerts and the most up-to-date information on the areas that we serve please visit Children International’s homepage.
Reporting by Deron Denton.
Last week brought us the tragic passings of two individuals, Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett, who were household names in America and many other parts of the world.
When well-known people die, it serves to underscore the fragility of life and remind us all that death is no respecter of age, gender, education or social status. And no less tragic are the deaths of an estimated 1.8 million children per year due to contaminated water sources and the unhygienic conditions that often accompany living in poverty -- a tragedy intensified by the fact that these deaths are preventable.
Watch this video to learn more about how we at Children International are working to change those statistics...and how you can help.
When well-known people die, it serves to underscore the fragility of life and remind us all that death is no respecter of age, gender, education or social status. And no less tragic are the deaths of an estimated 1.8 million children per year due to contaminated water sources and the unhygienic conditions that often accompany living in poverty -- a tragedy intensified by the fact that these deaths are preventable.
Watch this video to learn more about how we at Children International are working to change those statistics...and how you can help.
Photos by Clementina Chapusha.
Despite living in poverty, kids are still kids and playtime is an important part of any day. Yet when many families in Lusaka, Zambia, Africa earn around $20 a month, children must be resourceful. These enterprising little kids show us their improvised toys and that their spirits can’t be broken so easily by their sometimes harsh surroundings.
To sponsor a needy child in Africa, please visit our homepage.
Despite living in poverty, kids are still kids and playtime is an important part of any day. Yet when many families in Lusaka, Zambia, Africa earn around $20 a month, children must be resourceful. These enterprising little kids show us their improvised toys and that their spirits can’t be broken so easily by their sometimes harsh surroundings.
Clay toys like this tractor are common.
Children play soccer with balls made out of plastic bags.
Pretending to cook like her mother, this little girl mixes mud in a discarded jar.
To sponsor a needy child in Africa, please visit our homepage.
As you can imagine, it can be difficult for children who have never seen a dentist -- which is the case with many of the children who enter our sponsorship program -- to work up the courage to open wide. See how one of Children International's dentists is working hard to put their fears to rest.
By Scott Cotter
Head out around the world without leaving home. That’s the idea behind our newest web feature, anyway.
We wanted to give our sponsors and potential sponsors more information about the countries where we work, what the programs are like there, who the people are who call those places home and what it might be like to pay one of those countries a visit. So we added tons of great info on each country, threw in some good pics and made it all look really nice.
We’d be interested in your take on our newest web feature. If you’ve got a few minutes go check it out now.
Head out around the world without leaving home. That’s the idea behind our newest web feature, anyway.
We wanted to give our sponsors and potential sponsors more information about the countries where we work, what the programs are like there, who the people are who call those places home and what it might be like to pay one of those countries a visit. So we added tons of great info on each country, threw in some good pics and made it all look really nice.
We’d be interested in your take on our newest web feature. If you’ve got a few minutes go check it out now.
By Damon Guinn
Let me start by saying I’m new at this. As of last week, I’ve been a dad for only two years. And even though my second child is in the works, plumping up like a nice little bun in the oven, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the voice of authority when it comes to fatherhood. I don’t have a collection of ties to prove my tenure as the World’s Best Dad. I don’t even have the coffee mug. What I do have, though, is some fresh perspective, along with eight years of working to support children in need.
During my brief time as a dad, and my history at Children International, I’ve come to understand one principle above all others: the importance of simply “being there.”
Before my daughter, Ellie, was born, I racked my brain trying to plan the perfect approach to Papadom. Would I need classes on advanced diaper changing? When should I start teaching her to read? How would I keep my cool when she had her first inexplicable, Chernobyl-sized meltdown in public?
Now I realize fatherhood is mainly about being available for my daughter whenever she needs me – to help instill in her confidence and a sense of security. And that seems to be the same role sponsors serve for the children they support.
Sponsor David Medeiros brought that point home to me during a recent interview. After losing his son in a drunk driving accident, and lapsing into an alcohol-induced depression, David discovered a new purpose in life. He became a sponsor and rekindled those fatherly instincts he thought had died with the premature loss of his son, Bobby.
Sponsorship gave David the break he needed to take the focus off himself and instead place it on a young, innocent child who desperately needed someone to look up to. It’s given him so much joy, in fact, he now sponsors six children.
“I love these children like my own,” David brags, “and I treat each one of them differently. Each letter is different. And it’s personal between each one of them. To do what I’m doing...I love this! It’s a gift!”
A gift indeed. To be given the opportunity to guide the growth and development of a young life who counts on you for support and encouragement is a unique privilege – especially on Father’s Day.
So...if you haven’t bought dad something special for his big day, check out David’s story, “It’s Never too Late,” and then consider giving your own dad a gift sponsorship. It’s way better than a tie, and it’ll give him the chance to share his wisdom and experience with another boy or girl who could definitely use a positive male role model.
By Javier Cárcamo, Communications Coordinator for Children International in Guatemala.
Like a gentleman, Don Eliseo Molina awaited me punctually with his grandson Jonatan at our designated meeting place. Before I even started asking questions, he softly began to tell a story that started with the coming of the trolley, the revolution, the earthquake, Children International’s entrance into his community and past governments. He even mentioned his plans for the future. That’s right – Don Eliseo has plans for the future. He wants to travel.
Don Eliseo Molina is well known at Children International’s sponsorship agency in Guatemala. At 75 years old, he is one of its most active and dynamic volunteers. His work as a volunteer spans over 12 years, and he defines his motivation with these words: “I work as a volunteer because I like to help people.”
Among these people Don Eliseo helps is his 7 year-old sponsored grandson, Jonatan. Jonatan is yet another motivating factor for Don Eliseo’s important work in the community, serving approximately 50 families whose children and youth see and respect him as an authentic father figure for all...someone who is always concerned with bringing information, fulfilling sponsorship requirements and carrying good news to those who benefit from the program.
His deep blue eyes and white hair convey serenity as he tells his story. “I like to help children because many years ago I taught elementary school. Later, as a volunteer, I found a way to keep working so children won’t lose their childhood. I remember that when the program first started here they would give the families groceries, but that didn’t last long because their need would sometimes drive the families to sell what they received. So the help changed, and I think for the better, because no one can take away the benefits of education and health.”
Perhaps the hardest part of the visit with Don Eliseo was bringing my thoughts back from that journey through the strata of time. A powerful phrase emerged from his wise thoughts: “They always say that the past was better, but that’s not always true...because since [Children International’s] program came to Guatemala, children and families are living better. I’ve seen it.”
A little more than an hour passed and it was time to say goodbye. As Don Eliseo walked away into his neighborhood leading Jonatan by the hand, I saw a classic silhouette: a loving man tenderly and firmly guiding the footsteps of a small child, just like a real father, a dedicated grandfather, a patient brother...or even like a caring sponsor.
By Garrett Kenyon
PART TWO
In our last posting, we discussed what we could learn from a picture of Paola, an unsponsored, impoverished child. Today, we turn our attention to how Paola’s life will change if someone reading this story decides to sponsor her.
Sponsorship would drastically change this picture. Paola would be examined by a medical professional, and if she were suffering malnutrition or other medical conditions, she’d be treated and given medicine until her health stabilizes. She would be given vitamins and monitored by health professionals, and even have access to a dentist when she needs one. She would receive gifts her family could use – like clothing, kitchen utensils and warm blankets.
Next, her education would begin. She’d be enrolled in school, and provided with a uniform, books and pens, and other supplies. For those hours of the day when school is in session, Paola could escape that alley, her mind able to run free. Education would awaken her mind and give her the opportunity to make new friends. She’d gain self-esteem, and a chance to dream of a better life. From the day she became sponsored, her odds of getting out of that alley would increase greatly.
Most importantly, sponsorship will show Paola that someone out there cares about her. This would change the way she sees the world and herself. It’s amazing that for just $22 a month, someone can enter Paola’s sad story and instantly change things for the better. Whoever decides to sponsor Paola will see many more pictures of her. In each one, the effects of sponsorship will become more apparent. Before long, Paola will be a healthy, confident young lady. Her sponsor will see pictures of her and think back to this sad little girl standing in an alley, unable to smile, and think, “Did I do that?”
The answer will be “Yes”.
To sponsor Paola, please call 1-800-888-3089.
By Garrett Kenyon
Strolling through the halls of Children International, the first thing one notices are pictures of children adorning every wall and decorating individual cubicles. It’s hard to be negative with dozens of beaming, beautiful kids smiling down at you. But not all the pictures show happy children.
As a writer, I’m faced each day with images of a different kind: hundreds, sometimes thousands, of poor, unsponsored children. Looking at so many sad kids can eventually inure one to the emotions such images generate. But occasionally, a picture brings all those feelings back again. You put the picture aside and try to get back to work, but find your eyes repeatedly slipping back for another look. You stare into the child’s sad eyes and try to imagine what their life might be like.
Each child has their own story, a unique set of harsh circumstances that has stolen the ubiquitous smile of childhood from their face. The photographs tell that story, and with a little practice, you learn to read the image like an open book.
The picture of Paola Mendez that arrived on my desk yesterday had that effect. Her image stayed in my mind all day, until I had to see the picture again. I examined it more carefully this time, letting my eyes go deeper to see what information I could glean about her life from the photograph.
The picture appears to have been taken in an alley. In the background, you can see canvas that serves as walls for Paola’s home. With scant protection from the elements, her nights must be cold and sometimes wet. A large metal post is visible, supporting a structure barely visible overhead, suggesting that the family lives under a bridge or in the shadow of an industrial structure. There are cooking utensils visible – hinting that the family has no kitchen. Kitchens are generally the second most important room in the house, so we can speculate that the members of this family do their living and sleeping in one room.
As if to highlight the unsanitary conditions, a puddle of what looks like urine snakes up to the foreground, just over Paola’s shoulder.
Next, we look at Paola. She wears a hair band, indicating that someone cares for her. However, the band has slipped and her hair is tangled and frizzy, suggesting she might not be getting the attention she needs. The dirt on her face and hands isn’t the kind a child picks up playing, but the kind that comes from being unwashed for days. This means the family probably has no bathroom or running water. Paola wears a thin, faded shirt, and her eyes are moist, as if she was recently crying.
Most disturbing is Paola’s expression. If joy was ever reflected in her face – it’s long gone. She seems unable to muster even the hint of a smile. The happiness that most of us associate with youth seems to have been stolen from this child.
From these observations, we can make some assumptions about Paola’s situation. The lack of sanitary facilities or a solid home indicates poverty at its most extreme. Her family struggles to survive, and she could be facing malnutrition and frequent illness. But disease and starvation aren’t the only dangers facing Paola.
On the streets of her city, she’s like a minnow among sharks. Mexico is home to some of the world’s largest and most violent drug cartels. The violence associated with such gangs often spills over into urban neighborhoods, where innocent bystanders get caught in the crossfire. Nearly half the population of Mexico lives in poverty, and poor families are often the hardest hit by crime and violence. When you add drugs and social diseases into the mix, a grim picture develops. Without help, Paola could be doomed to live her life in this alley, devoid of hope.
Luckily, that’s not how this story has to end...
Check back on Thursday to see the drastic changes that would occur in Paola’s life when she becomes sponsored.
To become part of Paola’s story by giving her the gift of sponsorship, call: 1-800-888-3089.
Sponsored child Matías Díaz from Valparaíso, Chile gives us a glimpse into his gentle little soul.
What makes you happy?
I am really happy sharing with my friends. I get sad when we fight. I don't like to fight because I like to have lots of friends.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a police officer, gardener, doctor, soccer player...I want to be a little bit of everything to help people.
What would you like to say to your sponsor?
That I love him a lot, and that very soon, when I learn to write, I'm going to write him a letter myself. Right now my mom writes them, because I'm very little.
Photo and reporting assistance by Leopoldo Montecinos from our child sponsorship agency in Chile.
What makes you happy?
I am really happy sharing with my friends. I get sad when we fight. I don't like to fight because I like to have lots of friends.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a police officer, gardener, doctor, soccer player...I want to be a little bit of everything to help people.
What would you like to say to your sponsor?
That I love him a lot, and that very soon, when I learn to write, I'm going to write him a letter myself. Right now my mom writes them, because I'm very little.
Photo and reporting assistance by Leopoldo Montecinos from our child sponsorship agency in Chile.
Parasites represent one of the greatest and most common threats to the health of children living in poverty. Learn more about Children International's campaign to help poor children and their families by minimizing this health hazard.
By Erin Anderson
The swine flu outbreak created fear and caused panic. Now the H1N1 virus is inspiring fashion and charitable giving in the form of surgical masks.*
Graphic designer Irina Blok of San Francisco recently created a line of masks after being laid off from her job. She had some extra time on her hands and decided to use her skills to help raise money for Children International’s child sponsorship agency in Mexico, the country where an outbreak of swine flu occurred recently.
“I thought what can I do as a designer to save the world,” Irina says half-jokingly. “I used the power of design to take something very sterile and unintriguing like a surgical mask and turn it into something that brings a smile and is a little humorous.”
The masks – available with designs, including a pig snout, a skeleton, a beard and one with the word “oink!” – have garnered more interest than Irina bargained for. After a mention in a blog, word quickly spread, and Irina was fielding calls from newspaper and television outlets.
“I realized from the blog post that they become viral, more viral than the flu itself,” Irina quipped.
She attributes the interest to the uniqueness of the product and the need for levity during a time when the swine flu was creating fear.
“Overall, it caught that whole media frenzy about the swine flu, and it became something fun to talk about other than the statistics,” Irina points out.
The masks are $10 each plus shipping and handling, and proceeds will benefit international children's charity Children International. To purchase a mask, visit www.iloveblocks.com/swine.html. Photo by Adam Eisendrath.
*As Irina states on her website, please note that these masks are for decorative purposes only and not for the prevention of disease.
The swine flu outbreak created fear and caused panic. Now the H1N1 virus is inspiring fashion and charitable giving in the form of surgical masks.*
Graphic designer Irina Blok of San Francisco recently created a line of masks after being laid off from her job. She had some extra time on her hands and decided to use her skills to help raise money for Children International’s child sponsorship agency in Mexico, the country where an outbreak of swine flu occurred recently.
“I thought what can I do as a designer to save the world,” Irina says half-jokingly. “I used the power of design to take something very sterile and unintriguing like a surgical mask and turn it into something that brings a smile and is a little humorous.”
Irina Blok (right) designed a line of fashion masks after an outbreak of the swine flu.
The masks – available with designs, including a pig snout, a skeleton, a beard and one with the word “oink!” – have garnered more interest than Irina bargained for. After a mention in a blog, word quickly spread, and Irina was fielding calls from newspaper and television outlets.
“I realized from the blog post that they become viral, more viral than the flu itself,” Irina quipped.
She attributes the interest to the uniqueness of the product and the need for levity during a time when the swine flu was creating fear.
“Overall, it caught that whole media frenzy about the swine flu, and it became something fun to talk about other than the statistics,” Irina points out.
The masks are $10 each plus shipping and handling, and proceeds will benefit international children's charity Children International. To purchase a mask, visit www.iloveblocks.com/swine.html.
*As Irina states on her website, please note that these masks are for decorative purposes only and not for the prevention of disease.
By Dolores Kitchin
After talking to my boss, Children International CEO Jim Cook, we decided to wrap up the last month’s series of disasters affecting several of our agencies by commending them for their stellar response to extreme adversity.
When a cyclone ravaged the coastal area of West Bengal, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake rocked villages in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, and the threat of a pandemic completely closed down a country (Mexico), Children International staff in each of those regions passed Mother Nature’s test.
In Mexico, our Jalisco staff complied with government mandates and limited public contact while quickly rushing emergency food to sponsored families.
When Cyclone Aila destroyed homes in West Bengal, Sahay staff rushed food, water and medicine to the shelters where victims were staying.
After the shocks from a 7.1 quake near San Pedro Sula were felt as far away as Belize, San Pedro Sula staff quickly assessed the damage to the sponsored familes there and is helping them with repairs to their homes.
One or two of these disasters alone would have tested even the most seasoned disaster relief organizations; but with emergency plans in place at all Children International agencies, we are proud of our professional staff who at times forego their own safety to protect children and families already living on the edge of poverty.
Dolores Kitchin is the Director of Public Relations for Children International.
After talking to my boss, Children International CEO Jim Cook, we decided to wrap up the last month’s series of disasters affecting several of our agencies by commending them for their stellar response to extreme adversity.
When a cyclone ravaged the coastal area of West Bengal, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake rocked villages in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, and the threat of a pandemic completely closed down a country (Mexico), Children International staff in each of those regions passed Mother Nature’s test.
In Mexico, our Jalisco staff complied with government mandates and limited public contact while quickly rushing emergency food to sponsored families.
When Cyclone Aila destroyed homes in West Bengal, Sahay staff rushed food, water and medicine to the shelters where victims were staying.
After the shocks from a 7.1 quake near San Pedro Sula were felt as far away as Belize, San Pedro Sula staff quickly assessed the damage to the sponsored familes there and is helping them with repairs to their homes.
One or two of these disasters alone would have tested even the most seasoned disaster relief organizations; but with emergency plans in place at all Children International agencies, we are proud of our professional staff who at times forego their own safety to protect children and families already living on the edge of poverty.
Dolores Kitchin is the Director of Public Relations for Children International.
By Deron Denton
Answer: YOU!
Well, our awesome family of sponsors quickly stepped up to help nearly all of the waiting children we featured in a recent slideshow. The key words here – after “awesome” – are “nearly all.”
Fifteen of the 18 children – all of whom have been waiting for a sponsor – have a new friend to help them traverse the rocky course of an impoverished childhood.
But about those other three children living in poverty…
To be honest, it’s possible that 5-year-old Bantoni, from Ecuador, might have looked too happy in the slideshow. His beaming smile may have disguised the harsh reality of his daily life.
One look at his drafty and dilapidated home makes me worry about the longevity of that omnipresent smile. (And did I mention that – last we heard – he had cavities in his front teeth and his family cannot afford to send him to a dentist?) Having a sponsor, and the material benefits that come with that relationship, would mean a lot to Bantoni.
Six-year old Neyder, the eldest of four children, has been waiting for a sponsor for nearly a year now. When we spoke with his mother in Barranquilla, Colombia, she said she and her husband had trouble scraping together enough money for food. Yet, when asked why she’d most like to see her son become sponsored, she mentioned educational benefits. The implication is that they may not be able to keep him in school without the help…
Last and certainly not least is 5-year-old Francisco, in Valparaíso, Chile. It tugged at my heart to hear him talk about seeing his older brother receive gifts as a result of sponsorship…gifts that his family can’t afford to buy. And we aren’t talking about anything extravagant, like expensive jeans or video games. Just having new shoes to go to school, he said, would be really nice.
Can you help one of these children get a sponsor? If so, please visit Children International's Waiting Child slideshow to learn more about them. Or you can call us toll-free at 1-800-888-3089 and speak with one of our friendly sponsor representatives…they won’t be the only ones happy to hear from you!
Many thanks,
Deron
Deron
By Cecilia Carrión
There is no doubt children bring joy to our lives. That is good reason to celebrate them, and in Ecuador every June 1st is the occasion to honor those little blessings of life. On this day, all sorts of activities take place to convey that children are important and valuable, and as a reminder of everyone’s responsibility to make their wellbeing possible.
Families like to honor this special date by offering children presents, taking them out to have their favorite food, going to puppet and magic shows, or simply sharing games and fun at a park. At school, teachers and parents usually help throw little parties for the kids; there are choreographies, contests or games prepared by classmates and they also share something tasty to eat. No matter what is planned for this day, there is only one thing in mind: make this day unique for children.
Sometimes when I watch children around me, I have the impression they are full of things to tell and they are eager to reveal them, but they hold back like there is no point because we wouldn’t understand anyway. That’s when I wonder if it is them not showing what they have inside, or if it is me not trying hard enough to see it.
I’ve noticed that when we give children reasons why we tell them to do this or that, we frequently expect them to understand things from our point of view. There is no way for a child to see things as a grown-up; it is not time for them to do so yet. I believe it would be better if we put ourselves in children’ shoes instead. We all know what it is like to be a child and how hard some things can be, and that knowledge helps them trust us to hold their hand and help them find their own way through life.
The significance of the Day of the Child should be taken beyond the day itself. Day after day we should do everything possible to be close to the hearts of children around us; we need to start seeing the world through children’s eyes to get a deeper understanding of what they need and want. Let’s show children we have a soft side too; let’s prove to them they can trust us. I feel that is the way to show children how important they really are…and if we get closer to them then we will see joy come to children’s lives.
Cecilia Carrión is the Communications Coordinator for Children International’s child sponsorship program in Quito, Ecuador.
Photo 1: Greg Tobey
Photo 2: Andrés Barreno
There is no doubt children bring joy to our lives. That is good reason to celebrate them, and in Ecuador every June 1st is the occasion to honor those little blessings of life. On this day, all sorts of activities take place to convey that children are important and valuable, and as a reminder of everyone’s responsibility to make their wellbeing possible.
Sometimes when I watch children around me, I have the impression they are full of things to tell and they are eager to reveal them, but they hold back like there is no point because we wouldn’t understand anyway. That’s when I wonder if it is them not showing what they have inside, or if it is me not trying hard enough to see it.I’ve noticed that when we give children reasons why we tell them to do this or that, we frequently expect them to understand things from our point of view. There is no way for a child to see things as a grown-up; it is not time for them to do so yet. I believe it would be better if we put ourselves in children’ shoes instead. We all know what it is like to be a child and how hard some things can be, and that knowledge helps them trust us to hold their hand and help them find their own way through life.
The significance of the Day of the Child should be taken beyond the day itself. Day after day we should do everything possible to be close to the hearts of children around us; we need to start seeing the world through children’s eyes to get a deeper understanding of what they need and want. Let’s show children we have a soft side too; let’s prove to them they can trust us. I feel that is the way to show children how important they really are…and if we get closer to them then we will see joy come to children’s lives.
Cecilia Carrión is the Communications Coordinator for Children International’s child sponsorship program in Quito, Ecuador.
Photo 1: Greg Tobey
Photo 2: Andrés Barreno
Sponsorship is unique. Unlike soft drink bottlers and makers of barbecue sauce, we at Children International have no secret formulas to protect. Instead, the key to our success is well known: our sponsors.
Every time we help a needy child, a sponsor is involved. Every time a poor child receives an education that would otherwise be out if his or her reach, you can be sure a sponsor is behind the scenes. So, since you are such a vital part of our operation, we'd like to hear from you today.
Why not chime in by posting a comment and sharing your favorite sponsorship experience? We'd love to hear about what makes sponsoring a child memorable to you!
Every time we help a needy child, a sponsor is involved. Every time a poor child receives an education that would otherwise be out if his or her reach, you can be sure a sponsor is behind the scenes. So, since you are such a vital part of our operation, we'd like to hear from you today.
Why not chime in by posting a comment and sharing your favorite sponsorship experience? We'd love to hear about what makes sponsoring a child memorable to you!
One of the best ways to find out the straight skinny on anything is to ask someone who does it. And for those who want to know the inside story on child sponsorship, there’s no better source than the people who sponsor and the professionals who run the sponsorship programs.
Does such a definitive resource exist for people who sponsor through Children International? The answer is yes!
The Children International Sponsors Google Group is a place where sponsors and professionals from CI get together and talk. You’ll hear sponsors share their happy stories…and some sad ones also. And you’ll get a chance to communicate with people like Neeta Goel (Director of Program Services), Paul Hooper (Regional Director for Africa), other staff from the Program Services department, Greg Jones from Sponsor Services, and many others.
So if you’re curious about how to sponsor a child in Africa…what CI is doing to help feed starving children through our nutrition program…what it’s like to visit your sponsored child in Guatemala…and any number of other questions, check out the Google group today. You’ll like what you see. Most importantly, you’ll get a chance to share your ideas with other sponsors just like you – people who have decided to make a difference…and are doing it!
Does such a definitive resource exist for people who sponsor through Children International? The answer is yes!
The Children International Sponsors Google Group is a place where sponsors and professionals from CI get together and talk. You’ll hear sponsors share their happy stories…and some sad ones also. And you’ll get a chance to communicate with people like Neeta Goel (Director of Program Services), Paul Hooper (Regional Director for Africa), other staff from the Program Services department, Greg Jones from Sponsor Services, and many others.
So if you’re curious about how to sponsor a child in Africa…what CI is doing to help feed starving children through our nutrition program…what it’s like to visit your sponsored child in Guatemala…and any number of other questions, check out the Google group today. You’ll like what you see. Most importantly, you’ll get a chance to share your ideas with other sponsors just like you – people who have decided to make a difference…and are doing it!
