Build a meaningful relationship with your sponsored children through child letters

By Jessica Nguyen, coordinator, Canada

“How are you doing my beloved sponsor, and how is your family?, Merwan (topright), a sponsored child from Ethiopia recently wrote in a letter destined for Canada. The 11-year-old’s message is just one of thousands that cross the desks of our sponsor-services team who ensures children’s rights and privacy are protected in the correspondence process.

These letters (and, now, emails!) are a reminder of how keeping connected with sponsored children can be one of the most exciting parts of the sponsorship experience. From sharing photos to stories, it builds a relationship, which can boost a child’s confidence.

Many sponsors offer words of encouragement, while also asking their sponsored child about school, telling them about their family, hobbies, pets or even Canada’s seasons.

Here are examples of what sponsored children in Ethiopia have told their sponsors as they’ve built their connection through letters:

“My family and I are doing very well. I am in tenth grade. I am helping my mother with all I can. When I grow up, I want to be an architect. I hope you will be happy about it. Even if I don’t become an architect, I want to make my mother happy by being a football player. I am thankful for all your support,” shared Fekadu, 17.

“I have received the gift you sent me last time. Although you think that money is small, it is a lot for me, and it helps. I paid three months’ payment for home rent that hasn’t been paid for a while. With the money left over, I paid for my education monthly fee. I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Messay (top, left), 20, told his sponsor.

My siblings and I always wish to finish our education and help our mother.… I am thankful for all your support,” summed up Merwan in his letter.

You can help children achieve the extraordinary through child sponsorship. Sponsor a child, or, if you’re already a sponsoremail your sponsored child, and build a cherished connection.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.

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