Several years ago, a couple of Children International sponsors decided they wanted to combine forces and jointly sponsor little Paola from Mexico. From this inspiration sprang forth the idea of Group Sponsorships.
Each group has a Group Coordinator, who is the liaison between CI and the rest of the group. Correspondence from CI is mailed to the Coordinator, who then disseminates the information to the other members (usually via email, blog, and/or social media sites). The Cooridnator is responsible for organizing the group members into a payment rotation.
Each group has a unique log-in on the Children International website, which every member has access to. A group may nominate one member to be responsible for keeping the group's MSC profile up-to-date, or they may all share in the task.
A group may consist of any number of sponsors--the usual target is
twelve members--who take turns paying the monthly sponsorship dues. Many
groups also solicit voluntary SNG contributions for occasions such as Christmas
and the child's birthday. Members may write to the child whenever they wish and may send their own SNGs at any time. All members are also welcome to visit the child.
Although CI is not allowing the formation of any new groups at this time, there are several in existence that may be looking for new members:
Cristine from the Philippines (currently seeking new members)
Leonardo from Colombia (may be seeking new members)
Mirriam from Zambia (was seeking new members as of last post in October 2013)
Odilia from Guatemala (was seeking new members as of last post in January 2014)
Paola from Mexico (not currently seeking new members)
Friday, June 13, 2014
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Education: Mexico
Education systems vary greatly from country to country, and sometimes from community to community within the same country.
In Mexico, the school year begins in September. If you are going to request information on fees to send an SNG, it is recommended to do so in June or early July. CI requests that tuition and funds be paid the month before school starts, so they have time to transfer the funds and and the staff has time to contact the family and get everything in place for the child to be enrolled. This is especially important if the child has never attended school before, has been out of school for a year or more, or is starting a new educational chapter (college, vocational, etc.).
Preschooling in Mexico begins at age three and has been compulsory since 2004. Basic schooling is divided into three stages: Primaria is grades one through six, Secundaria is grades seven through nine, and Preparatoria is grades ten through twelve. All three stages are compulsory, however after grade six the student's family must provide textbooks. After successfully completing Preparatoria, a student may enroll at a university or college. Undergraduate programs are typically four years, leading to a Bachelor's Degree (Licenciatura).
A Birth Certificate is required to enroll in school in Mexico. Because many impoverished mothers do not give birth in a hospital, this requirement can be a roadblock for our children. Obtaining the document requires the parents (some of whom are themselves illiterate) to fill out paperwork and pay fees. If you are concerned that your child is six or older and not attending school, it may be a good idea to contact CI via phone or email to inquire if this requirement is the cause.
In Mexico, the school year begins in September. If you are going to request information on fees to send an SNG, it is recommended to do so in June or early July. CI requests that tuition and funds be paid the month before school starts, so they have time to transfer the funds and and the staff has time to contact the family and get everything in place for the child to be enrolled. This is especially important if the child has never attended school before, has been out of school for a year or more, or is starting a new educational chapter (college, vocational, etc.).
Preschooling in Mexico begins at age three and has been compulsory since 2004. Basic schooling is divided into three stages: Primaria is grades one through six, Secundaria is grades seven through nine, and Preparatoria is grades ten through twelve. All three stages are compulsory, however after grade six the student's family must provide textbooks. After successfully completing Preparatoria, a student may enroll at a university or college. Undergraduate programs are typically four years, leading to a Bachelor's Degree (Licenciatura).
A Birth Certificate is required to enroll in school in Mexico. Because many impoverished mothers do not give birth in a hospital, this requirement can be a roadblock for our children. Obtaining the document requires the parents (some of whom are themselves illiterate) to fill out paperwork and pay fees. If you are concerned that your child is six or older and not attending school, it may be a good idea to contact CI via phone or email to inquire if this requirement is the cause.
Did You Know? Most Needy
Browsing through the waiting list, you will frequently come across children who are marked with a yellow-and-white icon to indicate that they are on Children International's "Most Needy" list. As the name states, these are children whom CI has determined are in greatest need of assistance. What makes a child "Most Needy," though? It's not always readily apparent, as children with comparatively high incomes, both parents, and seemingly-solid homes are on the list while children with only one parent and dirt floors are not.
CI Sponsor Services Rep Debbie Spring shares:
CI Sponsor Services Rep Debbie Spring shares:
"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."
Did You Know? Water Source
One of the items listed on our children's Family Reports is "Water Source." There is a wide array of possible responses for this one--here's what I've gleaned so far:
Running Water in Home -- Preferred and safest source of water. May be limited (ie, may only run at certain times of the day). Does not necessarily indicate the presence of a shower.
Private Well -- May not be filtered or treated. May be no more than a hole in the ground, covered with a board.
Neighbor's Faucet -- Safety comparable to "Running Water in Home." In cases such as these, the neighbors are typically extended family members, who pool their funds to pay the water bill.
Neighbor's Well -- May not be filtered or treated. May be no more than a hole in the ground, covered with a board.
Community Faucets -- Water is probably treated or filtered. May be quite a distance from the family's home.
Community Pump -- Water may be treated or filtered. May be quite a distance from the family's home.
Community Well -- More likely than private wells to be filtered or treated. May be no more than a hole in the ground, covered with a board. May be quite a distance from the family's home.
Public Storage Cistern
Delivered by Truck in Barrel -- The most expensive method of obtaining water by far. Water is probably filtered or treated.
Nearby Stream -- The most dangerous method of obtaining water. Streams and rivers are usually polluted and/or full of bacteria and parasites that can make our children sick. CI offers classes to educate our children and their families about the importance of boiling their water before consuming it.
CI Sponsor Services Rep Debbie Spring had this insight to share about wells:
Running Water in Home -- Preferred and safest source of water. May be limited (ie, may only run at certain times of the day). Does not necessarily indicate the presence of a shower.
Private Well -- May not be filtered or treated. May be no more than a hole in the ground, covered with a board.
Neighbor's Faucet -- Safety comparable to "Running Water in Home." In cases such as these, the neighbors are typically extended family members, who pool their funds to pay the water bill.
Neighbor's Well -- May not be filtered or treated. May be no more than a hole in the ground, covered with a board.
Community Faucets -- Water is probably treated or filtered. May be quite a distance from the family's home.
Community Pump -- Water may be treated or filtered. May be quite a distance from the family's home.
Community Well -- More likely than private wells to be filtered or treated. May be no more than a hole in the ground, covered with a board. May be quite a distance from the family's home.
Public Storage Cistern
Delivered by Truck in Barrel -- The most expensive method of obtaining water by far. Water is probably filtered or treated.
Nearby Stream -- The most dangerous method of obtaining water. Streams and rivers are usually polluted and/or full of bacteria and parasites that can make our children sick. CI offers classes to educate our children and their families about the importance of boiling their water before consuming it.
CI Sponsor Services Rep Debbie Spring had this insight to share about wells:
"In general, if it's a community well and maintained by the municipality, then it might be treated and therefore better than a stream. If it's a neighbor's or a private well and not treated after it is brought up from the source, then it's about the same as a stream."
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Did You Know? Electricity
One of the items listed on our children's Family Reports is "Electricity." There are several possible responses for our children, and their meaning may not always be clear. Here's a breakdown of each response and what it means, as explained by CI Sponsor Services Rep Debbie Spring:
Regulated Use: The family has electricity in the home, hooked up by the electric company. This electricity is usually paid for on a monthly basis.
Non-Regulated Use: The family has electricity in the home, but it is not provided directly by the electric company. Either they have tapped into a power line illegally, or they are paying a neighbor or relative to tap in.
Available But Not Affordable: Either the family has electricity hooked up but cannot afford to turn it on, or electricity is available in the family's community but they cannot afford to hook up to it.
Not Available: Electricity is not available in the family's community.
Regulated Use: The family has electricity in the home, hooked up by the electric company. This electricity is usually paid for on a monthly basis.
Non-Regulated Use: The family has electricity in the home, but it is not provided directly by the electric company. Either they have tapped into a power line illegally, or they are paying a neighbor or relative to tap in.
Available But Not Affordable: Either the family has electricity hooked up but cannot afford to turn it on, or electricity is available in the family's community but they cannot afford to hook up to it.
Not Available: Electricity is not available in the family's community.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Did You Know? Time Zones
I sometimes like to sit and think, "What is my Sponsored Child doing right now?" I discovered it's terribly difficult to begin imagining if I don't even know what time it is in my child's city!
Colombia
Barranquilla and Bogota (COT) are five hours behind GMT. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo (AST) is four hours behind GMT. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Ecuador
Guayaquil and Quito (ECT) are five hours behind GMT. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Guatemala
Guatemala City (CST) is six hours behind GMT. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Honduras
San Pedro Sula (CST) is six hours behind GMT. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time.
India
Delhi and Kolkata (IST) are five and a half hours ahead of GMT. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Mexico
Guadalajara (CDT/CST) does observe Daylight Savings time. In April they move forward an hour, putting them five hours behind GMT. In October they move back an hour, putting them six hours behind GMT.
Philippines
Legaspi, Manila and Tabaco (PHT) are eight hours ahead of GMT. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Zambia
Lusaka (CAT) is two hours ahead of GMT. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Colombia
Barranquilla and Bogota (COT) are five hours behind GMT. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo (AST) is four hours behind GMT. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Ecuador
Guayaquil and Quito (ECT) are five hours behind GMT. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Guatemala
Guatemala City (CST) is six hours behind GMT. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Honduras
San Pedro Sula (CST) is six hours behind GMT. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time.
India
Delhi and Kolkata (IST) are five and a half hours ahead of GMT. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Mexico
Guadalajara (CDT/CST) does observe Daylight Savings time. In April they move forward an hour, putting them five hours behind GMT. In October they move back an hour, putting them six hours behind GMT.
Philippines
Legaspi, Manila and Tabaco (PHT) are eight hours ahead of GMT. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Zambia
Lusaka (CAT) is two hours ahead of GMT. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Education: Ecuador
Education systems vary greatly from country to country, and sometimes from community to community within the same country.
In Ecuador, the school year differs depending upon which area your child is in. This takes into account the times of year when extreme weather is expected. The school year in Guayaquil starts in May and ends in February. In Quito the school year starts in September and ends in June.
If you are going to request information on fees to send an SNG, it is recommended to do so in late February or early March for Guayaquil and in late June or early July for Quito. CI requests that tuition and funds be paid the month before school starts, so they have time to transfer the funds and and the staff has time to contact the family and get everything in place for the child to be enrolled. This is especially important if the child has never attended school before, has been out of school for a year or more, or is starting a new educational chapter (college, vocational, etc.).
Children in Ecuador begin school at age six, and attendance is compulsory until age fourteen. Compulsory years are free at public schools, however families often face the costs of school supplies, transportation and meal fees, and uniforms. Primary school consists of grades one through six. Secondary school consists of grades seven through nine (free and compulsory) and ten through twelve. Students who complete both phases of secondary education may go on to study at a college or university.
Pre-primary school may be available from ages two to six, and is not compulsory.
Universities in Ecuador include the Central University of Ecuador (website in Spanish) and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito. Quito and Guayaquil also each have a Catholic university. Quito's Catholic university is the National Polytechnical School (website initially in Spanish, but you can select English from a drop-down menu near the top of the page), which specializes in engineering and industrial science. Naval and petroleum engineering is taught at the Polytechnical School of Littoral, which is Guayaquil's Catholic university. Guayaquil also has the Universidad Ecotec (site in Spanish).
CI Sponsor Services Rep Debbie Spring shares,
In Ecuador, the school year differs depending upon which area your child is in. This takes into account the times of year when extreme weather is expected. The school year in Guayaquil starts in May and ends in February. In Quito the school year starts in September and ends in June.
If you are going to request information on fees to send an SNG, it is recommended to do so in late February or early March for Guayaquil and in late June or early July for Quito. CI requests that tuition and funds be paid the month before school starts, so they have time to transfer the funds and and the staff has time to contact the family and get everything in place for the child to be enrolled. This is especially important if the child has never attended school before, has been out of school for a year or more, or is starting a new educational chapter (college, vocational, etc.).
Children in Ecuador begin school at age six, and attendance is compulsory until age fourteen. Compulsory years are free at public schools, however families often face the costs of school supplies, transportation and meal fees, and uniforms. Primary school consists of grades one through six. Secondary school consists of grades seven through nine (free and compulsory) and ten through twelve. Students who complete both phases of secondary education may go on to study at a college or university.
Pre-primary school may be available from ages two to six, and is not compulsory.
Universities in Ecuador include the Central University of Ecuador (website in Spanish) and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito. Quito and Guayaquil also each have a Catholic university. Quito's Catholic university is the National Polytechnical School (website initially in Spanish, but you can select English from a drop-down menu near the top of the page), which specializes in engineering and industrial science. Naval and petroleum engineering is taught at the Polytechnical School of Littoral, which is Guayaquil's Catholic university. Guayaquil also has the Universidad Ecotec (site in Spanish).
CI Sponsor Services Rep Debbie Spring shares,
The school system in Ecuador is really good compared to other countries where we work. In fact, the education is free - even college! Of course, there are uniforms, books, transportation and supplies, etc. that are needed, so CI helps with some of that and the families cover the rest.Although the primary school enrollment rate in Ecuador exceeds 95%, it is estimated that 25% of children will have dropped out by the end of the fifth grade. There are large numbers of children who do not remain in school beyond the age of fifteen, particularly in rural areas where the people are poor and it is more important to find work to help to support the family.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Education: Guatemala
Education systems vary greatly from country to country, and sometimes from community to community within the same country.
In Guatemala, the school year begins in January. If you are going to request information on fees to send an SNG, it is recommended to do so in October or early November. CI requests that tuition and funds be paid the month before school starts, so they have time to transfer the funds and and the staff has time to contact the family and get everything in place for the child to be enrolled. This is especially important if the child has never attended school before, has been out of school for a year or more, or is starting a new educational chapter (college, vocational, etc.).
Children in Guatemala can begin preschool as early as age four. Primary school begins at age seven, Basico at age thirteen, and Bachillerato Secondaria (Diversificado) runs from age sixteen to eighteen. The Secondaria years can have an academic or techical focus. They involve praticas in which students learn a skill and apprentice in the community. The better Diversificado programs are scarce and, usually, are run out of the private schools. They are very limited in the public system.
Even the free schools require fees for transportation, books, supplies, uniforms, and meals. The better "colegios" also require monthly fees and fees for registration and graduation ceremonies.
Only four in every ten children in Guatemala complete primary school (6th grade), so if your child completes sixth grade, they are still in the minority 40%. One in ten completes lower secondary (9th grade) and only 8.5% go to college.
A sponsor who has helped with the education of nearly two dozen children in Guatemala has this insight to share:
In Guatemala, the school year begins in January. If you are going to request information on fees to send an SNG, it is recommended to do so in October or early November. CI requests that tuition and funds be paid the month before school starts, so they have time to transfer the funds and and the staff has time to contact the family and get everything in place for the child to be enrolled. This is especially important if the child has never attended school before, has been out of school for a year or more, or is starting a new educational chapter (college, vocational, etc.).
Children in Guatemala can begin preschool as early as age four. Primary school begins at age seven, Basico at age thirteen, and Bachillerato Secondaria (Diversificado) runs from age sixteen to eighteen. The Secondaria years can have an academic or techical focus. They involve praticas in which students learn a skill and apprentice in the community. The better Diversificado programs are scarce and, usually, are run out of the private schools. They are very limited in the public system.
Only four in every ten children in Guatemala complete primary school (6th grade), so if your child completes sixth grade, they are still in the minority 40%. One in ten completes lower secondary (9th grade) and only 8.5% go to college.
A sponsor who has helped with the education of nearly two dozen children in Guatemala has this insight to share:
The problem is that a child in a bad public primary school will be unprepared for a better Basico school, even if it is made available. And the quality of all schools vary incredibly. School choice is very important in Guatemala. CI was very helpful in choosing the best school for Mariela. But the choice will be driven by the money available. The total cost of my least expensive Primary school is $200 per year. The better quality Basico school is $800 per year. And the best quality Diversificado school is Canadian operated and costs $2000 per year. That includes $450 for the private school bus.He also shares the following information about universities in Guatemala:
San Carlos is the only public school and there are advantages to going there. It seems that many of the businesses, such as engineering and medical, are not exactly private. There is a close governmental connection to many large industries in Guatemala. The public university acts as a personnel feeder system. Graduating San Carlos assures easier employment after graduation. But admission to San Carlos is more difficult. Admission is strictly test based. No extra credit for being the correct race, or participating in secondary school activities. Private university admission seems much easier.
The financial difference between private and public is not as great as it is in the U.S. There are dozens of fees in the public school that put it on par with the private schools. All full time students need bus fare and lunches. They all have fees for books, supplies, and uniforms. In essence, you are covering the student's living, as well as the school. You can usually count on the family to contribute nothing. A year of public can cost $3000-$4000. Add $1000 for private school tuition.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Education: India
Education systems vary greatly from country to country, and sometimes from community to community within the same country.
In India, the school year begins in January. If you are going to request information on fees to send an SNG, it is recommended to do so in October or early November. CI requests that tuition and funds be paid the month before school starts, so they have time to transfer the funds and and the staff has time to contact the family and get everything in place for the child to be enrolled. This is especially important if the child has never attended school before, has been out of school for a year or more, or is starting a new educational chapter (college, vocational, etc.).
Children in India begin school at age six. Primary education is free and compulsory, and it continues until age fourteen. Secondary education covers ages fourteen to eighteen. If a student passes the Higher Secondary Examination at the end of grade twelve, he or she may enroll in tertiary general degree programs. Education is conducted primarily in English and Hindi.
Tutoring for your child in India is relatively inexpensive to provide, and many Sponsors regularly send this support. CI Sponsor Services Rep Debbie Spring shares,
Example One--Bachelor of Arts, No Boarding Required
Here is an interesting video from the slums of New Delhi:
In India, the school year begins in January. If you are going to request information on fees to send an SNG, it is recommended to do so in October or early November. CI requests that tuition and funds be paid the month before school starts, so they have time to transfer the funds and and the staff has time to contact the family and get everything in place for the child to be enrolled. This is especially important if the child has never attended school before, has been out of school for a year or more, or is starting a new educational chapter (college, vocational, etc.).
Children in India begin school at age six. Primary education is free and compulsory, and it continues until age fourteen. Secondary education covers ages fourteen to eighteen. If a student passes the Higher Secondary Examination at the end of grade twelve, he or she may enroll in tertiary general degree programs. Education is conducted primarily in English and Hindi.
Tutoring for your child in India is relatively inexpensive to provide, and many Sponsors regularly send this support. CI Sponsor Services Rep Debbie Spring shares,
Most kids in India use a tutor and it's a pittance for the entire school year (typically $17-$50) and a lot of families will use a portion of a special needs gift (SNG) to pay for tutoring and still have quite a bit left over for household items.The cost for your child to attend university in India can vary greatly, depending on factors such as what type of degree they are pursuing and whether the school is near or far from their home. I have two different examples of college costs from sponsors who have funded their children's educations:
Example One--Bachelor of Arts, No Boarding Required
Bachelor of Arts - 1st year (August '11 - July '12)
Private tuition fees - $ 136
Admission fees - $ 17
Text books and stationeries - $ 45
Total Cost - $ 198
Bachelor of Arts - 2nd year (August '12 - July '13)
Private tuition fees - $ 136
Admission fees - $ 16
Text books and stationeries - $ 27
Total Cost - $ 179
Bachelor of Arts - 3rd year (August '13 - July '14)
Private tuition fees - $ 136
Admission fees - $ 16
Text books and stationeries - $ 18
Total Cost - $ 170
Grand Total Cost - $ 198 + $ 179 + $ 170 = $ 547
Example Two: Bachelor of Science, Boarding Required
Bachelor's in Science with Honors in Mathematics. A science/math degree is more expensive. In this case, she must also attend a college out of area for a better quality education (she comes from a village and local colleges are often not good in India). The yearly cost for her education is $642. However, the biggest expense is for room and board. (~$200+ a year) For students who are able to go to college closer to home, the expense is likely to be far less.According to current estimates, 80% of all schools are government schools, making the government the major provider of education. However, because of the poor quality of public education, 27% of Indian children are privately educated. The student-to-teacher ratio is public schools is 1:37, while it is 1:31 in private schools. The Economist reported that half of ten-year-old rural children in India could not read at a basic level, over 60% were unable to do division, and half dropped out by the age fourteen. The numbers are even more discouraging for girls: as of 2011, the literacy rate for women was only 58%, while it was 99% for men.
Here is an interesting video from the slums of New Delhi:
Education: the Philippines
Education systems vary greatly from country to country, and sometimes from community to community within the same country.
In the Philippines, the school year begins in June. If you are going to request information on fees to send an SNG, it is recommended to do so in late March or early April. CI requests that tuition and funds be paid the month before school starts, so they have time to transfer the funds and and the staff has time to contact the family and get everything in place for the child to be enrolled. This is especially important if the child has never attended school before, has been out of school for a year or more, or is starting a new educational chapter (college, vocational, etc.).
Children in the Philippines begin school at age five. The Philippine education system is still in a transition phase from a ten-year program to a twelve-year program. The age and current grade of your sponsored child will determine which program they follow (at this stage in the transition, all but the oldest children will be part of the twelve-year program).
The twelve-year program is broken down into three stages, all compulsory. Elementary school begins with kindergarten and continues until sixth grade; Junior High is grades seven through ten, and Senior High is grades eleven and twelve.
There are other types of schools in the Philippines such as private schools, preparatory schools, international schools, laboratory high schools, and science high schools. Several foreign ethnic groups--including Chinese, British, American, Korean, and Japanese--also operate their own schools.
Beyond high school, tertiary education is available in the Philippines in the forms of Colleges and Universities, both public and private. Colleges are tertiary institutions that typically offer one or a few specialized courses. Universities offer a broader range of courses.
In the Philippines, the school year begins in June. If you are going to request information on fees to send an SNG, it is recommended to do so in late March or early April. CI requests that tuition and funds be paid the month before school starts, so they have time to transfer the funds and and the staff has time to contact the family and get everything in place for the child to be enrolled. This is especially important if the child has never attended school before, has been out of school for a year or more, or is starting a new educational chapter (college, vocational, etc.).
Children in the Philippines begin school at age five. The Philippine education system is still in a transition phase from a ten-year program to a twelve-year program. The age and current grade of your sponsored child will determine which program they follow (at this stage in the transition, all but the oldest children will be part of the twelve-year program).
The twelve-year program is broken down into three stages, all compulsory. Elementary school begins with kindergarten and continues until sixth grade; Junior High is grades seven through ten, and Senior High is grades eleven and twelve.
There are other types of schools in the Philippines such as private schools, preparatory schools, international schools, laboratory high schools, and science high schools. Several foreign ethnic groups--including Chinese, British, American, Korean, and Japanese--also operate their own schools.
Beyond high school, tertiary education is available in the Philippines in the forms of Colleges and Universities, both public and private. Colleges are tertiary institutions that typically offer one or a few specialized courses. Universities offer a broader range of courses.
Did You Know? Programs and Activities
In addition to the basic support and services available to our children through the sponsorship program, Children International offers the opportunity for them to participate in a range of programs and activities as well. The aim of these programs is to teach our children things like leadership and teamwork, and also to get them involved in giving back to their own communities.
Not every program is available in every service area, but you can make a quick inquiry to CI via either phone or email to ask if it is available to your child. Then, you can encourage your child to participate!
Aflatoun
From the CI website: This program introduces sponsored children and youth to the basic financial knowledge they’ll need to succeed in life. The Aflatoun curriculum was designed to teach kids of all ages how to effectively utilize the resources available to them, start and maintain savings accounts, create and follow a budget, and more. Aflatoun also helps participants develop the social skills, confidence and knowledge they’ll need to become financially independent.
Game On!
From the CI website: Game On! Youth Sports, a program developed by the International Alliance for Youth Sports (IAYS), is much more than a sports program – it’s a life- and social-skills building program developed, tested and refined by IAYS to provide positive, lasting lessons to children of all ages.
Into Employment
From the CI website: Into Employment aims to equip young people with the specific job skills that are the most in demand in their communities, then connects them to companies in need of those skills. The end goal is to help youth participants find gainful employment in jobs that fulfill their personal aspirations.
Jam Session
From the CI Facebook page: Children International in Tabaco City, Philippines, has launched a new musical program called Jam Session. This program lets youth practice their musical skills and perform for other children and youth using instruments provided by CI. This program is about more than just playing music: it’s about developing confidence and encouraging youth to use their free time in positive ways!
Youth Council
From the CI website: Each CI agency has a group of democratically-elected youth leaders called the Youth Council. Each Youth Council receives an annual Youth Empowerment Fund – a monetary grant to be used to fund various community-improvement projects like park and shore restoration programs, the construction of clean-water sources, additional toilets at public health clinics, and more. These projects are conceived by individual youth and are presented to the Council, which then votes on which projects to fund. In this way, youth learn the fundamentals of leadership, democracy, project organization and teamwork – and become positive agents of change in their communities.
Youth Health Corps
From the CI website: YHC provides important health and safety lessons to sponsored youth, then trains them to become peer educators who share that information with other youth in their communities. By teaching others about sanitation, hygiene, drug prevention, reproductive health and AIDS, our youth improve their communities and the health of the children and families who live there.
Not every program is available in every service area, but you can make a quick inquiry to CI via either phone or email to ask if it is available to your child. Then, you can encourage your child to participate!
Aflatoun
From the CI website: This program introduces sponsored children and youth to the basic financial knowledge they’ll need to succeed in life. The Aflatoun curriculum was designed to teach kids of all ages how to effectively utilize the resources available to them, start and maintain savings accounts, create and follow a budget, and more. Aflatoun also helps participants develop the social skills, confidence and knowledge they’ll need to become financially independent.
Game On!
From the CI website: Game On! Youth Sports, a program developed by the International Alliance for Youth Sports (IAYS), is much more than a sports program – it’s a life- and social-skills building program developed, tested and refined by IAYS to provide positive, lasting lessons to children of all ages.
Into Employment
From the CI website: Into Employment aims to equip young people with the specific job skills that are the most in demand in their communities, then connects them to companies in need of those skills. The end goal is to help youth participants find gainful employment in jobs that fulfill their personal aspirations.
Jam Session
From the CI Facebook page: Children International in Tabaco City, Philippines, has launched a new musical program called Jam Session. This program lets youth practice their musical skills and perform for other children and youth using instruments provided by CI. This program is about more than just playing music: it’s about developing confidence and encouraging youth to use their free time in positive ways!
Youth Council
From the CI website: Each CI agency has a group of democratically-elected youth leaders called the Youth Council. Each Youth Council receives an annual Youth Empowerment Fund – a monetary grant to be used to fund various community-improvement projects like park and shore restoration programs, the construction of clean-water sources, additional toilets at public health clinics, and more. These projects are conceived by individual youth and are presented to the Council, which then votes on which projects to fund. In this way, youth learn the fundamentals of leadership, democracy, project organization and teamwork – and become positive agents of change in their communities.
Youth Health Corps
From the CI website: YHC provides important health and safety lessons to sponsored youth, then trains them to become peer educators who share that information with other youth in their communities. By teaching others about sanitation, hygiene, drug prevention, reproductive health and AIDS, our youth improve their communities and the health of the children and families who live there.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Education: Zambia
Education systems vary greatly from country to country, and sometimes from community to community within the same country.
In Zambia, the school year begins in January. If you are going to request information on fees to send an SNG, it is recommended to do so in October or early November. CI requests that tuition and funds be paid the month before school starts, so they have time to transfer the funds and and the staff has time to contact the family and get everything in place for the child to be enrolled. This is especially important if the child has never attended school before, has been out of school for a year or more, or is starting a new educational chapter (college, vocational, etc.).
Children in Zambia begin school at age seven, although in some areas a preschool may be available as early as age three. Children International centers also offer Early Childhood Development classes for children ages five and six, however each SOA is only able to serve 120 children in this capacity.
There are three types of schools in Zambia (information provided by CI Sponsor Service Rep Debbie Spring):
1. Public: Accredited and teachers have certification. 24% of CI population attends. No tuition fees, but families must provide the following:
2. Community: Not accredited. Teachers have no formal training/degree. 64% of CI population attends.
3. Private: The best schools in the country. 12% of CI population attends because they are the only schools available to them.
Grade 7 pupils sit the Examination Council of Zambia examinations.
Grade 9 pupils sit the Examination Council of Zambia examinations.
Most children do not continue schooling after grade 9. Higher education in Zambia is very limited and centred on the country's six universities. Of those, the University of Zambia is the one your child would be most likely to attend, since it is located in Lusaka.
In Zambia, the school year begins in January. If you are going to request information on fees to send an SNG, it is recommended to do so in October or early November. CI requests that tuition and funds be paid the month before school starts, so they have time to transfer the funds and and the staff has time to contact the family and get everything in place for the child to be enrolled. This is especially important if the child has never attended school before, has been out of school for a year or more, or is starting a new educational chapter (college, vocational, etc.).
Children in Zambia begin school at age seven, although in some areas a preschool may be available as early as age three. Children International centers also offer Early Childhood Development classes for children ages five and six, however each SOA is only able to serve 120 children in this capacity.
There are three types of schools in Zambia (information provided by CI Sponsor Service Rep Debbie Spring):
1. Public: Accredited and teachers have certification. 24% of CI population attends. No tuition fees, but families must provide the following:
- Uniforms
- Shoes (Provided by CI)
- Books
- Supplies
- Funds for exams or other
2. Community: Not accredited. Teachers have no formal training/degree. 64% of CI population attends.
- The school is set-up by the community and each child must pay fees that include a salary for the teacher, facility upkeep, classroom supplies, books. Approximately $42 in grade school and $190 grade 8 and up.
3. Private: The best schools in the country. 12% of CI population attends because they are the only schools available to them.
- Tuition ranges from $180 for grade school to $315 for grades 8 and up.
- Uniforms
- Shoes (Provided by CI)
- Books
- Supplies
- Funds for projects, exams etc.
- Transportation
"Kids in Zambia are expected to know basic reading and writing when they begin school at age 7, as this helps them to pass the test in English to get into secondary school. Therefore, if a child attends pre-school or CI's Early Childhood program the focus is on these skills so that the kids are "up to snuff" with the more advantaged children in the country when they begin school and are able to continue their education beyond grade 6/7 too.She also shared,
Most families would prefer their children to attend the school closest to them for convenience of getting the kids to school, having them attend with siblings/cousins and because once you start a private school you really cannot come back to the local school. The child will not fit in and be seen as an outsider, so if a sponsor wants to pay for a private school it's got to be a long-term commitment. "
"There is tutoring available in Zambia, the cost depends on which compound the child lives in, what subjects and how much tutoring is needed. English is the most common tutoring subject. Tutoring is done by term and there are 3 terms in Zambia, I've seen it come in around $100, per term and go up from there."
Grade 7 pupils sit the Examination Council of Zambia examinations.
Grade 9 pupils sit the Examination Council of Zambia examinations.
Most children do not continue schooling after grade 9. Higher education in Zambia is very limited and centred on the country's six universities. Of those, the University of Zambia is the one your child would be most likely to attend, since it is located in Lusaka.
Friday, May 2, 2014
What Do I Say in My Letter?
Knowing what to say in a letter to a young person on the other side of the globe--one you've never met!--can be a daunting prospect for many Sponsors. We know our children love to receive letters, but ... what should we say?!
It is always important to consider the age of your child when writing, and to adjust your topics and vocabulary accordingly. Keep in mind also that although your child may be very young now, he or she will treasure and keep your letters and reread them in ten years when his or her comprehension skills are much higher. Also remember that your letter will probably be excitedly shared with your child's parents, siblings, relatives, friends, and other neighbors!
Suggested topics of discussion:
-Your family (spouse, children, parents, siblings, cousins) and pets
-Your favorite sports and hobbies
-Your favorite vacation spots
-Your occupation
-Your holiday celebrations and traditions
-Your town (geography, special buildings, climate)
-Why you chose your child (what made them special, what made you want to help them)
Do not be afraid to tell your children about your life's ups and downs! They will celebrate your successes and often offer words of comfort at difficult times.
Encourage your child often:
-Celebrate good grades
-Tell them you are proud of them
-Remind them that hard work will help them achieve their dreams
It's also a good idea to ask your child questions:
-Their favorite colors, cartoon characters, and sports
-How many kids are in their class at school
-How far their home is from the CI center
-Who lives with them (there are often relatives such as cousins or grandparents living in the same home, though they're not listed on the family report)
-Whether they have any pets
-What their hopes and dreams for the future are
Also, if you learn of something occurring in your child's area (earthquake, typhoon, fire) that may have affected them, you can ask them about it. Even though CI will notify you directly if your child was affected by any such event, your child will appreciate knowing that you are concerned.
Topics to Approach Cautiously, or Avoid All Together:
-Material items and possessions -- children can become discouraged when confronted with all the things they do not have
-Religion -- describing your religion (particularly with regard to holiday traditions) is probably okay ... trying to convert your child to your beliefs is probably not
-Social Issues -- many of our children come from cultures that are vastly different than ours, and discussing some controversial topics may inadvertently offend your child or his family.
-Extra gifts you have sent -- I know, this one sounds strange. If your letter arrives before the gift, however, it can cause confusion. Also, remember that your letter will probably be shared with neighbors--some of whom may also be sponsored, but whose Sponsor has not sent any additional gifts. Feelings of jealousy or neglect may inadvertently be triggered.
Once a few letters have traveled back and forth between you and your child, you will likely find it much easier to come up with topics of discussion! You may even discover a conversation develops over a shared interest. Only time will tell!
It is always important to consider the age of your child when writing, and to adjust your topics and vocabulary accordingly. Keep in mind also that although your child may be very young now, he or she will treasure and keep your letters and reread them in ten years when his or her comprehension skills are much higher. Also remember that your letter will probably be excitedly shared with your child's parents, siblings, relatives, friends, and other neighbors!
Suggested topics of discussion:
-Your family (spouse, children, parents, siblings, cousins) and pets
-Your favorite sports and hobbies
-Your favorite vacation spots
-Your occupation
-Your holiday celebrations and traditions
-Your town (geography, special buildings, climate)
-Why you chose your child (what made them special, what made you want to help them)
Do not be afraid to tell your children about your life's ups and downs! They will celebrate your successes and often offer words of comfort at difficult times.
Encourage your child often:
-Celebrate good grades
-Tell them you are proud of them
-Remind them that hard work will help them achieve their dreams
It's also a good idea to ask your child questions:
-Their favorite colors, cartoon characters, and sports
-How many kids are in their class at school
-How far their home is from the CI center
-Who lives with them (there are often relatives such as cousins or grandparents living in the same home, though they're not listed on the family report)
-Whether they have any pets
-What their hopes and dreams for the future are
Also, if you learn of something occurring in your child's area (earthquake, typhoon, fire) that may have affected them, you can ask them about it. Even though CI will notify you directly if your child was affected by any such event, your child will appreciate knowing that you are concerned.
Topics to Approach Cautiously, or Avoid All Together:
-Material items and possessions -- children can become discouraged when confronted with all the things they do not have
-Religion -- describing your religion (particularly with regard to holiday traditions) is probably okay ... trying to convert your child to your beliefs is probably not
-Social Issues -- many of our children come from cultures that are vastly different than ours, and discussing some controversial topics may inadvertently offend your child or his family.
-Extra gifts you have sent -- I know, this one sounds strange. If your letter arrives before the gift, however, it can cause confusion. Also, remember that your letter will probably be shared with neighbors--some of whom may also be sponsored, but whose Sponsor has not sent any additional gifts. Feelings of jealousy or neglect may inadvertently be triggered.
Once a few letters have traveled back and forth between you and your child, you will likely find it much easier to come up with topics of discussion! You may even discover a conversation develops over a shared interest. Only time will tell!
Saturday, April 26, 2014
How To: Set Up a Fundraiser
Sometimes, Sponsors want to help their children
above and beyond what they themselves can afford. Home improvement
projects and educational costs can be quite expensive, even in the
countries where the USD goes far. To accomplish these goals, Sponsors
often set up an online fundraiser. Then, via the power of social
networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and MSC, they spread the word
and solicit donations to their cause.
A list of fundraising sites* used by Sponsors in the past:
www.aurashouse.com – Aura's House is hands-down the best option for a fundraiser to benefit a child sponsored through Children International. Donations are made directly to CI, and Aura's House does not withhold any fee from any donation received. All donations are tax-deductible. There can be a long wait to have your fundraiser hosted, however, so plan ahead and contact them early!
www.firstgiving.com – One of the most popular choices of Sponsors, FirstGiving has a user-friendly interface that allows you to set up a fundraising page easily. Funds donated will go directly from FirstGiving to Children International when the fundraiser reaches either its goal amount or its end date. FirstGiving charges a fee: it’s 5% on donations, plus a standard credit card processing fee of 2.5%.
www.gofundme.com – GoFundMe differs from Aura's House and FirstGiving in that the funds raised go to the Sponsor conducting the fundraiser instead of directly to Children International. Like FirstGiving, it has a user-friendly interface. It also allows you to link your fundraiser to your Facebook and Twitter accounts, so that when you update your fundraiser it makes announcements across your social media automatically. GoFundMe charges a fee of 7.9% + $0.30 per donation.
www.crowdrise.com – CrowdRise is similar to FirstGiving. The money raised goes from CrowdRise to CI when the fundraiser reaches its goal amount. Setting up a fundraiser is very easy, and their interface is user-friendly. The fee is 5%, plus a credit card processing fee of 2.5% plus $0.30 per transaction.
*inclusion of a site in this list is for informational purposes only and does not in any way constitute endorsement of the site by Children International
A list of fundraising sites* used by Sponsors in the past:
www.aurashouse.com – Aura's House is hands-down the best option for a fundraiser to benefit a child sponsored through Children International. Donations are made directly to CI, and Aura's House does not withhold any fee from any donation received. All donations are tax-deductible. There can be a long wait to have your fundraiser hosted, however, so plan ahead and contact them early!
www.firstgiving.com – One of the most popular choices of Sponsors, FirstGiving has a user-friendly interface that allows you to set up a fundraising page easily. Funds donated will go directly from FirstGiving to Children International when the fundraiser reaches either its goal amount or its end date. FirstGiving charges a fee: it’s 5% on donations, plus a standard credit card processing fee of 2.5%.
www.gofundme.com – GoFundMe differs from Aura's House and FirstGiving in that the funds raised go to the Sponsor conducting the fundraiser instead of directly to Children International. Like FirstGiving, it has a user-friendly interface. It also allows you to link your fundraiser to your Facebook and Twitter accounts, so that when you update your fundraiser it makes announcements across your social media automatically. GoFundMe charges a fee of 7.9% + $0.30 per donation.
www.crowdrise.com – CrowdRise is similar to FirstGiving. The money raised goes from CrowdRise to CI when the fundraiser reaches its goal amount. Setting up a fundraiser is very easy, and their interface is user-friendly. The fee is 5%, plus a credit card processing fee of 2.5% plus $0.30 per transaction.
*inclusion of a site in this list is for informational purposes only and does not in any way constitute endorsement of the site by Children International
Great! How Do I Know What to Send?
What a sponsor sends in a DP or an Online In-Country purchase is entirely up to them! In fact, that is part of the fun of sending a package instead of a monetary donation. There is no quick, easy way to find out what your family or child may need or want—Children International will not do an inquiry for these types of gifts. However, there are a some staple items that are well-received and appreciated by children in all of CI's countries:
-pens, pencils, crayons and markers
-coloring books
-pens, pencils, crayons and markers
-coloring books
-age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction books
-scissors, construction paper, glitter, and other arts and crafts supplies
-powdered drink mixes like Crystal Light, Kool-Aid or Tang
-hair accessories and jewelery
-scissors, construction paper, glitter, and other arts and crafts supplies
-powdered drink mixes like Crystal Light, Kool-Aid or Tang
-hair accessories and jewelery
-toothbrushes, hair brushes, nail clippers
-washcloths, bars of soap
-stuffed animals, dolls, toy cars
-educational books and flashcards
-a hand-cranked flashlight
-holiday items such as a Santa hat or bunny ears
-a small photo album to hold the photos you send over the years
-a hand-cranked flashlight
-holiday items such as a Santa hat or bunny ears
-a small photo album to hold the photos you send over the years
To add a personal touch your package, consider first writing to your child. In your letter, you can ask such questions as, “What is your favorite color?” and, “Who is your favorite cartoon character?” In this way, you not only learn a bit more about your child, but also can then shop for items to match these likes.
If you want to send clothes, you can attempt to determine your child's size by comparing their height and weight on their family report to a size chart (I've had good luck with this one). It's not an exact science, though, and there's a chance the clothes you choose will not fit. They won't go to waste, though--our children and their families are generous with their blessings, and a family member or a neighbor will make good use of the outfit!
You may also include items for your child's family members. Extra hygiene supplies and school items are useful for siblings, while a pair of sturdy work gloves would be appreciated by a parent.
You should not send liquids, gels, or anything that could potentially break open and spill in transit. Additionally, some centers have items they will not accept for cultural reasons--Children International will inform you of any such restrictions when you request the mailing address.
Shopping Online In-Country
As an alternative to sending DPs,
Sponsors have recently begun experimenting with the idea of finding
vendors within the children's countries where you can shop online and
have your purchases delivered to the service center, negating most of
the shipping time and the risk of customs fees and holdups.
You will need to contact Children International via phone or email to request the address of your child's service center, which is where the package must be delivered. It's a good idea to then contact the site directly and ensure that they will deliver to the center before you place an order. The follow-up report, letter and photos from these types of gifts are the same as for a DP.
Below, you will find a list of known services by country (constantly changing and updating). A site's inclusion in this list is for informational purposes only and does not in any way constitute endorsement of the site by Children International:
Guatemala:
http://www.tuguatemala.com – The site is in Spanish, but it is extremely user-friendly and designed for people from other countries to send goods to their loved ones in Guatemala. The delivery fee for Guatemala City is $7. On the very last page before you submit your order, you can enter a note with instructions or a message. This is where I put in my girls' ID numbers and said that it was a package from their sponsor.
India:
http://www.tulikabooks.com/ – The website is in English, and they carry books in a variety of Indian languages.
http://www.prathambooks.org/ – Pratham Books is a not-for-profit book publisher in India whose mission is "a book in every child's hand." Their website is in English, and they carry books in English and ten different Indian languages.
Philippines:
www.PhilGrocers.com – Mostly groceries, but they carry other items as well. Flat shipping rate of $9.99USD in metro Manila. Charge for provincial delivery is USD 9.99 for up to 5 kilos of total weight. For each succeeding kilo, there is an additional charge of $2.00. The system will charge a flat $9.99 upon checkout and if the order is more than 5 kilos, an email with a link to pay the additional shipping fee will be sent. They do not deliver “raw, wet type of items” to provinces unless it is a canned item.
http://www.nationalbookstore.com.ph/ – Similar to online bookstores in the US like Borders or Barnes and Noble, the site carries mostly books, stationery, and office supplies. Orders for delivery within metro Manila will be delivered within two to three days from the process date of the order. Orders to be delivered to a provincial destination within the Philippines will take three to five days from the process date to be delivered. The shipping charges are based on weight and destination, with metro Manila being less expensive than Tabaco and Legaspi.
Zambia:
You will need to contact Children International via phone or email to request the address of your child's service center, which is where the package must be delivered. It's a good idea to then contact the site directly and ensure that they will deliver to the center before you place an order. The follow-up report, letter and photos from these types of gifts are the same as for a DP.
Below, you will find a list of known services by country (constantly changing and updating). A site's inclusion in this list is for informational purposes only and does not in any way constitute endorsement of the site by Children International:
Guatemala:
http://www.tuguatemala.com – The site is in Spanish, but it is extremely user-friendly and designed for people from other countries to send goods to their loved ones in Guatemala. The delivery fee for Guatemala City is $7. On the very last page before you submit your order, you can enter a note with instructions or a message. This is where I put in my girls' ID numbers and said that it was a package from their sponsor.
India:
http://www.tulikabooks.com/ – The website is in English, and they carry books in a variety of Indian languages.
http://www.prathambooks.org/ – Pratham Books is a not-for-profit book publisher in India whose mission is "a book in every child's hand." Their website is in English, and they carry books in English and ten different Indian languages.
Philippines:
www.PhilGrocers.com – Mostly groceries, but they carry other items as well. Flat shipping rate of $9.99USD in metro Manila. Charge for provincial delivery is USD 9.99 for up to 5 kilos of total weight. For each succeeding kilo, there is an additional charge of $2.00. The system will charge a flat $9.99 upon checkout and if the order is more than 5 kilos, an email with a link to pay the additional shipping fee will be sent. They do not deliver “raw, wet type of items” to provinces unless it is a canned item.
http://www.nationalbookstore.com.ph/ – Similar to online bookstores in the US like Borders or Barnes and Noble, the site carries mostly books, stationery, and office supplies. Orders for delivery within metro Manila will be delivered within two to three days from the process date of the order. Orders to be delivered to a provincial destination within the Philippines will take three to five days from the process date to be delivered. The shipping charges are based on weight and destination, with metro Manila being less expensive than Tabaco and Legaspi.
Zambia:
www.shopzed.com
– “The Delivery fee is K80 (~$14.99) and the Convenience fee is
K40 (~$7) per order. Additionally, a PayPal processing charge of 3% is
included in your total price.” Under groceries they have a
“packages” category with pre-made bundles of groceries and
household items for a set price, and for most of the packages that
price includes the delivery fee.
DP Tips and Tricks
Based on their own experiences, Sponsors have offered the following advice to make shipping your package to your child as painless and inexpensive as possible:
Mail your gifts in a padded envelope instead of a box. It's less expensive, and (supposedly) less tempting to thieves. WalMart sells yellow padded envelopes in a variety of sizes, up to 14.5” x 19”. A lot of goodies can be stuffed into one of these envelopes, but be careful to keep your package under four pounds or you will have to pay for priority shipping (USPS).
Mark your packages as a gift and a charitable donation on the shipping paperwork, and attribute as low a value as possible to the items inside. This will theoretically discourage thieves and draw less attention in customs.
Don't shop in thrift stores! CI may not deliver used clothing to children. Here is an explanation from Debbie Spring, Senior Sponsor Services Representative:
Mail your gifts in a padded envelope instead of a box. It's less expensive, and (supposedly) less tempting to thieves. WalMart sells yellow padded envelopes in a variety of sizes, up to 14.5” x 19”. A lot of goodies can be stuffed into one of these envelopes, but be careful to keep your package under four pounds or you will have to pay for priority shipping (USPS).
Mark your packages as a gift and a charitable donation on the shipping paperwork, and attribute as low a value as possible to the items inside. This will theoretically discourage thieves and draw less attention in customs.
Don't shop in thrift stores! CI may not deliver used clothing to children. Here is an explanation from Debbie Spring, Senior Sponsor Services Representative:
“The reason the staff requests no used clothing is because we've received packages both here in KC and at the SOA's that is stained, torn, faded, sewn back together, unwashed, have bugs in the box, used undies, etc. - basically things that many people would not want their own children to wear, but feel that a child with limited clothing should be thankful to receive. And in theory, it does seem that a child with limited clothing would welcome ANY clothing item...but in reality, no child (poor or not) wants to wear clothing that is poor condition -- even if it's free. The majority of families we serve have a real sense of pride and want their children to look and feel their best - just like us. All of this being said, if you have clothing that has been worn once or twice, or is in excellent condition and looks, smells and feels new, I personally, don't think that anyone would be insulted to receive it. And would not raise any red flags with the staff or family, because most sponsors take the price tags off the clothes they send anyway.”
How To: Send a Direct Package (DP)
While sending a SNG is more efficient,
many Sponsors enjoy shopping for gifts themselves and sending DPs to
their child(ren). If you are interested in doing so, you will need to
contact CI via either email or phone to request the address for your
child's service center, to which the package will be mailed. CI will provide
you with any country-specific instructions you need, as well as
advise you on any local customs or prohibited items for your
child. To protect the privacy of the child and the Sponsor, CI will not provide the family's home address.
You may ship your package using any carrier you prefer. Be aware that packages can be subject to customs screenings, and can incur additional fees while in transit. CI will contact you to pay for these fees before retrieving your package from the carrier, so be prepared for the possibility of both the extra cost and the delay involved. For this reason, some Sponsors prefer to ship via UPS, FedEx or a similar international carrier. It is more expensive, but those fees are handled directly with the carrier and delays are minimized.
There is always the risk of your package being lost or stolen during transit, and for this reason CI can accept no responsibility for packages that never reach the children.
You will receive a thank-you letter and photos of your child with the items you have sent. The follow-up report will also include an itemized list of the contents of your package.
You may ship your package using any carrier you prefer. Be aware that packages can be subject to customs screenings, and can incur additional fees while in transit. CI will contact you to pay for these fees before retrieving your package from the carrier, so be prepared for the possibility of both the extra cost and the delay involved. For this reason, some Sponsors prefer to ship via UPS, FedEx or a similar international carrier. It is more expensive, but those fees are handled directly with the carrier and delays are minimized.
There is always the risk of your package being lost or stolen during transit, and for this reason CI can accept no responsibility for packages that never reach the children.
You will receive a thank-you letter and photos of your child with the items you have sent. The follow-up report will also include an itemized list of the contents of your package.
How To: Send a Special Needs Gift (SNG)
A SNG is an extra donation sent by a
sponsor specifically for one of their children. The process for
sending one varies a bit depending on how much you can afford to send
and what you hope to accomplish.
Gifts of $50-$99 can be sent by logging into My Account and clicking on “Make a Contribution.” Select the “Special Needs Gifts” tab. Choose which child(ren) you wish to send the gift(s) and enter the amount(s) in the appropriate boxes. When you have finished, click the “Add to Basket” button. Then, if you scroll to the top of the page, you will see a new “My Basket” link, which you can click on to enter your payment information and complete the transaction. Gifts of $50-$99 are distributed quarterly, and you will received a thank-you card from your child.
Gifts of $100-$250 can be sent in the exact same manner as above. However, you are able to specify how you would prefer for the family to use the funds you send (ex. “Please take care of school needs for Bobby” or “Please buy shoes for Sarah and her sisters”). If you do not enter any instructions, CI's staff will work with the family to purchase what they need most. Gifts of $100-$250 are forwarded immediately to the child's center, and you will receive a thank-you letter, photos, and a follow-up report. Usually this takes six to eight weeks, though it can take longer depending on the schedule of the family.
CI Sponsor Services Rep Debbie Spring shared:
Expensive item-specific gifts (such as a refrigerator) or project-specific gifts (home improvements, education) are a little different. You can (and probably should) first contact CI either by email or on the phone and ask that they complete a Special Needs Inquiry (SNI). For example, say you have noticed that your child's house has dirt floors and you would like to pay for their floor to be paved. CI would complete an SNI to first find out if this is even possible (some families do not own the houses they live in, and cannot therefore make modifications), and will list the total cost of the project with a breakdown of expenses. Once you know the exact cost, you can donate that amount using the same tools in My Account. Funds are sent immediately to your child's center. For a single item like a refrigerator, you will receive a thank-you letter, photos, and a follow-up report. Usually this takes six to eight weeks, though it can take longer depending on the schedule of the family. For a project that takes a while, you may receive multiple in-progress reports and photos, with a final report, photos and thank-you letter when the project is completed.
CI Sponsor Services Representative Debbie Spring shared:
Gifts of $50-$99 can be sent by logging into My Account and clicking on “Make a Contribution.” Select the “Special Needs Gifts” tab. Choose which child(ren) you wish to send the gift(s) and enter the amount(s) in the appropriate boxes. When you have finished, click the “Add to Basket” button. Then, if you scroll to the top of the page, you will see a new “My Basket” link, which you can click on to enter your payment information and complete the transaction. Gifts of $50-$99 are distributed quarterly, and you will received a thank-you card from your child.
Gifts of $100-$250 can be sent in the exact same manner as above. However, you are able to specify how you would prefer for the family to use the funds you send (ex. “Please take care of school needs for Bobby” or “Please buy shoes for Sarah and her sisters”). If you do not enter any instructions, CI's staff will work with the family to purchase what they need most. Gifts of $100-$250 are forwarded immediately to the child's center, and you will receive a thank-you letter, photos, and a follow-up report. Usually this takes six to eight weeks, though it can take longer depending on the schedule of the family.
CI Sponsor Services Rep Debbie Spring shared:
"If sponsors want to make SNG donation of $100-$250 they have the choice of letting the family decide how best to utilize the donation, or they can add a note to indicate what they want the family to use the donation for. In either case, we encourage sponsors to simply make the donation without the added admin expense of memo'ing for a list of needs first. We know that many sponsors are concerned that if they send $100, the family’s needs may total $150. But in all honesty that can happen even if we memo, because we always have to attach a dollar amount to the request."Larger gifts can fall into two different categories. If you simply want to send a larger amount with no particular project in mind, you can follow the directions for “Gifts of $100-$250.”
Expensive item-specific gifts (such as a refrigerator) or project-specific gifts (home improvements, education) are a little different. You can (and probably should) first contact CI either by email or on the phone and ask that they complete a Special Needs Inquiry (SNI). For example, say you have noticed that your child's house has dirt floors and you would like to pay for their floor to be paved. CI would complete an SNI to first find out if this is even possible (some families do not own the houses they live in, and cannot therefore make modifications), and will list the total cost of the project with a breakdown of expenses. Once you know the exact cost, you can donate that amount using the same tools in My Account. Funds are sent immediately to your child's center. For a single item like a refrigerator, you will receive a thank-you letter, photos, and a follow-up report. Usually this takes six to eight weeks, though it can take longer depending on the schedule of the family. For a project that takes a while, you may receive multiple in-progress reports and photos, with a final report, photos and thank-you letter when the project is completed.
CI Sponsor Services Representative Debbie Spring shared:
"If a sponsor has a specific need in mind that is likely to cost more than $250 (water or electric installation, home repairs, beds, furniture, etc.) we are happy to memo to find out the need and cost involved in providing for this type of Special Needs Gift. Sponsors are able to deduce if a family is in need of these types of items based on the child’s Family Record (i.e. dirt floor, no electricity, no water, etc.)."She added:
"We do our best to be consistent in our handling of sponsor requests. That being said we do look at each sponsor account individually to determine if it is prudent to memo. We look at things like are sponsorship fees up-to-date, have we forgiven monthly sponsorship donations recently, is the child so new to the program they are not yet receiving benefits yet, etc."
Introduction
Hello! If you've found your way to this blog, you are probably the proud sponsor of a child (or maybe several children) with Children International. As Sponsors, we have the unique pleasure of knowing that our monthly donations make a real and lasting impact in the life of an impoverished family. As Children International Sponsors, we also enjoy the ability to make a connection with our children via the letters they write and the correspondence we send in return. For one and all of us, Sponsorship is a truly fulfilling and humbling experience.
But ... what if you could do even more?
Children International runs a social networking site specifically for their family of Sponsors. Formerly called LiftOne, it's now known as My Social Center and has drawn a flood of new Sponsors to the ongoing conversations. Many of these new Sponsors catch glimpses of all that is possible as they scan through the posts and stories on the site, and they are filled with questions.
What is an SNG? How do I send a DP? How do I know what my child's family needs? How do I do a fundraiser for a special project for my child?
So I began gathering data and making lists, based on the information shared by other Sponsors on My Social Center, with the intention of creating a Newcomer's Guide that answered the most frequently-asked questions. This is an ongoing and ever-evolving project, and I am open to suggestions, ideas, and constructive criticisms of all sorts!
I hope you find this guide useful and that it sets you on your way to an even more amazing sponsorship experience!
But ... what if you could do even more?
Children International runs a social networking site specifically for their family of Sponsors. Formerly called LiftOne, it's now known as My Social Center and has drawn a flood of new Sponsors to the ongoing conversations. Many of these new Sponsors catch glimpses of all that is possible as they scan through the posts and stories on the site, and they are filled with questions.
What is an SNG? How do I send a DP? How do I know what my child's family needs? How do I do a fundraiser for a special project for my child?
So I began gathering data and making lists, based on the information shared by other Sponsors on My Social Center, with the intention of creating a Newcomer's Guide that answered the most frequently-asked questions. This is an ongoing and ever-evolving project, and I am open to suggestions, ideas, and constructive criticisms of all sorts!
I hope you find this guide useful and that it sets you on your way to an even more amazing sponsorship experience!
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