Tag Archives: children

Here at Children Incorporated, we know that sponsoring a child in need is extraordinarily rewarding, so we want to provide you with a guide to walk you through the process.

In order to make your decision as easy as possible, here you will find the answers to sixteen of the most common questions we receive about sponsoring a child in the Philippines.

If you still have questions after reading the following, please feel to contact us, and we will be happy to help.

1. What is sponsorship?

The sponsorship relationship enables an individual sponsor to help support a child in need by means of monthly contributions. Monthly sponsorship donations go towards providing basic necessities such as school supplies and tuition fees, food, clothing, and access to healthcare, among other services, so that a child living in poverty has the opportunity to overcome the barriers that keep them from attending school, getting an education, and succeeding in life.

2. What is the role of A sponsor?

A sponsor’s friendship and encouragement are priceless to a child in such circumstances. Indeed, many children value the relationships they establish with their sponsors as much as they value the financial support they receive from them. There is an opportunity to build a relationship between sponsor and child that can be quite profound.

3. How long can I sponsor a child in the Philippines?

Many children value the relationships they establish with their sponsors as much as they value the financial support they receive from them. There is an opportunity to build a relationship between sponsor and child that can be quite profound.

Typically, sponsorship lasts until a child turns eighteen years old, graduates from high school, or moves out of our service area. Due to the transient state of many families and the difficult circumstances of the regions where they reside, we cannot predict or guarantee how long a child will remain in our sponsorship program, although every effort is made to provide services to children for as long as possible.

When a child leaves the sponsorship program, another child is selected for you to sponsor that is equally in need, in the hope that you will accept the new sponsorship.

4. Who implements or administers the child sponsorship program?

Our program is implemented by on-site volunteer coordinators who are typically administrators at the sites with which we affiliate. Our coordinators have direct access to the children they serve at their schools, homes, orphanages, or community centers — and sometimes even on a daily basis. As such, they are familiar with the immediate needs and family circumstances of each individual child in their care.

5. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SPONSOR A CHILD In the Philippines?

With Children Incorporated, it costs $35 a month to sponsor a child living in poverty. Our sponsorship amount is lower than other sponsorship organizations because we work with volunteer coordinators around the world, which helps us keep our costs low while also maximizing the amount of money we are able to send to the children in our sponsorship program.

6. WILL MY SPONSORSHIP HELP A CHILD GO TO SCHOOL OR HELP WITH THEIR EDUCATION IN the Philippines?

Yes! Absolutely — your sponsorship will help a child go to school or help with their education. Children Incorporated provides basic necessities such as food, clothing, healthcare and educational support to children living in poverty in the U.S. and abroad. These essentials, so often taken for granted, are vital to a child’s growth and success in school. Each year, we give thousands of children in need all over the world a chance at a better life by supporting their education.

7. ARE THERE NON-RELIGIOUS SPONSORSHIP ORGANIZATIONS?

Yes. Children Incorporated is a non-religious sponsorship organization. Children Incorporated is an independent charity. We have no religious or political affiliation. Our goal is to assist as many  children living in poverty as possible, and we respect each child’s religious and cultural heritage.

8. Who most directly benefits from my financial support?

When you sponsor a child, the beneficiary of your support is your individual sponsored child. The families of children in our sponsorship program receive additional or indirect benefits from their child’s sponsorship, but our focus is the one child. Sponsorship is intended to address the unique and individual needs of each child so that his or her specific needs are addressed.

The child-focused approach to fighting poverty is distinctly different from the broader community development approach. By changing the life of one child, you are giving him or her the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty, which can eventually lead to the transformation of an entire community — and even a nation.

9. WILL I RECEIVE UPDATED INFORMATION ABOUT MY SPONSORED CHILD IN the Philippines?

Yes. You will receive updated information and an updated photo, although the frequency may vary depending upon the child’s location. The typical progress report includes information about the child’s grade level in school, hobbies, and interests.

10. May I send packages to my sponsored child in the Philippines?

Due to high customs duties and the likelihood of loss, it is not recommended that you send packages to sites outside of the United States, as their receipt cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to send an additional gift, it is recommended that you send a monetary gift to our headquarters in North Chesterfield, Virginia.

11. May I write to the child I sponsor?

Yes! Corresponding with your sponsored child can be a delightful experience. Your sponsored child is encouraged to write to you as well.

12. What should I write about?

The children enjoy learning about the lives of their sponsors. Writing about your own family (children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, etc.) is always a good place to start. The children also like to learn about your part of the world, what you do for a living, your hobbies and interests, and about any pets you may have.

13. Is it possible to visit my sponsored child in the Philippines?

It is possible to visit sponsored children; however, it is not guaranteed that all of the sites with which we affiliate are open to sponsor visits. Circumstances vary from area to area. Contact our office to find out if a visit is possible.

14. Are there reviews of child sponsorship organizations?

Yes. Before you choose an organization with which to sponsor a child, we highly recommend that you visit these websites to gain a better understanding of charity backgrounds and performances: Charity Navigator, GuideStar, Give.org and Charity Watch.

Children Incorporated is very proud of our reputation and reviews that recognize the work we are doing for children. Visit the following links to see our ratings:

 

15. What are the best child sponsorship organizations for sponsoring a child in the Philippines?

Well, we are obviously a little biased about this question; but as we mentioned above, we highly recommend that you visit the various websites that provide assessments and ratings of nonprofit organizations before you make any donations. We believe that Children Incorporated is the best child sponsorship organization.

16. What are the pros and cons of sponsoring a child?

The pros: you get to make a fundamental difference in the life of a child in need, and the effects of your sponsorship can last a lifetime. There are no real cons to sponsoring a child, but as you follow the progress of your sponsored child, you may at times feel that you wish you could do more.

If you are interested in sponsoring a child in the Philippines or elsewhere, please click here to get started.

SPONSOR A CHILD

written by Children Incorporated

We provide children living in poverty with education, hope and opportunity so they have the chance for a brighter future. Thanks to past and current supporters around the globe, we work with 225 affiliated sites in 20 countries to offer basic needs, emergency relief, and community support to thousands of children and their families each year.

» more of Children's stories

There is nothing like getting to meet with our volunteer coordinators and hear their stories directly about how they are helping children in their communities, thanks to our sponsors and donors. Today we hear from Renée Kube, our Director of U.S. Programs, as she meets with four special coordinators who run our sponsorship program at Pinon Community School in Arizona, who explain the lengths they are willing to go to to help kids in need.

“On the tour, I had the chance to see some of the great projects that Children Incorporated funded over the years!”

about Pinon

“The small town of Pinon, Arizona is about 45 miles due west of Chinle on Indian Road 4. The population is sparse and spread out in this area, giving it a more remote feeling than some of the other towns where our affiliated sites are located,” said Renée.

“The Pinon Community School itself is a mix of newer buildings, as well as some of the original 1932 structures. This school is set up in a similar manner to our affiliated site, the Hanaadli Community School/Huerfano Dorm, in New Mexico, in which some children live on-site during the week and some return home after school each day.”

“Education starts with a FACE Program, which stands for Family and Child Education. This is a federal program that focuses on Native families, providing educational services from prenatal to five years of age by providing early childhood education, parenting education, and adult education. After FACE, the child can go on to kindergarten,” said Renée.

Students learn weaving skills at Pinon Community School, which is a big part of their culture and heritage.

“There are two options for kindergarten: a regular kindergarten, and a developmental kindergarten for children with late birthdays (from September through December). Kindergarten is instructed in both English and Navajo. After kindergarten, the children are educated at the local Pinon Unified School District. The dorm students either live at a greater distance than daily transportation allows, or their parents or guardians work out of town for extended periods of time. Pinon Community School also offers the 21st Century Learning Center for afterschool care. The dorm serves 1st through 12th grades.”

“When I arrived to the school, I checked in at the main office, and soon was taken to the conference room. I was greeted by our primary coordinator, Carol, who then introduced me to the other three staff members who serve on the ‘Children Incorporated Committee’: Cassandra, Chyanne, and Rainey,” said Renée.

Readjusting after the pandemic

“While we met, the four ladies shared how challenging things were for them during the pandemic. While the children were participating in fully virtual instruction, the sponsorship funds were being used mostly for food. They are grateful there is a grocery store in the community, although Bashas is small and has limited selection. The ladies explained that the nearest Walmarts are located in Winslow, Arizona (94 miles south) or Gallup, New Mexico (120 miles southeast). It is very humbling to realize how far they travel – using their own vehicles – to shop for the children in our sponsorship program.”

“The school did not re-open for in-person instruction until March 2022. Before the pandemic, 86 children were enrolled. In March, just 30 students returned. Now the number has risen, slowly but steadily, to 70,” said Renée.

“The dorm has not yet re-opened. The old HVAC system was on its last legs, and a new system [with the goal of improving ventilation and preventing respiratory infections] will cost $4 million dollars. This is partly due to the age of some of the buildings; the oldest were built in the 1930s.”

There is nothing like getting to meet with our volunteer coordinators and hear their stories directly about how they are helping children in their communities, thanks to our sponsors and donors.

“We then began our tour of the buildings and grounds. Our coordinators explain that it’s considered bad form and manners to walk directly across the courtyard; instead, one is supposed to walk around, unless one is specifically using the middle structure. They’re always having to remind the children.” 

seeing our projects in person

“On the tour, I had the chance to see some of the great projects that Children Incorporated funded over the years! The Reading Pavilion Project in the courtyard was an area with benches where the children really enjoy sitting with their books. An annual vine is trained over the top each spring to provide shade. I also got to see the School Garden Project. We provided funds to purchase materials for the raised beds and fencing, and supplies including soil, fertilizer, seeds, and hand tools. Crops have been planted every spring, and it is used by the science teacher as well as the dormitory staff for instruction and enrichment activities for the children,” said Renée.

“Then we went inside. We went to a classroom and were shown samples from the Weaving Project, whose materials and supplies were provided thanks to our Hope In Action Program. Beginners learn on simple cardboard looms with inexpensive yarns. The small, medium, and large wooden looms are used as the children gain experience and proficiency. They’ll move over time from loom to loom. They use fewer yarn colors on the smaller looms, and add more yarn colors as they progress.

The advanced learners are using the largest looms, the highest quality yarns, and the most colors,” said Renée.

***

How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

You can sponsor a child in one of three ways: call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with one of our staff members; email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org; or go online to our sponsorship portal, create an account, and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

written by Shelley Callahan

Shelley is the Director of Development for Children Incorporated. She is also the lead social correspondent, regularly contributing insights through the Stories of Hope blog series. Sign up for Stories of Hope to receive weekly email updates about how your donations are changing the lives of children in need.

» more of Shelley's stories

Here at Children Incorporated, we know that sponsoring a child in need is extraordinarily rewarding, so we want to provide you with a guide to walk you through the process.

In order to make your decision as easy as possible, here you will find the answers to sixteen of the most common questions we receive about sponsoring a child in Nicaragua.

If you still have questions after reading the following, please feel to contact us, and we will be happy to help.

1. What is sponsorship?

The sponsorship relationship enables an individual sponsor to help support a child in need by means of monthly contributions. Monthly sponsorship donations go towards providing basic necessities such as school supplies and tuition fees, food, clothing, and access to healthcare, among other services, so that a child living in poverty has the opportunity to overcome the barriers that keep them from attending school, getting an education, and succeeding in life.

2. What is the role of A sponsor?

A sponsor’s friendship and encouragement are priceless to a child in such circumstances. Indeed, many children value the relationships they establish with their sponsors as much as they value the financial support they receive from them. There is an opportunity to build a relationship between sponsor and child that can be quite profound.

3. How long can I sponsor a child in Nicaragua?

Many children value the relationships they establish with their sponsors as much as they value the financial support they receive from them. There is an opportunity to build a relationship between sponsor and child that can be quite profound.

Typically, sponsorship lasts until a child turns eighteen years old, graduates from high school, or moves out of our service area. Due to the transient state of many families and the difficult circumstances of the regions where they reside, we cannot predict or guarantee how long a child will remain in our sponsorship program, although every effort is made to provide services to children for as long as possible.

When a child leaves the sponsorship program, another child is selected for you to sponsor that is equally in need, in the hope that you will accept the new sponsorship.

4. Who implements or administers the child sponsorship program?

Our program is implemented by on-site volunteer coordinators who are typically administrators at the sites with which we affiliate. Our coordinators have direct access to the children they serve at their schools, homes, orphanages, or community centers — and sometimes even on a daily basis. As such, they are familiar with the immediate needs and family circumstances of each individual child in their care.

5. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SPONSOR A CHILD In Nicaragua?

With Children Incorporated, it costs $35 a month to sponsor a child living in poverty. Our sponsorship amount is lower than other sponsorship organizations because we work with volunteer coordinators around the world, which helps us keep our costs low while also maximizing the amount of money we are able to send to the children in our sponsorship program.

6. WILL MY SPONSORSHIP HELP A CHILD GO TO SCHOOL OR HELP WITH THEIR EDUCATION IN Nicaragua?

Yes! Absolutely — you sponsorship will help a child go to school or help with their education. Children Incorporated provides basic necessities such as food, clothing, healthcare and educational support to children living in poverty in the U.S. and abroad. These essentials, so often taken for granted, are vital to a child’s growth and success in school. Each year, we give thousands of children in need all over the world a chance at a better life by supporting their education.

7. ARE THERE NON-RELIGIOUS SPONSORSHIP ORGANIZATIONS?

Yes. Children Incorporated is a non-religious sponsorship organization. Children Incorporated is an independent charity. We have no religious or political affiliation. Our goal is to assist as many children living in poverty as possible, and we respect each child’s religious and cultural heritage.

8. Who most directly benefits from my financial support?

When you sponsor a child, the beneficiary of your support is your individual sponsored child. The families of children in our sponsorship program receive additional or indirect benefits from their child’s sponsorship, but our focus is the one child. Sponsorship is intended to address the unique and individual needs of each child so that his or her specific needs are addressed.

The child-focused approach to fighting poverty is distinctly different from the broader community development approach. By changing the life of one child, you are giving him or her the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty, which can eventually lead to the transformation of an entire community — and even a nation.

9. WILL I RECEIVE UPDATED INFORMATION ABOUT MY SPONSORED CHILD IN Nicaragua?

Yes. You will receive updated information and an updated photo, although the frequency may vary depending upon the child’s location. The typical progress report includes information about the child’s grade level in school, hobbies, and interests.

10. May I send packages to my sponsored child in Nicaragua?

Due to high customs duties and the likelihood of loss, it is not recommended that you send packages to sites outside of the United States, as their receipt cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to send an additional gift, it is recommended that you send a monetary gift to our headquarters in North Chesterfield, Virginia.

11. May I write to the child I sponsor?

Yes! Corresponding with your sponsored child can be a delightful experience. Your sponsored child is encouraged to write to you as well.

12. What should I write about?

The children enjoy learning about the lives of their sponsors. Writing about your own family (children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, etc.) is always a good place to start. The children also like to learn about your part of the world, what you do for a living, your hobbies and interests, and about any pets you may have.

13. Is it possible to visit my sponsored child in Nicaragua?

It is possible to visit sponsored children; however, it is not guaranteed that all of the sites with which we affiliate are open to sponsor visits. Circumstances vary from area to area. Contact our office to find out if a visit is possible

14. Are there reviews of child sponsorship organizations?

Yes. Before you choose an organization with which to sponsor a child, we highly recommend that you visit these websites to gain a better understanding of charity backgrounds and performances: Charity Navigator, GuideStar, Give.org and Charity Watch.

Children Incorporated is very proud of our reputation and reviews that recognize the work we are doing for children. Visit the following links to see our ratings:

 

15. What are the best child sponsorship organizations for sponsoring a child in Nicaragua?

Well, we are obviously a little biased about this question; but as we mentioned above, we highly recommend that you visit the various websites that provide assessments and ratings of nonprofit organizations before you make any donations. We believe that Children Incorporated is the best child sponsorship organization.

16. What are the pros and cons of sponsoring a child?

The pros: you get to make a fundamental difference in the life of a child in need, and the effects of your sponsorship can last a lifetime. There are no real cons to sponsoring a child, but as you follow the progress of your sponsored child, you may at times feel that you wish you could do more.

SPONSOR A CHILD

written by Children Incorporated

We provide children living in poverty with education, hope and opportunity so they have the chance for a brighter future. Thanks to past and current supporters around the globe, we work with 225 affiliated sites in 20 countries to offer basic needs, emergency relief, and community support to thousands of children and their families each year.

» more of Children's stories

As our Director of U.S. Programs, Renée Kube, continues her visit to our affiliated sites in Arizona, we find out more about Shonto Preparatory School and how our Hope in Action Fund is helping children, often in dire circumstances, at the school.

Home of the Bears

“Shonto Preparatory School is located in the small community of Shonto. It’s about 64 miles southeast of Page, Arizona and about 51 miles northeast of Tuba City. Shonto Preparatory School consists of an elementary division with approximately 300 students in grades kindergarten through eighth and a secondary division with approximately 80 students in grades ninth through twelfth. There are a total of 64 children across both divisions in our sponsorship program,” said Renée.

“Marlita is also deeply appreciative of the many projects that have hugely benefited the children, thanks to our Hope In Action Program.”

“The high school division placed in the top 50% of all schools in Arizona for math and reading test scores during the 2018-2019 school year. Then came the pandemic, and scores fell. Nonetheless, the students do well here, and the school takes pride in providing an excellent educational experience. The graduation rate is over 80%.”

Visiting with Marlita

“Upon my arrival to the school last fall, I had a good meeting with our coordinator, Orleta, and the elementary principal, Marlita. Marlita is actually our former and very long-term coordinator. She was formerly the librarian. She is a huge believer in Children Incorporated. Her mother was a sponsor until her death. When Marlita was promoted to the elementary principal, she appointed Orleta as our new volunteer coordinator, and she too is seeing the incredible value of our program,” explained Renée.

“First, we discussed shopping for the sponsored children. Marlita and Orleta have found that ordering some things from Amazon works best because it saves time driving to stores. In those cases, the children and parents give their shopping lists to Orleta, who gives them to Marlita for placing the orders. For other things, they go to Walmart and buy gift cards. Then they have the parents and children meet them at the store. After the items are chosen, Marlita or Orleta hands a gift card to the cashier. So far, it’s working well, and everyone is happy with the arrangement.”

Hope in Action to the Rescue

Renée is pictured with one of our sponsored children in the school’s library.

“Marlita and I urged Orleta to let us know of any larger needs that may require consideration for Hope In Action Program aid. Marlita said she is so grateful for our sponsorship program. But she is also deeply appreciative of the many projects that have hugely benefited the children, thanks to our Hope In Action Program. The original school building was constructed in 1963 without central air conditioning. Marlita said it got bad in May, and it was often unbearable in August. Everyone felt so uncomfortable, and some children felt sick. Several years ago, when she was the coordinator, Marlita applied and was approved for a Hope In Action grant to purchase and install ceiling fans. She said these made a profound impact on the children’s comfort and ability to focus on their studies,” said Renée.

“Marlita also praised another Hope In Action Program grant in which she had requested audio books with accompanying paperback books. The children listened to the stories and followed along in the books, and this helped with their comprehension and vocabulary.”

***

How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

You can sponsor a child in one of three ways: call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with one of our staff members; email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org; or go online to our sponsorship portal, create an account, and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

As she continues with her first visits to our affiliated sites in Navajo Nation since the pandemic, our Director of U.S. Programs, Renée Kube, tells us about her trip to Kayenta Community School, where she met with our former volunteer coordinator, Lora, and a special student who took the time to show her and our U.S. Programs Specialist, Kris, around the school.

“Kendrick had done a wonderful job in putting a smile on my face,” said Renée.

Visiting Kayenta

“Kayenta Community School is located in the town of Kayenta, which is about 43 miles northeast of Shonto, Arizona, and serves approximately 258 children in grades kindergarten through 8th grade. Its student population declined during the pandemic due to family migrations, but its count is now rising faster than other schools in the region. It was one of the first schools to return to in-person instruction after the pandemic, and parents appreciated that,” said Renée.

“Kayenta Community School is renowned for its athletic department. The children like all of the sports offerings – and all of the winning seasons. When we visited our other affiliated site in the area, Shonto Preparatory School, our volunteer coordinators said that the school bus for Kayenta drives right up to the Shonto school grounds, and children who live in the Shonto community climb on and are taken to Kayenta to participate in their well-known sports program.”

Our former volunteer coordinator, Lora, (left) poses for a photo with Kendrick and Kris.

“As I entered the front door, I was stopped by a woman named Lora who told me that she was the Children Incorporated coordinator before our current coordinator, Mae. I remembered working with Lora, and I greeted her warmly, happy to see a familiar face,” said Renée.

“Lora explained that, unfortunately, Mae was out for the day — there had been an outbreak of COVID-19 in the Kayenta dormitory where Mae worked, and as Lora was speaking with us, the dorm was in the process of closing in an effort to halt the spread of the infection. Parents, guardians, and relatives in distant areas were being instructed to come to the dorm and take their students home. Lora was not sure how long things would be closed.”

Meeting Kendrick

“Additionally, the school was in disruption due to renovations that had begun during summer break, but were still not finished. The desks for those in the main office (the principal, secretary, etc.) had been temporarily moved to the library. Nonetheless, Lora invited me to come inside to have a tour of the building and grounds. For my arrival, Lora and Mae had previously chosen a student to be our tour guide, and I was very excited to meet him,” said Renée.

“Kendrick was one of the most well-spoken children I’ve ever met. He was not fazed in the least at meeting and escorting two strangers around the school, and he was unintentionally hilarious because he took his job so seriously. At each area, he would calmly pause and say, “Yes, as you see…”

“After the tour, we thanked Kendrick for being such an excellent guide, and we said goodbye to Lora — although I didn’t have the opportunity to meet with the other students at the school, Kendrick had done a wonderful job in putting a smile on my face,” said Renée.

***

How do I sponsor a child with Children Incorporated?

You can sponsor a child in one of three ways: call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with one of our staff members; email us at sponsorship@children-inc.org; or go online to our sponsorship portal, create an account, and search for a child that is available for sponsorship.

SPONSOR A CHILD

As a part of our ongoing Stories of Hope blog series, we want to share with you our June 2023 Impact Report as a way to say “thank you” to all our supporters who make our work possible.

Beyond what you already provide to children through our sponsorship program, your donations to our Special Funds and Special Projects allow us to help families and communities as well, often in times of crisis.

All of our volunteer coordinators around the world are incredibly grateful for your support of children in need.

YOUR IMPACT AROUND THE WORLD

Just in this past month, our donors have:

– Provided funds to purchase musical equipment for students at the Santa Rosa School in Bolivia

– Provided funds to purchase menstrual hygiene items for girls for an entire month at the Santa Isabel Ana Seton School in Guatemala

– Provided funds for bedding and clothing for children in our program at Warfield Elementary School in Kentucky

– Provided funds to purchase meals for 25 students for a month at the Dandora Center in Kenya

– Provided funds to purchase new bookcases for the literacy room at Swansboro Elementary School in Virginia

– Provided funds to purchase food for the family of a sponsored child at Menifee Central Elementary School after a house fire

– Provided funds to purchase hygiene items for Floyd County’s Back to School Bash at Martin County High School in Kentucky

– Provided funds for nutritious meals for 25 students for a month at the Fortune’s Center in the Philippines

– Provided disaster relief funds to purchase hygiene items and cleaning supplies for the family of a sponsored child at Menifee Central Elementary School in Kentucky

… all in addition to the support you already provide through sponsorship to children in our program. Thank you for everything you do for children in need!

***

HOW do I MAKE A DONATION TO CHILDREN INCORPORATED?

You can donate to Children Incorporated in one of three ways: call our office at 1-800-538-5381 and speak with one of our staff members; email us at hello@children-inc.org and a staff member can assist you with making a donation; or go online to our donation portal, create an account, and choose a particular fund in which to make a donation.

DONATE

written by Children Incorporated

We provide children living in poverty with education, hope and opportunity so they have the chance for a brighter future. Thanks to past and current supporters around the globe, we work with 225 affiliated sites in 20 countries to offer basic needs, emergency relief, and community support to thousands of children and their families each year.

» more of Children's stories