Plan's sponsorship program operates in 50 of the world's poorest countries to support children and communities in need – regardless of their religion, race, political persuasion or gender. Poverty does not discriminate; nor do we. Our agenda is simple: to help children realise their potential.
Making a Personal Connection
It's a powerful experience sponsoring a child – you personally make a lasting difference to their life, and the lives of others in their community. Through the exchange of letters, photos and regular reports, you see your gift in action through their eyes while becoming part of a journey out of poverty for an entire community.
You also join a movement of people from different cultures and countries building a global commitment to the needs and rights of children.
Find out more about how to write to your sponsored child or visit your sponsored child.
Funding Long-Term Development
By sponsoring a child, you're making a commitment to the development of your sponsored child's community.
In this way your sponsored child acts as a community representative and doesn't receive preferential treatment over other children. It's designed so that everyone benefits – and for the long term. Your sponsorship provides a stable source of funding that allows us to work in partnership with communities to:
- provide adequate nutrition – so children get enough to eat
- supply clean water and sanitation
- provide healthcare
- provide education – so children have the opportunity to go to school
- develop sustainable family incomes – so parents can support their children
- promote child rights – so children and communities understand their rights.
Communities are involved in the development process from the beginning so that we fully understand their challenges and priorities. If the pilot projects we work on together are successful, we then invite the community to nominate families that would like to take part in the sponsorship program.
Working Towards Sustainable Change
We don't give handouts, but a hand-up.
Poor people can take charge, overcome challenges and rely on themselves – with the right support. That's why we put local community members in the driver's seat: they make decisions, get involved, and develop solutions to their own problems so that after we leave the benefits continue. In this way we're working towards positive change that’s both sustainable and right for the community.
Children play an active role in this process. We make this happen by encouraging children to participate and contribute their ideas and opinions so that they are truly heard.