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CHILD SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
FAQ’s Investing in the Future
The unique journey of one sponsor connecting with a child will brighten a path in both their lives.
What is the Child Sponsorship Program (CSP)? HCI’s Child Sponsorship Program is a unique program that links sponsors with needy children. The sponsor becomes responsible for a child’s monthly assistance, and he/she receives a profile and photograph of his/her sponsored child. Sponsors receive an annual report and photograph of the child updating the positive development of the child. For many sponsors, the children become integral members of their extended family, as they become a pillar of strength and support in the lives of these children.
Who benefits? Needy and impoverished children up to the age of 18 reap the benefit of this program. Their needs are assessed by field workers who determine if the children qualify to enrol in the program.
How do the children benefit? The focus is placed on providing education, as well as medical and other basic necessities. To meet the needs of children, CSP is supplemented with several additional HCI programs such as our educational projects, medical health clinics, Zabiha and Ramadan food distribution and our Eid gifts program.
Where does the program operate? The numbers of countries that receive the support continue to expand. Currently the program aids children from 14 countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Guyana, Haiti, India, Kashmir, Pakistan, and Somalia are countries where the cost to sponsor a child is $30/month. Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Syria and Tunisia are countries where the cost to sponsor a child is $60/month.
Why is this program necessary? As conflict, natural disasters, poverty and malnourishment plague our world; children continue to be the prime victims. The number of children who live in poverty is increasing. Millions of children do not possess basic daily necessities integral to their livelihoods. They lack access to schools, proper housing, or adequate health care. Faced with these realities, HCI felt the necessity of creating a program that focuses on the children and that helps them directly. 2 | P a g e
Procedures Involved in Sponsoring a Child
When a sponsor indicates his/her wish to sponsor a child, we require the following information:
1. Sponsor’s personal information
2 The country where the sponsor wishes to sponsor a child
3. Payment options Pre-Authorized Payment via bank account or credit card cheques, online or cash in person
Once HCI gets the confirmation to start the CSP and after we have received the first payment, we will link a child to a sponsor. Financial contributions are earmarked for a particular child from the sponsor effective from the date of receipt of the written notice.
QUESTIONS ABOUT SPONSORSHIP
How do I sponsor/help a child?
You can: Sponsor an individual orphan/needy child on a monthly/annual basis Make a general donation to our CSP General Fund(child welfare and protection)
You can start by: Calling HCI and speaking with the Child Sponsorship Program Officer Phone: 1-800-587-6424, 613-742-5948 ext 21 Visiting our HCI website: www.humanconcern.org
Are the funds given to the child or guardian? HCI provides services tailored to the child’s particular needs assessed through our offices or partner organizations on the ground.
Are there any administrative fees or any cuts made from the donations we give? No. We transfer 100% of your donations. 3 | P a g e
How do I pay? You can pay by cheque, pre-authorized monthly withdrawals from your bank account or credit card. You have the option of paying monthly and yearly.
Do I get a tax receipt? Yes, HCI issues a tax deductable receipt for all donations which are issued and sent mid February.
How long will the sponsorship continue? You can sponsor a child up to age 18. We encourage long-term commitment to ensure financial security for the child. If you wish to cancel your sponsorship, we appreciate three months notice to give us time to find a new sponsor.
What information will I receive about the child I sponsor? You will receive a profile and picture of the child within 7 days after the first payment is received. A progress report and picture of your child will be sent to you once a year outlining his/her positive development.
Can I contact, give additional funds or gifts to the child? Yes, you can send letters or gifts directly to the sponsored orphan’s field office.
If you would like the address of a particular office please feel free to contact [email protected] or call 613-742-5948 ext 21.
Can I visit my sponsored child? Yes, chaperoned visits will be arranged with our field officers. The visits will be at your own expense/risk. 4 | P a g e
Child Protection Policy
Human Concern International is fully committed to protecting the security, privacy and dignity of sponsored children and their families. The protection procedures detailed below are in place to ensure the safety and welfare and offer them protection from exploitation and/or abuse.
The location and family name of the child will be withheld until the donor has been identified. Sponsorship is based on the agreement that donors will not attempt to contact the orphan or their family by any means without the permission of HCI. The donor may visit their sponsored child, at his/her own expense, provided they have obtained written permission in advance. HCI may carry out police background checks before permitting such visits. The field worker within that country will supervise the visit at all times. For safety reasons, sponsored children cannot be brought back to the donor’s country for visits.