All you’ve ever wanted to know about sponsorship

Mia and Macy with the three children their family sponsors

Child Sponsorship: Your questions answered 

Almost 8,000 Kiwis all over the country sponsor at least one child through Tearfund New Zealand’s partner Compassion International. Are you one of them? Thank you—you are an answer to prayer!   

We often receive questions about sponsorship. So, we thought we’d share some of our most frequently asked questions with you. Perhaps you’ve been wondering, too! 

How is my monthly sponsorship donation used? 

Your sponsorship through Tearfund supports a child’s development in every area of life—spiritually, emotionally, physically, and socially. Rather than giving cash directly to families, support is provided through Compassion centres run out of churches right in the children’s communities. These centres are hubs of activity where each child receives nutritious meals, education support, healthcare, mentoring, and much more. They are also safe places for children to gather, have fun, and hear the gospel.  

Plus, every dollar of your donation is an investment in your child’s future. Independent research shows that with your sustained support; your child is more likely to stay in school longer and more likely to grow up to be employed and become a leader in his/her church and community. 

Charlie, a 10-year-old boy from Nicaragua, loves to receive letters from his sponsor. “I feel so happy when my sponsor sends me a letter! Photo: Compassion International 

Does letter writing really make a difference?  

Absolutely! In fact, the staff in the Compassion centres often tell us how much the children treasure the letters they receive from their sponsors. Each letter carries with it hope and encouragement. Sometimes your words can even be life-changing—like for Owen in Kenya who heard “I love you” for the very first time in a letter from his sponsor.      

You never know what you might spark in a child through your words. Tell them you believe in them, you’re praying for them, and that they are known and loved.   

How long does a child stay in the programme?   

Each child in the programme can be supported throughout the entirety of their school years until they graduate, between ages 18-22 years old.    

The aim of sponsorship, especially through the teenage years, is to set the young person up for success. For some that means continuing support into high school and university, for others it may be completing primary school or vocational training. The time a child stays in the programme depends on their personal goals and abilities, the national education system in their countries, and their opportunities for further training.     

For more FAQs and tips on how to make the most of your sponsorship journey, visit: https://www.tearfund.org.nz/Child-Sponsorship/For-Sponsors 

Alice (21) overcame loss and became an advocate for girls in her community in Mombasa, Kenya. Compassion International

Can I visit the child I sponsor, and what does this involve?   

Yes, you can! Make sure to submit your request to Tearfund at least eight weeks before you would like to visit so there’s plenty of time to complete your paperwork, get your police security check and confirm your visit with the programme team in your child’s country.  

On the visit day, you’ll be picked up and taken to the programme centre to meet your sponsored child. Each visit lasts roughly six hours, and a Compassion staff member will accompany you every step of the way.  

If you have any more questions about our sponsorship programme, don’t hesitate to talk to one of the team on 0800 800 777 or email us at info@tearfund.org.nz.