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Help a child to break free from poverty and discover the freedom to learn, grow, play, and dream.
Together, we're lifting up one child at a time
When you sponsor a child, you join 7,500 other Kiwis opening a door to education, medical care, nutritional support and opportunities that were once out of reach. You’re walking alongside a child living in poverty, as they step into lasting change.
Why our supporters give
“I believe that without the programme, it would have been impossible for me to become a security guard. My mentor at the centre also motivated me to do my best. When I felt down because I didn’t believe in myself, she was always willing to listen when I shared my thoughts. I’m happy because I now have a stable income. Financial independence is essential because I can help my mother.”
Michelle, Supported age xx, Indonesia
“I’m thankful for every moment during my time in the Compassion sponsorship programme. I had a good childhood because of the people around me, not only the memory of activities and how much the centre staff cared for us. My most precious memory is of my sponsor and how he made me feel that I have a complete family.”
Anurak, Supported age xx, Thailand
“Before sponsorship, I experienced hunger, as my family’s small piece of land was our only source for food. But sponsorship changed my life. I received a scholarship to go to university and finished my MA in Plant Science. Now, I’m studying for my PhD in the United States so I can focus on food security and how we can create policies to help more farmers like my mum have enough to eat.”
Collins, Sponsored age xx, Uganda
Your love is life-giving
Sponsorship helps children grow up knowing they are seen, valued, and not alone.
It supports education by helping children learn and develop their skills. It provides encouragement through consistent relationships that build confidence and hope. It supports local churches and communities who walk alongside children and their families.
It also helps meet practical needs around health and wellbeing, so children are better able to thrive. Children in Compassion programmes stay in school longer, and are encouraged to dream boldly. Some even become the first in their family to go to university.
The gift of hope
It takes a village to raise a child, and that’s true no matter where you are around the world. When you sponsor a child they will be surrounded by people who provide opportunities for hope and faith to grow.
Through our Compassion projects, this invitation is lived out every week. Children learn about God’s love for them, are encouraged in their studies, and are surrounded by leaders who believe in who they are, and who they can become.
This isn’t just support. It’s belonging. It’s identity. It’s hope.
4 years old, Bangladesh
5 years old, Bangladesh
7 years old, Uganda
8 years old, Uganda
10 years old, Uganda
11 years old, Uganda
12 years old, Uganda
2 years old, Uganda
2 years old, Bangladesh
3 years old, Bangladesh
4 years old, Uganda
5 years old, Uganda
4 years old, Kenya
5 years old, Kenya
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What makes our sponsorship programme special?
Tearfund partners with Compassion, a global neighbourhood committed to releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
Jesus is the centre of everything we do and every child in our programme hears the gospel. They receive a Bible and get connected with pastors and volunteers who gently encourage them in their faith. Children experience Jesus’ love through the acts of kindness and care sponsorship provides.
Compassion’s sponsorship programmes partner with a local church in the child's community. Over 8,500 local churches are carrying Christ's compassion into their communities, where they know the people and see the need. They were present long before Compassion arrived and will be there long after our part is done.
When you choose a child to sponsor, your giving supports that child directly. You can build a life-changing friendship with them and champion their development. Through your eyes they start to see a world so much bigger than their own, and begin to hope and dream for their future.
Friendship across oceans
We often hear stories of the joy it brings when a child hears their name called out—a letter has arrived from their sponsor!
Sponsorship can become a beautiful journey of friendship. Children are encouraged to write letters to their sponsors, sharing what their everyday lives look like, and what they are learning at the Compassion centre.
As you exchange letters, you share parts of your lives together, and friendships can form that last a lifetime. Knowing they are known, loved and supported can give a child the courage to hope for a future they once thought was impossible.
What sponsors say
Kiwis share about the impact of sponsoring a child.
6 years old, Uganda
6 years old, Bangladesh
Our local church partners connect with the families and children in their community and are best placed to identify who is most in need. A clear process is followed to determine
The impact of poverty, and the family’s financial situation
Current access to school and health care
Walking distance to the church programme
Likelihood of staying in the community long-term
We prioritise sponsorship opportunities for equal numbers of girls and boys who facethe greatest challenges such as; illness, hunger, being orphaned, or living on a single parent’s income.
You can ready more here.
Each child’s journey is different. Sponsorship usually begins when a child is between ages 1 and 10 and continues into early adulthood - generally until age 18 to 22.
Some children may go on to high school or university, others into vocational training or work. Our goal is to support each young person into a thriving, independent future.
No, children of all faiths (or none) are welcome and cared for in the programme.
Families know the Child Development Programme is run by local churches and has a Christian foundation. Caregivers give permission for their children to hear the Christian gospel, knowing that ongoing participation in the programme doesn't depend on making a commitment to Christ. They are free to leave at any time, and all services are provided with no ‘strings attached’.
We serve each child based on their needs, not religion, politics, or ethnicity. Tearfund believes God’s love is for everyone, and that every child deserves to be known, loved and protected.
We usually sponsor just one child per family so we can reach more vulnerable families in the community.
Sponsorship supports the whole household to lift themselves out of poverty, as limited resources are spread out less thinly within the family. Often, siblings join in activities like holiday programmes or Christmas events at the development centre.
You can help siblings by including them in your letters and prayers or give a special family gift to bless everyone at Christmas.
If you can no longer continue, your sponsored child will remain in the programme but we need to find them a new sponsor.
Tearfund’s partner Compassion is committed to long-term support, so your child will still receive care, education and meals. We do our best to match them with a new sponsor quickly, so they feel seen, supported and encouraged again.
The child you sponsor won’t be able to receive personal letters or gifts through Tearfund after sponsorship concludes, as those are unique to your sponsor relationship.
We’d love to hear from you. You can contact us by emailing us at info@tearfund.org.nz or contact our lovely Supporter Services Team on 0800 800 777 (Mon-Fri).
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