How does child sponsorship work?

Child sponsorship is still one of the most powerful ways to help break the cycle of poverty. 
Until the 1970s child sponsorship looked very different to what it does today. Since people started sponsoring children through charities in the ‘30s, children and their families received direct handouts, similar to a welfare system from sponsors in wealthier countries. Research and smarter ways of supplying aid to developing countries showed this wasn’t only unsustainable; it often created tension among communities when some families received money or gifts, and others didn’t. 

Today, child sponsorship is set up to benefit all children. But how? 

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25 sponsored children and 25 letters every month

Everyone should know someone like Mr. Bear. He’s kind, generous and dedicated to his work and family. He’s also been sponsoring children with Plan Canada for over 30 years, and recently, he chose to sponsor an additional five children, bringing him to a total of 25 sponsored children.

Mr. Bear’s sponsored children span the globe in the Americas, Asia and Africa. He’s even posted a map in his office to keep track. Each child’s name and picture is posted on the map, and red string pinpoints their exact location around the world.

When we met with Mr. Bear, we discovered he wasn’t alone in his generous undertaking – in fact, he had a lot of help from one special person – his assistant, Rosemary.

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Inspiration in the classroom: Former sponsored child returns home to teach

Growing up in a poor family in the highlands of Ecuador, Gloria Ermelinda knew what it meant to work hard.

During her younger years, Gloria grew up as a sponsored child with Plan. She began attending school and learned the importance of education – something we value here at Plan. It’s a lesson she learned well – one she now shares with a new generation of children as a teacher. Gloria now stands in front of eager groups of students, teaching in the very school where she was once a student.

As the only one of her nine siblings to complete high school, Gloria places great value on education. She hopes her own children grow up to become working professionals one day, or maybe even a teacher! After all, teaching runs in the family – her husband is a teacher, too!

Gloria and her husband are inspirations. With both of them teaching at neighbouring schools in Ecuador, we hope their stories motivate generations to come.

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