We asked graduating sponsored children to write one last letter to their sponsors. Their responses will make you cry.

You’ve heard that to sponsor a child is to make a positive difference in a young person’s life – but you might wonder how that impact carries over time. Does child sponsorship really work in the long term? Do those children really benefit from, remember and appreciate your support when they grow into adults?

Here at ChildFund, we see young people graduate from our programs all the time who are confident, motivated and ready to make their mark in the world, in part due to their sponsor’s long-term encouragement and support throughout the challenges they faced as children. Don’t believe us? Read just a few of the letters these graduating sponsored children wrote to their sponsors for the very last time (and try not to cry)!

Sahana, India

“Sponsorship will always be a fond memory for me, especially the first birthday cards you sent me, because no one ever gave me a birthday card.”

My dear Pamela,

I wanted to take a moment to express how much you mean to me. You have been more than just a sponsor to me. You have been a source of encouragement, inspiration and hope.

Now I am pursuing my third-year graduation. I have scored 85% above in exams and won many prizes in sports and competitions. Through sponsorship, I have developed all the life skills like leadership, communication and confidence to express my opinions. Thanks to your support, I have been able to attend school, college and receive an education. This has been a huge blessing for me and my family, and it would not have been possible without your help. I have also been able to access health care and other basic needs, which has had a positive impact on my health and well-being.

Sponsorship will always be a fond memory for me, especially the first birthday cards you sent me, because no one ever gave me a birthday card.

I am very lucky to have you as a sponsor. Your kindness and generosity have made a significant impact on my life, and I feel so fortunate to have you in my life.

Sincerely,
Sahana

Renan, Brazil

“As a child, I did not realize the hard work and effort behind it all, but now I understand. Thank you for caring so much. I will never forget what you did for me. … Just like you, I will be a sponsor one day.”

Hi, Jhon and Margaret!

I come through this letter to say goodbye to you. Perhaps this will be the last letter I write. Time passed very quickly. Years ago, I took karate, guitar and computer lessons, and now I am finishing my high school studies, doing an internship working and making plans for my future, and that is amazing. You have no idea how amazing the project was, and you were amazing to me.

The project, together with its teachers and incredible staff, taught me things that I will definitely take with me for the rest of my life, things like respect, friendship and discipline. Thanks to it, I got guidance to go after the things I wanted, and I am what I am today thanks to that. And, of course, thanks to you, who supported all of this. As a child, I did not realize the hard work and effort behind it all, but now I understand. Thank you for caring so much. I will never forget what you did for me.

I have kept all your letters. You are great friends that I keep in my heart. I hope you continue to sponsor someone. You do not know the joy a child feels while is writing a letter telling about their daily routine to someone on the other side of the world. It is incredible! Just like you, I will be a sponsor one day. I hope you and your children are happy. I have never seen any of you, but I am sure you are a beautiful family, and I am happy to know that for many years I was also part of this family.

From: Renan

Gloria, Uganda

“I thank you for standing with me in every condition and the support you have given to me.”

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Jones,

I humbly send you my greetings to know how you are doing over there. Let me hope everything is okay and moving on well. I thank the almighty Lord who has kept you safe up to this time with all your family members. Here in Uganda, I am also doing well with all my family members. Wishing you a happy new year full of blessings.

I thank you for standing with me in every condition and the support you have given to me, that in our friendship I have managed to buy a cow, which is now going to have a baby for its first time. All this because of the support you always give to me.

I would like to let you know that I am going back to school for my last semester, which is going to take six months. Thanks very much for loving me unconditionally, and I pray to the almighty God to keep you safe with your daughters and your grandchildren. Always be blessed.

Yours in love,
Gloria

Does sponsorship really work?

As Sahana, Renan and Gloria all share, sponsoring a child is about more than just helping provide financial stability: It’s about making sure a child knows how much you care about and believe in them. Your encouraging words stay with a child as they grow and graduate from our program – and long after they grow up.

Ready to make your difference in a child’s life? Sponsor a child yourself and start the journey today.