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Letter writing
For many sponsored children, receiving letters from their sponsors is one of the most impacting parts of our child development programs. Treasured letters often decorate the walls of children’s homes and children who have graduated the program tell us what hope and encouragement the letters and prayers of their sponsors gave them.
Writing letters is one of the most important ways you can build a friendship with your child. When they know that someone in another country cares enough to write, it tells them they are special to you, and to God.
But not only will you impact your sponsored child’s life—they will undoubtedly impact yours! The letters you receive will hopefully open your eyes to life in different parts of the world, inspire you, and fill you with hope and the joy of knowing that the difference you are making in each other’s lives has eternal significance.
You can write online right now! Alternatively, you can use Compassion’s customised writing paper or your own stationary, but please include your supporter name and number and the name and number of your child—you can find this information on any Compassion tax receipt.
You can also send your child postcards, photos, and other small, flat, paper-based gifts like bookmarks or stickers. Unfortunately, we cannot send other gifts through the mail because of the cost of postage and customs regulations, but we can purchase gifts on your behalf.
If you sponsor in a group, we encourage you to write a letter together. It is less confusing for your child to have the same contact person sign every letter on behalf of the group.
What to write
Not sure what to say? Here are some letter writing tips to get you started.
Share:
- What you do for work
- What your community looks like: do you live in a town, city or near a beach?
- Share your favourite quote/saying and explain it – what common sayings are there in your country? What do they mean?
- I’m getting a new pet/having a baby – what do you think I should name it?
Ask:
- Who do you most love to spend time with? i.e. friends, mum, dad, sister
- Do you have a favourite place to pray?
- Is there anything that worries you about school?
- What do you want to be most when you grow up?
Letter writing is new to many sponsored children, but by writing, they learn how to put their thoughts and feelings into words. Please don’t be discouraged if letters you initially receive are impersonal and formal. Often a project worker or teacher will write on behalf of younger children and sometimes letters are written as part of a class exercise. Your letter writing friendship will improve as your child grows and learns to write their own letters.
It is in your best interest not to reveal your address. Your child is likely to share your letters with other people and we have no way of protecting your personal details if you share them.
When to write and receive
You can write whenever you like! Writing in response to each letter you receive from your child, about every three months, will help your conversations to flow.
Sponsors' letters are mailed weekly from Compassion Australia's office to the country office where your child lives. Many children live in areas where there is limited postal service, and letters are hand-delivered by staff. Translation time and unreliable delivery are the main reasons for delays. Your letter could take two to three months to reach your child, but we are continually working on ways to improve delivery.
You should receive up to three letters a year from your child, in addition to a new photograph and progress report every two years.
