Tips on writing to your sponsored child

At ActionAid, sponsors and sponsored chidren have a strong connection despite the geographical distance between them.

This relationship is bolstered by the exchange of letters and drawings between the sponsor and their sponsored child.

We encourage existing sponsors to send messages and photos to their sponsored child because time and time again, children from around the world tell us how much they love to receive letters from their sponsors. 

It takes just a few minutes to write a letter, but the effect is everlasting.

Explore top tips on writing a letter to your sponsored child today.

I feel warm and full of joy whenever I receive postcards from my sponsor. It’s a beautiful feeling because I know that thousands of miles away, someone cares a lot about me. Distance doesn’t matter at all!”

Hai is 14 and lives in Vietnam. She keeps all the letters and photographs her sponsor sends her, safe in a drawer.

Tips for writing to your sponsored child

To help get you started, here are some of our top tips on writing to your sponsored child.

Write about topics that children love

Children all over the world are interested in the same things. They love to hear about your friends and family, what sports you like, and your hobbies. They also like to hear about the foods you eat and your family celebrations. They just want to get to know you, so any of these topics are a good place to start.

Be inquisitive in your letters to your sponsored child

Ask a few questions in your letters:

  • What is your favourite sport?
  • What is your favourite animal?
  • Who is your best friend?
  • What's your favourite subject at school?
  • what festivals do you celebrate?
  • What would you like to be when you grow up?

Get your whole family involved in writing

Short of ideas? Why not ask your children, nephews or nieces, godchildren or grandchildren to give you a hand. How exciting would it be for them to write to another child and learn about a country far away. They could draw a picture or make a collage for you to send.

Keep in mind the style and format of your messages

Write clearly and simply, and keep it short!

Remember, all the messages sent to children will have to be translated, so it is best to avoid lengthy letters.

Send photographs or postcards instead of letters

It is fine to send a photo or a simple postcard to say hello if you don't want to write a letter. You can even draw a picture or simply stick a photo of you, your family and your pets on a postcard.

Sponsored children love to receive photographs - seeing a picture of their sponsor and their family brings the relationship to life. Their sponsor becomes somebody the child can talk to their family and friends about.

Be mindful of different cultural backgrounds in your letters and photos

Try not to focus on material items and avoid writing letters about religion, politics or culturally sensitive topics.  Do not send holiday snaps with people in beachwear or other culturally inappropriate photography.

Posting your letters 

All letters and photos from sponsors to their sponsored child are vetted at ActionAid before they are forwarded.

You can send your messages to ActionAid at:

ActionAid Child sponsorship office
Chard Business Park
Jarman Way, Chard
Somerset, TA20 1FB.

For more information, please contact us at supportercontact@actionaid.org or call us on 01460 238 000.

Tips for writing to your sponsored child

To help get you started, here are some of our top tips on writing to your sponsored child.

Topics to write to your sponsored child

Children all over the world are interested in the same things. They love to hear about your friends and family, what sports you like, and your hobbies. They also like to hear about the foods you eat and your family celebrations. They just want to get to know you, so any of these topics are a good place to start.

Be inquisitive in your letters to your sponsored child

Ask a few questions in your letters:

  • What is your favourite sport?
  • What is your favourite animal?
  • Who is your best friend?
  • What's your favourite subject at school?
  • what festivals do you celebrate?
  • What would you like to be when you grow up?

Get your whole family involved in writing to your sponsored child

Short of ideas? Why not ask your children or grandchildren to give you a hand. How exciting would it be for them to write to another child and learn about a country far away. They could draw a picture or make a collage for you to send.

Style and format of letters to your sponsored child

Write clearly and simply and keep it short! Remember, all the messages sent to the children will have to be translated, so it is best to avoid lengthy letters.

Send photographs or postcards to your sponsored child

It is fine to send a photo or a simple postcard to say hello if you don't want to write a letter. You can even draw a picture or simply stick a photo of you, your family and your pets on a postcard.

Sponsored children love to receive photographs - seeing a picture of their sponsor and their family brings the relationship to life. Their sponsor becomes somebody the child can talk to their family and friends about.

Be mindful of different cultural backgrounds in your letters and photos

Try not to focus on material items and avoid writing letters about religion, politics or culturally sensitive topics.  Do not send holiday snaps with people in beachwear or other culturally inappropriate photography.

Sending your letters 

All letters and photos from sponsors to their sponsored child are vetted at ActionAid before they are forwarded.

You can send your messages to ActionAid at: ActionAid, UK Child sponsorship office, Chard Business Park, Jarman Way, Chard Somerset, TA20 1FB.

For more information, please contact us at supportercontact@actionaid.org or call us on 01460 238 000.

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Top image: Blanca, a student excitedly draws a picture for her sponsor in the UK during ActionAid's annual child message collection in Guatemala. Karin Schrembruker

Page updated 2 March 2023