Why doesn PWRDF participate in child sponsorship programs?
Sponsorship programs are appealing to donors in that they create what is perceived as a direct connection to their giving. PWRDF, like many other development organizations, has chosen not to approach our donors in this way for three main reasons. First our partners and our own experience have both convinced us it is better in the long run to help build up communities as a whole, rather than singling out individuals for financial support. Our approach also helps individuals build their leadership skills, but it does so within the context of developing the whole community. Child-focus programs are designed with the donor in mind, not necessarily the development partner’s community. Second, child sponsorship programs are expensive with high administrative and promotional costs that are usually not spelled out clearly in the highly emotional marketing material. Third, the ads for many child sponsorship programs portray people as dependent, helpless victims. This approach is something we an
