Child sponsorship?

Question

I've been wanting to sponsor a child in Africa and am now in the place where I can do so in addition to my other annual donations.

I'm looking at both Plan Canada (formerly Foster Parents Plan) and World Vision Canada and can't choose between them. Can anyone give me any feedback (positive or negative) on either of these organizations?

Also, I'm not Christian and I know WV is a Christian organization. I've heard they use some of the money to try to convert the people they're helping. I don't agree with this but can't confirm this fact anywhere. Has anyone heard about this or is it just a rumour?

Any advice, experiences, etc, would be appreciated! Thank you!

Answer 1

Of the two, I'd go with Plan Canada. World Vision in the past has occasionally colluded with oppressive right-wing regimes. I myself saw that during El Salvador's civil war. Campesinos actually spurned WV's offers, because they knew WV would tell army officers anything they asked. WV said they had to do that to get access and help the people. But to me then -- and now -- it seemed sleazy.

Answer 2

World Vision trying to convert people is definitely just a rumour.  I've actually sponsored children both through Foster Parents Plan of Canada (before it was Plan) and through World Vision Canada for the past 10+ years.  I was annoyed with Foster Parents Plan when relatives visited my sponsored child and there was a few things that happened I wasn't too pleased with.  That was a very long time ago so I wouldn't negate them based on that experience now.

I've been very happy with WV and in fact have seen several of their projects first-hand in the Middle East and Africa.  They help all people, regardless of religion.  I've seen several of their projects that helped Muslims only, as it was in Muslim regions.  I've also seen projects that helped both Christians and Muslims but they did not differentiate their help based on religion at all.  I've also been impressed that they try to aid in ways that the community will eventually become self-sustainable.

Answer 3

I would try a smaller organization that doesn't have nearly the administrative costs.

www.risingfountains.org

GREAT site. Email Mathias Zimba directly and he will assign you a child