Is it Wrong to Sponsor Children in Africa?

philanthropy May 30th, 2008

What do you think?

My understanding is that some people might view the “sponsorship” of a child by someone in the West as yet another “colonial” kind of move on behalf of the “First World” interfering with the “Third World” (I know those terms are no longer politically correct).

But what if you’re just really helping someone in their situation?

Not all child sponsor organizations also come with the “strings attached” promise of making sure that that child also gets a good Christian education. Some organizations place their focus on education basics: math, science, english, etc.

So what’s your take?

Is this just another example of the West trying to interfere and dominate another culture? Or can’t it be done to real, honest benefit? Must it always be seen to reflect some kind of ego-gratification on the part of the sponsor? Do you think there are better ways of charitable giving? (Assume here that all the money goes directly to the child. For the organization that I’m involved with, it does).

2 Comments to “Is it Wrong to Sponsor Children in Africa?”

Mr. Cheap | June 2nd, 2008 at 5:58 pm

I’m opposed to it, not from any concerns about colonial attitude, just from an effectiveness perspective. “The Road to Hell: The Ravaging Effects of Foreign Aid and International Charity” by Michael Maren should be required reading by anyone who wants to be involved in organizations like this (including as donors).

The biggest problem with non-profits in general is that they’re typically ineffective. Staff seem to think that there good intentions are all that matter, not actually any goods or services.

I love business for exactly that reason, both parties are getting something out of it, so they’re both motivated to continue the relationship (and to continue being effective so the other party doesn’t terminate it).
MoneyEnergy | June 2nd, 2008 at 6:37 pm

Thanks for the book tip, I’ll check it out…

I agree that both sides need to be motivated and that there should be some “real return” in the form of something that the beneficiaries actually receive, i.e., in the way of a better education, or drinking water, or whatever the organization focuses on.

Since it is charitable giving, though, the only thing I’m looking for in return is just to know that my “child” (Angel) is actually benefitting from money I give - otherwise there’s no point in my giving it.

But I would like to learn more about others’ experiences if you’ve been involved with charities in Africa or something similar. I would like to visit Angel some day and so far, the organization is really decent. Like I said, it comes with “no strings attached” and they’re just trying to build schools over there. So they’re very focused.

Originally I had checked out World Vision (because they’re the most visible, probably), but ultimately I disagree with the fact that their charitable activities come with the underhanded clause that 1) they filter communication to the children and 2) they will only accept donors and beneficiaries who agree to receiving a specifically Christian education.

Anyways, enough said.

Another great book, that really got me inspired about this again is Jeffrey Sach’s _The End of Poverty_ or something like that.