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).