Sponsorship/Godparent Program Information about our sponsorship program, including some frequently asked questions

►Sponsorship Form

►Communication portal for sponsors

What is sponsorship?

Sponsorship is a unique form of developmental support that is widely used by NGOs throughout the world. With an emphasis on solidarity and cooperation, sponsorship is an ideal vehicle for meeting the most basic needs of children in situations of extreme poverty, such as food, healthcare, and education.  

Godparent and Child

This program is designed to promote the wellbeing of all children who have an open file with IdukayPerú, whether or not they have sponsors.  Thus, sponsorship not only benefits the sponsored child, but also all of the children IdukayPerú supports, as well as their families and communities.  Our projects focus on community development, particularly in the areas of health, education, and nutrition.  Infrastructure projects, such as the construction of a school and rehabilitation of bathrooms for the community, help us to create a space in which our programs can operate.  Our overall goal is to improve the life of the children we work with and of the community as a whole, while at the same time eliminating institutional dependency and encouraging self-sufficiency in the long-term. 

What does the program consist of?

Sponsorship consists of a person, family, or group of friends pledging to give economic support to a needy child who participates in our programs.  The minimum donation required to participate in the program is 20 Euros, or about 30 US dollars, per month; beyond this, there is no limit to what sponsors may contribute. 

Who manages my contributions?

Your donations will be processed by an external accountant and then administered by the NGO.  Funds will never be provided directly to the sponsored child or any of his or her relatives.  Rather, all money will be used by IdukayPerú to carry out the fundamental mission of this program, which is to improve the quality of life of needy children using a model of comprehensive support.  Again, it is not just the sponsored child who benefits, but also all of the children involved in the program, as well as the communities where they live.

How will my money be spent?

Your donations will be used to pay for:

► A minimum level of nutrition, i.e., lunch and snack

► Basic healthcare such as vaccines, medicines, and activities relating to group and individual health

► Educational needs : books and other school supplies

► Costs associated with recreational activities like sports and field trips

► Occasionally, the costs of  a celebration and/or small gift, for instance on a birthday

► Additional other necessities, such as clothing, a visit to the doctor, etc., depending on children’s specific needs

May I sponsor more than one child?

If you wish, you are welcome to sponsor more than one child.  However, please note that the reverse cannot occur, which is to say that there can never be more than one sponsor per child.  Your “godchildren” will know that you are their sole sponsor; to assign more than one sponsor to a child would only create confusion and unnecessary conflict.

When can I assume the responsibility of becoming a sponsor?

The first step to becoming a sponsor is not to send any money.  Before making the commitment to be a sponsor, you should complete the sponsorship form to provide us with some basic information about yourself.  After IdukayPerú has received your information, we will send you a dossier about a child (or children) in need of sponsorship.  Each dossier includes a recent photograph of the child, as well as background information about his or her family and social environment. 

We will also inform you upon receipt of your first sponsorship contribution.

May I communicate with my godchild or receive additional information about him or her?

Sponsors are welcome to correspond with godchildren and their families whenever they wish.  In fact, IdukayPerú encourages such communication, because it promotes valuable interpersonal bonds and contributes to the emotional wellbeing of godchildren.  It is extremely encouraging for these children to know that someone far away cares about them and has an interest in their education, health, and success.  When a child receives a letter or postcard from her godparent, she will exhibit it with pride to her friends, family, and teachers.

How long does this commitment last?

Your involvement in the program is voluntary and will last as long as you are wiling and able to participate.  Many sponsors support their godchildren until they reach adulthood or have obtained the means to support themselves. 

Your economic contribution to your sponsored child will generally finish when the child turns eighteen, unless you wish to continue your financial support to help your child pursue higher education or other activities.

May I see my godchild in person?

If you wish, you are welcome to travel to Peru and visit your godchild.  Such visits are extremely gratifying for sponsors and godchildren alike.  However, it is critical that you inform us of your dates of travel well in advance, so that IdukayPerú can plan your visit and assist you in making arrangements. 

A godparent meeting her godchild and his family.

May I send gifts to my godchild?

We ask that you do not mail packages to your godchild, as the NGO must pay taxes and other fees associated with their delivery.  It is preferable that you make a special contribution of additional funds, for instance during Christmas, which can be used to pay for activities and toys on special occasions.

May I choose a godchild of a particular age or gender?

You may specify your preference to sponsor a boy or girl within a specific age group, and we will try to accommodate you.  However, the most important selection factor for apadrinamiento is need.  If there are children in urgent need of a sponsor, their cases will be promoted first.

►Sponsorship Form

►Communication portal for sponsors