Sponsorship FAQ

What does my giving provide?

Your support helps to provide services and benefits for your child and his or her family. Your monthly giving supports the Sunday School programs in which your child participates, mentorship relationships with Metro staff and basic needs such as food and clothing.

How much is a monthly commitment and should I send it
at a specific time?

Your monthly commitment is only €28 per month. This amount may be paid on a monthly, quarterly, bi-annual or quarterly basis.

How are children identified for sponsorship?

Our staff members, known as site pastors, decide which children should be sponsored. In all nations where Metro World Child operates its Sunday School program, every child who attends receives weekly home visits to follow up with the children and their families. It is during these home visits that the site pastors become aware of the living conditions and the needs facing that child and determine whether or not sponsorship is needed.

Does my child know his or her sponsor?

Yes! Most children understand that there is someone who is helping them and loves them. They love hearing from you directly through the My Metro World Child office. Before each child is sponsored, we obtain written consent forms from the parent or guardian, allowing you to build a relationship with your child and his or her family.

What is a site pastor and what role do they play in my
sponsored child’s life?

Our staff members, known as site pastors, develop one-on-one relationships with the children with whom we work. They initially decide which children should be sponsored as well as maintain ongoing relationships to help Metro and the child’s sponsor meet specific needs. In all nations where Metro World Child operates its Sunday School program, every child who attends receives personal visits to follow up with the children and their families. It is during these home visits that the site pastors become aware of the living conditions and the needs facing that child.

Can I find out which site pastor is assigned to my child?

Yes! The site pastors make personal home visits to the child, so they are the best resource for up-to-date information and ways to meet immediate needs. They can be contacted through the My Metro World Child office.

What happens if my sponsored child stops attending Sunday School?

When a child moves or stops attending Sunday School, we try to locate him or her. If ever a child is no longer participating in the My Metro World Child program, we inform the sponsor and give you the opportunity to sponsor another child.

Can I write or send things to my child?

Yes! We encourage you to be in contact with your child as much as your time and resources allow. We find this to be a powerful tool.

United States

  • In the United States, we have the ability to accept direct gifts and hand- deliver them to children’s homes during their site pastor’s visits. You can send a wrapped gift or package to the Metro World Child.

International

  • In our international locations, we ask that sponsors do not send gifts directly, as we cannot guarantee arrival through international shipments or government. However, you can still give gifts to your child! You can send an extra amount of money, designated towards a specific list of items you would like for your sponsored child to receive, and Metro staff in that country will be sure to purchase and deliver these items. You may also send a financial gift and let your local Metro World Child staff member decide which items to purchase for your child, since they know the immediate needs of your child. In both cases, the child will know the gift comes from you and that you love him or her.

In both international and U.S. locations, Metro World Child facilitates giving programs throughout the year, especially during the holiday season. By giving to our largest outreach of the year, Operation Holiday Hope, we will ensure that your child and other children in the community receive Christmas gifts from you.

Can I write directly to my child's address?

No. All communication is handled through our office. Our policy is to protect you and your sponsored child. Therefore, all communication is handled with the site pastor as the liaison. In order to maintain this order of protection, we ask that you do not give them your personal email, phone number or address.

Does my sponsor child receive everything I send?

Yes. The site pastor has specific instructions to hand deliver to the sponsored child what was sent to him/her. There may be rare exceptions when a parent is entrusted to pass along the correspondence to the child.

Will my child write back to me?

Yes, your child will write to you. We believe it is important for you to hear directly from your child so we will send the notes to you as they come from the child. In some instances, children are unable to write and may need the site pastor or someone in their home to write the letters for them. If you are sponsoring a child whose language is different from your own, both your letters and the child’s responses will be translated.

Why do my child’s letters seem short, poorly written and sometimes not
in the handwriting of my child?

This is a direct result of their education level. Many of the sponsor children are just learning how to read and write. In these cases, Metro Staff will assist and write the than k you letters for the child until the child learns how to write.

How long will it take to receive a response from correspondence
that I’ve sent?

Please expect up to 8 weeks before receiving a response from the child. All of the correspondence is logged and then processed for the site captain to deliver to the child. Once delivered, and a thank you note from the child is written, it is then turned back into the office, logged and processed and sent back to the sponsor.

Does my child receive my support in cash?

No. We have learned that giving cash directly to the child or a parent is not the best way to help. Sadly, sometimes that money becomes the means to finance a habit. If we know the family has no food or that the child has a specific need, the money will be given in a way that meets that specific need.

Can I visit my child?

United States

  • In the United States, we accept visitors to our New York headquarters during both of our semesters (April – June and September – December). Not only does a trip to New York, as an individual or with a group, provide the chance to meet your sponsored child, but you will also get to experience Metro’s ministry hands-on by riding a bus, participating in Sunday School or joining us on weekly visits.

International

  • Because of the complexity of many of the international situations where we work, we coordinate with international sponsors on a one-on-one basis to determine if and when a visit is possible.

If you are interested in visiting, please click here for more information.

Am I my child’s only sponsor?

In some cases, a child is assigned both a United States as well as an International sponsor. We do this to keep sponsorship affordable for each sponsor. The cost of serving a child well exceeds the monthly amount received from one sponsor when you factor in general administrative costs, transportation, and Sunday School needs. By assigning two sponsors, we increase the chance for each of our children to have that life-changing relationship! Can you imagine the power of two people praying in agreement for one child?

How long does the sponsorship relationship last?

The ages of sponsored children ranges from age 3 to 16. Some sponsors support a child for a year or two, while others support a child for many years. We’ve even had some sponsors connect with a young child and elect to continue with their sponsorship through the child’s college years.

What happens if I miss my monthly support commitment?

We understand that circumstances can arise that make it difficult to keep a monthly commitment. However, please realize that your involvement with sponsorship is a very vital commitment to a child that makes a profound difference. If we do not hear from you for several months, we will call you so that we both can review the situation and determine whether or not you would like to continue your commitment.

What happens to my child if I have to discontinue my sponsorship?

While the consistent relationship your sponsorship provides is very meaningful to a child, we understand that many sponsors cannot make a monthly commitment indefinitely. When a child loses his or her sponsor, we try to reassign the child to a new sponsor as quickly as possible and make sure he or she is taken care of through our staff, programs and other sponsors.

What are some other ways I can support my child directly
during the year?

There are many ways to show a child you care. For his birthday, a card or gift goes a long way. In each country, we also have various programs throughout the year for which you can sponsor your child. You can sponsor your child to go to summer camp, or provide back-to-school supplies, a complete meal for Thanksgiving, or even toys for Christmas.

What is the best way to contact the My Metro World Child
sponsorship program?

Email: .

Metro World Child
Won by One
P.O. Box 409
Brooklyn, NY 11237

Call: (718) 453-3352
Fax: (718) 453-7177