Asian Aid - Frequently Asked Questions

Yes it does! Each child personally experiences the love of Jesus Christ through sponsors who care enough to place them in a school. Child sponsorship impacts individual children personally and empowers them to rise above the insidious grasp of poverty. It also builds the church's capacity to meet the needs of the poor. Back to Top

How is Asian Aid child sponsorship different?

We only sponsor children in a Christian setting and all of them are sponsored within Adventist schools and institutions. Because sponsorship pays for teachers, buildings and classroom resources, it improves the capacity of the church to meet the educational needs of local communities. Back to Top

How are children chosen?

All children are carefully selected and prioritised according to their individual circumstances. Priority is given to deaf, blind and orphan children, or those who come from extremely poor or needy families. Where possible our project officers interview each child's family and submit the child's photo and details for our approval. Religion, ethnicity and gender do not affect our selection process. Back to Top

What is the Cost of Sponsorship?

Sponsorship begins at $25-30.00 per month for students who live locally but attend school as day students. This amount pays for their school fees, uniform and books.

$40-50.00 pays all expenses for boarding students like our deaf children, orphans and those from remote areas.

$100.00 per month educates a nurse. Back to Top

Can I send money and gifts to my child?

We do not send money or gifts directly to children or their families however many sponsors choose to make a small, annual donation to the Gift fund of $25-30. This fund ensures that each child will receive an annual Christmas present, a new uniform and textbooks. Sponsors also have the option of sending small gifts directly to our country offices and we advise sending something the child can share with others. Unfortunately we cannot pass on gifts sent directly to our office in Wauchope, Australia! Back to Top

Can I write to my sponsored child?

Your sponsored child would love a letter or postcard. Just be sensitive in what you write and mail all letters directly to our country offices. Avoid criticising children's religion, culture or their national political system and be wary of describing your holidays, possessions or other information that might be difficult for a poor child to comprehend. Back to Top

Who should I address letters to when communicating with my sponsored child?

Sponsors should always write their child's ID number on correspondence or parcels and mail to the address below.

If your child is sponsored in India write to:

C/- Helping Hand Welfare Society,
Post Office Box 4311,
Kalyan Nagar Post,
Bangalore, 560 043,
INDIA.

If your child is sponsored in Bangladesh write to:

BCSS
GPO Box 80,
Dhaka, 1000,
Bangladesh.

If your child is sponsored in Nepal write to:

Naseeb Basnet,
PO Box 10279,
Kathmandu,
Nepal. Back to Top

What is the best method of payment?

The best method for us is the one that suits you most. However, the most cost-effective method of payment for us is a yearly cheque or credit card payment. We can assist you if you would like to arrange your own direct debits and all payment can be made monthly, quarterly or yearly. You can also pay by money order however we ask that you do not send cash by mail. Back to Top

Is child sponsorship tax-deductible?

All donations are tax-deductible and receipted. You receive the receipt at the end of the tax year unless you request otherwise. If you are a Seventh-day Adventist this is sent via the newsletters handed out at your regular church. This helps us reduce our costs however we are able to make other arrangements to meet your needs if necessary. Back to Top

Can I visit my sponsored Child?

Visiting the child you sponsor can be a wonderful experience however we ask that all visitations are cleared with us prior to your departure. Our child protection policy requires that all visits are supervised by a field worker or staff member from the school. Because of our limited resources, any costs incurred in having the field worker present need to be covered by the sponsor. Back to Top

How often will I hear from my child?

Sponsors should receive a letter from each sponsored child twice yearly and an annual school report. Many children receive help in writing their letters because they are so young however our adult translators/writers use the children's words as much as possible. Back to Top

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

If you need to cease sponsorship call us and we can cover your payments for 8 weeks. If you are still unable to pay we will organise for the sponsorship to continue so that the child will not be harmed. This usually means that we find another sponsor to take over. Back to Top

What is Asian Aid's relationship with ADRA?

Asian Aid is a fully accredited, supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist church whereas ADRA is the church's official development and relief arm. Asian Aid respects ADRA's ministry and seeks to support and work together where possible. Back to Top

What is Asian Aid's relationship with the Seventh Day Adventist Church?

Asian Aid seeks to empower believers in Jesus to meet the needs of the poor. We cooperate closely with church leadership to achieve this goal. Back to Top

What percentage of funds goes overseas?

100% of all funds donated for overseas programs is actually sent overseas. We seek to minimise our costs in every respect and our marketing budget is less than one percent of our annual disbursements. This is almost unheard of today! Back to Top

“Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor. Then come, follow me.” ( Mark 10:21 )