Some Frequently Asked Questions
- What to expect in communicating with my child
- How do I send pictures to my child?
- Is the IGL an adoption agency as well?
- What happens to my child after he or she has complete schooling or leaves the program?
- May I send gift to my child?
- How are my monthly sponsor payments or donations used?
- How long will the child need support?
What to Expect as a Sponsor
Search for a Child to Sponsor
As a Lives Linked sponsor, the first year of financial support is provided. However, the most important support comes from you in the form of letters, pictures and, if you choose, gifts. Your encouragement and moral support are the keys to building a strong, lasting connection with your child, and in helping him or her grow into a happy and successful adult.
What to expect in communicating with my child
You will communicate with your child through the Lives Linked eLinkMail system. This unique system utilizes an email platform so that mail is delivered instantly, and you and your child can begin building a relationship right away.After registering with Lives Linked and selecting a child, you will write the first letter introducing yourself. When your letter arrives at your child’s home, it will be translated and hand-delivered to your child. If your child is too young to read the letter, teachers at the home will read it to your child and help him or her write a letter back to you.
Due to the logistics involved with translation and getting letters to the children, we ask that sponsors wait until they have received correspondence from their child before sending another message. The eLinkMail system will automatically disable sending a new message to your child until a response has been sent to you. Communication with your child can take anywhere from one week to one month.
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How do I send pictures to my child?
You can attach pictures to your eLinkMail letters by following the instructions on the letter template. Your child will enjoy seeing pictures of you and your family, and the pictures will help facilitate your child’s understanding of other cultures. Please keep in mind the conservative nature of the Indian culture and refrain from sending pictures with inappropriate dress or jewelry.Many children will draw pictures and attach them to the letters they send you. This is a fun and easy way for your child to communicate with you.
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Is the IGL an adoption agency as well?
The IGL does not arrange adoptions, nor is it a licensed adoption agency.Back to top
What happens to my child after he or she has completed schooling or leaves the program?
When the children have completed their basic education, they are encouraged to go into higher education or vocational training. Many of these children go on to develop careers, raise families and give back to the community. Some even stay and work with the IGL ministry. Read their stories here.On occasion, children with parent(s) leave the IGL home before their schooling is finished because they have reached working age and parents need the additional income, or the family moves out of the village. Although the parents are counseled on the importance of the sponsorship program, they retain the right to remove their children from the program at any time.
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May I send gifts to my child?
Absolutely. IGL-approved gifts are available for you to purchase through this website. Click on the gifts link in your eLinkMail letter template and choose from a variety of items at the IGL store. Please select from the category titled "Gift Items for Sponsored Children". Suggested items include: board games, stationery, footballs, jewelry or a birthday party if it is your child’s birthday.Back to top
How are my monthly sponsor payments or donations used?
This money is used to help provide for the physical, educational and spiritual needs of your child. The IGL operates with a 15 percent administrative overhead, which is specifically dedicated to the procurement of future child sponsorships. This means 85 percent of your gifts go directly to the care of your child.Back to top
How long will the child need support?
Most children require support until they have completed basic schooling, which is at the age of 15.Most children are enrolled through a local church or pastor. When a child leaves the program, IGL can contact the local church or pastor to follow up on the well-being of the child. If the child’s family moves from one village to another, follow-up can become difficult.
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