After the initial information and photo, will I receive additional photos and updates on my child? Yes! Informal updates and photos are distributed throughout the year via e-mail.

You describe the program as a "group sponsorship" program. What does that mean? In order to provide equally to the orphans at a location, each sponsor is assigned to a small group (as well as to an individual child). Donations from that group's sponsors are pooled and used to equally provide for the children in that group. 

Is a group basically the same as an orphanage then? Not necessarily. Depending on the size of the orphanage, there may be multiple groups of older children within one orphanage. 

Since my donation is going toward a group of children, will I learn how the group is doing as a whole? Yes. Our informal reports will frequently discuss the group as a whole as well as provide photos of your child with other group children. Once your child has been assigned, you will be given a link to our yahoo-based web list for your group. It is a great source of information and allows you to meet and share information with other families sponsoring children in your group.

Can I send gifts to my child? You may, but we do not recommend it. Many packages never arrive. If they do arrive, the country applies very large customs fees often prohibiting us from retrieving them. Often we can provide extra room for personal gifts when we travel from the States for much less than the cost of shipping directly. We'll be sure to let you know about upcoming trips in case you would like to reserve space for a gift for your child.