Sydeny, age 6, Zambia
How the coronavirus is affecting sponsored children
How the coronavirus is affecting sponsored children
How the coronavirus is affecting sponsored children
COVID-19 Sponsorship Updates
We’re living in an unprecedented time – the coronavirus pandemic impacts all of us and the situation is changing from hour to hour. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and out of control.
But now more than ever, we need to remember that we are not helpless. Each one of us has the power to care for and protect the people around us – and for those who are more vulnerable and less able to seek the help and care they need. Together we can turn the tide.
In each sponsorship community where we work, our staff and community partners are closely monitoring and updating us on the coronavirus situation. Below, you’ll find updates from each sponsorship country about how we are responding to keep children and families safe.
Looking to learn more information? We’ve answered some frequently asked questions about how COVID-19 is impacting child sponsorship. Learn more.
Many countries in Asia Pacific were reporting a gradual decline in new cases since October 2021, however, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines all showed an increase in cases and fatalities at the end of December 2021, due to the Omicron variant. Vaccination rates vary considerably across the region, with China (88%), Cambodia (85%), and Vietnam (80%) demonstrating high rates, while other countries recorded extremely low vaccine rates including Solomon Islands with only 27% of their citizens vaccinated with one or more doses, and Papua New Guinea with just 3% of their population having received any doses. Countries with access to booster doses have begun administering them to priority populations including health workers and the elderly. These include Mongolia (30%), Cambodia (38%), Sri Lanka (23%), Thailand (16%), the Philippines (6%), India (0.8%), and Bangladesh (0.8%). Vaccine eligibility for children has been expanded to 12 years and older in some countries. Frequent climatic emergencies including floods, cyclones, landslides and typhoons were reported between October and December 2021 and these continue to compound the impact of COVID-19 across the region. The humanitarian situation in Myanmar remains volatile, with escalating armed clashes worsening the COVID-19 situation for vulnerable children and their families.
World Vision continues to respond to the impact of COVID-19 in 17 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, especially in places where children and families are most vulnerable. Across Asia Pacific, World Vision has reached over 7.1 million people with education on preventive measures like handwashing and social distancing. In Indonesia, we are joining forces with the Australian Humanitarian Partnership to help promote vaccinations, make sure vulnerable children can go to school and be protected, and ensure women and people with disabilities are included in community efforts to rebuild their livelihoods. In the Philippines, we have continued to provide hygiene kits to help protect against COVID-19 to people living in evacuation shelters after Typhoon Rai damaged their homes. Child sponsorship is continuing to monitor and support sponsored children across the region to help keep kids and their communities safe throughout the pandemic.
Increasing vulnerabilities and worsening humanitarian needs due to COVID-19, conflict and protracted crises, have devastated livelihoods and access to services across Africa. OCHA reports need has increased by 70% in Southern and East Africa over the past two years, with over 123 million people currently in need across sub-Saharan Africa. The Omicron strain brough on a fourth wave of cases after the devastating Delta variant which saw a huge increase in infections and deaths in the region. The fourth wave only started to wane in mid-January 2022. Reduced funding forced the World Food Programme (WFP) to cut refugee food rations. In October 2021, refugees were receiving only 52% of a full ration. Countries across sub-Saharan Africa continue to face a quadruple threat of issues from conflict, climate change, and loss of livelihoods alongside the vast impacts of the pandemic. Severe food insecurity in the East Africa region is anticipated to persist well into 2022. Protracted and new conflicts, in parts of East, West, and Southern Africa have also resulted in loss of life, displacement, infrastructure damage, inaccessibility to basic services, and crop disruptions. Governments across sub-Saharan Africa have been rolling out COVID-19 vaccines but the region failed to meet WHO’s target to achieve 40% vaccination by the end of 2021.
To respond to the ongoing crisis, World Vision will continue our work in 27 countries in Africa to scale up preventive measures to limit the spread of the disease; strengthen health systems and workers; support children affected by COVID-19 with education, child protection, food security and livelihoods; and collaborate and advocate to ensure vulnerable children are protected.We joined a coalition of 22 humanitarian organisations raising the alarm on the dramatic food security situation in Mali. Surveys showed that 86% of clients we work with in Kenya were experiencing decreased income, so we are focusing on providing recovery loans to help families recuperate their finances during the crises. We are also working to digitise our microfinance services by upgrading systems to enable mobile payments and disbursements in Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Uganda, and Senegal, limiting paperwork and travel to reduce risks of disease transmission. In Ethiopia we are supporting local health authorities to mobilise and sensitise communities about COVID-19 vaccines. Child sponsorship is continuing to monitor and support sponsored children across the region to help keep kids and their communities safe throughout the pandemic, using different communications methods like WhatsApp and video calls to connect, even when we can’t visit in person.
The Middle East and Eastern European countries faced increased lockdowns and travel restrictions to limit the spread of the new COVID-19 variant between October and December 2021. Israel and Turkey were among the nations to tighten their travel regulations. In Lebanon, the Ministry of Health (MoH) announced a nightly curfew for unvaccinated individuals or those who had not had a negative PCR test, in an attempt to limit the spread of Omicron which resulted in protests in Beirut. A significant increase in COVID-19 cases in the Middle East and Eastern Europe is expected to be recorded in January and February 2022, and the impact on children and the most vulnerable groups, remains the major challenge across the region.
To respond to the ongoing crisis, World Vision will continue our work in 13 countries in the Middle East and Eastern European region to scale up preventive measures to limit the spread of the disease; strengthen health systems and workers; support children affected by COVID-19 with education, child protection, food security and livelihoods; and collaborate and advocate to ensure vulnerable children are protected. In Georgia, we are training for faith leaders around vaccine promotion and education supporting the most vulnerable children with psychosocial support and distribution of hygiene items. Across the region, we have distributed more than 800,000 handwashing supplies and 244,000 hygiene kits to help children and their communities protect themselves against the virus. Child sponsorship is continuing to monitor and support sponsored children across the region to help keep kids and their communities safe throughout the pandemic.
Latin America and the Caribbean begins the year with a downgrade of economic growth as the World Bank re-estimated the region’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth to slow to 2.6%, and the International Labor Organization (ILO) projected that 14 out of every 100 people unemployed in the world will be from this region. 267 million people are suffering from acute or moderate food insecurity – 13 million more than in 2020 which is the highest global hunger growth. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 60 million of those are facing hunger. Food security deteriorated more severely in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. COVID-19 cases are spiking across the region with approximately 1 million new cases being added every two days. Although the ratio of deaths has decreased with the Omicrom variant, the increase in COVID-19 cases is decimating staff in health units throughout the region.
To respond to the ongoing crisis, World Vision will continue our work in 15 countries in the Latin American and Caribbean region to scale up preventive measures to limit the spread of the disease; strengthen health systems and workers; support children affected by COVID-19 with education, child protection, food security and livelihoods; and collaborate and advocate to ensure vulnerable children are protected. We have distributed over 4.7 million masks to health facilities, health workers, and communities in the region and over $US10.2 million in cash and vouchers for emergency relief. We are working to increase child protection, meeting with 56 school principals in Haiti to work on implementing the recently approved law on positive discipline instead of using violence and corporal punishment. Similarly in Peru, we have launched a campaign to prevent corporal punishment against children. Child sponsorship is continuing to monitor and support sponsored children across the region to help keep kids and their communities safe throughout the pandemic, providing health information, education materials and cash support.
Right now, there are four things every child sponsor can do
Right now, there are four things every child sponsor can do
Let your sponsored child know that you care
Children everywhere are no doubt feeling afraid as the world around them swirls with uncertainty about the coronavirus. They are listening to conversation of friends, parents and teachers and for some, witnessing sickness and tragedy first-hand. Write a letter or message to your sponsored child to reassure them that even in uncertain times, you’re thinking of them or and praying for them. There might be delays with letters in some affected areas but a message to show you care, even if it takes some time to get there, is powerful.
Let your sponsored child know that you care
Children everywhere are no doubt feeling afraid as the world around them swirls with uncertainty about the coronavirus. They are listening to conversation of friends, parents and teachers and for some, witnessing sickness and tragedy first-hand. Write a letter or message to your sponsored child to reassure them that even in uncertain times, you’re thinking of them or and praying for them. There might be delays with letters in some affected areas but a message to show you care, even if it takes some time to get there, is powerful.
Speak up for the most vulnerable
Responding to this global crisis is a challenge for most countries, but in places where health systems are weak, the situation is even more desperate. Write to your government representatives and get on social media – ask your country to support nations where the world’s most vulnerable live to combat the spread of coronavirus. Encourage your social media network to do the same. If you like, you could also pray for the leaders of these nations and for the health and safety of people living in affected areas.
Speak up for the most vulnerable
Responding to this global crisis is a challenge for most countries, but in places where health systems are weak, the situation is even more desperate. Write to your government representatives and get on social media – ask your country to support nations where the world’s most vulnerable live to combat the spread of coronavirus. Encourage your social media network to do the same. If you like, you could also pray for the leaders of these nations and for the health and safety of people living in affected areas.
Support the Global Health Emergency Response
We need to take fast, informed and united action to protect the world’s most vulnerable children from the impact of coronavirus. We are on the cusp of a catastrophe. World Vision’s Global Health Emergency Response has launched a multi-million-dollar response in 17 countries. Give today and help fund this vital work in the places that need it most.
Support the Global Health Emergency Response
We need to take fast, informed and united action to protect the world’s most vulnerable children from the impact of coronavirus. We are on the cusp of a catastrophe. World Vision’s Global Health Emergency Response has launched a multi-million-dollar response in 17 countries. Give today and help fund this vital work in the places that need it most.
Stay informed
Each one of us can help to stop the spread of the coronavirus by doing what we can to stay healthy. Wash your hands, respect restrictions in your country, stick to social distancing rules and keep up to date on the latest information – visit the World Health Organization for the latest health recommendations or visit wvi.org for regular updates on what World Vision is doing to keep your sponsored child and their community safe.
Stay informed
Each one of us can help to stop the spread of the coronavirus by doing what we can to stay healthy. Wash your hands, respect restrictions in your country, stick to social distancing rules and keep up to date on the latest information – visit the World Health Organization for the latest health recommendations or visit wvi.org for regular updates on what World Vision is doing to keep your sponsored child and their community safe.
Below are some frequently asked questions about how COVID-19 is impacting child sponsorship. We will continually update you with more information.
What happens if my sponsored child is in a community affected by COVID-19?
We know that all sponsored children will be affected by this pandemic in some way. In each community where we work, World Vision staff and volunteers are closely monitoring the situation and responding to the changing needs of children and their families. Operations within our field offices fall into one of three scenarios:
- Our child sponsorship programs are operating without restriction. In these communities, we will focus on prevention and actively responding to the new challenges the community faces, in addition to our usual child sponsorship activities. We are also working with health authorities to spread accurate information about COVID-19 to our community partners.
- Our child sponsorship programs are operating, but with some restrictions. In these communities, we have paused some of our less time-critical work to limit close contact between children and other people and are carrying out COVID-19 interventions as well as any of our usual child sponsorship activities that are still possible.
- Our child sponsorship programs are on hold and an emergency response is underway. In countries where the government has introduced lockdowns or school closures, our face-to-face programs have stopped to adhere to local regulations and ensure safety. We are focused on keeping children and their families safe through a dedicated emergency response that raises awareness about COVID-19 prevention, strengthens local health systems, and prioritizes child protection throughout this period of heightened vulnerability. The majority of our communities are in this category.
You can find out what is happening and how we are working in your sponsored child’s community by checking the latest country updates. A letter and video from a staff member in your child’s community are also available online, along with your child’s annual report. You can see these updates and more on your child’s profile on MyWorldVision.org.
Don’t forget that you can always write a letter to your sponsored child to see how they’re doing. And we’re always here to answer your questions, too!
When will child sponsorship go back to normal?
We can’t know for sure when the COVID-19 risk will pass and operational restrictions will ease in your sponsored child’s country to pre- COVID-19 levels. In many areas around the world, our Child Sponsorship Programs are operating, but with some restrictions. In these communities, we’ve paused some of our less time-critical work to limit close contact between children and others and are carrying out COVID-19 interventions, as well as any of our usual child sponsorship activities that are still possible. Our staff in the communities are closely monitoring the situation and preparing to resume face-to-face child sponsorship activities as soon as it’s possible.
What happens if my sponsored child becomes seriously ill from COVID-19?
The safety and wellbeing of the children we serve is our highest priority. If your sponsored child becomes seriously ill from coronavirus or any other illness, we will contact you with known information as soon as it’s operationally possible.
What happens if my sponsored child loses a parent or caregiver because of COVID-19?
We know from experience with the Ebola crisis and other disease outbreaks, that the secondary impacts of the coronavirus can be devastating for children living in poverty, especially if they lose a parent or older caregiver. If your sponsored child loses a parent/caregiver to coronavirus or any other illness, we will contact you with known information as soon as it’s operationally possible.
How can you still care for my sponsored child if everyone is in lockdown?
There hasn’t been a day that our work to care for children has stopped, even when restrictions have required our staff to pivot and find new ways of operating. Because of partners, community networks, and the use of mobile phones or other locally available technology, we have been able to continue monitoring children’s health and well-being and respond to their needs. We have helped to strengthen the local health systems and have provided the emergency responders that children and their families rely on with supplies like soap, sanitizer and personal protective equipment like face masks and gloves. And we have delivered desperately needed food, hygiene supplies, cash vouchers and other assistance to the most vulnerable families and communities to help them get through this time.
Can I still write a letter or send a small package to my sponsored child?
Yes. In such uncertain times, your sponsored child or their family could be facing fear, isolation or uncertainty and they could benefit from knowing you are thinking of and/or praying for them.
However, before mailing a letter or sending a small package, we encourage you to check with your local postal office for restrictions around accepting and delivering mail to your sponsored child’s country. You can always skip the post office and log-in to MyWorldVision to send an email to your sponsored child anytime. Once your email, letter or package has been received in country it still may take longer to be delivered due to possible in-country restrictions from government or local health officials, but rest assured that it will be delivered, as soon as it’s safe to do so.
If you’ve just written a letter to your sponsored child, will you get a reply?
Yes! However, it may be delayed due to country restrictions in receiving mail from the US or restricted movements of our staff in delivering the letter due to government/local health authorities. As soon as it’s safe to do so, a reply will be sent.
Can I still send a special gift to my sponsored child?
Yes. In communities where our child sponsorship programs are operating as usual, special gifts of $100-$250 (see here for more info) will be purchased and delivered to children and communities as normal. In impacted communities, the process may take a little longer than usual as we prioritize the safety of children and their families, but it will still occur. And when it’s operationally possible to do so, you’ll receive a letter and photo to show what was purchased and the impact your gift made!
Can I still visit my sponsored child?
Due to current travel restrictions and for the safety of all sponsored children, their families, our staff and volunteers, we’re asking that sponsors delay any trips they may have had planned. As soon as restrictions in your sponsored child’s country are lifted, and operations return to normal, we encourage you to visit for an experience of a lifetime. Check back to this page for the most up to date information.
Will I still receive an Annual Progress Report from my sponsored child?
Staff and local volunteers worked diligently in your sponsored child’s community to gather as many community accomplishments and child photos as they could before restrictions were in place. You will also find several updates on how World Vision has continued to support communities even during this difficult time. You should have received your Annual progress report from your child in the fall via mail. There is a digital copy of it that can be found on your sponsored child’s myworldvision profile.
Will I still receive photos and videos from my sponsored child?
Some sponsors may experience delays in receiving photo and video updates from their sponsored child and the child’s community. However, when it’s safe to do so, our staff and volunteers will continue working hard to provide updates of your sponsored child. The latest photos, videos and updates about your child can be found on your sponsored child’s myworldvision.org profile page.
How is my monthly sponsorship gift helping the COVID-19 response?
Across all of our sponsorship communities, sponsors are meeting this crisis head-on with support for programs focused on prevention, response, and recovery. Your monthly donation is helping to:
- Prevent the spread of the virus. Support prevention and relief efforts including stay-healthy messaging promotion, public handwashing stations, and distribution of essentials like handwashing supplies, cleaning kits, and masks
- Strengthen local health systems. Provide personal protective equipment and vital medical supplies; train health workers and volunteers; and strengthen health programs so children are cared for during the pandemic and beyond.
- Keep kids safe. Mobilize community leaders and volunteers and establish local safety nets to protect and advocate for children at risk of violence and abuse.
- Ensure good nutrition. Provide families with life-saving food and supplies now, and help them earn incomes, grow crops, and learn about nutrition for the future.
- Establish access to and promote clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. Life-saving clean water, handwashing taps, hygiene behavior change education, and sanitation facilities are foundational to helping families live healthier lives.
- Restore livelihoods. Provide economic support for families hard-hit by COVID-19. As they begin to recover, help parents and young adults learn new skills, start businesses, form cooperatives, and more
- Empower kids with education. Give children the help they need to keep learning, even during pandemic restrictions, so they can stay on track.
- Deliver emotional and mental health support. Equip children to cope with stress, anxiety, fear, and grief resulting from the pandemic and its effects.
- Equip faith and local leaders to care for kids and families. Faith communities and places of worship are central in providing spiritual and practical support. Our partnership with these leaders is proven to strengthen their communities’ crisis response, and to ensure protection of children and other vulnerable people.
How are children able to choose their sponsor during this time of social distancing?
The safety and well-being of children and their families remains our top priority during this time. While children are still able to choose their own sponsor, the process by which they do so will depend upon the restrictions currently in place in their community or country. This may include a child choosing their sponsor on a mobile device within the safety of their own home, or at a small gathering with additional safety measures in place that adhere to regulations.
What happens if my sponsored child is in a community affected by COVID-19?
As each of us has experienced, the entire world has been affected by COVID-19, even where there are no COVID-19 cases in your neighborhood. Preventative restrictions are in place, services are closed, livelihoods have been affected. We know that all sponsored children will be affected by this pandemic in some way. In each community where we work, World Vision staff and volunteers are closely monitoring the situation and responding to the changing needs of children and their families. There are three different scenarios for our offices:
- Our child sponsorship programs are operating without restriction. In these communities, we will focus on prevention and actively responding to the new challenges the community faces, in addition to our usual child sponsorship activities. We are also working with health authorities to spread accurate information about COVID-19 to our community partners.
- Our child sponsorship programs are operating, but with some restrictions. In these communities, we have paused some of our less time-critical work to limit close contact between children and other people and are carrying out COVID-19 interventions as well as any of our usual child sponsorship activities that are still possible.
- Our child sponsorship programs are on hold and an emergency response is underway. In countries where the government has introduced lockdowns or school closures, our face-to-face programs have stopped to adhere to local regulations and ensure safety. We are focused on keeping children and their families safe through a dedicated emergency response that raises awareness about COVID-19 prevention, strengthens local health systems, and prioritizes child protection throughout this period of heightened vulnerability. The majority of our communities are in this category.
You can find out what is happening and how we are working in your sponsored child’s community by checking our country updates, by reading a recent letter from our Area Program manager in your sponsored child’s community or by writing a letter to your sponsored child. We’re always here to answer your questions too.
When will child sponsorship go back to normal?
It’s the question we’re all wondering, about everything! We can’t know for sure when the COVID-19 risk will pass and our operational restrictions will ease in your sponsored child’s country to pre- COVID-19 levels.
Our staff in the communities are closely monitoring the situation and preparing to resume face-to-face child sponsorship activities as soon as it’s possible.
What happens if my sponsored child becomes seriously ill from COVID-19?
The safety and wellbeing of the children we serve is our highest priority. If your sponsored child becomes seriously ill from coronavirus or any other illness, we will contact you with known information as soon as it’s operationally possible.
What happens if my sponsored child loses a parent or caregiver because of COVID-19?
We know from experience in the Ebola crisis and other disease outbreaks, that the secondary impacts of the coronavirus can be devastating for children living in poverty, specifically losing a parent or older caregiver. If your sponsored child loses a parent/caregiver to coronavirus or any other illness, we will contact you with known information as soon as it’s operationally possible.
How can you still care for my sponsored child if everyone is in lockdown?
There hasn’t been a day that our work to care for children has stopped, even when restrictions have prevented our staff from visiting the communities we work with. Because of partners, community networks and the use of mobile phones, WhatsApp, social media and any other locally available technology, we have been able to continue monitoring children’s health and well-being and respond to their need. We have helped to strengthen the local health systems and provided the emergency responders that children and their families rely on with supplies like soap, sanitizer and personal protective equipment like face masks and gloves. And we have delivered desperately needed food, hygiene supplies, cash vouchers and other assistance to the most vulnerable families and communities to help them get through this time.
Can I still write a letter or send a small package to my sponsored child?
Yes. In such uncertain times, your sponsored child or their family could be facing fear, isolation or uncertainty and they could benefit from knowing you are thinking of and/or praying for them.
However, before mailing a letter or sending a small package, we encourage you to check with your local postal office for restrictions around accepting and delivering mail to your sponsored child’s country. You can always skip the post office and log-in to MyWorldVision to send an email to your sponsored child anytime. Once your email, letter or package has been received in country it still may take longer to be delivered due to possible in-country restrictions from government or local health officials, but rest assured that it will be delivered, as soon as it’s safe to do so.
If you’ve just written a letter to your sponsored child, will you get a reply?
Can I still send a special gift to my sponsored child?
Yes. In communities where our child sponsorship programs are operating as usual, special gifts of $100-$250 (see here for more info) will be purchased and delivered to children and communities as normal. In impacted communities, the process may take a little longer than usual as we prioritize the safety of children and their families, but it will still occur. And when it’s operationally possible to do so, you’ll receive a letter and photo to show what was purchased and the impact your gift made!
Can I still visit my sponsored child?
Due to current travel restrictions and for the safety of all sponsored children, their families, our staff and volunteers, we’re asking that sponsors delay any trips they may have had planned. As soon as operations in your sponsored child’s country return to normal and are safe, we encourage you to visit for an experience of a lifetime. Check back to this page for the most up to date information.
Will I still receive an Annual Progress Report from my sponsored child?
Staff and local volunteers worked diligently in your sponsored child’s community to gather as many community accomplishments and child photos as they could before restrictions were in place. We expect that nearly all sponsors will receive an annual progress report and update photo from their sponsored child this fall.
Will I still receive photos and videos from my sponsored child?
Some sponsors may experience delays in receiving photo and video updates from their sponsored child and the child’s community. However, when it’s safe to do so, our staff and volunteers will continue working hard to provide updates of your sponsored child.
How is my monthly sponsorship gift helping the COVID-19 response?
As always, our goal is to serve your sponsored child and other vulnerable children as effectively as possible. For the foreseeable future, we’re allocating up to 20% of sponsorship funds in each country to support our COVID-19 response where needed within that country.
How are children able to choose their sponsor during this time of social distancing?
The safety and well-being of children and their families remains our top priority during this time. While children are still able to choose their own sponsor, the process by which they do so will depend upon the restrictions currently in place in their community or country. This may include a child choosing their sponsor on a mobile device within the safety of their own home, or at a small gathering with additional safety measures in place that adhere to regulations.