Where can I find out more about World Vision?
Visit the
About us section to read more about World Vision Australia.
Back to top
How does a child become sponsored?
- An area is chosen
World Vision first identifies an area where many families live in poverty, lacking even the basic essentials such as food, water, healthcare and education. Sometimes, a community might approach World Vision for assistance.
The community is involved in analysis and planning from the start. Working alongside local leaders, assessment is carried out, development objectives are set and a project plan is created. Other needs may also be addressed, such as HIV and AIDS awareness and disaster relief preparation. - The program is set up
It is important to build relationships within the community and consult with local leaders before any child is sponsored. This groundwork usually takes up to two years before sponsorship takes place. During this time a strategy is developed to tackle the underlying causes of poverty within the community.
For the duration of the sponsorship project, World Vision staff with knowledge of the local culture work closely with the community. They may be health specialists, engineers, agriculturists, educators or other professionals. - Children are enrolled
The community selects the children to be sponsored, usually from the poorest or most vulnerable families. World Vision then meets with the selected families and explains to them how sponsorship works. - Children are prepared for sponsorship
The children’s photos are taken. Their age, hobbies, health and background details are recorded to create the picture folders that their sponsors will receive. This information is also used in the planning of activities that will most benefit the child.
Back to top
Why do the children sometimes look healthy and happy in their photos?
Photo-taking is not a common activity in many sponsored communities. So it’s natural for the children’s families to want their children to look their best for the World Vision photo – even if it means they have to borrow good clothes from someone else.
These photos do not always show their needs. It is not always apparent in a photo when a child is small for their age or under-developed in some way, and children don’t have to look like they are starving to be suffering the effects of malnutrition. To understand your sponsored child’s needs in more detail, read their annual progress report.
Back to top
Why do I need parental permission to sponsor a child if I'm under 18?
Sponsoring a child is an ongoing commitment of $43 a month. Some young people can’t afford this amount without help from their parents. World Vision does not wish to place a financial burden on young people or their families. If you are under 18 and would like to sponsor a child, please confirm the decision with your parent or guardian first.
Back to top
How long do I sponsor a child?
Ideally, sponsoring a child goes on for several years, through the duration of their community’s development project. Sometimes it may take 10 to 15 years to achieve the community’s goals.
When you sponsor a child, you are not locked into a contract of any kind. We understand that your financial circumstances may change over time and if you are unable to make your regular contributions, we can assist you with a range of options.
Sometimes, changes in a child’s circumstances may bring an end to the sponsorship, such as when the child’s family moves away from the project area. In such instances, we will find out why and explain the situation to you. We will also help find another child for you to sponsor.
Back to top
Do I get a progress report on my sponsored child?
Yes. World Vision will send you an annual progress report on your sponsored child plus an updated photo.
To keep you informed of World Vision’s work around the world, we will also send you a regular supporter magazine (or an
online version if you prefer). If there’s a disaster or emergency where your sponsored child lives, World Vision will notify you of the situation.
You also have the opportunity to write letters or eLetters to your sponsored child, and you may receive letters from your sponsored child, telling you about the changes you are helping to make in their life.
Back to top
Am I the only sponsor for my sponsored child?
Yes, each sponsored child can only have one sponsor.
Back to top
Can I sponsor more than one child?
You can sponsor as many children as you wish. Many of our sponsors choose to sponsor more than one child.
Many sponsors select a child the same age as their own child. This gives their child an opportunity to learn about the life of a child growing up in a developing country.
World Vision often receives letters from sponsors telling us about the positive impact of child sponsorship on their own children, such as the development of compassion and selflessness.
Back to top
What if I cannot make sponsorship payments?
If your financial circumstances change and you are unable to make your sponsorship payments temporarily or permanently, please
contact us as soon as possible.
Back to top
How do I update my payment details or change payment method?
You can update both your payment details or change your payment method quickly and easily online at
My World Vision.
- Update your direct debit arrangements or change your payment method to direct debit by using the direct debit form.
- Update your credit card details or change your payment method to credit card by using the secure online form.
Back to top
How do I update my contact details?
Update your personal details such as postal address, email address and contact number at
My World Vision.
If you have any questions regarding sponsorship payment, please refer to Payment Information above.
Back to top
How do I correspond with my sponsored child?
You can correspond with your sponsored child by exchanging letters. It’s a great way to get to know your sponsored child and they love to hear from you. They'll treasure the letters and photos they receive.
Back to top
Can I visit my sponsored child?
Yes. Many sponsors have added this to a planned overseas trip. A visit to your sponsored child and their community is a rewarding way to see the benefits of your contributions.
You must
contact us at least three months before your intended departure date and before you make any travel bookings. It can take a long time to communicate information back and forth with our field offices and the remote communities. There is a lot of organisation required to help ensure your visit is as safe and enjoyable as possible.
World Vision can arrange and provide a World Vision guide to accompany you and act as interpreter on the day of your visit. We ask that you cover certain basic expenses associated with the guide and will advise a cost estimate in advance. We will also provide other important information needed to plan and enjoy your visit.
It is important to be aware of Australian Government official travel warnings relating to specific regions. In addition, we can obtain other travel advice and current security status from the local World Vision field office regarding the locality (often a remote area) of your sponsored child.
World Vision has a very strong child protection policy which specifies a commitment to being a child-safe organisation and supports the safety of children in their communities. All World Vision employees and supporters who visit sponsored children are required to consent to a police check and to agree to certain matters relating to child protection (such as to follow World Vision’s guidelines and policy relating to the safety of children) in the visit agreement that we will require you to sign. World Vision reserves the discretion to turn down requests for visits to sponsored children.
You can learn about other sponsors' experiences and find out how to make the most of your trip by visiting
My World Vision.
Back to top
Can I adopt or bring a sponsored child to Australia?
No. World Vision does not organise adoption or bring children to Australia for visits. Most sponsored children live with their families. We believe your help to improve their prospects for survival, quality of life and self-reliance in their own countries and cultures has deeper value than moving them to a foreign country.
Back to top