Suggestion and tips for writing to your sponsored child

If you're not sure of what to write about, here are some examples to give you an idea:

• If you haven't written to your sponsored child before
• If you've written to your sponsored child before
• Other things you could write about

If you haven't written to your sponsored child before

Dear (child's name)

Hi. How are you?
I'd like to tell you a little about myself. I come from Great Britain, and I live in a city called Manchester. Almost half a million people live in Manchester - it is a big city!

I work as a manager for a computer company. I work 5 days each week. When I come home, I like to spend time with my family. What things do you like to do at home?

Do you have brothers and sisters living with you? I live with my husband George, and our two children. Our daughter Josie is 12 years old and in grade 7 at high school. Our son Matthew is 9 and he is in grade 4 at primary school. Do you go to school? If you do, what do you learn there?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes
From Janet

If you have written to your sponsored child before

Dear (child's name)

Hello again!

Thank you for your letter. Josie and Matthew say "Hi." We were interested to find out more about your life in Tanzania.

In Britain, we are preparing to celebrate Christmas. We buy a small tree and decorate it with colourful lights and ornaments. Christmas is special because we get to spend time together as a family. We will also be thinking of you and your family at this time. Do you celebrate Christmas? Do you have other special days that you celebrate in Tanzania?

After Christmas, we are going to stay with my sister in Scotland for a week. We are looking forward to skiing, reading books and playing games with our children.

Happy Christmas
From Janet

Other things you could write about:

• Can you tell me about the weather in your country?
• What are your favourite activities at school?
• Is your school close-by or do you have far to travel?
• Have you learnt anything about Britain?
• What things do you do when you are not at school?
• What games do you enjoy playing with your friends?

Things you could talk about:

• Subjects that children learn in school here in the UK
• The suburb or town where you live
• What you do at school
• Where the UK is
• British wildlife – animals and birds
• Your work
• Your pets
• Your friends

What else would you like to do?