“It has just been the most incredible day, to meet this child who we have only seen in pictures…to see the area where he lives and meet his family.” ChildFund Ambassador, Julie Goodwin
Visiting your sponsored child is a unique opportunity to see first-hand the enormous difference you are making in your sponsored child’s community. For your sponsored child and family, it is wonderfully exciting to meet you in person and learn about your life.
How to arrange your visit with us
We would love all sponsors to experience meeting their sponsored child and family in their village and can help you with all the arrangements for your visit. A Country Office representative will accompany you during your visit. We ask sponsors to cover all the expenses incurred by you, your sponsored child and the Country Office representative as part of the visit.
It really is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Read some of the amazing stories of ChildFund Australia supporters who have already met their sponsored children:
The Birthday I will never forget.
The Dickinson family with their sponsored child Hilda.
Robyn and her family meeting their sponsored children, Hoai and Binh for the first time.
My Trip of a Lifetime to India!
Want to visit your sponsored child?
Please email us at visits@childfund.org.au or call on 1800 023 600 at least three months before your planned departure date so all arrangements can be made, including a police check. Our ChildFund Australia Supporter Relations staff will stay in contact with you right up until you leave for your visit, and can answer any questions you may have. Here are some questions commonly asked by our supporters:
Why do I need to give three months’ notice?
This is for a couple of reasons; an Australian Federal Police Check takes up to 8-12 weeks to obtain so we need to allow enough time for this. We also need to give the Country Office time to make all the necessary arrangements with your sponsored child’s family for your visit.
What are the costs involved?
The costs vary from visit to visit. Generally, you cover any transportation costs, meals or lodging arranged for you by ChildFund. We can provide you with more detailed information once we have begun to organise your visit. You are also responsible for organising and financing any of your own side trips or sightseeing excursions.
Are there any restrictions on when I can visit my child?
You can visit your sponsored child on any week day – weekend visits are not possible. Visits are for one day but please do allow at least three days in total (not including your arrival and departure dates). Most of the communities we work with are in remote areas so you will need to allow enough time for travelling to and from the project area. National holidays can also affect visit dates.
Will a ChildFund representative be with me for the entire day?
Yes, ChildFund staff will pick you up from your hotel (and drop you home at the end of the day) on the day of your visit and will accompany you for the whole day. Our local staff will act as your interpreter for the visit and are a wonderful source of information, so don’t forget to ask them lots of questions.
Where will I meet my sponsored child?
You will meet your sponsored child and their family at a local meeting spot, such as a school, local eatery or community hall. For child protection reasons, sponsors are not permitted to visit the homes of their sponsored children.
Can I bring gifts for my sponsored child?
Yes of course! We encourage child sponsors to bring small gifts, which comply with our guidelines. Children love gifts and your sponsored child will appreciate the thought and gesture.
What do I do if I can’t visit?
While we would love for you to visit your sponsored child, we understand that sometimes life gets busy, and circumstances don’t allow for an overseas trip. You can still participate in your child’s life by writing letters, sending photographs and other means of communication by post. This will help develop your friendship until you are able to visit.
Get in touch to arrange your visit
Decided to visit your sponsored child? We’d love to chat with you and arrange this memorable experience for you and the child. Get in touch with our friendly team today to organise your visit.