When you sponsor a girl and her community, something extraordinary happens. She starts to see and believe in her potential. And her community feel it too. Because when you sponsor a girl, you back her to back herself.
From miles away, you show her she can do it. You create the chance for her to take her seat in the classroom, growing not only in knowledge but confidence too. And you help her community ensure nothing stands in her way. From making sure she has clean water to protecting her from child marriage.
And it’s not only her who benefits. Progress travels. Your support ripples out to those around her. Her parents. Her peers. Boys. Girls. All of them. Because what improves her world improve others’ too.
Back her to back herself and watch a girl forge her own path in life. Whatever that may be. Because the plan is still on. Until we are all equal.
When she backs herself
“When people do bad things, I feel sad, if I study hard, maybe I can help stop it.”
Girls like Sonakshi are growing up with the confidence and support to help shape safer communities.
“School is important to me because it helps us have a bright future and get new friends.”
In Malawi, Asante is thriving at school, she’s building friendships and enjoying her learning.
“We play on the way and talk about what we’ll learn.”
The impact of Ritika’s sponsorship reaches beyond her. Her dad now joins community sessions on girls’ education. “Before, we didn’t talk much about these things,” he says. “Now we see how important it is for girls to finish school and be supported.”
We're not stopping here
still deny girls and boys equal opportunities in primary school. Holding girls back hurts everyone. We’re demanding equal chances.
girls worldwide are married before age 15, stealing their childhood and their rights. We’re working to end child marriage.
(nearly) of girls in low and middle income countries are denied control over their own bodies. We're fighting for freedom of choice.
The power of her first day
By Sponsoring a girl and her community, you create lasting change for generations.
Education is a basic human right. But for millions of girls, taking her seat in the classroom just isn't that easy. Long journeys, unsafe environments, harmful attitudes and the threat of early marriage can all stand in the way.
When you back a girl by sponsoring her, you help break down these barriers. You create the chance for girls to step into safe classrooms with textbooks in their hands and teachers who believe in them.
Her education is the single strongest defence against early marriage and violence. When a girl is in school, she discovers her power, knows her rights, and inspires her whole community to believe in girls' potential.
Be part of the Plan effect
It starts with one girl. Or even a boy. Giving them the opportunity to go to school as equals. Cheering them on from afar to chase their dreams.
But it doesn’t stop there. Because as a sponsor, you’re not just backing one child. You’re giving the community around them options. To shape plans that put girls at the heart and transform everyday life for all.
It’s all about teamwork. To make change happen, we roll up our sleeves and work together. From improving access to healthcare equipped for girls’ needs, to running youth clubs with boys that foster values of respect and equality. Your backing helps provide what’s most needed to create safer and fairer environments for girls to thrive.
This inspires lasting change. Shifting attitudes on gender equality and equipping the next generation of changemakers to strive for equal societies.
Your decision to back her to back herself helps unlock all this. The Plan Effect. Creating change that is long lasting and builds a fair world for all.
When a letter comes, I feel excited. I want to tell them that I’m doing well in school and waiting for their next one
Your guide to sponsorship
Welcome pack
Your welcome pack introduces you to the child you sponsor. You’ll find photos and lots of information all about them, their community and the country they live in. Expect your welcome pack to arrive within 4-7 days of signing up.
Letter writing
The welcome pack also includes a letter writing handbook full of top tips to help you start sharing letters right away. For each letter you send to the child you sponsor, you’ll receive a letter back. You can also share drawings and might get some back too!
Regular updates
We’ll also keep you updated through annual updates from the community. You'll see how they're combining their knowledge with your support to drive change for children.
Back her to back herself
Support a girl and her community to thrive.
Frequently asked questions
What about boys?
Whether you choose to sponsor a girl or a boy, you’ll help projects focused on equal opportunities for all children. We know girls are the most vulnerable and we ensure that boys play an important role in building secure communities that value girls.
Is sponsorship like adoption?
No, it's not. The girl you sponsor will have a family of her own, but your words of encouragement play an important role for her and her community. Letter writing also helps girls learn about other cultures and improve their literacy skills.
How can I get more information?
Our Supporter Engagement team are happy to answer any questions about sponsorship and our work. You can reach them on 0300 777 9779 or [email protected].
Why choose Plan International?
We are a global children's charity striving for an equal world. For over 85 years, we’ve worked alongside girls and their communities to ensure every child can reach their full potential and every girl can choose her own future. We bring people together to protect children's rights and keep girls safe, in school, and in control of their bodies, even when disaster strikes. When you support Plan International UK, you're investing in a bold, inclusive movement.
Banner image: Asante, 5, Malawi.