You can sponsor a child today and support a whole community. When you sponsor a child, your donations help to provide what's needed for more children to thrive, like the chance to go to school, building knowledge, skills and confidence. And access to water and healthcare, to grow up healthy and strong.
You also help build resilient communities that can support and protect children as they grow. Communities which prevent child marriage and encourage girls to stay in school – even in crisis.
Start your sponsorship journey today.
What you will receive
Your journey starts with a welcome pack and continues with regular updates. Here’s what to expect:
Your journey starts with a welcome pack and continues with regular updates. Here’s what to expect:
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.
Why become a sponsor?
Build a unique connection
As a sponsor, you will be connected to a child who’s an ambassador for their community. You can build this special connection by sharing letters, drawings, and photos.
Support a whole community
Sponsorship supports communities to educate, empower and protect their children. Every sponsored child’s journey is unique — but each sponsorship can help drive long-lasting change to benefit everyone in the community and beyond.
Power change with pennies
It's just 65p a day to sponsor a child which support whole communities too. Every year, we spend at least 80% on our charitable activities. This includes emergency response and long-term development projects.
Hamda's story
“Now I go to school when I have my period and I don’t miss any classes,” explains Hamda,15, from Somalia.
This wasn’t always the case for Hamda. She was forced to stay home because she couldn’t manage her period at school. Discussing periods was also taboo.
“I didn’t have anything to use and clean myself with, it was so embarrassing. When I missed class, I got behind."
Things are different now. Hamda’s community is more aware of girls’ health issues through Plan International. And clean, safe toilets have been built at Hamda’s school.
“I’m so happy for this,” says Hamda.
You can help a young person like Hamda thrive by becoming a child sponsor today.
Why choose Plan International?
About us
At Plan International UK we’ve been advancing children’s rights and equality for girls for over 85 years. We’re working to create a world where every child is safe and protected from violence. Where they have access to the education, healthcare, clean water and opportunities they need to thrive.
We use local knowledge
Our pioneering child sponsorship programme supports communities to protect and empower children and champion girls’ rights. We work closely with children, girls and local communities, listen to the challenges they face and combine our expertise with their knowledge to find long-lasting solutions together.
We strive for lasting impact
By choosing to sponsor with Plan International UK, you will help create lasting change for children who need it most. You will form a one-to-one connection with the child you sponsor, and your donations will be used to fund vital projects benefiting whole communities in the country where your sponsored child lives.
Why sponsorship matters
girls are married before they reach the age of 18 worldwide each year.
of children globally don’t have enough water to meet their daily needs.
children are living in an area affected by conflict.
Your support in action
We reached nearly 10 million children, young people and their communities around the world last year.
We reached nearly 10 million children, young people and their communities around the world last year.
"I want to be a teacher when I leave school"
Climate chaos damaged Irene’s school but her community was able to bounce back. Your sponsorship helps girls to keep learning.
A place for children to learn and grow
Thailan’s community built a pre-school so she has a place to learn and grow. It’s one of 400 and your sponsorship could build more.
“I thought menstruation was a kind of illness”
A health club in Jimmy’s school in Uganda helps bust period myths so school is more comfortable for girls. Your sponsorship can help create more equal communities.
Sharing hopes for the future
“Though everything looks tough, I am tougher than the situation.”
Sponsored child, Kenya
“Different language is not a hindrance in making friends.”
Sponsored child, Kenya
“My dream is to be a musician in the future.”
Sponsored child, Sierra Leone
Frequently asked questions
Is sponsorship like adoption?
No, it's not. The child you sponsor will have a family of her own, but your words of encouragement play an important role for them and their community. Letter writing also helps children learn about other cultures and improve their literacy skills.
Can I send a gift?
Yes, you can send small gifts that fit in an A4 package. To promote fairness we ask you to follow our guidelines on what you can send. These include modest, shareable items such as crayons or skipping ropes.
How long will I sponsor for?
We hope your relationship with us and the child you sponsor will continue for a number of years. But, if your circumstances change, you can stop at any time and we will try to find another sponsor for them. Children are usually sponsored until they are 18.
How do you keep children safe?
Your support will not only help end harmful practices such as child marriage and FGM. Safeguarding children and young people is at the heart of everything we do, which is why we have well-established systems in place to make sure the children we work with are protected.
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.
How can I request more information?
Our Supporter Relations team are happy to answer any questions about sponsorship and our work. You can reach them on 0300 777 9779 or [email protected] or request an information pack below.
Sponsor a child
Help a child to thrive and achieve their dreams.