ENABLE (Working in India) : + 44 (0)1258 837546

Enable

(Working in India)

35 Stileham Bank, Milbome St Andrew, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT1 1 OLE. Tel: (01258) 837546

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR SPONSORS

1. Can I write to my sponsored child?

There is no obligation or expectation that sponsors write to their child. Sponsors are, however, very welcome to write to their sponsored child, and the children are very happy to receive and write letters.

2. How do I send letters?

Letters for sponsored children should be sent to Enable’s address in Dorset (given above). On the first working day of each month,they will be sent by registered post to the centers in India. Letters arriving in Dorset after the first working day of the month will be sent to India the following month. The children’s language is Telugu, and translations will be arranged in India to assist with correspondence.

Sponsors are requested not to include personal details such as their home address in items to be sent to India. Rather, each item should contain both the sponsors name and the sponsored child’s name, e.g.:

Sponsor: Mrs. JANE SMITH Sponsored child: ATLURI VENKATESWARULU

3. What can I send?

Enable will only forward such things as letters, cards, drawings, postcards and photographs, sent by sponsors for their sponsored child. We ask sponsors to keep the weight within the limit of 60 grams, i.e., so that the weight is no greater than that allowed for the minimum first or second class postage in the U.K. Enable reserves the right to refuse to forward heavier or otherwise unsuitable items. (Please note that sponsorship donations are not used to fund correspondence between sponsors and children. These costs are paid for by Enable’s trustees or by other donations made specifically for Adinin. purposes.)

4. Will I get a reply to my letter?

All letters received by the children are acknowledged. Because younger children will often be unable to write letters, their replies may be written with the assistance of a teacher. If older children are writing in their language, Telugu, a translation in English will also be provided. It is common for children in India to address benefactors by familial terms — such as mummy, daddy, uncle or auntie — which convey respect and affection. Sponsors need not be concerned that they are addressed in such a way. Postal communications between the UK and India are frequently very slow, plus it may take some time to arrange translations and assist the children with their replies. Ordinarily sponsors should receive replies to letters within about 8-10 weeks.

5. What should I say to my sponsored child?

Correspondence with your child will vary depending on his or her age and how long you have been writing. It is best to start correspondence simply, maybe sending a short letter or a postcard, introducing yourself and, perhaps, your family.

It is unlikely that your child will have written any other letters in his or her life. So, although it is exciting for him or her to write to their sponsor in a far country, it can also be a little daunting for the child to know what to say! You can help the child by asking simple questions: how many brothers and sisters in the family? Their names and ages? What do their parents do? As time goes on you can ask how they spend their days at the centre? What games do they like? Do they like music? Have they a best friend? Do they like school? What is their favourite subject? Let the correspondence develop gradually.

A picture says a thousand words. The children have few possessions and a photo or postcard is treasured by them. Above all, keep things simple. Send just one photo or postcard at a time. An explanation of a postcard or a photo is better than a lengthy letter — unless the child is older and shows a keen interest in writing long letters.

6. Can I write and send photos to my blind sponsored child?

Letters from sponsors will be read to the blind children. Some children have been blind since birth and it may be difficult to convey descriptions from photos. However, the carer translating letters from sponsors who sees any photos would be able to tell the child that the sponsor looks friendly and kind. Though this description is second-hand it can help the blind children develop a better understanding of their sponsor’s care for them.

7. Can I send gifts to my child?

In the past some sponsors have sent gifts to their sponsored children, especially at times like Christmas or their birthday. We now request that sponsors do not send gifts. To avoid the jealousies and difficulties of a situation where some children receive gifts whereas others receive none we have had to make the rule that sponsors do not send gifts to their child.

If sponsors would like their child to have a special treat we request that they make a donation to Enable, specifying that it be used as a treat. “Treat” donations will be used for a treat for their child and all the other children at their child’s centre. For example, it would be used to fund a trip to the cinema, to go for a picnic, to buy some games, or to buy music CDs for all the children to enjoy collectively.

8. Am I expected to pay for my sponsored child’s surgery?

Surgery is budgeted for separately from sponsorship donations and there is no expectation whatsoever that sponsors pay for surgery (approx. £200 for each operation). Some sponsors are able to fund or part-fund surgery and their contribution is very much appreciated. Decisions about surgery, however, are always based on the child’s need and children whose sponsors are not involved in funding surgery are in no way disadvantaged.

9. Can I visit my sponsored child?

Sponsors are very welcome to visit their child. It is requested that sponsors give Enable as much notice as possible of their proposed visit to India, to check that a visit at the desired time is convenient. It is normally possible to invite visitors to stay as guests at the main centre in Ongole for 2-3 days. Ongole is in Andhra Pradesh state, about 200 miles north of Chennai (Madras). The journey from Chennai takes 4 hours by train or about 8 hours by road. Responsibility for travel arrangements to Ongole rests with the visiting sponsors. Neither Enable nor the Director of Enable’s work in India can undertake to make travel arrangements for visitors, though Enable will provide necessary information about travelling to Ongole for sponsors who are planning to visit.