How to write a great letter to your sponsored child ~ Dr Graham’s Homes UK

Did you know that letter writing is a big part of the DGHUK sponsorship scheme?

Every month, dozens of cards, letters and emails zip back and forth between our sponsors and the young people they support at Dr Graham's Homes or in further education.* Supporters love to hear how the children are getting on. And it's exciting and encouraging for the youngsters, too - many of whom come from vulnerable backgrounds and broken homes, or who no longer have parents of their own.

"Each time I receive an email from Miss Rosan, the lady who supports me, it brings me so much joy," says Cynderella, a former Dr Graham's Homes pupil who is now continuing her studies in Kolkata (you can read all about her sponsorship journey in this recent article: “It has given me the opportunity to chase my dreams”).

"It makes the connection feel real and personal - not just a name or a donation," she explains. "I feel like I know her, and I think she’s getting to know me too."

But what makes a good letter to a sponsored child at DGHUK? Here are four tips that you might find helpful...

Each time I receive an email from the lady who supports me, it brings me so much joy.

Cynderella, sponsored student

Remind them you're thinking of them

Many of our sponsored children come from very challenging backgrounds. Some have never received the care and support from adults we might take for granted. Showing interest in the young person will help them to appreciate their own value and build their confidence. "My sponsor always includes kind words of encouragement, which mean a lot to me," says Cynderella. "In return, I write about how I’m doing in college, my favourite subjects, and any recent events or challenges I’ve faced. I also like to tell her about my dreams for the future and how her support is helping me move closer to them."

Ask questions about their life and studies

Everyone likes to be asked how they're doing! "You could ask about school - like what their favourite subject is, or what they hope to become in the future," Cynderella suggests. "Ask about their family, hobbies, or how they spend their free time. I always enjoyed hearing about my sponsor’s life too - where they lived, what they liked doing, if they had pets or children. It made me feel closer to them, like we were part of each other’s lives even from a distance."

As Cynderella mentions above, sharing your own news helps to grow the relationship. Our young people are always very keen to know more about the people who are sponsoring them many miles away. "You could tell your sponsored child about your daily life, your hobbies, or your favourite memories," she adds. "Miss Rosan often shares little updates about her life, like about her pet dog, what she’s been doing lately, or things about her family. Sharing stories or even photos is lovely - it helps us imagine your world."

Feel free to keep it short!

Sponsorship letters and emails don't have to be lengthy. In many ways it can be better to keep your correspondence short, simple and regular. The important thing is to remind your sponsored young person that they are in your thoughts. "I would say: don’t overthink it," Cynderella agrees. "Just write from the heart. Even simple messages mean a great deal. It helps us feel connected and gives us strength. The most important thing is just showing that you care - that truly means everything."

Cynderella in her early years at Dr Graham's Homes

Question ideas for your next letter

What could you ask your sponsored young person? Here are some suggestions to get you going...

What's your favourite subject and why?
What's the most interesting thing you've learned recently?
What's your favourite book or story?
What makes you laugh the most?
What's your favourite game to play with friends?
What does a typical day look like for you?
What's your favourite meal or food?
What holidays or celebrations do you enjoy most?
What are you most excited about this year?
What's something new you'd like to try?

Case study: "We love receiving her reports and letters"

DGHUK sponsor Emma explains why she's passionate about supporting young people at the Homes

Emma teamed up with friends to sponsor a young girl called Chenelle. "The types of kids that receive your sponsorship are children that really need it," she explains. "You can really get to know the child, get to understand what’s going on with them at school. It’s really nice to know that that level of involvement is possible. We have loved receiving [Chenelle's] report and her letters. You know that your money is enabling that child to be there and you actually then get to be a part of that child’s life. It’s that personal touch, the personal relationship that makes it really appealing. And it’s really making a difference to her life.”

▶️ Watch a short video of Emma and James talking about their sponsorship

We have loved receiving her letters. You can really get to know her.

DGHUK sponsor Emma

Interested in supporting a young person at Dr Graham's Homes? We'd love to hear from you! Drop our Sponsorship Secretary a line and we'll be back in touch with all the details. Thank you so much for your encouragement and support 🙏

*How the DGHUK letter-writing process works...

Safeguarding is an important part of corresponding with your sponsored child or student. Each letter or email you write goes first to our Sponsorship Secretary, who reviews it, removes contact details if there are any, and then converts it to a PDF document. Your letter is then sent to the Sponsorship Officer in India, who prints and gives it to your sponsored child. You can read more about the process in the Correspond section of our website.